Overview
It is legal for family or friends to arrange for a burial or cremation themselves. However, there are steps to be taken to ensure it is done properly and legally.
A Burial / Disposition Permit must be obtained before any kind of disposition can take place for a body. To obtain a Burial / Disposition Permit, original death documents or required stillbirth documents need to be provided to a hospital administrator.
- Disposition may include traditional / natural / green burials in a cemetery, mausoleum or crypt; or cremation in a crematorium.
Cost
There is no cost for a Burial / Disposition Permit.
- a licensed funeral arranger can submit necessary documents on your behalf if their paid services are used
Permit for a deceased person
Individuals can submit an original Medical Certificate of Death form (DVS 3122 or DVS 3250) and the Registration of Death form (DVS 3260) to a records area of a hospital to obtain a Burial / Disposition Permit.
Disposition of a human body may include traditional / natural / green burials in a cemetery, mausoleum or crypt; or cremation in a crematorium.
- Depending on the nature of the death, a completed Medical Certificate of Death (DVS 3122 or DVS 3250) form is usually obtained from the records area of the hospital in which the person died; or the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
- A blank Registration of Death form (DVS 3260) may be obtained from the records area of a hospital to be filled in by the person most familiar with the deceased.
If satisfied, a hospital administrator will issue a Burial / Disposition Permit.
Permit for a stillborn child
Individuals need to provide the following 3 forms to the records area of a hospital to obtain a Burial / Disposition Permit:
- A Medical Certificate of Stillbirth (DVS 3219) form is usually obtained from the records area of the hospital in which the child was stillborn; or the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner depending on the nature of the stillbirth.
- Notice of Birth or Stillbirth (HS0001-130) is usually obtained from the records area of a hospital and completed by a hospital administrator.
- A blank Registration of Stillbirth (DVS 3218) form may be obtained from the records area of a hospital to be completed by the parents.
If satisfied, a hospital administrator will issue a Burial / Disposition Permit.
Burial / Disposition Permit usage
Present the permit at a cemetery, crematorium, mausoleum, crypt or other place of internment prior to disposition of the body.
Contact
Connect with the Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction Contact Centre:
Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Phone: 780-427-7013 (Edmonton and area)
Toll free: 310-0000 before the phone number (in Alberta)
Fax: 780-422-4225
For the deaf or hard-of-hearing:
TTY: 780-427-9999 (Edmonton and area)
Toll free TTY: 1-800-232-7215 (in Alberta)
Email: [email protected]
Mail:
Vital Statistics
P.O. Box 2023
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 4W7
Courier:
Vital Statistics
Document Reception
John E. Brownlee Building
10365 97 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 5C5