Burial & Cremation Laws in Georgia

Everything you need to know about burial, cremation, and other post-death matters in Georgia.

Updated by , Attorney · University of Arkansas School of Law

Each state has laws affecting what happens to a body after death. For example, most states regulate embalming, burial or cremation, scattering ashes, and how to get a death certificate. Here are some answers to common questions about these matters in Georgia.

In Georgia, how do I get a death certificate?

In Georgia, a death certificate must be filed with the local health department within 72 hours. (Georgia Code § 31-10-15(b).) Typically, the funeral home, mortuary, cremation organization, or other person in charge of the deceased person's remains will prepare and file the death certificate.

You may need to obtain copies of a death certificate for a number of reasons. You might simply want a copy for your personal records or, if you are in charge of wrapping up the deceased person's affairs, you may require multiple, official copies to carry out your job. For example, you'll need to submit a certified copy of the death certificate each time you claim property or benefits that belonged to the deceased person, including life insurance proceeds, Social Security benefits, payable on death accounts, veterans benefits, and many others.

The easiest way to get copies of a death certificate is to ask the person or organization that files the certificate (often the funeral home) to order them for you at the time of the death. If you are the executor of the estate, you should ask for at least 10 certified copies.

If you need to order copies of a death certificate after the time of death has passed, visit the Georgia Department of Public Health, where you'll find option for ordering the certificate online, in person, or using a downloadable mail-in order form.

The first certified copy of a Georgia death certificate costs $25. Additional copies cost $5 each. Online orders and rushed orders incur extra fees.

Who can get a death certificate in Georgia?

In Georgia, the following individuals are permitted to apply for a certified copy of a death certificate:

  • immediate family members of the deceased person
  • a legal representative of the family, or
  • anyone else who can show a direct and tangible interest in obtaining the certificate.

You must provide a copy of your identification with your application. See the Georgia DPH's death records section for more information.

In Georgia, who completes the death certificate?

The physician in charge of the deceased person's care for the illness or condition that resulted in death must complete the medical certification part of the death certificate within 72 hours of death. In any area that is in a state of emergency due to an influenza pandemic, a registered nurse (RN) who is employed by a long-term care facility, advanced practice nurse, physician assistant, home health registered nurse, or nursing supervisor who is employed at a hospital can complete the medical certification. (Georgia Code § 31-10-15.)

If the cause of death can't be determined within 48 hours after death, the physician or coroner must give the funeral director notice and the reason of this delay. Final disposition of the body can't occur until the attending physician, coroner, or medical examiner authorizes it. (Georgia Code § 31-10-15.)

When death occurs without medical attendance, or when an inquiry is necessary under the Georgia Death Investigation Act, the person designated by law must complete and sign the medical certification within 30 days of receiving notice of death. (Georgia Code § 31-10-15.)

Is embalming required in Georgia?

Embalming is a process in which blood is drained from the body and replaced with fluids that delay disintegration. Though it is still a common procedure, embalming is rarely necessary; refrigeration serves the same purpose. In Georgia, there are no laws or regulations requiring embalming.

Is a casket necessary for burial or cremation?

A casket is often the single greatest expense incurred after a death. The average cost of a casket is more than $2,000, and the price can run into the $10,000-$20,000 range for more elaborate designs and expensive materials. Whether due to the cost or for other reasons, some people prefer to forgo a casket altogether.

Burial. No law requires a casket for burial. However, you should check with the cemetery; it may have rules requiring a certain type of container.

Cremation. No law requires a casket for cremation. On the contrary, federal law requires a funeral home or crematory to inform you that you may use an alternative container, and to make such containers available to you. An alternative container may be made of unfinished wood, pressed wood, fiberboard, or cardboard.

In Georgia, do I have to buy a casket from the funeral home?

No. Although funeral homes may sometimes be very pushy about getting you to buy caskets from them, federal law requires funeral homes to accept caskets that consumers have purchased from another source, such as an online retailer. (Learn more about your consumer rights under the FTC Funeral Rule.) You may also build your own casket, if you prefer.

Is water cremation (aquamation) available in Georgia?

Water cremation or aquamation (also called "alkaline hydrolysis" and many other terms) is a chemical process that reduces a body to components of liquid and bone. It's considered a greener alternative to cremation because it uses less energy than cremation and does not release matter into the atmosphere.

In 2012, Georgia opened the door to alkaline hydrolysis when it changed the state's definition of "cremation" to the following:

"Cremation" means the reduction of the dead human body to residue by intense heat or any mechanical, chemical, thermal, or other professionally accepted process. Cremation also includes any other mechanical, chemical, thermal, or other professionally accepted process whereby human remains are pulverized, burned, recremated, or otherwise further reduced in size or quantity.

(Ga. Code Ann. 43-18-1.)

While water cremation or aquamation is acknowledged by Georgia law, you might be able to find only a small number of facilities offering the service in Georgia, which might mean traveling a distance to access it. The equipment is expensive and public demand is still small, though it's growing. With time, facilities offering water cremation are likely to become more commonplace.

If you're interested in this option for yourself, you may want to explore pre-planning your final arrangements. Water cremation tends to cost around $1000-3200 more than traditional cremation. (See this 2003 NPR interview on water cremation.)

Learn more about alkaline hydrolysis.

Where can bodies be buried in Georgia?

Most bodies are buried in established cemeteries, but there are no state laws in Georgia that prohibit burial on private property. Local governments may have rules governing private burials, however. Before burying a body on private land or establishing a family cemetery, you should check county and city zoning ordinances.

Where can we store or scatter ashes after cremation?

In Georgia, there are few laws controlling where you may keep or scatter ashes. Ashes may be stored in a crypt, niche, grave, or container at home. If you wish to scatter ashes, you have many options. Generally, use common sense and refrain from scattering ashes in places where they would be obvious to others. Georgia law requires the funeral director to acquire a permit before cremating a body or transporting it out of state. (Georgia Code § 31-10-20.)

Scattering ashes in an established scattering garden. Many cemeteries provide gardens for scattering ashes. If you're interested, ask the cemetery for more information.

Scattering ashes on private land. You are allowed to scatter ashes on your own private property. If you want to scatter ashes on someone else's private land, it's wise to get permission from the landowner.

Scattering ashes on public land. You may wish to check both city and county regulations and zoning rules before scattering ashes on local public land, such as in a city park. However, many people simply proceed as they wish, letting their best judgment be their guide.

Scattering ashes on federal land. Officially, you should request permission before scattering ashes on federal land. As with local or state land, however, you will probably encounter no resistance if you conduct the scattering ceremony quietly and keep the ashes well away from trails, roads, facilities, developed areas, campsites, and waterways. You can find guidelines for scattering ashes on the websites for some national parks. For more information, begin your search at the website of the National Park Service.

Scattering ashes at sea. If you wish to scatter ashes at sea, Georgia law requires that you do so within 50 days of cremation. You must also file a statement with the local health department. The statement must include the name of the deceased person and the time and place of death. (Georgia Code § 31-21-4(a)(2).)

Additionally, both Georgia state law and the federal Clean Water Act require that cremated remains be scattered at least three nautical miles from land, and state law requires that you remove the ashes from their container before scattering. (See Georgia Code § 31-21-4(a)(1).) The EPA does not permit scattering at beaches or in wading pools by the sea. Finally, you must notify the EPA within 30 days of scattering ashes at sea.

The Clean Water Act also governs scattering in inland waters such as rivers or lakes. For inland water burial, you may be legally required to obtain a permit from the state agency that manages the waterway.

For more information, including the contact information for the EPA representative in Georgia, see the EPA's page on Burial at Sea.

Scattering ashes by air. While there are no state laws on the matter, federal aviation laws do prohibit dropping any objects that might cause harm to people or property. The U.S. government does not consider cremains to be hazardous material; all should be well so long as you remove the ashes from their container before scattering.

Other Resources

To learn about the federal rule on funerals, which protects consumers in all states, visit the FTC's Funeral Rule page.

For more information about funeral laws in Georgia, see Georgia Home Funeral Laws.

To find out more about funerals and other final arrangements, see Nolo's section on Getting Your Affairs in Order.

Get It Together, by Melanie Cullen (Nolo), helps you gather and organize the essential details of your life for yourself and your family.

Ready to create your will?

Get Professional Help
Talk to an Estate Planning attorney.
There was a problem with the submission. Please refresh the page and try again
Full Name is required
Email is required
Please enter a valid Email
Phone Number is required
Please enter a valid Phone Number
Zip Code is required
Please add a valid Zip Code
Please enter a valid Case Description
Description is required

How It Works

  1. Briefly tell us about your case
  2. Provide your contact information
  3. Choose attorneys to contact you