Short answer: Moving a body between states or countries is handled by licensed funeral providers on both ends, with permits, a death certificate and an approved shipping container. Rules differ by state, airline and country, so confirm requirements with your provider and, for international transfers, the destination consulate.
General information only, not legal or financial advice. Rules vary by state; confirm details with a licensed professional.
How does transport and repatriation generally work?
Families move a loved one for burial in a hometown, for a family cemetery or for religious reasons. Repatriation means returning a body or remains to the person's home country. The process has many moving parts, so a provider who handles transfers regularly can save time.
- A licensed funeral provider takes the person into care where they died.
- The death certificate and required permits are completed. The name varies by state: disposition permit, burial transit permit or similar.
- The person's body is prepared in the way the destination and carrier require, which may include embalming or a sealed container.
- A shipping container and transport are arranged, by road or by air cargo.
- A receiving funeral home or cemetery at the destination accepts the person and coordinates the funeral or burial.
Cremation before transfer is often simpler. Cremated remains can usually travel in carry-on luggage with an X-ray-friendly container, subject to the airline's and TSA's rules.
Which documents and providers are typically involved?
| Item | Who handles it | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Death certificate | Certifier and funeral provider | Required for permits and for the receiving party |
| Disposition or transit permit | Funeral provider with the local registrar | Authorizes movement; rules vary by state |
| Embalming or sealed container certificate | Funeral provider | Some carriers or countries require it |
| Shipping container | Funeral provider | Airlines require an approved container |
| Consular documents | Consulate of the destination country | Some countries require specific paperwork, often with translation |
| Receiving funeral home or cemetery | Family and provider | Accepts the person's body and schedules the funeral |
| Airline cargo booking | Funeral provider or specialist | Carrier rules and schedules decide timing |
For people who passed away abroad, the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate can explain local procedures. If a body is being brought into the United States, CDC has requirements for importing human remains that depend on the circumstances.
What affects timing and cost?
- Distance and routeDomestic road transfer differs from international air cargo.
- Embalming or sealed container requirements
- Shipping container and carrier fees
- Provider charges at both endsA sending and a receiving funeral home may each bill you.
- Consular or translation fees, where required
- Day of week, holidays and flight schedules
- Cremation versus body transferRemains are usually simpler to move.
We do not publish prices for transfers because they vary too much. Ask each provider for an itemized quote in writing.
What should I ask before I choose?
- How many transfers like this do you handle, and which destinations?
- What exactly will you handle, and what must my family arrange?
- Which charges are mine at the sending end and the receiving end?
- Is embalming or a sealed container needed, and who requires it?
- What is the expected timeline, and what could delay it?
- Will you coordinate with the destination funeral home and consulate?
Your rights under the FTC Funeral Rule
Funeral providers must give you a General Price List when you ask about arrangements, and accurate prices by phone. You may choose only the goods and services you want, apart from a basic services fee. A provider may not refuse, or charge a fee, to handle a casket bought elsewhere, and a provider that offers cremation must make alternative containers available. The Funeral Rule applies to providers in the United States. Ask for the General Price List and an itemized statement, and confirm with the provider and consulate before you pay.
What should we do next?
- First steps after a death
Who to call and what can wait.
- Cremation services
Why moving remains is often simpler.
- Compare providers
Ask for itemized transfer quotes.
Frequently asked questions
Can a body be moved to another state?
Yes, with a licensed provider, a death certificate and required permits. Rules differ by state, so ask your provider what applies to both locations.
Is embalming required to move a body?
It may be required by an airline, destination country or state. Ask the provider and carrier. Where it is not required by law, a provider must say so.
Can I carry cremated remains on a plane?
Often yes, in a container that can pass X-ray screening. Check TSA and airline guidance before you travel.
How long does international repatriation take?
It depends on paperwork, flights and the destination. Ask providers for a realistic estimate and what could delay it.
Who coordinates both ends?
Usually a sending funeral home and a receiving one. Some providers specialize in transfers and coordinate both for you.
Compare itemized prices from local providers
Tell us where the person is and where they need to go. We will try to match you with providers who handle transfers.