A Quick Guide to Cremation Documents

The paperwork that follows a death can feel daunting at the worst possible time. This quick guide explains the main documents needed for a cremation in the UK, what each one is for, and where to get it. Your funeral director, if you use one, will help you complete and gather them all.

Quick answer: A UK cremation needs a registered death (giving you the death certificate and the certificate for cremation), an Application for Cremation that authorizes it, and two doctors' medical certificates (about £82 each, £164 in total). The crematorium gives a final authorization before the cremation, and a Cremation Certificate afterwards. Most of this is handled by the funeral director, though the family can access the forms if they wish.

Copy of the death certificate

You will need a copy of the death certificate (the Certificate of Registration of Death) from the local registry office. The funeral director needs it to begin arrangements. You can order copies for England and Wales (£11), Northern Ireland (£8), and Scotland (£10).

Certificate for Burial or Cremation

Often called the "green form", this is given to you when you register the death, at no charge, by the local registry office. It is passed to the funeral director and the crematorium, and confirms the death is registered so the cremation can proceed.

Application for Cremation

This form gives the authority for the cremation to take place. You can find it on the government website, in the guidance to apply to cremate the body of a person who has died. The completed form goes to the funeral director and the crematorium.

It also asks what you would like to happen with the ashes. They can be collected by the person who signs the form or by the funeral director, or the crematorium may offer a memorial space. Importantly, you must tell the crematorium about any implants such as a pacemaker, as these must be removed before cremation to avoid damaging the equipment.

Cremation Medical Certificates

Two medical certificates are usually required, with doctors' fees of about £82 each, £164 in total. The first is signed by the doctor who issued the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death. The second, the Confirmatory Medical Certificate, is signed by a different doctor who checks and confirms the first. The funeral director normally arranges both, so the family is not involved unless they wish to be. (Note: medical-certificate requirements are under reform in England and Wales, so your funeral director will confirm the current process.)

Authorization for Cremation

This is the final sign-off at the crematorium, confirming that everything is in order and the cremation can go ahead. It is a check rather than a form you complete yourself.

After the cremation: the Cremation Certificate

Once the cremation has taken place, the crematorium issues a Cremation Certificate confirming who was cremated and when. You collect it with the ashes. Keep it safe, as you will need it if you plan to travel abroad with the ashes, and it may be useful for other arrangements.

Once the ashes are returned, you are free to keep, scatter or bury them. You can transfer them into a cremation urn of your choice, and our guide on what to do with ashes after cremation covers the options. If you plan to travel, see our guide on flying with ashes.

Frequently asked questions

What documents are needed for a cremation in the UK?

You need the registered death (death certificate and the certificate for cremation), an Application for Cremation that authorizes it, and two medical certificates from doctors. The crematorium adds a final authorization, then issues a Cremation Certificate afterwards.

How much do the cremation medical certificates cost?

The two doctors' certificates cost about £82 each, £164 in total. These fees apply to cremation specifically. Your funeral director usually arranges them. The requirements are under reform, so confirm the current process locally.

Who handles the cremation paperwork?

If you use a funeral director, they handle and gather most of the forms and liaise with the GP, hospital and crematorium. The family can still access the documents if they wish to see them.

Do I need the Cremation Certificate after the cremation?

Yes, keep it safe. It confirms who was cremated and when, and you will need it to travel abroad with the ashes, and possibly for other arrangements.