Disposition of Human Remains Permit in California

In California, a Disposition Permit for Human Remains—often referred to as a burial or disposition permit—is legally required before any final arrangements can take place. This includes burial, cremation, scattering of ashes (on land or at sea), transportation of remains, or donation for scientific purposes.

The permit ensures the proper documentation of how and where a person’s remains will be handled, and it must be issued before a burial at sea or ash scattering can occur. Our team regularly assists families with this process and can help obtain the required permit on your behalf, ensuring everything is completed correctly and without unnecessary delays.

When Is a Disposition Permit Required?

A permit is required in situations including:

- Burial or entombment in a cemetery or mausoleum
- Cremation of human remains
- Scattering of ashes on land or at sea
- Transportation of remains within California or out of state
- Shipping remains into California from another state or country
- Donation of remains for scientific or educational purposes
- Disinterment (exhumation) for reburial or relocation
- Temporary storage of human remains
- Dividing cremated remains among multiple locations (a separate permit is required for each disposition)

For burial at sea and ash scattering, the permit must be issued before the vessel can depart. Without a valid disposition permit, the ceremony cannot legally proceed.

Why a Disposition Permit Is Required for Burial at Sea

For burial at sea and ash scattering ceremonies, a valid Disposition of Human Remains Permit must be issued before the vessel can depart. This requirement ensures that the county and state have properly documented the final disposition of the deceased and that the ceremony complies with California regulations.

Because burial at sea takes place offshore, there is no opportunity to obtain or correct paperwork once the charter has left the dock. For this reason, all permits must be reviewed and confirmed in advance. If a permit has not been issued, the ceremony cannot legally proceed.

To help avoid delays or last-minute complications, our team verifies that the permit is completed correctly and available prior to the scheduled service. This allows families to focus on the ceremony itself, knowing that all legal requirements have been properly handled.

How to Obtain a Disposition Permit

There are two ways to obtain a Disposition of Human Remains Permit in California. Most families choose to have us handle the permit on their behalf, but you may also obtain it yourself if you prefer.

Whichever option you choose, the permit must be issued and available before the scheduled burial at sea or ash scattering.

Option 1: We Obtain the Permit for You (Recommended)

The simplest and most stress-free option is to have our team obtain the disposition permit on your behalf. We handle the paperwork, verify accuracy, and ensure the permit is issued in time for your scheduled ceremony.

This option helps avoid common delays, errors, or last-minute complications and allows families to focus on the service itself rather than administrative details.

What we need from you:

- The original death certificate (not a copy)

Please mail the original death certificate to:

Funerals Your Way
Attn: Scattering Services
7932 Convoy Ct.
San Diego, CA 92111

Many families choose to mail this using tracking to ensure safe delivery. Once the permit has been issued, we return the death certificate to you along with the disposition permit.

⏱️ Turnaround time: typically a few business days
💰 Permit handling fee: $69

Option 2: Obtaining the Permit Yourself

If you prefer to obtain the Disposition of Human Remains Permit on your own, you may apply directly through the county Vital Records Office. This can typically be done by mail or in person, depending on the county.

If you choose this option, we will need a copy of the issued permit several days before your scheduled burial at sea or ash scattering to allow time for review and verification.

What You Will Need

To apply for a disposition permit, you will generally need:

- The original death certificate (not a copy)
- A valid government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license, passport, or state ID)
- A completed Disposition Permit application form
- Payment of the county-issued permit fee

County fees vary but are typically $12–$15, depending on location.

Important Notes

- Some counties may require two visits if applying in person—one to submit paperwork and another to pick up the permit.
- Incomplete or incorrect applications can result in delays, which may affect scheduled services.
- Permit requirements and accepted payment methods can vary by county, so it is recommended to confirm details in advance.

If you are filing the permit yourself, the California Disposition of Human Remains Permit form is available through the county Vital Records Office. Most families prefer to have us handle the permit to avoid delays or errors. View a sample California Disposition of Human Remains Permit. If you’re unsure whether the form is completed correctly, we’re happy to review it before your scheduled service.

County Vital Records Offices

Disposition permits are issued by the county Vital Records Office where the death occurred or where the disposition is being arranged. Below are contact details for commonly used offices in Southern California. Because hours, fees, and procedures can change, we recommend confirming current requirements directly with the county before visiting or submitting paperwork.

San Diego County

San Diego County Office of Vital Records and Statistics
5530 Overland Ave., Suite 170
San Diego, CA 92123
📞 (619) 692-5733
🌐 Visit Website

Los Angeles County

Los Angeles County Department of Public Health – Vital Records
313 N. Figueroa St., Room Lobby-1
Los Angeles, CA 90012
📞 (213) 288-7816 (Deaths)
📞 (213) 288-7812 (Births)
🌐 Visit Website

Orange County

Orange County Clerk-Recorder – Vital Records Office
601 N. Ross St.
Santa Ana, CA 92701
📞 (714) 834-2500
🌐 Visit Website

📌 Note: Incomplete applications or missing documentation may result in rejection or delays, which can impact scheduled burial at sea or ash scattering services.