To remove a body from England, or Wales, you must give Notice of Intention to the coroner of the area where the body lies. They will need one of the following:

a certificate given by the registrar in England, or Wales, that the death has been registered
a coroner's order for burial, or certificate for cremation
a death extract

A body cannot be removed for 4 days after the coroner has received the Notice of Intention.

No inquest

If the coroner decides not to hold an inquest, a body can be removed once the acknowledgement has been received from the person requesting to move the body. This applies even if the 4 clear day period has not expired.

Inquest

If the coroner decides to hold an inquest, it is illegal to remove a body until the inquest is completed. This applies even if the 4 days notice has elapsed.

Once the 4 days have elapsed and you have either; received the notice, or the inquest is complete, a body can be removed from England or Wales.

Please note: the person with authority to remove a body for burial/cremation in Scotland must keep hold of any acknowledgements, or certificates. These must be ready to produce. on demand, to the keeper of the cemetery, or superintendent of the crematorium.

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Death outside Scotland

Death in Scotland – burial or cremation in England, or Wales

Death in England or Wales – burial or cremation in Scotland

Death in Scotland – burial or cremation abroad

Death abroad - burial or cremation in Scotland