Understanding Cremation Certificates: What You Need to Know

By Cleo Funeral and Cremation Specialists
8 minute read
  • A cremation certificate is an official document verifying that a cremation has taken place, distinct from a death certificate.
  • This document serves important legal and practical purposes, including settling estates, facilitating travel with remains, and aiding in genealogical research.
  • Obtaining and safely storing a cremation certificate is crucial, as it may be needed for various purposes in the future.
  • Special considerations apply when traveling with or mailing cremated remains, making the cremation certificate an essential document in these situations.

When we lose a loved one, we're often thrust into a world of unfamiliar terms and documents. One important document you may encounter is the cremation certificate. This guide explores what a cremation certificate is, why it's important, and how it differs from other end-of-life documents.

What is a Cremation Certificate?

A cremation certificate is an official document issued by the crematorium after a cremation. It verifies that the cremation occurred and that the remains belong to the intended person. This document provides reassurance to families, confirming that everything was carried out correctly.

Though it might seem like just another piece of paperwork, the cremation certificate is actually an important legal document. It contains details about the deceased and their final disposition, similar to a death certificate. It may also be referred to as a certificate of disposition of remains or a cremation permit. 

Cremation Certificate vs. Death Certificate: Understanding the Difference

While both documents relate to a person's passing, they serve different purposes and contain distinct information. A death certificate is an official legal document that proves someone has died, typically issued by a physician or coroner, detailing the time and cause of death. It is crucial for accessing accounts, insurance, and benefits of the deceased.

In contrast, a cremation certificate focuses specifically on the cremation process itself. It's issued by the crematorium and provides information about where and when the cremation took place, as well as who authorized it. The death certificate initiates the cremation process, while the cremation certificate confirms its completion. 

If you want more information on the different documents following a death, read our article on essential documents related to death in Quebec.

What Information Does a Cremation Certificate Contain?

A typical cremation certificate includes:

  • The deceased's name
  • A unique cremation tag identification number
  • Date of the cremation
  • Crematorium or funeral home information (name, address, etc.)
  • The deceased's next of kin
  • Official signature of a crematorium representative

This information is necessary for legal and personal records. Some crematoriums may include additional information, but these are the key details you can expect to find.

Why is a Cremation Certificate Important?

You might wonder why you need yet another document during such a challenging time. However, a cremation certificate serves several important purposes:

  1. Legal Documentation: It can be required for settling estates or handling other legal matters related to the deceased.
  2. Insurance Claims: Required by some policies to process claims for burial or funeral costs.
  3. Travel: Many airlines and countries require it when transporting cremated remains.
  4. Memorial Services: Useful for organizing memorial events after the cremation.
  5. Genealogical Research: Future generations may find this document valuable for family history research.

How to Obtain a Cremation Certificate

The funeral home or crematorium typically provides the cremation certificate after the process is complete. It's important to review the information and contact the crematorium immediately if you notice any discrepancies.

If you need additional copies or if you've misplaced the original, you can usually request a new one from the same provider. They usually keep records and can issue a duplicate, but be prepared to wait a few days for processing. In Quebec, a cremation certificate does not necessarily need to be a true copy; you can make copies at home for personal use. However, if you need a certified copy for legal or official purposes, it’s advisable to check if they accept home copies or if they need a notarized true copy. 

If you're seeking a cremation certificate for someone who passed away a long time ago, the process might be more challenging and vary depending on the province. Contact the original crematorium, funeral home, or the relevant provincial authorities. Be prepared to provide identification and possibly pay a fee.

In Quebec, contact the Directeur de l'état civil for historical death records. They maintain documentation of deaths, which may include cremation details. Be ready to provide information such as the deceased's full name, date of death, and place of death.

Keeping Your Cremation Certificate Safe

Given the importance of this document, it's wise to store it in a safe place. Here are some tips for keeping your cremation certificate secure and accessible:

  1. Consider storing it with other important documents in a fireproof safe or a secure file cabinet.
  2. Create a digital copy by scanning the certificate and storing it securely online. 
  3. Inform trusted family members of its location.
  4. Consider keeping a copy in a different location, such as a safety deposit box, as an extra precaution.
  5. Avoid lamination, as it can damage the certificate and may not be accepted by some institutions.

While there’s no strict rule for how long to keep a cremation certificate, it’s advisable to retain it indefinitely. This document may be needed for legal or personal reasons in the future. Keeping it ensures you and your family have the time to manage your loved one’s final affairs and access any potential benefits.

When do I Need A Cremation Certificate?

Traveling with Cremated Remains

When traveling with cremated remains, the cremation certificate becomes crucial. For air travel within Canada, most airlines require you to present this certificate, which should remain with the container at all times, whether in your possession or in a carry-on bag. Always declare the remains to the Canada Border Services Agency and carry a copy of both the death and cremation certificates to facilitate proper handling and tracking. 

For international travel, you may need additional documentation, such as a burial transit permit or an overseas certificate, to verify where the remains came from and your permission to transport them. It's wise to check with the embassy of your destination country to ensure you have all necessary documents, as requirements can vary significantly. 

Throughout your journey, keep the cremation certificate, death certificate, and any other relevant documents on hand, as lacking proper documentation could lead to complications, given that cremated remains lack identifiable markers and can be mistaken for a number of different things.

Remember, regulations can change, so it's best to check with relevant authorities well in advance of your travel date. If you want to learn more about the rules and regulations on traveling with ashes, read our article on how to transport cremated remains.

Mailing Cremated Remains

To transport cremated remains within Canada or to the United States, you can utilize Canada Post, keeping several key points in mind. First, ensure that the remains are accompanied by the cremation certificate, which should be placed in a plastic envelope attached to the top of the parcel. The ashes must be securely contained in a sealed, leak-proof container, and then placed inside a sturdy outer container suitable for shipping. Clearly label the package as containing cremated remains and use Canada Post's regular parcel service for domestic shipping. 

For shipments to the U.S., Canada Post can be used in conjunction with USPS, but it's important to check that the destination country allows mailing of cremated remains. Considering the irreplaceable nature of the contents, purchasing additional insurance is advisable, and opting for a tracked shipping service will help you monitor the package's progress. 

Always inform the postal worker that you're shipping cremated remains to ensure proper handling. While this method may feel impersonal, it is a respectful and common practice when physical transportation isn't feasible.

Final Thoughts

While paperwork may be the last thing on your mind during grief, understanding the importance of documents like the cremation certificate can help you navigate this difficult time more smoothly. It serves as a meaningful record of your loved one's life and final journey, providing comfort and clarity in the years to come.

If you have questions about cremation certificates or other end-of-life documents, don't hesitate to contact us anytime through our online form or by calling 438-817-1770. We’re here to support you through this process and ensure you have all the information you need.