Death certificates
What is the difference between a death certificate and a burial permit?
Short answer
A burial permit (disposition permit) authorizes the funeral home to transport and bury or cremate. The death certificate is the official record of death used for legal and financial purposes. They are related but separate documents — the funeral home handles the…
What this usually means
A burial permit (disposition permit) authorizes the funeral home to transport and bury or cremate. The death certificate is the official record of death used for legal and financial purposes. They are related but separate documents — the funeral home handles the permit.
What to do next
- Start the PathAfter checklist for situation-aware first steps.
- Find California county help for coroner contacts, vital records, cost tools, and paperwork.
- Open the First 72 Hours Call Log before making calls.
- Open the Documents to Find Checklist when you are ready for paperwork.