Permits and Registration of Death

Burial Permit
​A burial permit is required to bury, cremate or otherwise dispose of the body of a deceased person. Permits are printed by some funeral homes on behalf of the family when funeral service arrangements are being made. Burial permits may also be obtained from a hospital registrar.

Medical Certificate of Death
The Medical Certificate of Death is completed by a Physician or Medical Examiner. It is a document that determines the manner and cause of death. It forms part of the death record.

Death Certificate
This is a legal document produced from information on the Registration of Death. 
Alberta Services Vital Statistics uses the information on the Registration of Death Form to create an official Certificate of Death. The executor/personal representative or other eligible person should order a Certificate of Death as many organizations will require this document before decisions can be made on behalf of the deceased. Until you obtain the Certificate of Death, the funeral director will issue a Statement of Death that you can use. 

Registration of Death
This is a document that becomes a permanent legal record of the death event. It is important that the information is completed fully and accurately. It is the responsibility of the spouse, next-of-kin or person who has full knowledge of the facts surrounding the person who has passed away to complete a Registration of Death Form. For CCMS members, our funeral provider will complete this form and provide you with 2 copies at no additional cost above the price of the plan. ​