Describe the process for obtaining a burial permit in Oregon.

• A. A burial permit is obtained by filing a death certificate with the state and receiving approval from the local health department.
• B. A burial permit is issued automatically with the death certificate.
• C. A burial permit is granted by the cemetery owner.
• D. A burial permit requires court order.

Answer: (A)

In Oregon, a burial permit comes from the public health authority, not the cemetery or a court. The process centers on filing the death certificate with the county health department. Once the death certificate is officially filed and all required information and approvals (such as any medical examiner or coroner steps) are completed, the local health department issues a burial permit. This permit then accompanies the remains to their disposition.

This isn’t automatic with the death certificate, it isn’t issued by the cemetery owner, and it doesn’t require a court order. The funeral director typically handles filing and coordinating the paperwork so the permit can be issued promptly when everything is in order.