How To Apply For A Cremation

The executor, near relative or person authorised to act in that capacity must send a Cremation Application form – sometimes called Form 1 in England and Wales and Form A in Scotland – to the cremation authority in order to receive authorisation to cremate the remains of the deceased person. The form can be obtained by visiting your local council or can be downloaded directly from the council website.

Before the service

Before the cremation service can go ahead you will need to provide the following documentation. Your funeral director will assist with all of these arrangements and help you fill in the paperwork.

Medical certificates

You will usually need to provide the Cremation Authority with two medical certificates from two separate doctors. This is not required when the Coroner issues a certificate – sometimes called Form 6 in England and Wales or a Procurator Fiscal's Form E in Scotland. Both certificates can be obtained for a small fee.

The Medical Certificate confirms the fact and cause of death and must be filled in and signed by the last doctor to attend the deceased.

The Confirmatory Medical Certificate must be signed by a second independent doctor who must also certify the fact and cause of death. Both doctors must see the body.

Your funeral director will ensure that all the above documentation, along with the Registry of Death, are submitted to the cremation authority who will issue a certificate authorising the cremation once satisfied all the documentation is in order.