Transport of a deceased person
Verified 23 September 2022 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)
If you are facing the transport of a deceased personI want you to know that he is subject to rules.
They change depending on whether the body is being transported only in France or that it is in transit by the foreigner.
The steps are completed by the funeral company or by person closest to the deceased.
We'll give you the information you need to remember.
In France
The rules for transporting a deceased person differ depending on whether the body is being transported before or after it has been placed in a coffin.
Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement
Before being put in a coffin
Transportation to a mortuary chamber
The funeral company takes care of the procedures.
If not, it is the person closest to the deceased who must take care of it.
The declaration of death must be made before transport.
Transport must be carried out by means of a vehicle specially equipped and reserved exclusively for body transport.
Transportation has to be involved within 48 hours that follow the death.
You must complete a declaration for the transport of the body. It's for the mayor's office.
Funeral Operations - Prior Declaration
The following documents are also required:
- Extract from the death certificate issued by the doctor, attesting to the absence of forensic obstacles and certain diseases
- Agreement of the institutional head, if the death occurred, for example, in a hospital or Ehpad: titleContent
If the person closest to the deceased could not be contacted, the declaration may be completed by the following persons:
- Person with whom the death occurred
- Director of the health or social institution in which the death occurred
FYI
the funeral business that handles the transport can also take care of the procedures in the town hall.
When the body is transported outside the municipality where it is located, a copy of the transport declaration is sent to the mayor of the place of destination.
Transportation to the home of the deceased
The funeral company takes care of the procedures.
If not, it is the person closest to the deceased who must take care of it.
The declaration of death must be made before transport.
Transport must be carried out by means of a vehicle specially equipped and reserved exclusively for body transport.
Transportation has to be involved within 48 hours that follow the death.
You must complete a declaration for the transport of the body. It's for the mayor's office.
Funeral Operations - Prior Declaration
The following documents are also required:
- Extract from the death certificate issued by the doctor, attesting to the absence of forensic obstacles and certain diseases
- Agreement of the institutional head, if the death occurred, for example, in a hospital or Ehpad: titleContent
FYI
the funeral business that handles the transport can also take care of the procedures in the town hall.
When the body is transported outside the municipality where it is located, a copy of the transport declaration is sent to the mayor of the place of destination.
Transportation to a family member's residence
The funeral company takes care of the procedures.
If not, it is the person closest to the deceased who must take care of it.
The declaration of death must be made before transport.
Transport must be carried out by means of a vehicle specially equipped and reserved exclusively for body transport. Transportation has to be involved within 48 hours that follow the death.
You must complete a declaration for the transport of the body to be sent to the City Hall.
Funeral Operations - Prior Declaration
The following documents are also required:
- Extract from the death certificate issued by the doctor, attesting to the absence of forensic obstacles and certain diseases
- Agreement of the institutional head, if the death occurred, for example, in a hospital or Ehpad: titleContent
FYI
the funeral business that handles the transport can also take care of the procedures in the town hall.
When the body is transported outside the municipality where it is located, a copy of the transport declaration is sent to the mayor of the place of destination.
After the deposit in a coffin
The funeral company takes care of the procedures.
If not, it is the person closest to the deceased who must take care of it.
Transport must be carried out by means of a vehicle specially equipped and reserved exclusively for body transport.
The declaration of death must be made before transport.
The transport of a body after closure of the coffin must be subject to prior notification.
It is to be sent to the town hall of the place where the coffin is closed.
Funeral Operations - Prior Declaration
FYI
the funeral business that handles the transport can also take care of the procedures in the town hall.
Between 2 countries or overseas
There are 3 situations:
Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement
The body of the deceased is transported between the metropolis and overseas
The funeral company takes care of the procedures.
When the body is transported between the metropolis and a overseas department, the authorization is given by the prefect of the department where the coffin is closed.
The body of the deceased leaves France for another country
The rules depend on the country of destination.
The cost of repatriating the body (or ashes) of the deceased is borne by the family. Check whether insurance can cover the cost (repatriation or credit card insurance, home insurance or civil liability).
To another EU country
The funeral company takes care of the procedures.
The authorization is given by the prefect of the place where the coffin is closed.
FYI
for the transport of ash, authorization shall be given by the prefect of the place of cremation of the deceased or by the prefect of the applicant's place of residence.
To another foreigner country
The funeral company takes care of the procedures.
When the body is transported out of France, the authorization is given by the prefect of the place where the coffin is closed.
FYI
for the transport of ash, authorization shall be given by the prefect of the place of cremation of the deceased or by the prefect of the applicant's place of residence.
The body of the deceased arrives in France from another country
Transport from another EU country to France
The funeral company takes care of the procedures.
The entry into France of the body of a deceased person abroad and its transport to the place of burial or cremation are authorized by the embassy or consulate or by the government delegate.
Entry into France of ash is subject to the same authorization.
Please note
the cost of repatriating the body (or ashes) of the deceased shall be borne by the family. Check whether insurance can cover the cost (repatriation or credit card insurance, home insurance or civil liability).
Transport from the foreigner to France
The funeral company takes care of the procedures.
The entry into France of the body of a deceased person abroad and its transport to the place of burial or cremation shall be authorized by the French consular representative or the Government delegate.
Who shall I contact
Entry into France of ash is subject to the same authorization.
Please note
the cost of repatriating the body (or ashes) of the deceased shall be borne by the family. Check whether insurance can cover the cost (repatriation or credit card insurance, home insurance or civil liability).
Who can help me?
Find who can answer your questions in your region
For transport in France
Town HallIn case of death abroad
French Embassy or Consulate Abroad
Transport of bodies before beer production
Transport of bodies after beering and transport abroad
Service-Public.fr
Service-Public.fr
Ministry of Economy
