At-a-Glance InformationIf this is the first time you have had to arrange a funeral, this page is designed to help you get straight to the most critical information about what to expect and whom to call for help. There are several steps that must be followed, but taken one at a time they are all achievable.
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Step-by-Step Family-Led Funerals in Vermont
Detailed descriptions of the following can be found on the How-To pages:
- Determine who has the legal authority to make funeral arrangements.
- Care for the body by bathing, dressing, and cooling.
- Purchase or make burial containers such as caskets or shrouds.
- Arrange for burial plot purchase if desired.
- Obtain, complete, and file the death certificate.
- Obtain the metal tag that goes with the body.
- Obtain the transit/burial permit.
- Design and conduct ceremonies in the home, other facility, or graveside, if desired.
- Hire professionals (clergy/celebrant, funeral director, transport company, etc.) as needed.
- Transport the body as necessary to the home, place of worship, other facility, or place of disposition.
- File for Social Security and Veteran’s Benefits.
- Obtain and distribute copies of certified death certificates to banks, insurance companies, etc.
Funeral Goods and Services, Options and Opportunities
To be able to compare prices of professional funeral services, go to the 2021 Vermont Funeral Home Price Survey.
State Authorities Contact Info
Families wishing to handle the paperwork (filing the death certificate) without hiring a funeral director must:
1. Obtain and file a Preliminary Report of Death (PROD) from one of the following sources
1. Obtain and file a Preliminary Report of Death (PROD) from one of the following sources
- Download and print a PROD from this website
- Download and print a PROD from the Vermont Department of Health website
- Pick one up at the Town or County Clerk's office in the location where the death occurred
- Fax, mail or deliver a copy (save the original) of the completed PROD to:
- Vermont Department of Health, Vital Records Office, 108 Cherry Street, PO Box 70, Burlington VT 05402-0070
- Download and print a VT burial/transit permit from this website
- Pick one up from the Town or County Clerk, a funeral home, or a law enforcement officer after you have filed the PROD (you will need a copy of the PROD to complete this step)
Death Certificate Completion Worksheet and Instructions
- Download the Vermont Death Certificate Worksheet to capture information that will be transferred to the actual death certificate
- Download the Death Certificate Completing and Filing Instructions
