Transport of a deceased person
Verified 12 July 2024 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)
If you are faced with the transport of a deceased person, know that it is subject to certain rules. They change depending on whether the body is transported only in France or whether it passes through a overseas department or a foreigner country. The steps are carried out by the company of funeral directors or by the person closest to the deceased. We present you with the information you need to know.
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.
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Transport before deposit in a coffin
The rules to be followed differ depending on the place to which the deceased is transported.
Transportation to a mortuary chamber
It's the funeral company who 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
It's the funeral company who 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
It's the funeral company who 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.
Transport after deposit in a coffin
It's the funeral company who 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.
Overseas
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).
Rules vary by overseas departments or overseas communities.
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Overseas department or region
When the body is transported between the metropolis and an overseas department, the funeral company takes care of the procedures.
If the body is transported by air, a hermetic coffin (metal box) is mandatory.
The authorization is given by the prefect of the department where the coffin is closed.
Overseas Community
Transport from the metropolis
When the body is transported between the city and a overseas collectivity, the funeral company takes care of the procedures.
If the body is transported by air, a hermetic coffin (metal box) is mandatory.
The authorization is given by the prefect of the department where the coffin is closed.
Transport to the metropolis
When the body is transported between the city and a overseas collectivity, the funeral company takes care of the procedures.
If the body is transported by air, a hermetic coffin (metal box) is mandatory.
Authorization is given by the representative of the State in the overseas authority concerned.
Between 2 countries
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).
The rules depend on the country of departure and destination.
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The body of the deceased leaves France for another country
The rules depend on the country of destination.
Transport to another EU country
It's the funeral company who takes care of the procedures.
The authorization is given by the prefect of the place where the coffin is closed.
When the body is transported by air, a hermetic coffin (metal box) is mandatory.
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.
Transport to another foreigner country
It's the funeral company who 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.
When the body is transported by air, a hermetic coffin (metal box) is mandatory.
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
The rules depend on the country of departure.
Transport from another EU country to France
It's the funeral company who takes care of the procedures.
When the body is transported by air, a hermetic coffin (metal box) is mandatory.
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.
Who shall I contact
The entry into France of ash is subject to the same authorization.
Transport from the foreigner to France
It's the funeral company who takes care of the procedures.
When the body is transported by air, a hermetic coffin (metal box) is mandatory.
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.
Who shall I contact
Entry into France of ash is subject to the same authorization.
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
FAQ
Service-Public.fr
Service-Public.fr
Service-Public.fr
Service-Public.fr
Ministry of Economy
Ministry responsible for overseas affairs
