Overview
The Cambridge Public Health Department (CPHD) issues burial permits for the burial, cremation, or transportation of a person’s remains. Final disposition may be in Massachusetts or any other location throughout the United States or the world. Permits are also issued for the exhumation and reinterment of any person’s remains from within the City of Cambridge to any other location within or outside the city. The Chief Public Health Officer is the signatory of record for burial permits for the City of Cambridge.
All Death Certificate and Permit information must be completed online on the Vital Information Partnership site. Public health staff review the record for accuracy and completeness. If corrections are needed or the appropriate e-certifications and attestations are not within the record, the record will be returned to the Funeral Director or Cremation Service through the on-line system; information in the comments field will identify what is missing from the record. Public health staff will also notify the Funeral Home or Cremation Service by phone. Once the public health department releases the permit, it is sent to the City of Cambridge Clerk’s Office. After the release, any changes or updates to a permit must be made through the City Clerk’s office.
Fees
The permit fee is $10. Checks should be made out to “Cambridge Public Health Department” and mailed to: Attn: Burial Permits, 119 Windsor Street, 2nd Floor, Cambridge, MA 02140. For additional information, contact [email protected] or call 617-665-3826.
COVID-19 Funeral Assistance
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is offering COVID-19-related funeral assistance.
Burial Permit Requirements for Special Circumstances
Visit our Burial Permit Requirements for special circumstances page for details related to burial permits for exhumation, disinterment, or reinterment; fetal deaths; and removal of remains from the country.
Updated: April 26, 2022