Who is responsible for registering a death and how long should it take?
All deaths in the state must be registered. The death certificate is to be registered with the Vital Statistics office of the county in which the death occurred within 5 calendar days after the death or discovery of death. The funeral home or cremation establishment you contracted with is responsible for registering the death of a loved one. Because they are the first to assume custody of the body, it is their responsibility to provide a burial-transit permit to the vital statistics office before final disposition or removal from the state and within 5 days after death of the individual. They are obligated to prepare the death certificate on a form approved by the state registrar. This form contains information required by the department plus items necessary for legal, social and health purposes. In the event death occurs without medical attendance, it known or suspected to be an accident, homicide, or suicide, the signature of the medical examiner is required on the death certificate.