Funeral planning in Kansas
What to do, what it costs, and what Kansas actually requires, in plain words, one step at a time.
Kansas guide
Read straight through, or jump to your situation. Save this link to come back anytime. Updated Apr 2026.
Good to know:No funeral director required except for communicable disease cases
Tip:File death certificates within 3 days and before removing the body from the state
What things cost in Kansas
Typical ranges for the West North Central region. Your local prices will differ, so always ask for an itemized quote.
Direct cremation
Gravely estimate$1,300–$3,000
Cremation with service
Survey data$5,700–$7,700
Traditional burial
Survey data$7,400–$10,100
Green burial
Gravely estimate$2,600–$6,100
How we got these numbers
Direct cremation: 20–45% of the 2023 NFDA West North Central regional cremation service median, rounded to the nearest $100. This is not an NFDA direct cremation median.
Cremation with service: Planning band of ±15% around the 2023 NFDA West North Central regional service median, rounded to the nearest $100.
Traditional burial: Planning band of ±15% around the 2023 NFDA West North Central regional service median, rounded to the nearest $100.
Green burial: 30–70% of the 2023 NFDA West North Central regional burial service median, rounded to the nearest $100. This is not an NFDA green burial median.
Cremation-with-service and traditional-burial planning bands are ±15% around 2023 NFDA West North Central regional medians, rounded to the nearest $100.
Direct cremation is a Gravely planning estimate equal to 20–45% of the applicable NFDA cremation service median.
Green burial is a Gravely planning estimate equal to 30–70% of the applicable NFDA burial service median.
These are regional or national planning ranges, not state-specific prices or provider quotes. Cemetery, monument, merchandise, and local provider fees may be separate. Ask providers for a current itemized General Price List.
Where did the death happen?
Jump straight to the steps for your situation.
- Kansas does not require a funeral director except for deaths from certain communicable diseases
- The Kansas State Board of Mortuary Arts regulates funeral establishments and crematories
- A death certificate must be filed within 3 days of death
Kansas gives families flexibility in funeral planning. Take time to explore what's right for your situation.
- Kansas requires a 24-hour waiting period after death before cremation
- A Coroner's Cremation Authorization is required before cremation can proceed
- The local coroner must issue a permit before moving the body to the crematory
- File the permit with the Office of Vital Statistics immediately after cremation
- Religious exemptions allow a reasonable delay beyond 24 hours for Sabbath or holy days
- Home burial on private property is not prohibited by state law
- Check local zoning laws - urban areas like Wichita typically prohibit backyard burials
- Rural counties may allow private family cemeteries with proper permits
- Record all burials with local authorities and note the location on your property deed
- Ensure burial plots meet local requirements for distance from water sources and property lines
The death certificate must be filed within 3 days of death and before removing the body from the state
Death certificates are filed electronically through the Kansas Department of Health and Environment
Certified copies cost $20 each (includes a 5-year search)
We recommend ordering 8-10 copies for insurance, banks, and legal matters
Contact the Office of Vital Statistics at (785) 296-1400 for assistance
State and county probate rules vary. Use this as a starting point, not legal advice.
- You have the right to an itemized General Price List before making decisions
- File complaints with the Kansas State Board of Mortuary Arts at (785) 296-3980
- The Board can revoke, suspend, or censor licenses for violations
- For overcharging or cemetery issues, contact the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division at (785) 296-3751
- Preneed funeral plan complaints go to the Kansas Insurance Department at (785) 296-2283
This guide is general information to help you plan, not legal, medical, financial, or tax advice. Laws, fees, and procedures change and can vary by county. Before acting on anything here, confirm the details with your funeral provider, the responsible state or county office, or a licensed professional.