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Home→Tools→Burial & Cremation Law Guide→Missouri

What Are the Burial and Cremation Laws in Missouri?

See who controls final arrangements, cremation and burial rules, and permit requirements in Missouri.

Frequently Asked Questions

Missouri allows burial on private property. No state statute specifically prohibits home burial on private property. Must comply with local zoning ordinances, county health regulations, and setback requirements from wells and waterways. A death certificate must be filed before disposition per § 193.145. Mo. Rev. Stat. § 193.175 requires an identification tag on the remains.

Missouri has no statutory minimum waiting period before cremation. Cremation must be authorized by Person with right of sepulcher per § 194.119 (next-of-kin priority order). Authorization must be obtained from the person with the highest-priority right to control disposition..

No. Natural organic reduction (human composting) is not currently authorized in Missouri.

No. Alkaline hydrolysis (water cremation) is not currently authorized in Missouri.

Missouri sets a statutory order for who controls the disposition of remains (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 194.119): Attorney-in-fact designated via durable power of attorney with explicit sepulcher authority (§ 404.710), then Military designee named on DOD Form 93 (active duty decedents), then Surviving spouse (unless dissolution action is pending), and so on. You can also name your own agent to control your remains in a signed, written document before death. You can record those wishes alongside the rest of your estate plan when you create a revocable living trust.

No. Missouri does not require embalming by law. No Missouri state law mandates embalming. Funeral homes may not claim it is legally required. Refrigeration is an acceptable alternative. The State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors (Chapter 333) regulates embalming practice standards when it is performed but does not require it as a condition of disposition.

Final Arrangement Laws in Missouri

In Missouri, state law sets the order of who controls disposition of a person's remains: military designee named on dod form 93, then surviving spouse, then surviving adult childrenMo. Rev. Stat. § 194.119Verified Jun 3, 2026View source. The state allows you to name your own agent in a signed, written documentMo. Rev. Stat. § 194.119 (via § 404.710 durable power of attorney)Verified Jun 3, 2026View source, which takes priority over the default order.

Missouri imposes no statutory minimum waiting periodMo. Rev. Stat. § 194.350Verified Jun 3, 2026View source before cremation. Human composting (natural organic reduction) is not currently authorizedMo. Rev. Stat. § 194.350Verified Jun 3, 2026View source, and water cremation (alkaline hydrolysis) is not currently authorizedMo. Rev. Stat. § 194.350Verified Jun 3, 2026View source.

Burial on private property is permittedMo. Rev. Stat. § 193.145Verified Jun 3, 2026View source in Missouri. Embalming is not required by lawMo. Rev. Stat. § 193.145Verified Jun 3, 2026View source, and green or natural burial is permittedMo. Rev. Stat. § 193.145Verified Jun 3, 2026View source.

Naming who controls your remains is part of a complete estate plan. A revocable living trust lets you record those wishes alongside how the rest of your assets pass.

SimplyTrustSimplyTrust Editorial·Updated June 3, 2026

Legal Sources

  • Mo. Rev. Stat. § 193.145
  • Mo. Rev. Stat. § 194.119
  • Mo. Rev. Stat. § 194.119 (via § 404.710 durable power of attorney)
  • Mo. Rev. Stat. § 194.350

Data sourced from Missouri statutes and official state code. How we research.

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Missouri Estate Planning Resources

In-depth guides covering Missouri probate laws, trust requirements, and estate planning strategies.

Rules below reflect Missouri statutes. Each section is cited to its source — select the verified mark to view the statute and verification date.

Who Controls Final Arrangements in MissouriMo. Rev. Stat. § 194.119; Mo. Rev. Stat. § 194.119 (via § 404.710 durable power of attorney)Verified Jun 3, 2026

Choose your own agent
Yes — in a signed document
Otherwise, who decides
Surviving spouse

Keep the decision with the person you choose — record your wishes alongside the rest of your estate plan.

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CremationMo. Rev. Stat. § 194.350; Mo. Rev. Stat. § 194.119; Mo. Rev. Stat. § 193.145Verified Jun 3, 2026

Minimum waiting period
No statutory minimum
Medical examiner sign-off
No
Human composting (natural organic reduction)
Not authorized
Water cremation (alkaline hydrolysis)
Not authorized
Scattering ashes
Permitted, with restrictions
Container required
Yes

BurialMo. Rev. Stat. § 193.145; Mo. Rev. Stat. § 193.175; Mo. Rev. Stat. Chapter 214; Mo. Rev. Stat. Chapter 333Verified Jun 3, 2026

Home / private-property burial
Allowed
Embalming required by law
No
Green / natural burial
Permitted
Burial vault required by state
No
Burial / disposition permit
Not required by state
Death certificate filing deadline
5 days

Regulator: Missouri State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors · 573-751-0813

This guide summarizes state burial and cremation statutes and is not legal advice. Rules vary by state and locality. Consult a licensed attorney or your state regulator for guidance specific to your situation.

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