Consular Mortuary Certificate

A consular mortuary certificate is an official document issued by a U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate in a foreign country that verifies the Remains of a deceased U.S. citizen have been properly prepared to return to the United States.

The primary purpose is to confirm that the preparation and handling of the deceased have met the necessary legal and health standards, in accordance with the laws and regulations of both the foreign country and the United States.

The consular mortuary certificate is distinct from the Consular Report of Death of a U.S. Citizen Abroad (CRDA), which is a separate document that provides an official record of the U.S. citizen's death, essentially a Death Certificate written abroad.

Both documents are typically necessary for Repatriation, but the CRDA officially confirms the death and the Consular Mortuary Certificate refers only to to the proper preparation needed for transport.

Surviving Families of deceased U.S. citizens who pass away abroad should work closely with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate, as well as other Deathcare and legal professionals like Funeral Directors and legal representatives like an Estate Attorneys, Immigration Attorneys or International Law Attorneys to ensure that all required documentation is obtained and that the repatriation process proceeds smoothly.

Key points about the consular mortuary certificate include:

Preparation of Remains: The certificate attests if the body has been Embalmed, sealed in an appropriate container such as a Casket or an approved transport container, and that all legal and health requirements for repatriation have been satisfied.

Customs and Immigration: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and U.S. immigration authorities often require the consular mortuary certificate as part of the documentation needed to clear the remains for entry into the United States.

Funeral Directors and Transport: Funeral directors, Funeral Homes, and transportation providers involved in the repatriation process rely on the certificate to demonstrate that the remains have been prepared in accordance with the law.

Multiple Copies: In most cases, the U.S. Embassy or Consulate provides multiple copies of the consular mortuary certificate. These copies are distributed to various parties involved in the repatriation process, including the Surviving Family, Next of Kin, funeral director, and transportation providers.

Legal Requirements: The specific requirements and regulations related to the preparation and transport of human remains vary by country and can be complex. The consular mortuary certificate helps ensure that these requirements are met and that the remains can be repatriated legally.

Also known as a Repatriation Certificate.