Are the services of a funeral director necessary to bury the dead?
In most states, no. But each state does have different regulations. Maryland allows the next-of-kin to provide transportation of the deceased, and to sign the death certificate as ‘funeral licensee’. If you are considering undertaking this task, you should call the local department of health to find out exactly what your state does require, and plan ahead so that when the time comes, you will be equipped and prepared. If you have not prepared, the time of need is not the time to start, and the expertise and logistical capacity of a licensed mortician would be most helpful.