Who has the authority to issue a permit for disinterment?

A permit for disinterment is required to legally relocate a deceased individual's remains from their burial site. In Iowa, this authority is vested in the state registrar of the county. The state registrar ensures that disinterment follows legal protocols and that all necessary documentation is completed. This role is crucial in maintaining accurate records regarding the deceased and ensuring that public health and safety standards are met during the disinterment process.

While other individuals hold important positions in the context of a funeral and grave-related matters, they do not possess the specific authority to issue disinterment permits. The county sheriff, for instance, may be involved in law enforcement matters related to a deceased individual, but they are not responsible for issuing permits. The coroner has duties that include determining the cause of death, which may involve handling remains prior to burial, but does not extend to disinterring remains without the applicable permissions. Similarly, while a funeral director plays an essential role in the funeral process, they lack the legal authority to issue disinterment permits on their own.