Forms and Permits

 

• Cremation Release
• Disinterment Permit
• Family Disposition Fact Sheet

Medical Examiner Permit Fees - effective 01/01/2024

• Cremation Permit $175.36
• Death Certificate $99.36
• Disinterment Permit Fee $144.84

Requirements to obtain a cremation permit
If the death occurred in La Crosse County a copy of the completed "Cremation Release" needs to be faxed to the La Crosse County Medical Examiner's Office along with a copy of the "Fax Attestation for Medical Certification" unless the death certificate will be signed electronically.

If the death occurred outside of Wisconsin a copy of the completed "Cremation Release" needs to be faxed to the La Crosse County Medical Examiner's Office along with a copy of the cremation release or equivalent from the Medical Examiner of the County where the death occurred.

Upon receipt of the required paperwork the deceased must be viewed by a member of the staff of the La Crosse County Medical Examiner's Office after which time the cremation permit will be issued.


Obtaining Death Certificates
Death Certificates are completed by the Office of the Medical Examiner but not issued. If you need copies of a completed copy you should contact your funeral home or the La Crosse County Register of Deeds at 608-785-9644 or go to Register of Deeds for more information.


Family disposition of human remains (Family burial)
Wisconsin statutes 69.18 law allows a member of a decedent's immediate family to personally prepare and conduct the final disposition of the decedent. You will need to know and understand all of your legal responsibilities, including filing all required documents, as described below and in accordance with Wisconsin Statutes. If you have additional questions about the legality of your intended plans for final disposition, you may want to seek legal counsel. For more information on this procedure contact the State Vital Records Office at 608-266-1373 or [email protected].