Information for Funeral Directors

Required Documents

Funeral directors must provide a valid Medical Examiner Case Number to obtain any case-related information. To obtain a case number, please refer to the authorized family representative, the Electronic Death Registration System (EDRS) or the medical facility where the death occurred.

Funeral directors inquiring if a body is ready for release must check EDRS to verify that a death certificate is available. For assistance with using EDRS, please contact the Constituent Services Unit at the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) by calling 646-632-6705 Monday- Friday from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. If calling after hours, please call the Burial Desk at 212-788-4545.

New Decedent Release Hours effective Sunday, May 26, 2024, at 8:00 a.m. 

• Monday to Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
• Saturday, Sunday, and City-recognized Holidays*: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

*The following are City-designated holidays:

New Year's Day

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Lincoln's Birthday 

President's Day

Memorial Day

Juneteenth

Independence Day

Labor Day

Columbus Day

Election Day

Veterans Day

Thanksgiving

Christmas

New Year's Day

Funeral directors are required to present the following in order for OCME to release remains:

1. The Medical Examiner Case Number
2. A valid driver's license or other government-issued ID
3. A valid New York State funeral director's license
4. A completed affidavit for removal
5. A working copy of a death certificate

Training Resources to Improve Death Registration

Funeral Directors needing assistance in registering a death should refer to the DOHMH training materials under the section "Electronic Death Registration System for Funeral Directors."