Funeral Documentation Resources – Alabama
Before signing (Quick checklist)
- Ask for the General Price List (GPL) BEFORE discussing prices.
- If they offer you a casket/vault, ask for the corresponding list (Casket Price List / Outer Burial Container Price List).
- Ask for a “Statement of Funeral Goods and Services Selected” (written breakdown of EVERYTHING you chose).
- Confirm whether there are any cash advances (payments to third parties) and how much they are.
- Ask what exact documents are needed for: cremation, transfer, burial, and certificates.
- Do not sign anything that says you waive your right to compare prices or receive written lists.
Death Certificate
Vital Records Forms - ADPH
ADPH official forms and pages.
Certificate request form - ADPH – HS-14 (PDF)
PDF form to request certificates (including death certificates).
Death Certificates (how to obtain one) - ADPH
Official guide and steps.
Sample Death Certificate (PDF) - ADPH
Example of what the certificate looks like.
Jefferson County Department of Health – Vital Records (Birmingham)
Local page for Jefferson County.
Cremation – authorizations and permits
Jefferson County Coroner/ME – Request for Cremation (PDF)
Official county form (PDF).
Jefferson County Coroner/ME – Request for Cremation (alternate PDF)
Another version published by the county (PDF).
Alabama Board of Funeral Service – Cremation Identification Form (PDF)
Identification/tracking (PDF).
Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences – Cremation Permit Requests (page)
Official instructions.
Alabama Dept. of Forensic Sciences – Cremation Permit Request (PDF)
PDF form (when applicable).
Grief Support
Trinity Birmingham
Prices/services: what you should be given before paying (Funeral Rule)
Complying with the Funeral Rule - FTC
Official guide (GPL and requirements).
Funeral Costs & Pricing Checklist - FTC
Official checklist for comparing prices.
Funeral Rule Price List Essentials (PDF) - FTC
Tip sheet: GPL/CPL/OBCPL (PDF).
Sample General Price List (PDF) - FTC
Official sample price list (PDF).