Transfer of corpses; application for transportation in another vehicle

For the repatriation of corpses in Bavaria, §§ 8 ff. Burial Ordinance (BestV) must be observed.

The transportation of the deceased (repatriation) is only permitted if the doctor has issued a death certificate, no health risks are to be feared and there are no reasons of criminal justice to the contrary. The transfer to the place of burial or crematorium within the municipality or administrative community of the place of death must be carried out in such a way that the dignity of the deceased and the moral sensibilities of the general public are not violated.

For transfers within Bavaria, the death certificate must be carried in all cases. If a non-natural death is suspected, a burial permit from the public prosecutor's office is also required.

The deceased may only be transported by road in hearses, i.e. vehicles whose superstructures are designed for transporting the deceased and which are used exclusively for this purpose. The competent authority may allow exceptions, provided that dignified transportation is ensured and there is no risk to health. The use of vehicles used for the commercial transportation of passengers, foodstuffs or animals is not permitted.

In principle, no special permit is required for transportation within the Federal Republic of Germany.

For repatriations abroad, a corpse passport must be carried instead of a death certificate if the country to which the body is to be repatriated or a country visited during the journey requires a corpse passport. The corpse passport is issued by the municipality in whose territory the transportation begins (see "Corpse passport; application for issue" under "Related topics"). When transporting a body abroad, the legal provisions of the country of destination and the countries of transit must also be observed.

When transporting the body from abroad to Germany, the carrier must carry a corpse passport or a comparable document issued in accordance with the applicable regulations of the country of origin. If neither a corpse passport nor a comparable document is available, a certificate issued by the municipality in whose jurisdiction the transfer begins in Bavaria confirming the permissibility of onward transportation to the place of burial must be carried.