How to Ship Cremated Remains — USPS, Airlines & State Laws

After a loved one is cremated, families often need to transport or mail the cremated remains — sometimes across the country, sometimes internationally. Whether you are mailing ashes to a family member in another state, flying home with your loved one's remains, or scattering them at a meaningful location, this guide covers what you need to know.

Mailing Cremated Remains Within the United States

The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) is the only domestic carrier legally authorized to ship cremated remains. UPS, FedEx, and DHL do not accept them. If you need to mail ashes within the United States, you must use USPS Priority Mail Express — their fastest tracked service.

USPS requirements for shipping cremated remains:

• Must be shipped via Priority Mail Express (no other USPS service qualifies)
• The outer packaging must be labeled "Cremated Remains"
• Inner packaging must be leak-proof and securely sealed
• The urn should be placed in a sealed bag or secondary container inside the box, then surrounded by cushioning material
• The package must be taken to a USPS Post Office — it cannot be dropped in a mailbox

We recommend using a sturdy, double-walled cardboard box and confirming with your local post office before shipping. Some locations ask you to open the box so they can visually inspect the contents before accepting it.

Flying with Cremated Remains

You are permitted to bring cremated remains on a commercial flight, both as a carry-on and in checked baggage. Most families prefer to carry them on board for peace of mind.

TSA carry-on rules:

• The urn must pass through the X-ray machine. TSA agents cannot open urns, so if the urn is too dense to be screened clearly, it may not be allowed through.
• Wood, plastic, and biodegradable urns typically pass X-ray screening without issues. Dense metal, stone, or ceramic urns may be flagged.
• Consider traveling with a temporary plastic or wood urn for transport, with the permanent urn packed separately in checked luggage.

Documentation to carry:

• A copy of the cremation certificate or death certificate
• The funeral home's transit permit (often provided by the crematory)

Individual airlines may have their own policies — call ahead to confirm before your flight.

Transporting Cremated Remains by Car

There are no federal restrictions on transporting cremated remains across state lines by vehicle. Most families simply place the urn in a secure location in the car. It is a good idea to carry the cremation certificate or death certificate with you during the trip.

International Shipping of Cremated Remains

Shipping cremated remains internationally is more complex, as each country has its own import regulations. Most countries require:

• A certified death certificate (often with an apostille stamp for international use)
• A cremation certificate issued by the crematory
• A consular or embassy permit from the destination country
• Customs declaration forms

Requirements vary significantly by country. If you need to ship remains internationally, contact the embassy or consulate of the destination country early in the process. We can provide all necessary documentation from our end to support your application.

Scattering Ashes in Florida

In Florida, cremated remains may be scattered at sea (at least three nautical miles offshore, per federal EPA guidelines), on private property with the landowner's permission, or at designated scattering gardens. Scattering in public parks or on public land is generally regulated — check with the local municipality before doing so.

We Can Help

At Good Earth Crematory, we assist families with ash shipping and transport as part of our services. If you need help shipping your loved one's remains to family in another state or country, call us and we will walk you through exactly what is needed.