When Grief Meets Logistics
When a loved one passes away, families are left not only with emotional pain but also with logistical challenges — especially if the person’s final wishes include cremation and transporting their ashes across states or even internationally.
In this moment, a question many families never expect to ask suddenly becomes very real:
Can you mail cremation ashes legally?
The short answer is yes. But like everything surrounding the end-of-life process, the real answer is more nuanced — and it’s absolutely essential that you get it right. Mailing cremated remains is legal, but it must be done with precision, care, and full awareness of postal laws.
This guide is for families who want clarity. You’ll learn exactly how to ship ashes in the United States (and abroad), avoid costly or irreversible mistakes, and carry out your loved one’s final journey with dignity and peace of mind.
Is It Legal to Mail Human Ashes?
Yes, it is completely legal to mail cremated human remains — but only through the proper channels. In the United States, this means the United States Postal Service (USPS) is the only carrier legally permitted to accept and transport cremated remains.
This might come as a surprise, but many families are faced with the need to ship ashes for important reasons:
Fulfilling a loved one’s request to be scattered in a distant location
Sending ashes to a family member who lives in another state
Transporting remains internationally for religious or ancestral reasons
It’s not uncommon — and it’s perfectly acceptable, so long as you follow the rules.
Who Can Mail Cremated Remains?
Cremated remains can be mailed by:
Licensed funeral homes or crematoriums
A family member or next of kin
A legal representative, executor, or estate manager
There is no legal requirement for the shipper to be a professional, but the person mailing the remains assumes full responsibility for packaging, labeling, and declaring the contents correctly. If you’re unsure or uncomfortable handling this process, your funeral home may offer to assist or complete the mailing for a fee.
USPS: The Only Legal Carrier in the U.S.
Neither FedEx nor UPS will accept cremated remains under any circumstances. USPS is your only option — and fortunately, they offer a straightforward (though highly specific) process.
Here’s what’s required:
Shipping Method: USPS Priority Mail Express
Label: Label 139 (a special sticker that signals the package contains cremated remains)
Tracking: Signature-required delivery with tracking
Label 139 is not optional. It alerts USPS staff to treat the package with care and to avoid sending it via air routes where customs or international handling might cause confusion.
You can get Label 139 for free at your local post office or request it online.
How to Properly Package Cremated Remains
This step matters more than anything else. USPS has strict packaging requirements — and not just for safety, but also for dignity.
Required Packaging (3 Layers)
Primary Container:
This is the actual urn or container holding the ashes.
It must be sealable, leak-proof, and durable.
Secondary Container:
The primary container must be placed in a strong, padded, sealed plastic bag.
Many use a heavy-duty Ziploc-style bag as a backup barrier.
Outer Shipping Box:
Place the secondary container inside a strong, corrugated cardboard box.
Include cushioning material (e.g., bubble wrap or foam) to prevent movement.
USPS even offers a Cremated Remains Kit for free, which includes a properly sized box, tape, and instructions.
Tip: Label the inside of the box with your contact information in case the exterior is damaged in transit.
Domestic vs. International Shipping of Ashes
Shipping ashes within the U.S. is relatively simple with USPS Priority Mail Express. However, international shipping adds layers of complexity:
Not all countries accept cremated remains by mail.
You must check with the destination country’s embassy or postal service.
Customs forms are required, and the contents must be declared as “Cremated Human Remains”.
Translations may be required for destination labeling.
Some countries require cremation certificates, death certificates, or other documentation to clear customs.
Always plan extra time for paperwork — and check USPS’s International Mail Manual before shipping.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Mailing Ashes
Avoiding a few common pitfalls can prevent heartbreak:
Forgetting Label 139: Without this label, USPS may return the package or delay it.
Using a decorative urn without sealing it: Decorative urns are often not leak-proof.
Declaring ashes as “personal belongings”: Be honest. The correct declaration is “cremated remains.”
Using FedEx or UPS: They will refuse or destroy the package.
Not tracking the package: Always opt for signature-required tracking.
Can You Mail Pet Ashes Too?
Yes. The same USPS rules apply for pet ashes. They must be shipped using Priority Mail Express, packaged in a sealed, leak-proof container, and clearly labeled.
Though not human, the emotional weight is just as significant. Pets are family. Whether mailing pet ashes to a family member, a pet memorial service, or a keepsake jeweler, follow the same rules with the same care.
What Happens If You Don’t Follow the Rules?
Unfortunately, improper handling can lead to:
Delays at USPS sorting centers
Return of the package to sender
Complete loss of remains
Legal liability if you lied on customs forms
In rare cases, packages improperly labeled or sealed have been confiscated or even destroyed. The emotional cost of this is far too high — especially when following the rules is straightforward.
Tools & Resources to Make It Easier
To make the process easier and safer:
Request USPS Cremated Remains Kit
Free at usps.com or local branches. Includes boxes, tape, and instructions.
Buy Secure Urn Shipping Boxes
Consider specialty suppliers who offer crush-tested boxes made for ashes.
Use Online USPS Label 139 Requests
Order extras so you’re prepared for future needs.
Track, Insure, and Require Signature
Always choose signature-required tracking and consider insuring the contents.
Final Thought: Dignity in Transit
Mailing cremated remains isn’t just a matter of logistics. It’s a final act of love, one that should be handled with care, clarity, and respect. Whether your journey is across the country or across oceans, the way you send your loved one matters.
Every package carries a story. Yours deserves to arrive safely, in honor, and in peace.
💙 Trusted Products That Help Families Honor Their Loved Ones
When it comes to handling cremation ashes, the physical process is just one part. Families also want to find meaningful ways to honor, preserve, and remember the people — and pets — they’ve lost.
As The Cremation Advisor, I only recommend products I believe in — items that offer beauty, dignity, and peace of mind. These affiliate links help support the work I do, at no extra cost to you.
🌿 Pulvis Art Urns
Hand-crafted ceramic urns that double as modern art pieces. Each urn is designed to celebrate life, not just preserve remains. Families often choose Pulvis for their balance of elegance and emotional depth — whether displayed at home or kept in a private memorial space.
💍 Cremation Keepsake Jewelry
Keep a loved one close with discreet, high-quality pendants and bracelets that hold a small portion of ashes. Perfect for children, siblings, or anyone seeking comfort through connection. These memorial pieces are subtle, wearable, and deeply personal.
🔗 View Keepsake Jewelry Options →
🐾 Pet Memorial Urns from Pet Memory Shop
Pets are family, too. This collection includes wooden, ceramic, and photo urns for dogs, cats, and small animals. Whether you prefer something engraved or decorative, these urns offer respectful, customizable ways to say goodbye.