How to Bring Ashes from the U.S. to Mexico

To take cremated remains to Mexico, the death certificate must be apostilled before the Mexican consulate will stamp your documents. The consulate’s stamp, called a visado, is what Mexican health authorities look for when the urn arrives.

What the Mexican consulate asks for

This list follows the Consulate General of Mexico in Los Angeles. Each consulate publishes its own version, so check the one that serves your area.

• Death certificate, apostilled. It must show the cause of death. If the cause is still pending, the consulate asks for a coroner’s letter confirming the death was not caused by a contagious disease.
• Disposition or transit permit from the health department, showing where the remains are going.
• Cremation certificate signed by the crematory and showing its license number. If the person was also known by another name, that name should appear here too.
• A Spanish translation of the documents. The Los Angeles consulate accepts a simple translation.
• Originals plus one photocopy of everything.

The Los Angeles consulate does not charge for this service, and the funeral home usually submits the documents for the family.

How the process runs

1. Order certified copies of the death certificate.
2. Have one apostilled by the Secretary of State where the death was recorded.
3. Collect the transit permit and cremation certificate from the funeral home.
4. Prepare the Spanish translations.
5. The funeral home, or the family, submits everything to the consulate and collects the stamped documents.

Two details that catch families out

First, the destination matters. If the ashes are going to Mexico City or the State of Mexico, the Los Angeles consulate also requires a Mexican death certificate and an appointment. Ask about this before you book flights.

Second, names must match. Mexican records often carry two surnames, while U.S. certificates may carry one. If the name on the death certificate differs from the passport or the Mexican birth record, raise it with the consulate early.

After the funeral

Families often need the apostilled death certificate again in Mexico, to register the death, settle property, or claim a pension. Order extra apostilled copies now, while you are already doing the paperwork.

How we can help

We obtain apostilles for death certificates from all 50 states and offer certified translation. Our service starts at $195. Standard processing takes about 10 business days, and same-day or next-day service is available for qualifying Oregon, Washington, Texas and Virginia documents. We ship completed documents internationally, and we quote the shipping cost once you provide the delivery address. Call Apostille Authentications at (971) 514-3743 or request a quote.

Requirements change. Confirm the current checklist with your Mexican consulate before you travel. See our main guide to taking ashes abroad for the general process.