Mortuary Science Practice Exam

Which individual issues burial transit permits?

1. State registrar

2. Local registrar

3. Medical examiner

4. Funeral director

The correct answer is: Local registrar

The issuance of burial transit permits is primarily the responsibility of the local registrar. This official is typically part of the local health department or vital records office and has the authority to issue permits necessary for the legal burial or transport of a deceased individual. This process helps ensure that proper documentation is maintained regarding the death and the disposition of the body, which is crucial for legal and public health reasons. While other professionals such as state registrars, medical examiners, and funeral directors play important roles in the death care process, the local registrar is specifically designated to provide the burial transit permit. State registrars oversee vital statistics at a broader level, medical examiners are involved in determining the cause of death, particularly in cases of suspicious circumstances, and funeral directors facilitate the funeral service and handling of remains. Each has distinct duties, but it is the local registrar who specifically manages the permits needed for burial or transit.