What Is New With Death Certificates and Funeral Paperwork in October 2026? Latest FTC Funeral Rule and state regulator sources and Key Takeaways

In October 2026, nothing substantive changed in federal funeral paperwork, while two states changed death-certificate rules. The Funeral Rule, the federal rule on funeral price disclosures, continues unchanged, while Oregon and Illinois changed death-certificate procedures. Families still use the same federal price lists when arranging a funeral. A death certificate is the legal record used for burial, insurance, and estate tasks.

Table of Contents

• Did the FTC change the Funeral Rule in 2026?
• Which price lists can you still ask for?
• What does the federal rule not cover?
• What is new for death certificates in Oregon and Illinois?
• How can families avoid delays and extra costs?

Did the FTC change the Funeral Rule in 2026?

According to the Federal Trade Commission's 2026 notice, its only 2026 Funeral Rule action was a paperwork renewal FTC extension notice. The renewal covered OMB Control No.

3084-0025, with clearance expiring May 31, 2026, not a change to 16 CFR Part 453. The core rule remains in its 1994-amended form. Providers must give an itemized General Price List at the start of any in-person arrangements talk and give accurate prices by phone on request.

Which price lists can you still ask for?

Federal Trade Commission consumer guidance still gives shoppers the same request points the FTC consumer guide to the Funeral Rule. Use them early, before you see merchandise or sign.

Federal Trade Commission enforcement releases say providers must accept a casket bought elsewhere without a handling fee. They also cannot condition other services on buying their casket.

• Ask for the General Price List at the start of any in-person arrangements talk.
• Ask for accurate prices by telephone when you call for quotes.
• Ask to see the casket price list before viewing caskets.
• Ask to see the outer burial container list before viewing vaults.
• Choose only the goods and services you want.

What does the federal rule not cover?

According to Federal Trade Commission consumer guidance, the Rule does not cover third-party casket sellers. It also does not cover cemeteries without an on-site funeral home. It does not currently require funeral homes to publish prices online, despite reform proposals.

That limit matters for families comparing caskets online. Call the funeral home for phone prices and get each list in hand. Save every list with the signed contract.

What is new for death certificates in Oregon and Illinois?

Effective Jan. 1, 2026, Oregon HB 3127 requires medical certifiers and medical examiners to complete death certificates electronically in the Oregon Vital Events Registration System, according to the Oregon Health Authority handout Oregon HB 3127 funeral director FAQ. Narrow exceptions apply for out-of-state certifiers and home funerals. Illinois took a different step.

Its End-of-Life Options for Terminally Ill Patients Act, or Deb's Law, took effect Sept. 12, 2026, according to the Death with Dignity National Center Illinois medical aid in dying report. Those death certificates attribute death to the underlying terminal disease. For Oregon families, ask the funeral director whether the certifier files in OVERS and who will confirm filing. For Illinois families under the new law, confirm that the certificate lists the terminal disease.

How can families avoid delays and extra costs?

Federal Trade Commission compliance guidance warns that violations can bring inspections, the Funeral Rule Offenders Program, and civil penalties up to $53,088 per violation. Families cannot file that action, but they can create a paper trail.

• Get the General Price List, casket list, and vault list before making choices.
• Ask for an itemized statement of goods and services selected.
• Tell the home in writing if you will supply a casket from elsewhere.
• Ask who files the death certificate, where, and how long it takes.
• Keep copies of each signed list with the contract.

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