Exhumations
About Exhumations
Exhumations are generally rare and tend to be traumatic for the family involved. They can take a long time to arrange and are usually expensive. For these reasons, it is always best to consult with all the relatives before proceeding.
Exhumation of both buried and cremated remains generally requires a Home Office 
licence.
Reasons for Exhumations
Exhumations occur for a number of reasons, including:
- movement from the original grave to a subsequently acquired family plot in the same or other cemetery
- repatriation overseas to be buried along with other family
- transfer from one cemetery scheduled for development to another
- court orders requiring further forensic examination
How to apply for a licence
You can apply for an exhumation licence by contacting:
The Home Office
Coroners Section - Exhumation Applications
5th Floor, Allington Towers
19 Allington Street
London
SW1E 5EB
Tel: 020 7035 5530 / 5531
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