Permission to Cremate (Form 4)
document
Form 4 - Permission to Cremate
What Is It?
A Form 4 – Permission to Cremate is the official authority that allows a cremation to proceed in Queensland. It is issued by an independent doctor after reviewing the cause of death, the Form 1 – Application for Permission to Cremate and a brief examination of the deceased body.
Note for families: If you have engaged a funeral director or undertaker, you do not need to complete or organise this yourself. Your undertaker / funeral director will arrange it to be submitted as part of the cremation approval process.
Why Is It Important?
As part of the Form 4 assessment, the doctor confirms whether the deceased had any implanted medical devices containing batteries, such as pacemakers, defibrillators, pain pumps or some neurostimulators. These devices can explode when exposed to the extreme temperatures inside a cremator, posing a serious risk to crematorium staff and potentially damaging the equipment. Identifying these devices before cremation ensures they can be safely removed where required.
External items such as mobile phones, smartwatches, electronic cigarettes and battery-powered keepsakes should never be placed in the coffin for the same reason.
Who Issues It?
The doctor engaged by the person (usually the undertaker / funeral director) organising the cremation.
What Happens Next?
Once the Form 4 - Permission to Cremate has been completed, the cremation can be booked with a crematorium.
Related Documents
- Cause of Death Certificate (Form 9)
- Application for Permission to Cremate (Form 1)