How to Ship Ashes USPS — The Complete Mailing Guide

If you need to ship cremation ashes — to a family member, a memorial provider, a diamond lab, or a space launch company — there's exactly one legal carrier in the United States: the US Postal Service. FedEx, UPS, and DHL all explicitly prohibit shipping human or animal cremated remains in any form.

The USPS rules are specific and non-negotiable. Here's exactly how to do it correctly.

Step 1: Get the USPS BOX-CRE Kit

As of March 2025, USPS requires that all cremated remains — whether a full urn or a small keepsake portion — be shipped in the official USPS-branded Cremated Remains Kit, designated BOX-CRE. This replaces the old method of using your own box with an orange Label 139 sticker.

The BOX-CRE kit is free. Order it from the USPS online Postal Store or pick one up at your local post office. It comes in two sizes: Small and Large. The kit includes the outer box, inner cushioning material, and instructions.

Step 2: Package the Remains

The packaging has four mandatory layers:

Inner primary container: The urn, container, or bag holding the ashes must be strong, durable, and completely sealed with permanent adhesive. "Sift-proof" is the standard — no fine particles should be able to escape under handling stress.

Secondary barrier: Place the sealed primary container inside a high-grade, self-sealing, leak-proof plastic bag. This acts as a backup if the inner container cracks or opens during transit.

BOX-CRE outer packaging: Place the bagged container inside the official USPS cremated remains box. Add cushioning material (bubble wrap, packing peanuts) around the container to prevent shifting.

Internal documentation: Place a sheet of paper inside the box with:

• Complete sender and recipient addresses with phone numbers
• A copy of the death certificate or cremation certificate
• This information ensures the package can be identified and delivered if the outer label is damaged or detaches

Step 3: Mail It Correctly

Required mail class: Priority Mail Express only. USPS's requirement does not include ordinary Priority Mail, First Class, or Media Mail. Priority Mail Express provides tracking and expedited handling.

Signature Required: You must select the "Signature Required" delivery option at the time of mailing. This prevents the package from being left on a porch or in a communal mailroom.

Acceptance: Use a USPS acceptance method that lets you select Signature Required and retain acceptance or tracking information. Do not put the package in a collection box unless USPS confirms that method meets the service requirements.

What You Can't Ship Via USPS

The rules apply to cremated remains only — ashes that have been through a licensed cremation process. You cannot ship:

• Uncremated human remains of any kind
• Wet or partially processed remains
• Remains that have not been positively identified

The BOX-CRE requirement also covers partial remains: keepsake portions, ashes that have been divided among family members, and small amounts being sent to a memorial jewelry or diamond company.

Common Mistakes That Cause Problems

Using FedEx or UPS: Private carriers prohibit this service. Use USPS instead of relying on a private carrier to accept or return the package.

Using a personal box instead of BOX-CRE: As of March 2025, USPS's rule requires the official kit. Do not rely on inconsistent local acceptance of personal boxes with Label 139.

Sending via Priority Mail instead of Priority Mail Express: Use Priority Mail Express; other service levels do not meet USPS's requirement.

Forgetting the internal documentation: If the outer label fails and there's no identification inside, the package goes to the USPS Mail Recovery Center (formerly the Dead Letter Office). Without documentation linking the contents to a sender or recipient, recovery becomes extremely difficult.

Skipping the leak-proof bag: The secondary bag isn't optional — it's a regulatory requirement. A container that seems airtight at home can crack under the mechanical stress of sorting equipment.

International Shipping

USPS ships cremated remains internationally via Priority Mail Express International, but the receiving country's customs regulations apply. Many countries require:

• An import permit or authorization from the destination country's health authority
• A certified death certificate and cremation certificate, often translated and notarized
• Customs declaration forms listing the contents explicitly

Check the destination country's embassy or consulate website before shipping internationally. Destinations may have specific forms and procedures or may restrict the import of human remains; verify the current requirements with the destination's customs or consular authority.

For a complete guide to shipping, flying with, and transporting cremation ashes — including TSA rules, international repatriation, and provider-specific instructions for space burials, reef placements, and memorial diamonds — our Space Burial & Creative Ash Guide covers every scenario.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you ship ashes FedEx?

No. FedEx, UPS, and DHL explicitly prohibit the shipment of human or animal cremated remains through their networks. USPS is the only legal carrier in the United States.

How much does it cost to mail ashes USPS?

Priority Mail Express pricing depends on weight, destination, and selected options. Use USPS's current price calculator rather than relying on a fixed estimate. The BOX-CRE kit itself is free.

What if the post office refuses my package?

If a postal clerk rejects your package, ask specifically what's non-compliant. The most common reasons are: wrong box (not the official BOX-CRE), wrong mail class (not Priority Mail Express), or inadequate sealing. Correct the issue and return — don't try a different carrier.