Navigating the administrative and legal requirements after a loss in Seattle, Bellevue, Renton, Kent, or the surrounding King County area requires an understanding of specific local jurisdictional rules. As the central authority for DFS Memorials in the Pacific Northwest, this hub provides the essential technical data and resources needed to manage final arrangements throughout the county.
King County Jurisdictional Contact Data
In King County, the Medical Examiner’s Office (KCMEO) must review and authorize every cremation that occurs within the county limits to ensure no investigative jurisdiction is required.
Official County Name: King County
Medical Examiner Office: King County Medical Examiner’s Office
Physical Office Address: 908 Jefferson Street, Seattle, WA 98104 (Located on the Harborview Medical Center Campus)
Main Contact Phone: (206) 731-3232
Release Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM (excluding holidays).
Our local providers coordinate directly with the KCMEO Disposition Authorization (DA) Team to ensure all legal release authorizations and medical certifications are secured before the cremation process begins.
King County Permitting and Mandatory Fees
Washington state law and King County ordinances mandate specific permits and fees for final disposition.
Medical Examiner Review Fee: King County mandates a $100.00 fee for the Medical Examiner to review and approve the disposition authorization for every cremation.
Disposition Permit Fee: Every final disposition in King County requires a permit. The current local fee is $100.00 (separate from the state-level report of death).
Processing Time: While Washington does not have a state-mandated “waiting period” (like the 24-hour rule in other states), the administrative process of securing the physician’s signature and the KCMEO authorization typically takes 24 to 72 hours.
Storage Policy: Refrigeration is mandatory for remains held longer than 24 hours if embalming is not performed.
