How to Find Where Someone Is Buried: Locating a Grave
Practical ways to find a grave — family papers, funeral homes, cemetery offices, online grave databases, obituaries and veterans' grave locators.
Whether you are replacing an old stone, adding a name, or researching family history, the first step is finding the exact grave. These sources work best, roughly in order.
1. Family papers
Funeral programmes, death certificates, cemetery deeds (lot certificates) and old letters often name the cemetery and sometimes the section and lot.
2. The funeral home
If you know which funeral home handled the service, they usually have a record of the cemetery.
3. Obituaries
Newspaper and online obituaries often name the cemetery. Public libraries can help with older newspaper archives.
4. Online grave databases
Volunteer-built sites such as Find a Grave and BillionGraves index millions of memorials with photos. Accuracy varies, so confirm with the cemetery.
5. Veterans' grave locators
- USA — the VA's Nationwide Gravesite Locator covers national cemeteries and many veterans' graves.
- Canada — Veterans Affairs Canada's Canadian Virtual War Memorial and the Last Post Fund can help.
6. The cemetery office
Once you know the cemetery, the office can give you the section, row and lot, and often a map. Have the full name, approximate date of death and date of birth ready.
What to record
| Detail | Why |
|---|---|
| Section, row, lot, grave number | Needed for any work on the memorial |
| Lot owner | They must authorise changes |
| Existing stone measurements | For additions or replacement — see how to measure a headstone |
| Photos | For engraving matches and records |
Key Takeaways
- Start with family papers, then funeral home and obituaries.
- Online databases help but should be confirmed with the cemetery.
- Record section, row, lot and lot owner before planning any work.
Next Step
Planning a new or replacement stone? Request a quote with the lot details.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find out where a relative is buried?
Check family papers and obituaries, ask the funeral home, search online grave databases and confirm with the cemetery office.
How do I find a veteran's grave?
In the US, use the VA's Nationwide Gravesite Locator. In Canada, try the Canadian Virtual War Memorial or the Last Post Fund.
What information does a cemetery need?
The full name, approximate date of death and ideally the date of birth. They can then give section, row and lot.
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Related guides
How to Choose a Funeral Home in Canada
Headstones for Someone Married Twice
Temporary Grave Markers
When Family Members Disagree About a Headstone
How to Put a Headstone on an Unmarked Grave
