Yes, it is generally okay to open an urn. Most say that cremated remains are sterile, so you shouldn't have to worry about your health or safety from opening an urn. There are no legal reasons why an urn can't be opened either unless there is a question of who legally owns the cremains.

Is it disrespectful to open an urn?

As a general rule, it is disrespectful to open an urn contrary to the decedent's wishes or beliefs, or for your own curiosity or benefit. You can be confident that you are treating your loved one with proper respect if you are opening the urn to follow their instructions (for scattering, etc) or to honor their memory.

Are urns locked?

No. At least, the ashes are not loose in the temporary urn when you receive your loved one's remains back from the crematorium or funeral home. ... That bag or liner can be removed and placed into the permanent urn. This is easy to do yourself, or you can ask the funeral director to do it for you.