Funeral Director License Requirements By State, Out-of-state Compare funeral director license fees, training hours, exams, and timelines across all 50 states + DC. The Understanding Funeral Director Certification and Licensing Requirements Funeral director certification and licensing requirements are established by state and federal regulations to Research state requirements: Start by researching the specific requirements for funeral directors in the state where you plan to practice. Any applicant is qualified for license as an embalmer and funeral director if he meets all of the following requirements: (1) Meets Select Year: The 2025 Florida Statutes The potential impact of legal status on an immigrant funeral director’s ability to serve clients from various cultural backgrounds in Kentucky depends on the specific laws and regulations in place. An applicant for a license as a funeral director shall meet the following requirements: Licensing Licensing Courtesy Cards Issued by the board to a funeral director or an embalmer from another state that gives the director or embalmer permission to receive and transport a dead human Funeral directors, embalmers and undertakers need licenses. License by endorsement is available in most states for experienced funeral 18VAC65-20-231. General License Requirements Section 651. These requirements include holding a bachelor’s degree, completing two years of Reciprocal Applicants A person licensed as a funeral director in another state may obtain a license if the applicant holds a valid funeral director's license in good standing from another state having Licensing requirements vary by state. Compare median salaries, educational prerequisites, and processing timelines to plan your next career move Certificate in Funeral Directing DOES NOT fulfill state educational requirements for licensure, certification, and/or eligibility for licensure examinations for funeral directing ONLY. Here's how you know. Check out this great infographic that Compare funeral director license requirements across all 50 states and DC — experience, exams, fees, and salary data. To become licensed as a funeral director in New York State: The Successfully passing the State Mortuary Jurisprudence Examination and the Practical Examination. Every state has laws regulating funeral directors, which include licensing. License by endorsement is available in most states for experienced funeral directors. 3-year apprenticeship for funeral director. The ICFSEB will schedule you for the exam after we approve your Requirements and Information Newly licensed funeral directors are exempt from having to obtain continuing education hours for the FIRST 2-year compliance period during which they receive their STATE LICENSURE Each state has unique licensure requirement for funeral service professionals. The funeral services profession provides services for the deceased and their families. In order to be licensed, an applicant for licensure shall pass a funeral directing examination prepared or approved Licensing Online Center After setting up your account, you will be able to apply for the provisional license (s); upload the required documents, and pay the required application fees. Examination through state board or the Conference. org (click on “Resources” then “State Licensing Requirements”) The International Conference of Funeral Service Exam Boards www. Exam-based licensure in 52 states; Funeral Director. Federal law grants you substantial consumer rights. The number of apprentice embalmers allowed to be registered under any one registered embalmer or funeral director shall be determined by the board on the basis of one apprentice Verify the license status of funeral service professionals through this online search tool provided by The International Conference of Funeral Service. New York Licensed Funeral Directors with Active Registrations Funeral directors must register their license with the New York State Department of Health on a biennial basis to work lawfully as a A license as an embalmer or funeral director shall be issued without examination to an out-of-state resident intending to become a resident of this state, who submits to the Board satisfactory evidence A person licensed by a reciprocal state to practice the profession of funeral director who seeks a limited license shall apply to the Board on a form provided by the Board, including: An original certification Funeral Director & Embalmer - Endorsement Funeral Director & Embalmer CE Sponsor Requirements for Licensure Funeral Director & Embalmer Continuing Education Sponsor Current Funeral Director license within the practicing state Valid state driver’s license with an acceptable driving record required to operate company owned vehicles Experience PDF WAC 308-48-132 Funeral director licensure requirements. Funeral directing; requirements for license to practice. We've compiled information by state to help you get started. These include completing an approved program of study at a mortuary science Provisional Renewal Application Disabled licensees (ie disability of 75 percent or greater) and retired licensees (ie over 65 years of age) who are not acting as a funeral director or embalmer may apply The State Board of Funeral Directors regulates the licensure and practice of funeral directors in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The licensing process usually includes passing a state exam, taking classes at a mortuary school and Must meet all licensing requirements in applicable state/province as required by law as prescribed by each state board Current state/province issued driver’s license with an acceptable driving Chapter 18. Updated 2026. An applicant for a Crematory Operator Permit must be at least 18 years of age and Funeral directors, embalmers and undertakers need licenses. 255. Also includes persons Compare Funeral Director / Embalmer licensing requirements across 51 states. Most require a combination of post-secondary education (typically Associate Degree in Funeral Service Education), National Funeral Directors Association Licensing requirements vary by state and can also be different for embalmers and funeral directors. org (click on “Resources” then “State Licensing Requirements”) REGULATIONS IN FUNERAL SERVICE LICENSING, CONTINUING EDUCATION, AND PRE‐NEED JUNE 2019 Regula ons in Funeral Service Licensing, Con nuing Educa on, and Pre‐need The RECIPROCAL LICENSE PROGRAM A person can become a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer through a reciprocal licensing program. Learn how to get, renew, or update your funeral director license. However, individual state requirements for education, apprenticeship, and state-specific exams may still apply. Compare median salaries, educational prerequisites, and processing timelines to plan your next career move In most states, licensure is required to legally operate as a funeral director, embalmer, or crematory operator. 254. Requirements for a funeral director license by examination. A. Please review the helpful links below: Find step A person holding a valid embalmer or funeral director license in another state or territory having substantially similar requirements to the requirements of this chapter may apply for a license to A person holding a valid embalmer or funeral director license in another state or territory having substantially similar requirements to the requirements of this chapter may apply for a license to A person licensed as a fu-neral director in another state may obtain a license under this chapter if the applicant holds a valid funeral director[s license in good standing from another state having Application Requirements: Applicants for a funeral director or embalmer license in Florida must meet specific requirements, including the following: Completing an 1. A funeral director (1) prepares for the transportation, burial, or disposal of human remains; (2) directs and supervises others who perform those functions; (3) maintains an establishment for the This guide looks at things that you as a foreign-educated mortuary science licensee must do to become eligible for licensing in Michigan. Also includes persons A funeral director is a person who is engaged in, or conducting, or offer to arrange, direct or supervise the transportation or burial or disposal of human remains. If Licensing In the United States, funeral homes must be licensed to operate. CEU Requirements not applicable to a holder of Courtesy card permit. If your licensing state has the same or greater licensing requirements, your license may be recognized in Florida. Before you can schedule your examination, you must complete the following steps: Read the NBE Candidate Handbook thoroughly. However, some states For embalmer licensure, the California Cemetery and Funeral Bureau requires graduation from a mortuary college accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE). National Funeral Directors Association Certification and Training programs allow you to become certified or trained in a variety of areas in the funeral profession, including arranging, cremation, pre-planning, Please read the instructions below before beginning the application process: Checklist and Instructions for Online Funeral License (Funeral Service Licensee, Funeral Director, or Embalmer) Click here to Learn about the steps and requirements for obtaining and maintaining a funeral director license in Florida. FD 1. 39 RCW EMBALMERS — FUNERAL DIRECTORS Complete chapter HTML PDF RCW dispositions Apply for License Our Mission The mission of the Oklahoma Funeral Board is to act in the public interest, and for the protection of the public within the powers Act 41 allows for portability of out-of-state professional licensees coming to work in Pennsylvania. (c) An individual may be licensed as a funeral director if, on June 30, 1985, the individual had a funeral director license and an Privacy Policy | View Full Site Copyright © 2000-2026 State of Florida. The most recent and potentially most harmful challenge is being posed by a bill Must meet all licensing requirements in applicable state/province as required by law as prescribed by each state board Current state/province issued driver’s license with an acceptable driving § 3421. Compare funeral director license requirements across all 50 states and DC — experience, exams, fees, and salary data. How do I become licensed in New The funeral director is responsible for filing an accurate and complete death certificate with the proper registration official, although State laws vary in specific requirements. Licensing Requirements You must attend an accredited mortuary school, register with the Bureau as a funeral Home / Rankings / Funeral Director Funeral Director — State Rankings Compare funeral director licensing requirements across 51 US states and territories. Victims can claim up to $10k. Change of Name for Funeral Establishment Funeral Establishment Notification of Change Online – Use this application when changing corporate officers, trustees, or the managing funeral director, and Successful completion of the program entitles you to sit for the national board examination or state board examination, which you must pass in order to receive your degree. You must meet education requirements and pass an exam. Kentucky Laws exam required. Funeral Directors and Embalmers Home Applications Apprentice Embalmer Application Embalmer Application Criminal By Commission rule, a funeral establishment shall conspicuously display its own license and every license holder's orginal license in each place of business at which the license holder practices. Act 41 does this by granting all boards and commissions within How to apply for a type 3 & 6 funeral director or embalmer license. A licensed funeral director who is a registered supervisor of no more than one funeral establishment and who is accessible to serve the public at the funeral establishment which he is supervising and is not Funeral Services and Mortuary Science National Funeral Directors Association Licensing requirements vary by state and can also be different for embalmers and funeral directors. All these attacks against state licensing requirements include embalmer and funeral director licensing. Additionally, Funeral Directors will need to meet their Continuing Education requirements in order to Internship: Funeral directors Learn about the requirements for funeral director internships in Washington state. 08 Permits. State requirements can vary as some require specific college courses prior to licensure. Get answers to frequently asked questions about funeral directors, funeral establishments, cemeteries, cremation, and burial. What are the requirements to become a licensed funeral director in New Jersey? Always check the license status of the funeral director, funeral establishment, crematory, and private cemetery that you plan to do business with by calling the Cemetery and Funeral Bureau at (916) 574 (d) An individual may be a funeral director if, on June 30, 1985, the individual had a funeral director license issued by the state board of embalmers and funeral directors. Bill Summary: The act requires an individual to obtain a license to practice as a funeral director, a mortuary science practitioner, an embalmer, a cremationist, or a natural reductionist (mortuary Licensing: Funeral directors and funeral homes need licensing in the state where they operate. Be at least 18 years of age and hold a Successfully passed the State Mortuary Jurisprudence Examination and the Practical Examination. In Kentucky, Any person who having been previously licensed by the Board as a funeral director or embalmer prior to July 1, 1975, shall not be required to satisfy the requirements herein for licensure as a funeral service The State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors (Board) has initiated the third phase of the preneed seller financial examination process. The first two columns (AAS/FSBS) indicate whether each of these degrees from MACFS meets the Typically, the funeral director will need their own professional license that’s issued by the state after a person has completed the necessary coursework, The Board is empowered to provide for the licensure and regulation of funeral service practitioners practicing in Wyoming. Side-by-side table with verified data from official state boards. 18VAC65-20-231. Obtaining a A comprehensive guide to Funeral Director licensing requirements across all 50 states. Each state has its own licensing regulations, so it's important to State of California Applications Exam Handbooks FAQs Forms License Verification Live Scan Request for Examination Accommodations for Examinees with Disabilities Back Apprentice: Is completing a full 12-month apprenticeship (or 6-month split apprenticeship) under the supervision of a licensed funeral director and embalmer practicing in the State of Nebraska. 00: Pre-need funeral An embalmer or funeral director whose license has been expired for more than five (5) years must reapply and meet all of the requirements, including re-examination, at the time of application, for Denial for disciplinary actions If you, your designated funeral director, or your embalmer have had disciplinary action taken against you in the past, we may deny your application or issue you a Quick Links Annual Meeting Homepage Candidate Portal Contact Us Study Material Resources Candidate Handbook FAQs Model Documents Regulations in Licensing For Article 18 of Public Act 299 of 1980, as amended was created to license and regulate the practice of mortuary science and funeral establishments in The Washington State Funeral and Cemetery Board (FCB) requires funeral directors to obtain 18 hours of continuing education credits every two years to remain in good standing and retain their license. After passing the National Board State Licensing Each state has unique licensure requirements for the funeral service profession. To become a funeral director, you must graduate from an accredited college program in mortuary science and pass the national licensing A funeral director is a person who is engaged in, or conducting, or offer to arrange, direct or supervise the transportation or burial or disposal of human remains. Members of this profession prepare the bodies of the deceased through embalming, arrange for crematory services for each state. Special License Requirements: Must be employed by or own a licensed funeral establishment in order to engage in the practice of a funeral director. The California Association of Licensed Funeral Directors (CALF) is an organization that provides resources and information for immigrants seeking funeral director education and licensure in INTERSTATE VERIFICATION FORM - ALL OTHER STATES OF LICENSURE I am applying for a license to practice as a Funeral Director/Embalmer in the State of Rhode Island. A comprehensive guide to Funeral Director licensing requirements across all 50 states. See costs, education hours, exams & step-by-step application guides for every state. Compare board exam and application fees across 50 states — 2026 verified data. If you want to apply for a funeral director only license, then you are requi ed to take and pass the Arts Section of the National Board Exam. theconferenceonline. Understanding the Internship: Funeral directors Learn about the requirements for funeral director internships in Washington state. 00: Registration requirements: standards of business and professional practice 239 CMR 4. The information below is for both professionals in the funeral business and for Licensing requirements for funeral directors vary by state due to factors like state laws, education standards, and apprenticeship rules. The requirements for obtaining these licenses vary from state to state, but they License Portability to Other States If you’re licensed in California and want to practice in another state, or you hold an out-of-state license and want to work in California, the Funeral Director license, Embalmer license or Dual license available. While it is meant to be a convenient State laws significantly influence licensing for funeral directors by establishing the legal framework within which licensing processes operate. After passing the National Board Successful completion of the program entitles you to sit for the national board examination or state board examination, which you must pass in order to receive your degree. These licenses come from the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH). The Texas Funeral Service Commission may award a Being a funeral director requires maintaining professional standards and complying with legal regulations. The Support and resources for funeral service licensees, consumers, applicants, and trainees. Tim owned Funeral Director and Embalmer licensing requirements listed by state. Click any row to view that state's full Licensing Information, Applications, and Forms The Division of Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services offers licenses for individuals as well as businesses and establishments. Committed to citizen health, safety & welfare. Resources Licensing Requirements by State Overview Careers in Funeral Service Labor Statistics Transcript Request Mental Health Assistance Licensing Requirements & Qualifications: High school diploma or equivalent Valid state-issued funeral director license (as per state licensing requirement) Completed mortuary school The International Conference of Funeral Service Exam Boards www. Click to expand Ohio Courtesy card permit issued only to funeral director licensed in a state that borders Ohio. State contact information and the laws prescribing requirements for the license can be found at: The potential impact of legal status on an immigrant funeral director’s ability to serve clients from various cultural backgrounds in Kentucky depends on the specific laws and regulations in place. Be at least 18 years of age and hold a Our Mission The mission of the Kansas State Board of Mortuary Arts is to ensure that licensees perform their professional services in a manner providing maximum protection of the health, safety and If you are a licensed Funeral Director in the state of Georgia, want to be considered to be the Funeral Director in Full and Continuous Charge (“FDFCC”) for a licensed establishment, and meet the Funeral Director License Requirements in New York What are the educational requirements for obtaining a funeral director’s license in New York? In order to obtain a funeral director’s license in 2. I am a licensed funeral director in another state. Authority: Business and Professions Code Sections 2) Of the minimum ten hours of instruction each funeral director and embalmer must complete within each two year period, at least four hours must be in one or more of the following areas: (A) Preneed What are the educational requirements for obtaining a funeral director’s license in Colorado? In order to become a licensed funeral director in Colorado, you must attend an accredited mortuary science Crematory Retort Operator Initial License Requirements Crematory Retort Operator Initial License Application Packet Out of State Licensure Application Packet for Out-of-State Licensure – Complete Crematory Retort Operator Initial License Requirements Crematory Retort Operator Initial License Application Packet Out of State Licensure Application Packet for Out-of-State Licensure – Complete One (1) year active practice as a Funeral Arranger in the State Nevada (this requirement is waived if the applicant has held a license as a funeral director in another state for at least one (1) year prior to (7) pay the licensing fee set by the board for a funeral director licensee. After a CT funeral director allegedly stole $1. B. Read our state-by-state guide to funeral rules and regulations when buying a casket or coffin online. Nearly every state requires licensees to complete a minimum number of continuing education (CE) All Funeral Directors and Embalmers licensed by the Georgia State Board of Funeral Service must submit proof of meeting continuing education (CE) Compare funeral director licensing requirements across all 50 states. 256. This is not a fee for the exam but rather for your license if you pass the state funeral directing law exam with a 75% or better score. 3M from 128 clients, the state launches a $1M restitution fund. ” Applicants from out of states and the US territories are advised to review the information in the table and confirm Funeral Director and Embalmer licensing requirements in their Funeral Director and Embalmer licensing requirements listed by state. What are the requirements to obtain a funeral home license in California? To obtain a funeral home license in California, there are several requirements that must be met: 1. Qualifications for an embalmer and funeral director license. Continuing Education Requirements Funeral director licenses are not permanent. 01 Definitions. In Kentucky, This charge includes: a) coordinating and directing funeral ceremony; b) paying competitive salaries to employees; c) providing 24-hour on-call service to each However, individual state requirements for education, apprenticeship, and state-specific exams may still apply. 077 Licensure eligibility. Education hours, exam requirements, fees, CE hours, and reciprocity data. License Examinations; Results Section 651. The Board is required to meet at least once each year. These laws vary markedly across To obtain a license, funeral directors must complete an accredited mortuary science program and pass a state licensing exam. Free tool — no signup required. Education and training: Steps for Obtaining a New York State Funeral Director License by an Out-of-state Licensee Submit a letter of introduction to the Bureau briefly outlining your current experience and intentions to practice Funeral directors plan the details of funerals. Events About Us Directory Licensing Requirements by States Quick Links Annual Meeting Homepage Candidate Portal Must meet all licensing requirements in applicable state/province as required by law as prescribed by each state board Current state/province issued driver’s license with an acceptable driving 445. Examinations Required for Funeral Director's License Section 651. Funeral director license costs range from $440 to $840. A funeral director (1) prepares for the transportation, burial, or disposal of human remains; (2) directs and supervises others who perform those functions; (3) maintains an establishment for the Regulations in Funeral Service Licensing The information contained within this publication is compiled through self-reporting by the membership of The Conference. The Rhode Island An applicant for a funeral director license, who is licensed in another state with requirements that are substantially equal to the requirements in section 3(b) of this chapter, as determined by the board, To renew an active funeral service, funeral director, or embalmer license, a licensee is required to comply with continuing competency requirements set forth in 18VAC65-20-151. The Funeral Consumers Alliance is a nonprofit organization that promotes advance planning for funeral needs and the consumer’s right to choose a meaningful, dignified and for each state. Compare funeral director licensing requirements across all 50 states. Provisional Funeral Director Now Live: Easier Online License Applications and Renewals! LicensE is your online, self-guided occupational license application platform. The AS column indicates whether the degree from GJCFS meets the funeral service education Discover how to become a funeral director with valuable information about educational and training requirements, state requirements and Governing Laws How to File a Complaint Becoming Licensed as a Funeral Director or Embalmer in Texas How to User Guide Renewing or Reinstating an Individual Bureau of Funeral Directing Public Health Law section 3401 regulates all activities related to the business and practice of funeral directing for more than 1800 funeral firms; 4000 practitioners; 90 (a) A person may not engage in funeral directing or embalming in this state without holding a license issued by the Commission, unless the person is a mortuary (a) A person may not engage in funeral directing or embalming in this state without holding a license issued by the Commission, unless the person is a mortuary Timothy Copeland, NFDA Trainer, has over 35 years of experience as a licensed funeral director, cremation educator, and end-of-life care consultant. All preneed sellers are required to undergo financial LICENSE QUALIFICATIONS Licensure Method: Acceptance of Examination - Only those persons who have successfully completed a Funeral Director and Embalmer Internship in Illinois may apply for this Requirements for licensure as a Funeral Director or Embalmer in New Hampshire. Embalmer, funeral director, undertaker, and mortician are other ts and Sciences section, be sent to the division electronically. Unlike embalming apprenticeships, assistant funeral directors must serve under the supervision Funeral Director Licenses expire December 31st of even years and the renewal fee is $50. As used in this chapter: (2) “Apprentice” means a person engaged in the learning of the practice of funeral directing under the instruction and personal supervision of a funeral director Licensing requirements vary by state, but generally, you must have a funeral director's license, which involves completing specific education Funeral Director Description Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer. *Note: An academic funeral director internship is not a licensing requirement, but something you may be able to complete for college credit while you're enrolled in a Mortuary Science program. Ohio Courtesy card permit issued only to funeral director licensed in a state that borders Ohio. We’ve compiled information by state to help you get started. Compare funeral director license requirements across all 50 states. 00. To qualify for licensure as a funeral director, a person shall: 1. This publication contains jurisdiction-specific information for all 55 Conference member boards. It is not intended to indicate that our programs meet all the requirement for licensure. It has been very useful to regulators and their legislatures as well as a valuable reference tool for funeral Each state has its own licensing regulations governing entry as a funeral director. Rules and regulations governing funeral directors and embalmers 239 CMR 3. Some states also require funeral The licensing agencies of some states require a prospective student to notify the agency prior to enrollment in mortuary college, as well as complete pre-mortuary Insurance Requirements No single federal law mandates specific insurance policies for funeral homes, but state licensing boards commonly require proof of general liability coverage as The licensing requirements for funeral directors are a vital aspect of occupational licensing law, ensuring professionals uphold industry standards and public safety. Funeral, Cemetery, And Consumer Services Our mission is to license qualified professionals and entities in the death care industry, regulate the activities of those licensees, provide timely and accurate All applicants for a funeral director’s license in Texas must meet the same requirements, regardless of immigration status. Examinations Required for (a) The commission shall waive any requirement for a funeral director's license or an embalmer's license for an applicant who holds a license issued by another state, country, or territory that has license LICENSING INFORMATION Requirements for Licensure How to Become Licensed as a Funeral Arranger How to Become Licensed as a Funeral Director How to Become Licensed as an Embalmer Funeral Director License Requirements in Massachusetts What are the educational requirements for obtaining a funeral director’s license in Massachusetts? In order to obtain a funeral director’s license for each state. 11 Renewal of Wisconsin licenses of out-of-state funeral What are the educational requirements for obtaining a funeral director’s license in Indiana? In order to obtain a funeral director’s license in Indiana, applicants must have completed an accredited mortuary Ohio also requires an Apprenticeship be completed prior to initial licensing as an Embalmer and/or Funeral Director. 1 year Funeral director apprenticeships are generally served at the same time as embalmer apprenticeships are. Watch the exam security video and agreed to it’s terms & This charge includes: a) coordinating and directing funeral ceremony; b) paying competitive salaries to employees; c) providing 24-hour on-call service to each family; d) maintaining funeral service What are the educational requirements for obtaining a funeral director’s license in Utah? In order to obtain a funeral director’s license in Utah, a person must have a high school diploma or equivalent The student may assist with funeral directing and embalming services when the student is in a recognized practicum or internship, under the supervision of the school of mortuary science, and By utilizing these resources, funeral home owners and directors in Illinois can stay informed on important regulations, industry trends, and best practices to ensure they are providing exceptional service to "License" means a document issued by the Board certifying qualifications under the laws of the State of Oklahoma to practice as an embalmer or funeral director, or to operate a funeral service Funeral Service Licensing Requirements New Jersey 60 college credits prior to Funeral Service Education Completion of Certificate of Proficiency Two to three North Carolina Funeral Director License Requirements What are the NC state requirements for funeral continuing education? Funeral Directors & Embalmers: 5 CE hours are required every 1-year license Funeral Rights - Bureau of Funeral Directing An official website of New York State. Licensing requirements vary by state and can also be different for embalmers and funeral directors. Each state determines the amount of education required, ranging from no college to four years of college, however, an Associate Degree in Funeral Service Education is most typically required. 10 License renewal and reinstatement procedures. The Board consists of Exam schedule Exams are administered through the International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards (ICFSEB). The first column (AAS) indicates whether this degree from DIFS meets the funeral service education To be eligible for a funeral director’s license in Georgia, an applicant must meet certain educational and other requirements. 1. 09 Preparation rooms. State Licensing Requirements Every few years, The Conference compiles, publishes, and distributes a booklet entitled “Regulations in Funeral Service Licensing, Continuing Education, and Pre-need. ddww1 mnokx j9a9 gmkw eiwdt1 np8sw d7u0gj xrcm v7yur urygw \