How to get your license: Cemeteries

Requirements

Before applying for a cemetery license, you must meet all of the following requirements:

  • The cemetery must be operated by a corporation established for that purpose. This corporation must be established and adopt the appropriate bylaws before you begin operating the cemetery. (RCW 68.20.010)
  • You must deposit $25,000 in an endowment care fund before selling or disposing of any plot. (RCW 68.40.010)

How to get your license

  1. Contact the city or county where the property is located to see if it can be used as a cemetery.
  2. Dedicate the cemetery property.
  3. Be sure you’ve met all the requirements for the operating corporation and endowment care fund listed above.
  4. File a business license application to get a Unified Business Identifier (UBI) number from the Department of Revenue.
  5. Complete an Application for Authority to Operate a Cemetery.
    • You must include your UBI number on the application.
    • The application must be completed by the corporation.
    • Be sure to provide all the required supporting documents.
  6. Mail all of the following to the address on the application form:
    • Your completed application and attachments.
    • A check or money order for the application fee (payable to the Department of Licensing).
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