How to get your license: Embalmers

Who needs a license?

Anyone who disinfects and preserves human remains for transportation or final disposition.

Requirements

To get a license as an embalmer, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Meet at least one of the following education requirements:
  • Have an Associate of Arts degree in Mortuary Science.
  • Meet the alternative education requirements below.
  • If you have at least 5 years of active licensed experience in another state, you don’t need to meet the education requirements.
• Complete an embalmer internship.
• Take and pass the licensing exam.

Alternative education requirements

If you don't have an Associate of Arts degree in Mortuary Science, you must complete a course of instruction at an accredited mortuary science college program:

• The course must consist of at least 60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours.
• Credits may be earned at more than 1 college to satisfy the total number required. The mortuary science school will determine if courses from other colleges or universities are transferable.

Note: A diploma or certificate from a mortuary school whose curriculum doesn't equal 60 semester or 90 quarter hours doesn't meet Washington's education requirements.

How to apply

1. Submit an application, either online or by mail:
2. Online
   • Complete an Funeral Director/Embalmer License Online Application Supplement and prepare for upload. See Uploading document instructions.
   • Login to submit your application and pay the application fee.
   • During this process, you will upload the Online Application Supplement.
3. By mail
4. Submit the following to the address shown on the application:
   • Completed Funeral Director/Embalmer License Application
   • A check or money order for the application fee (payable to the Department of Licensing).
2. Have supporting documents sent directly to us at the address shown below:
   • Washington applicants or applicants who have been licensed in another state less than 5 years:
     • Official transcripts from your college or university. We accept only sealed transcripts sent directly from the issuing college or university.
     • Copy of your National Board scores
   • All applicants licensed in another state:
     • License history and exam verifications from any states where you've been licensed

Mailing address – Supporting documents only (no applications or payments):

Questions? Need help?