How to get your license: Funeral directors

Who needs a license?

Anyone who provides care, shelter, transportation, and arrangements for the disposition of human remains, including arranging and directing funeral, memorial, or other services.

Requirements

To get a license as a funeral director, 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.
  • Have at least 5 years of active licensed experience in another state.
• Complete a funeral director internship.
• Take and pass the licensing exam.

Out-of-state applicants

• If you have 5 years or more of active licensed experience in another state, you don't need to meet the education requirements.
• If you have less than 5 years of active licensed experience in another state, you must meet the education requirements.

What you'll need sent to us

• Official copy of your National Board scores.
• Official transcripts, if you want education to be applied toward experience.
• License history and exam verifications, if you have out-of-state experience.

How to apply

• Submit an application:
• Online
  • Log in or sign up to apply online.
• By mail
  Please allow 7–10 business days, not including mailing time, to process your application.
• • Mail a completed Funeral Director/Embalmer License Application with a check or money order for the application fee (payable to the Department of Licensing):
    
    Funeral and Cemetery Board
    PO Box 3777
    Seattle, WA 98124-3777
• Have any official transcripts, National Board Scores, or license history and exam verifications sent to:
  Funeral and Cemetery Board
  PO Box 9012
  Olympia, WA 98507-9012
  Only sealed transcripts sent directly from the issuing college or university will be accepted.

Questions? Need help?

• Email us: funerals@dol.wa.gov
• Call us: 360.664.1555