How to get your license: Funeral directors

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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.