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.

How to apply

1. Submit an application, either online or by mail:
2. Online
   • Complete a 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?