Opening a funeral home takes several steps. Legally, it requires a lot of licenses and permits from various government agencies.
This article will outline the licenses and permits required to open a funeral home business.
Do You Need a License to Open a Funeral Home?
If you want to open a funeral home, you need a license. The license is necessary because you will be dealing with dead bodies. A license is also required to ensure you are qualified to provide funeral services. Moreover, there are individual and establishment licensing requirements.
Plus, all licenses have academic and continuing education requirements that vary by state.
For example, to get a license, you need to have a degree in funeral service education or mortuary science. You also need to pass the state’s licensing exam. Once you have a license, you can start your own funeral home business.
Funeral Service Education and Mortuary Science
If you want to open a funeral home, you need to have a degree in funeral service education or mortuary science. Funeral service education is the study of death and dying. It includes courses on psychology, sociology, and anthropology. Mortuary science is the study of the care of the dead body. It includes courses on embalming, funeral directing, and funeral service management.
Individual Licensing Requirements to Open a Funeral Home
Let’s look at the individual licensing requirements first.
Funeral Directors License
A funeral director license is required to open a funeral home. Funeral directors are responsible for the transport, preparation, and burial or cremation of human remains. They must be licensed by the state in which they wish to practice.
To obtain a license, funeral directors must complete an accredited mortuary science program and pass a state licensing exam. Some states also require funeral directors to meet continuing education requirements on an ongoing basis.
Business Licenses
In addition to a funeral director license, you will need to obtain a business license. A business license is issued by the government and allows you to operate your business in a specific location.
To get a business license, you will need to fill out an application and pay a fee. The application will ask for information about your business, such as the type of business, the address, and the owner’s name.
Embalmer License
An embalmer license is required if you want to open a funeral home that offers embalming services. Embalmers are responsible for the preservation of human remains. They must be licensed by the state in which they wish to practice.
To obtain a license, embalmers must complete an accredited mortuary science program and pass a state licensing exam. Some states also require embalmers to meet continuing education requirements on an ongoing basis.
Cemetery License
A cemetery license is required if you want to open a funeral home with a cemetery. Cemeteries are regulated by the state in which they are located.
To obtain a license, you must fill out an application and pay a fee. The application will ask for information about the cemetery, such as the location, the type of cemetery, and the owner’s name.
Funeral Home License
A funeral home license is required if you want to open a funeral home that offers funeral services. Funeral homes are regulated by the state in which they are located.
To obtain a license, you will need to fill out an application and pay a fee. The application will ask for information about the funeral home, such as the location, the type of business, and the owner’s name.
Cremationist License
A cremationist license is required if you want to open a funeral home that offers cremation services. Cremationists are responsible for the cremation of human remains. They must be licensed by the state in which they wish to practice.
Cremationists must complete an accredited mortuary science program and pass a state licensing exam to obtain a license. Some states also require cremationists to complete continuing education requirements on an ongoing basis.
Licenses for Funeral Homes
You’ll also need to obtain licenses and permits for the funeral home.
Zoning Permit
The first step is to obtain a zoning permit from the city or county where the funeral home will be located. A zoning permit ensures that the funeral home complies with local zoning ordinances.
To get a zoning permit, you will need to fill out an application and pay a fee. The application will ask for information about the funeral home, such as the address, the type of business, and the proposed use of the property.
Health and Safety Permit
The next step is obtaining a health and safety permit from the city or county in which the funeral home will be located. A health and safety permit ensures that the funeral home complies with local health and safety ordinances.
To get a health and safety permit, you will need to fill out an application and pay a fee. The application will ask for information about the funeral home, such as the address, the type of business, and the proposed use of the property.
Fire Safety Permit
Next, you need to obtain a fire safety permit from the city or county in which the funeral home will be located. A fire safety permit ensures that the funeral home complies with local fire codes.
To get a fire safety permit, you will need to fill out an application and pay a fee. The application will ask for information about the funeral home, such as the address, the type of business, and the proposed use of the property.
Building Permit
Your funeral home must also meet all applicable building codes. Building codes are laws that establish minimum standards for the construction of buildings. These standards ensure that buildings are safe for people to occupy.
National Funeral Directors Association
Several professional organizations provide support for funeral homes. For example, the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) is a professional organization for funeral directors. It offers resources, such as education and training, to help funeral directors start and operate their businesses.
Secure the Licenses & Permits Needed to Open a Funeral Home
To open a funeral home, you must obtain a few licenses depending on the services you plan to provide. You will also need to meet all applicable building codes. These requirements vary by state, so it is essential to check with your state’s licensing board for specific information.