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Information and Instructions for Funeral Director Licensure

A funeral director (1) prepares for the transportation, burial, or disposal of human remains; (2) directs and supervises others who perform those functions; (3) maintains an establishment for the transportation, disposition, or care of human remains; (4) may use, in connection with his or her name, the words "funeral director," "undertaker," "mortician," or similar title; and (5) must be employed by, or be the proprietor of, a licensed funeral establishment.

To be eligible to apply for licensure as a funeral director, you must meet the following requirements:

  • Be 18 or older.
  • Possess an Associate in Arts or Associate in Science degree, or equivalent.
  • Have committed no acts or crimes constituting grounds for denial of licensure under Section 480 of the Business and Professions Code.

To apply for licensure as a funeral director, submit the following:

  • A completed application form and required filing fee.
    • Application and Examination Fee: $190
    • Licensing Fee: $380
    • Applicants applying to take the licensing examination may choose to submit the licensing fee at the same time as the examination fee, or wait until their examination results have been received to pay the licensing fee.
  • Official transcripts sent directly to the Cemetery and Funeral Bureau from your educational institution(s) in a sealed envelope. The educational institution should mail the transcripts to the Cemetery and Funeral Bureau at 1625 North Market Blvd., Suite S–208, Sacramento, CA 95834.
  • Copy of request for Live Scan service form verifying that fingerprints have been scanned, and all applicable fees have been paid. If you do not obtain your license within twelve months of your fingerprinting date, you will be required to submit new fingerprints.

The license term is one year.

  • Annual Renewal Fee: $380

Funeral Director Exam:

  • Abandoned Applications: Applicants who fail to take the Funeral Director examination within one (1) year after being notified of eligibility will result in the application for licensure and/or examination to be considered to have been abandoned.
    • You will be required to submit a new application which must be accompanied by the required fee.
  • Abandoned Examination Results: Applicants who fail to apply for licensure as a funeral director within (12) months of passing the examination will result in the application and examination results to be considered to have been abandoned.
    • You will be required to submit a new application which must be accompanied by the required fees.
  • Examination No Show: Applicants who fail to appear at the scheduled examination date/time must submit a new application, accompanied by the required fee, prior to being approved to retake the examination.
  • Failed Examination: Applicants who fail an examination must submit a new application, accompanied by the required fee, and wait until 90 days after the failed examination date before they retake the examination.

For additional information about licensure as a funeral director, call the Bureau's Licensing Unit at (916) 574–7870.