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Funeral Director Information and Checklist

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.
    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 from your educational institution(s).
    The Cemetery and Funeral Bureau requires official transcripts. "Official Transcripts" are transcripts sent directly from the educational institution, in a sealed envelope, 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.

The license term is one year.

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