Get your license: Embalmers

Who needs a license?

Anyone who disinfects and preserves human remains for transportation or final disposition.

How to apply

Follow the steps below to apply for your embalming license.

1. Meet the license requirements

To get a license as an embalmer, you must meet all of the following requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Complete an embalmer internship
• Take and pass the embalmer licensing exam

You must also meet at least 1 of the following education requirements:

• Have an Associate of Arts degree in Mortuary Science
• Meet the alternative education requirements below
• Have at least 5 years of active licensed experience in another state

Alternative education requirements

If you don't have an Associate of Arts degree in Mortuary Science, you must pass college-level courses at an accredited mortuary science college program. You must complete either

• At least 60 semester credits, or
• At least 90 quarter credits

Note: You can earn credits at more than 1 college. The mortuary science school will decide if credits from other schools are transferable.

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 and complete an embalmer internship. If your state has equivalent education and training requirements, you must submit proof that you completed the education and training (see "2. Gather the required documents" below).

2. Gather the required documents

• Official copy of your National Board scores
• Official transcripts (if you want education to be applied toward experience or if you're an out-of-state applicant)
• License history and exam verifications (if you have out-of-state experience)

Submitting official documents

We only accept sealed transcripts. The issuing college or university must send them to us directly.

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

3. Submit your application

Choose the method that works best for you. You'll pay the embalmer licensing fee when you submit your application.

Apply for your license online

You'll receive your license faster by applying and paying online.

Log into SecureAccess Washington (SAW)

Don't have a SAW account? Learn how to create a SAW account.

Apply for your license by mail

Mail a completed Funeral Director/Embalmer License Application (only available in English) 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