License Requirements

If you have held a license in the past with the Arizona State Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers
please contact us before creating a new account.

To create a new account, click on the "E-licensing Portal" tab.

If you currently do not have a license or have not previously applied for a license, please select “I Don’t Have a License”. The system will then let you complete a self registration to start your online account.

To register, please use a personal email as your username; an email you always have access to. The Board will use this email as a means of communication.

Once you create the online account, your username will be the email you used to register, along with the password you created.  To access your online account thereafter you will log in as an "Existing User" rather than a "New User".  

Use the drop down to select "Arizona State Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers".

Select the type of application that you are applying for.

Once you have started an application, the system allows you to edit and complete it at a later time by going to your "Dashboard" and selecting "Edit".

The Board will begin to review your application once it has been "Submitted", meaning the application has been completed and all fees have been paid. The Board will use the email of record to inform you of the progress of an application.

The following "Service Requests" are available for existing users in your online account:

  • Annual Trust Filing Report
  • Assumption of Responsibility
  • Business Name Change
  • Duplicate Certificate
  • Duplicate Wallet Card
  • Personal Name Change
  • Request to Reactivate License 
  • Self- Service Address Change

To utilize the "Service Request" tool,  log in to the E-Licensing Portal and click on your "Dashboard". 

32-1363. Use of funeral director title; unlawful use

A. A person who is licensed as a funeral director under article 2 of this chapter shall be known as a "funeral director", "undertaker" or "mortician" or any other title that clearly indicates that the person is engaged in the business of funeral directing.

B. It is unlawful for a person who is not licensed as a funeral director under article 2 of this chapter to practice funeral directing or to advertise in a manner or assume any title that would imply that the person is engaged in the business of funeral directing.

It is unlawful to practice without a license.  A "submitted" application does not grant eligibility to work.
When the application is determined to be administratively complete, it is placed on the agenda for the next scheduled Board meeting for consideration. A license becomes active after Board approval. 
 

FUNERAL DIRECTOR REQUIREMENTS

  • License Fee $85.00, Application Fee $85.00, Exam Fee $80.00, and Fingerprint Fee $22.00, Total $272.00.
  • You are required to have your fingerprints done on an 8 x 8 card, to be mailed directly to the Board for the background check (Clearance cards are not accepted). 
  • The Out-of-State Verification form (located under "Forms") is to be mailed directly to the Arizona State Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers if you hold a license from another state. 


Items below shall be uploaded by the applicant:

  • Funeral Directing Report (located under "Forms")
  • Professional Verification form (located under "Forms")
  • Citizen/Naturalization Status form, must provide a government issued document that contains your photograph (located under "Forms")
  • Copy of Birth Certificate or Passport, or Naturalization document
  • Copy of High School Diploma, Transcripts, or GED
  • Copy of Conference Scores- Arts Exam
  • Copy of Mortuary Transcripts
  • The required State Laws exam is based on the Arizona Statutes and Rules. Exams are scheduled for Thursdays at 10:00am after your application is submitted and paid for online.
              *To schedule the Funeral Director State Laws exam email: [email protected]

EMBALMER REQUIREMENTS

  • License Fee $85.00, Application Fee $85.00, Exam Fee $80.00, and Fingerprint Fee $22.00, Total $272.00.
  • You are required to have your fingerprints done on an 8 x 8 card, to be mailed directly to the Board for the background check (Clearance cards are not accepted).
  • The Out-of-State Verification form (located under "Forms") is to be mailed directly to the Arizona State Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers if you hold a license from another state. 


Items below shall be uploaded by the applicant:

  • Internship Report (located under "Forms")
  • Professional Verification form (located under "Forms")
  • Citizen/Naturalization Status form, must provide a government issued document that contains your photograph (located under "Forms")
  • Copy of Birth Certificate or Passport, or Naturalization document
  • Copy of High School Diploma, Transcripts, or GED
  • Copy of Conference Scores- Science Exam
  • Copy of Mortuary Transcripts
  • The required State Laws exam is based on the Arizona Statutes and Rules. Exams are scheduled for Thursdays at 10:00am after your application is submitted and paid for online.
              *To schedule the Embalmer State Laws exam email: [email protected]

CREMATIONIST REQUIREMENTS

  • License Fee $85.00, Application Fee $85.00, and Fingerprint Fee $22.00, Total $192.00.
  • You are required to have your fingerprints done on an 8 x 8 card, to be mailed directly to the Board for the background check (Clearance cards are not accepted). 


Items below shall be uploaded by the applicant:

  • Copy of your Cremation Certificate.
  • Citizen/Naturalization Status form, must provide a government issued document that contains your photograph (located under "Forms")
  • Copy of Birth Certificate or Passport, or Naturalization document

INTERN REQUIREMENTS

  • License Fee $85.00, Application Fee $85.00, and Fingerprint Fee $22.00, Total $192.00.
  • You are required to have your fingerprints done on an 8 x 8 card, to be mailed directly to the Board for the background check (Clearance cards are not accepted). 


Items below shall be uploaded by the applicant:

  • Citizen/Naturalization Status form, must provide a government issued document that contains your photograph (located under "Forms")
  • Copy of Birth Certificate or Passport, or Naturalization document
  • Copy of High School Diploma, Transcripts, or GED
  • Copy of Mortuary Transcripts

SALESPERSON REQUIREMENTS

  • License Fee $85.00, Application Fee $85.00, State Law Exam fee $80.00 and Fingerprint Fee $22.00, Total $272.00.
  • You are required to have your fingerprints done on an 8 x 8 card, to be mailed directly to the Board for the background check (Clearance cards are not accepted). 


Items below shall be uploaded by the applicant:

  • Citizen/Naturalization Status form, must provide a government issued document that contains your photograph (located under "Forms")
  • Copy of Birth Certificate or Passport, or Naturalization document
  • Salesperson Verification form (located under "Forms")
  • Passport Quality Photo
  • The required State Laws exam is based on the Arizona Statutes and Rules. Exams are scheduled for Thursdays at 10:00am after your application is submitted and paid for online.
              *To schedule the Salesperson State Laws exam email: [email protected]

ESTABLISHMENT REQUIREMENTS

Owners of the Establishment should refer to Arizona Statutes and Rules for reference to what a Establishment should have to be in compliance to operate as a Arizona Licensed Establishment.

Article 3 in the Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.). Arizona Revised Statutes 32-1381, 32-1382, 32-1383.

Application Requirements:

  • Application Fee $500.00, Interim Fee $25.00 (if applicable) and Fingerprint Fee $22.00 for all who own 10% or more interest in the establishment.
  • You are required to have your fingerprints done on an 8 x 8 card, to be mailed directly to the Board for the background check (Clearance Cards are not accepted).

Items below shall be uploaded by the applicant:

  • Articles of Incorporation, the documents that show you have the right to do business in Arizona.
  • Assumption of Responsibility Funeral Director form. Located in "licensing information"- forms.

 

New Establishment Inspection: Make sure all plumbing and electricity is in working order. Prior to inspection, all required equipment must be in place and functional as if you were ready to open your doors for business. A walk-through will be done of the entire premises.

Email the following items, if applicable to this establishment prior to the inspection date.

  • General Price List
  • Casket Price List
  • Outer Burial Container Price List
  • Blank Contract
  • Completed Contract
  • Blank Cremation Authorization
  • Cremation log pursuant to R4-12-631 (B)
  • Name of Hazardous Waste Transport Company
  • Name of your Preneed insurance company(if applicable)

CREMATORY REQUIREMENTS

Owners of the Crematory should refer to Arizona Statutes and Rules for reference to what a Crematory should have to be in compliance to operate as an Arizona Licensed Crematory.  
Article 6 in the Arizona Administrative Code (AAC). Statutes 32-1393 License Requirement A., B., 32.1394 Crematory Requirements A. 1, 2, 3, and 4

Application Requirements:

  • Application Fee $100.00, Interim Fee $25.00 (if applicable) and Fingerprint Fee $22.00 for all who own 10% or more interest in the crematory
  • You are required to have your fingerprints done on an 8 x 8 card, to be mailed directly to the Board for the background check (Clearance Cards are not accepted).

Items below shall be uploaded by the applicant:

  • Articles of Incorporation, the documents that show you have the right to do business in Arizona.
  • Assumption of Responsibility Cremationist form. Located in "licensing information"- forms.

New Crematory Inspection: Make sure all plumbing and electricity is in working order. Prior to inspection, all required equipment must be in place and functional as if you were ready to open your doors for business. A walk-through will be done of the entire premises.

Email the following items, if applicable to this crematory prior to the inspection date.

  • Cremation log pursuant to R4-12-631 (B)
  • ADEQ Permit if in county (Maricopa and Pima)
  • Safety Equipment (gloves, apron, rake, broom for the retort)
  • Fire Extinguisher
  • Processing machine with ventilation
  • Refrigeration unit on premises 38 degrees or below
  • Procedure Manual
  • Must have  identified receptacle for all body prostheses, bridgework or similar items removed from the cremated remains, and identify the method of disposal for such items.


A.R.S.32-4303. Military education, training and experience

Notwithstanding any other law, the education, training or experience requirements for a license, certificate or registration issued pursuant to this title are completely or partially satisfied, as determined by the regulating entity, on presentation of satisfactory evidence that the applicant received substantially equivalent education, training or experience as a member of the United States armed forces or any national guard or other reserve component. The regulating entity shall work in conjunction with the department of veterans' services to access information regarding the applicant's military education, training or experience.

 

When to Renew:

Funeral Board license(s) become renewal eligible by May 4th of each year.  Between May 4th  and July 1st, you may renew your license(s) without a late fee. 

Between July 2nd and August 1st,  you may still renew your license(s) with the addition of a late fee.  If you fail to renew your license(s) on or before August 1st, it will lapse/expire.  If your license lapses and you wish to become licensed again with the Funeral Board, you will need to apply as a new applicant.  

If you are still unable to login please DO NOT, create a new account.
Call or email the Funeral Board office for assistance. 

How To Renew:

Login to the E-Licensing Portal to view your "Dashboard". All of your renewal eligible licenses should say "Renew". Select the license that you wish to renew. *Note: Once you have started a renewal application, you can edit and complete it at a later time by going to your "Dashboard" and selecting "Edit".

If  you have more than one license, the system allows you to complete each renewal application before paying.  Once all applications have been completed, go to your "cart"(located on the top right hand corner) to pay the renewal fees along with a one time convenience fee.
Disclosure: bank fees are non-refundable.

 

R4-12-416. Documentation of Continuing Education:
A licensee shall submit a written document of completed continuing education with a renewal application that includes:

  1. The name of the licensee; 

  2. The title of each continuing education; 

  3. A brief summary of the content of each continuing education; 

  4. The date of completion of each continuing education; 

  5. The number of credit hours of each continuing education. 

 

It is the licensee's responsibility to ensure that the continuing education(CE) certificates reflect the criteria listed above. If the CE's do not meet the requirements the application will be considered "deficient". A deficient renewal application must be corrected before the renewal deadline. Contact the CE provider and ask that they supply you with a new CE certificate that reflects the Board's criteria.

 

All new licensees: A licensee who has been licensed for less than 12 month during a calendar year shall complete one hour of continuing education for each month of licensure.

 

Renewal Submissions:

  • Funeral Director, Embalmer: certificates reflecting 12 hours of continuing education (3 hours of mortuary science, 3 hours of legal compliance & ethics, 6 hours of professional development)

  • Embalmer Assistant, Intern: certificates reflecting 6 hours of continuing education (3 hours of mortuary science, 3 hours of legal compliance & ethics)

  • Salesperson: Passport quality photograph and “Prearranged Funeral Salesperson Verification” form for proof of employment; located in the forms tab.

  • Funeral Establishment Sales Endorsement: Proof of current surety bond amount reflecting the number of licensed "Salespersons" employed at the establishment, and the "List of Salespersons Employed form" located in the forms tab.

  • Multiple Funeral Director, Cremationist, Establishment and Crematory:  No submissions are required for these types of license renewals.

 

Once your renewal has been completed (including uploading any required submissions), reviewed and approved, you will receive an email confirmation, which includes a printable wallet ID card.  Once you hit, “Submit” on your renewal application you will have the option to download your receipt and keep for your records.  The printable wallet cards are available for personal licenses not establishments.

You are required to have your fingerprints submitted on an 8 x 8 card, mailed directly to the Arizona State Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers for the background check (Clearance cards are not accepted).

You can get fingerprints done at a local police station, or search online for fingerprinting services and mobile fingerprinting services, a fingerprint card should be offered with the service.
You can request a fingerprint card by email or call the Arizona State Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers.

Notice to Applicant: Your fingerprints will be used to check the criminal history records of the FBI. If you have a criminal history record, the officials making a determination of your suitability for the job, license, or other benefit must provide you the opportunity to complete or challenge the accuracy of the information in the record. You should be afforded a reasonable amount of time (30 days) to correct or complete the record (or decline to do so) before officials deny you the job, license, or other benefit based on information in the criminal history record. The procedures for obtaining a change, correction, or updating of your FBI criminal history record are set forth in Title 28, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Section 16.30 through 16.34. Information on how to review and challenge your FBI criminal history record can be found at www.FBI.gov  under "Services" and then "Identity History Summary Checks" or by calling (304) 625-5590. To obtain a copy of your Arizona criminal history in order to review/update/correct the record, you can contact the Arizona Department of Public Safety Criminal History Records Unit at (602) 223-2222 to obtain a fingerprint card and a Review and Challenge packet. Information on the review and challenge process can be found on the DPS website.

If you are concerned about personal background issue, you may complete a "Criminal History Petition", found under "Forms".  This allows you to submit any criminal history that may need to be considered by Board members prior to any application being submitted.

FBI Privacy Act Statement

The Universal Recognition policy allows Arizona residents to use an out-of-state professional or occupational license to qualify for an Arizona license to work. The Board will recognize Funeral Director, Embalmer and Cremationist licenses.

In order to apply by "Universal Recognition", the applicant must meet ALL the following requirements to use this process:

  1. Show proof of Arizona residency. If you do not have residency in Arizona, you must utilize the Regular application process as you are not eligible to apply under this law.
  2. Must have an active license in at least one other state and must be in good standing
  3. Have been licensed in that state for at least one year prior to applying in Arizona
  4. Must have met the minimum education and or work experience requirements of the other state
  5. Must have passed the licensing examination to possess the license, if required by the other state
  6. Has not had a license or certificate revoked or voluntarily surrendered a license or certificate 
  7. Has not had discipline imposed by any other regulating entity
  8. Does not have a complaint, allegation or investigation pending that relates to unprofessional conduct
  9. Does not have a disqualifying criminal history as determined by the Board
  10. Pays all applicable fees

PURSUANT TO SECTION 32-4302, ARIZONA REVISED STATUTES, A PERSON SHALL BE GRANTED AN OCCUPATIONAL OR PROFESSIONAL LICENSE OR CERTIFICATE IF THE PERSON HAS BEEN LICENSED OR CERTIFIED IN ANOTHER STATE FOR AT LEAST TWELVE MONTHS, THE LICENSE OR CERTIFICATE IS IN THE SAME DISCIPLINE AND AT THE SAME PRACTICE LEVEL AS THE LICENSE OR CERTIFICATE FOR WHICH THE PERSON IS APPLYING IN THIS STATE AND THE PERSON MEETS OTHER CONDITIONS PRESCRIBED BY SECTION 32-4302, ARIZONA REVISED STATUTES.
 

To apply choose the license type, then use the drop down "Application By" to select "Universal License Recognition".

  • Application fee $85.00, License fee $85.00, State Laws Exam fee $80.00 (Cremationist license exempt from State Laws Exam) and Fingerprint Fee $22.00. 
  • You are required to have your fingerprints done on an 8 x 8 card, to be mailed directly to the Funeral Board for a background check. (Clearance cards are not accepted).
  • You are required to be currently licensed for at least one year in another U.S. state.
  • Your license must be in good standing, without any past or pending investigations or complaints in another state. Refer to the Out-of-State Verification form (located under "Forms").

Items below shall be uploaded by the applicant:

  • Citizen/Naturalization Status form (located under "Forms").
  • Copy of Birth Certificate or Passport, or Naturalization document
  • Proof of Established Residency, the following documents are acceptable:
    Valid Arizona driver's license, A current Arizona motor vehicle registration, proof of filing Arizona income taxes in the most recent tax year, Arizona voter registration, documentation of a mortgage for primary Arizona residence, a dated residential rental contract with proof of payment, proof of major banking services in Arizona, proof of establishment of Arizona Utilities, proof of enrollment of children in Arizona schools, documentation demonstrating a change in permanent address on all pertinent records, Military Form 2058    .

Exams:  Applicants for the Funeral Director and/or  Embalmer license(s) are requred to pass the State Laws Exam(s). There is a separate exam for the Funeral Director and Embalmer applications. The required State Laws exam(s) are based on the Arizona Statutes and Rules.  You can schedule your exam after your application is submitted and paid for online. Exams are proctored every Thursday at 10:00am (excluding holidays). 
      *To schedule the State Laws exam email: [email protected]