Funeral Director / Embalmer / Washington
2026 data Washington board official source

Washington Funeral Director / Embalmer License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

What the state board actually requires: fees, renewal cycle, and requirements from official records.

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Manages funeral services. Licensed in all 50 states.

What the Washington data shows for Funeral Director / Embalmers

To practice as a funeral director / embalmer in Washington, the state licensing board requires 1,500 documented education or training hours, a passing score on a state-approved exam. A criminal history background check is also part of the application. The regulation sits under Washington's professional licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Cosmetology School".

Budget $75 to get started on a 2-year cycle. There's no continuing-education mandate tied to this profession in Washington, which keeps the long-run cost of staying licensed lighter than in CE-heavy states.

Washington evaluates out-of-state credentials case-by-case rather than through a published reciprocity list.

Licensing Requirements in Washington

Education / Training Hours
Cosmetology School
1,500 hours
Exam Requirement
Required
Initial License Fee
$75
Renewal Fee
N/A
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
Not required
Criminal History Check
Required

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Compare all states for Funeral Director / Embalmer All Washington licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Washington licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Funeral Director / Embalmer in Washington? ▼
Washington's requirements cover 1500 hours of education or training, a state exam, and an initial fee of $75. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as a Funeral Director / Embalmer in Washington? ▼
To become a licensed funeral director / embalmer in Washington, you must meet the state's requirements including 1500 hours of education. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the Washington licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Funeral Director / Embalmer license to Washington from another state? ▼
Out-of-state funeral director / embalmer credentials get a case-by-case review in Washington rather than automatic recognition. Interstate compacts exist for a number of professions and might still help. Confirm the details with the Washington licensing board.
Does Washington require a background check for Funeral Director / Embalmer licensing? ▼
Washington does require a background check before issuing a funeral director / embalmer license. What counts as disqualifying, and how it's reviewed, is up to the state licensing board.

Related Guides

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.