No. You don’t need any specific license to open a funeral home in the United States; however, embalmers and funeral directors do.
Aside from that, note that some states have specific regulations that funeral homes or professionals who work in these homes are expected to follow. You may also have to obtain other general business licenses required by local, state, and federal governments.
Funeral homes have become a very necessary component in our modern society as they make families’ lives easier during very hard times. While the services they offer are death related, venturing into such an enterprise could turn out to be a lucrative endeavor.
These businesses generate revenue from helping families honor and remember their loved ones. As such, if you’re considering investing in an income-producing venture, you should consider starting a funeral home in the United States.
Although there is no stipulated licensing for a funeral home business, states tend to mandate a wide range of licensing requirements for embalmers and funeral directors.
Aside from that, these experts are expected to stay informed and in line with all guidelines outlined by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) as funeral homes are regulated under the Funeral Rule, which safeguards clients from non-transparent bundling of products and services being sold.
Also, have it in mind that your Local health departments as well as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) will have to inspect and authenticate that the funeral home is up to code and authorized to carry out services.
However, coupled with professional licensing, don’t forget there are general business authorizations that may be required and this may include a business license, sales tax permit, Employer Identification Number, Occupancy Permit, etc.
Essential Licenses Needed to Start and Operate a Funeral Home
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Business Licenses
This license is considered necessary for just about any type of business in the United States. This license is most often issued by state governments and serves as the authorization to carry out business activities in a specific location. Note that to obtain this license, you will have to complete an application and pay a fee.
Most often, this application will require you to make available details regarding your business, which would include the type of business, the address, as well as the owner’s name.
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Zoning Permit
This is another important authorization to take seriously when starting a funeral home anywhere in the country. Have it in mind that a zoning permit guarantees that the funeral home is in conformance with local zoning ordinances. To obtain this permit, you will also have to complete an application and pay a fee.
You will have to provide details regarding the funeral home, including the address, the type of business, and the intended use of the property.
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Health and Safety Permit
You might also be mandated to obtain a health and safety permit in most jurisdictions to operate a funeral home. These permits guarantee that the funeral home is in conformance with all local health and safety ordinances. You should reach out to your state environmental protection agencies or local health departments to find out if your funeral home needs to obtain this permit or even any other type of environmental inspection or permit.
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Fire Safety Permit
This is another permit you might have to obtain when looking to start or operate a funeral home in the United States. Although the need to obtain this permit will vary from one location to another, it is recommended you research or ask the necessary agency to know if you are expected to obtain this permit.
Nevertheless, note that the steps to obtain this permit will vary depending on your city or county, but it will most often include submitting an application, as well as providing necessary details regarding your business and activities.
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Building Permit
Your funeral home will also be expected to meet every relevant building code. A building permit is more or less an authorization issued by local governments to permit new construction or remodeling. To obtain this permit, it is recommended you work with a permit expediter in your area.
These experts will take care of everything you need to do, including paperwork, obtaining the necessary documents, and more. They will often file these permits on your behalf.
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Funeral Directors License
Although you don’t need any specific license to open a funeral home in the United States, have it in mind that funeral directors do. Funeral directors are more or less tasked with overseeing funeral arrangements and plans, aiding families during this troubling period.
To offer these services and more, they are expected to be licensed by the state in which they intend to practice. Note that to obtain a license, funeral directors will have to complete an authorized mortuary science program as well as pass a state licensing exam.
A good number of states will also warrant funeral directors to satisfy certain continuing education requirements on an ongoing basis.
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Embalmer License
This is also necessary if you intend to offer embalming services in your funeral home. Embalmers are tasked with the preservation of human remains. However, these experts will have to be licensed by the state in which they intend to practice before they can offer these services.
Most often, to obtain this license, the individual will need to accomplish certain educational requirements and pass a state licensing exam. There are also states that require embalmers to satisfy continuing education requirements on an ongoing basis.
Conclusion
You don’t need any specific license to open a funeral home in the United States; however, embalmers and funeral directors do. Aside from that, note that some states have specific regulations that funeral homes are expected to abide by.
However, coupled with professional licensing, don’t forget there are general business authorizations that may be required and this may include a business license, sales tax permit, Employer Identification Number, Occupancy Permit, etc.