Regulations

Funeral / Burial - Reciprocal Funeral Director

About

A funeral director is a licensed professional who specializes in all aspects associated with funeral services. A funeral director can provide:

  • Support to the bereaved during initial stages of their grief
  • Arrange and direct funeral services
  • Arrange for removal of the deceased from the place of death
  • File death certificates

Requirements

1) Application

2) Application Fee

3) A copy of an official photo identification issued by a governmental agency, such as a valid (permanent, current, unexpired, legible) driver’s license, U.S. passport or federal, state, county or city employee I.D. card showing the individuals date of birth and address

4) Two (2) letters of recommendation by a licensed funeral director and/or embalmer which attest to the good moral character and competence of the applicant. Such letters shall be signed and dated on printed stationery

5) An official transcript evidencing completion of a study in funeral service education consisting of not less than thirty (30) semester hours, forty-five (45) quarter hours or the equivalent, from a school accredited by the American Board of Funeral Services Education

6) National Board Exam Scores (Art) passing score of 75

7) Tennessee Laws. Rules & Regulations Exam passing score of 75

8) Letter of verification of licensure from reciprocating state licensing authority

9) If the applicant did not receive an Associates Degree from a mortuary college, an affidavit is required stating the person has been licensed for five (5) consecutive years.

10) If you answered YES to the felony / misdemeanor question involving moral turpitude, you must attach to this application a written statement explaining the circumstances of each incident, and a copy of the official document(s) which demonstrates the resolution of the charge(s) or any final judgment.

Requirements for Renewal:

1) As a prerequisite to license renewal, each licensee shall submit with the license renewal application satisfactory proof of having completed a minimum of ten (10) hours of continuing education coursework during the licensing period. All coursework must be approved by the Board for credit to be awarded.

*** If the applicant has a Funeral Director / Embalmer license only ten (10) hours of continuing education is necessary to cover both licenses

Fees

Application Fee:  $435

Renewal Fee:  $235

Additional

Change of Address

For a Funeral Director or Embalmer, a change of address is reported through your core.tn.gov account. After you log in or create an account, you will choose the “My Licenses or Permits” tab, select your credential, then select the Change Address option.

For funeral establishments, you need to complete a Change of Location application within your core account at core.tn.gov and email the board if you would like to add a PO Box for your mail. The mailing address for funeral establishments has to be at your physical location unless you add a PO Box.