In the United States, regulations for mortuary transport services vary by state, with some states requiring specific licenses or permits, while others have minimal or no formal requirements. Unfortunately, there isn’t a comprehensive, up-to-date list detailing the licensing requirements for mortuary transport across all 50 states. However, here’s an overview based on available information:
Dedicated Transport License Required
- North Carolina: Offers a specific Transporter license for individuals or businesses exclusively engaged in the transport of human remains. Applicants must meet certain criteria, including holding a valid driver’s license, maintaining professional liability insurance, background check, and an approved vehicle. theconferenceonline.org
- Virginia: Requires Registered Removal Technicians involved in the transport of human remains to be registered with the Virginia Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers, ensuring they meet specific standards and regulations. Requirements include registration, training, and supervision by a funeral establishment. theconferenceonline.org
- Texas: Requires a Removal / Transport Service License. Regulated by the Texas Funeral Service Commission.
Funeral Director Supervision Required
- Michigan: Transport must occur under the authority of a licensed funeral director. This individual may designate an employee or another person to perform the transport, but the responsibility remains with the licensee. Independent transport companies must work under a licensed funeral establishment. legislature.mi.gov
- Pennsylvania: Requires a Removal Transport Permit. Vehicles must be registered with the State Board of Funeral Directors.
- New York: Transport must occur under licensed funeral director supervision. Removal services must be registered funeral establishments or contractors.
States Without Dedicated Transport Licenses
- California: While funeral establishments and embalmers are licensed, there isn’t a separate statewide license specifically for individuals solely providing transport services. However, local ordinances may impose specific requirements. Transport must generally be under a licensed funeral establishment or crematory authority.
- Florida: Does not require a license specifically for transporting human remains. Associates other than licensed funeral directors often handle the transport duties. Transport services typically operate under licensed funeral establishments. Independent removal companies often operate under contract with funeral homes. Florida Statutes Chapter 497.
In states like California and Florida, there isn’t a specific, separate license required exclusively for mortuary transport. This means that individuals looking to start a mortuary transport business in those states may not need a dedicated “transport license” but may still need to comply with other regulations. Here’s what that means:
California
- No standalone mortuary transport license is required.
- However, mortuary transport services often operate under licensed funeral homes, which must comply with California Cemetery and Funeral Bureau regulations.
- If you are not a licensed funeral director, you might need to contract with a licensed funeral establishment to legally operate.
- Some local jurisdictions (counties/cities) may impose additional requirements.
Florida
- No statewide mortuary transport license exists.
- Licensed funeral homes can employ individuals who handle body transport without a personal license.
- However, working independently might still require business registration, vehicle compliance, and adherence to health department regulations.
- Some counties might have specific transport permit requirements.
Mortuary Transport License Requirements by State
Mortuary transport regulations vary widely across the United States. Some states require a dedicated removal or transport service license, while others require supervision by a licensed funeral director or allow transport services to operate under licensed funeral establishments.
The table below provides a general overview of licensing requirements in selected states.
| State | Transport License | Funeral Director Required | Regulating Authority | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | No | Often | California Cemetery and Funeral Bureau | CA Business & Professions Code §7600 |
| Florida | No | Often | Florida Division of Funeral, Cemetery & Consumer Services | Florida Statutes Chapter 497 |
| Georgia | Registration required | Yes | Georgia State Board of Funeral Service | GA Code §43-18 |
| Illinois | No | Yes | Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation | IL Funeral Directors and Embalmers Act |
| Michigan | No | Yes | Michigan Board of Mortuary Science | MCL 333.2843 |
| New York | No | Yes | New York State Department of Health | NY Public Health Law Article 34 |
| North Carolina | Yes | No | North Carolina Board of Funeral Service | NC General Statutes §90-210 |
| Pennsylvania | Yes | Often | Pennsylvania State Board of Funeral Directors | 49 Pa. Code Chapter 13 |
| Texas | Yes | No | Texas Funeral Service Commission | Texas Occupations Code §651 |
| Virginia | Yes | Yes | Virginia Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers | VA Code §54.1-2800 |
Disclaimer: Regulations governing the transportation of human remains vary by state and may also be subject to county coroner or medical examiner requirements. This overview is intended for general informational purposes only. Always consult your state funeral licensing authority before starting a mortuary transport service.
What This Means for Starting a Mortuary Transport Business
If you’re in a state like California or Florida, you may be able to start a mortuary transport service without needing a license, but:
- You’ll still need a registered business entity (LLC, corporation, etc.).
- Vehicles may need to meet state sanitation and OSHA standards.
- Some counties or cities may require permits or local approvals.
- You may need contracts with funeral homes, hospitals, or medical examiners to operate legally.
Download the free, multilingual Mortuary Transporter app on iPhone or Android. Mortuary Transporter will get you started with everything you need for all things mortuary transport.
