Whether you're a funeral professional applying for a license or a family navigating funeral planning paperwork, this page explains which forms you need and where to find them.
Forms for Funeral Professionals
These forms are for licensed or aspiring funeral professionals in West Virginia. All are available from the Board's website at wvfuneralboard.wv.gov.
License Applications
| Form | Who Needs It | Where to Get It |
|---|---|---|
| Funeral Service Application | Applying for a combined funeral director + embalmer license | Board website |
| Funeral Director Application | Applying for a funeral director-only license | Board website |
| Funeral Director Reciprocity Application | Licensed in another state, seeking WV license | Board website |
| Crematory Operator Application | Applying for crematory operator certification | Board website |
| Courtesy Card Application | Out-of-state funeral director seeking WV courtesy card | Board website |
| Apprentice Registration Form | Registering as a funeral directing or embalming apprentice | Board website |
| Main Funeral Home Application | Opening a new funeral establishment | Board website |
| Branch Funeral Home Application | Opening a branch location | Board website |
| Crematory Application | Opening a new crematory facility | Board website |
Renewal Forms
| Form | Renewal Cycle | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Funeral Service Renewal | Biennial (every 2 years) | July 1 |
| Crematory Operator Renewal | Biennial | July 1 |
| Courtesy Card Renewal | Biennial | July 1 |
| Main Facility Renewal | Biennial | July 1 |
| Branch Facility Renewal | Biennial | July 1 |
| Crematory Renewal | Biennial | July 1 |
| Apprentice Renewal | Biennial | July 1 |
All renewals are due on or before July 1 of the renewal year. Late renewals incur an additional fee. Contact the Board at (304) 558-0302 for current fee amounts.
View continuing education requirements for renewal →
Reinstatement Forms
| Form | When You Need It |
|---|---|
| Funeral Service / Director Reinstatement | Lapsed or expired license |
| Crematory Operator Reinstatement | Lapsed crematory operator certificate |
| Courtesy Card Reinstatement | Expired courtesy card |
| Main Facility Reinstatement | Lapsed funeral home license |
| Branch Facility Reinstatement | Lapsed branch location license |
| Crematory Reinstatement | Lapsed crematory facility license |
View the full reinstatement process →
Other Professional Forms
| Form | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Complaint Form | Filing a complaint against a licensee or facility |
| Inactive License Form | Placing your license on inactive status |
| License Verification Form | Verifying your license for another state or employer |
| Licensee-in-Charge Change Form | Changing the licensee-in-charge at a funeral establishment |
| Operator-in-Charge Change Form | Changing the crematory operator-in-charge |
| CE Provider Application | Applying to offer Board-approved continuing education courses |
| CE Provider Renewal Application | Renewing CE provider status |
| Retiree Return to Work Form | Returning from retired/emeritus status |
Forms for Families & Consumers
If you're a family planning a funeral, these are the key documents you may encounter during the process:
Death certificate — Filed by the funeral director with the WV Vital Registration Office. You'll need multiple certified copies ($12 each in WV). Order at least 5 to 10 copies for insurance claims, bank accounts, property transfers, and government agencies.
Cremation authorization form — Required before any cremation in West Virginia. The funeral home provides this form, and it must be signed by the legal next of kin. This is a WV legal requirement.
General Price List (GPL) — Every funeral home must provide this itemized price list to you. It breaks down every service and product with individual prices. You have a right to this under the FTC Funeral Rule — ask for it.
Statement of Funeral Goods and Services Selected — After you've made your selections, the funeral home must give you a written statement showing everything you've chosen and the total cost. Review it carefully before signing.
Burial permit / disposition permit — Required before the body can be buried or cremated. The funeral home handles obtaining this.
VA Form 21P-530EZ — Application for VA burial allowance. Needed if the deceased was a veteran. Your funeral home can often help you file this.
Social Security notification — The funeral home typically reports the death to Social Security on your behalf. The surviving spouse may be eligible for a one-time $255 death benefit.
Planning a Funeral?
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Where to Get Official Forms
Website: wvfuneralboard.wv.gov
179 Summers Street, Suite 319
Charleston, WV 25301
Phone: (304) 558-0302
Email: wvfuneralboard@wv.gov
Important: Always download forms directly from the Board's official website to ensure you have the most current version. Do not use forms from third-party sites, as they may be outdated.