Why Verify a Funeral Director's License?
When you're trusting someone with the care of a loved one who has passed, you want to know they're properly qualified and legally authorized to practice in West Virginia.
Every funeral director, embalmer, and crematory operator in WV must be licensed or certified by the WV Board of Funeral Service Examiners. Funeral homes must also hold a separate facility license. Operating without proper licensing is illegal under WV Code §30-6-16.
Verifying a license takes only a few minutes and gives you peace of mind that your funeral provider meets West Virginia's professional standards.
How to Verify a License
Visit the official Board website
Go to wvfuneralboard.wv.gov and look for the license verification or roster section.
Search by name or funeral home
You can search for an individual funeral director or embalmer by name, or search for a licensed funeral establishment by business name or location.
Review the results
The roster will show the licensee's name, license type, license number, status (active/inactive/expired), and the funeral establishment they're associated with.
If you can't find someone in the online database, or if you have questions about a specific license, call the Board directly at (304) 558-0302.
What to Look For
When verifying a funeral director or funeral home, check for these things:
Types of Licenses in West Virginia
| License Type | What It Authorizes |
|---|---|
| Funeral Director | Directing funerals, arranging services, working with families |
| Embalmer | Embalming and preparing bodies |
| Funeral Service Licensee | Both funeral directing and embalming (combined) |
| Crematory Operator | Operating cremation equipment |
| Courtesy Card | Limited funeral directing by out-of-state directors from bordering states |
| Funeral Establishment | Operating a funeral home at a specific address |
| Crematory License | Operating a crematory facility at a specific address |
How to File a Complaint
If you believe a funeral director, funeral home, or crematory has acted improperly or violated WV law, you can file a complaint with the Board:
Download the complaint form from the Board's website at wvfuneralboard.wv.gov
Submit the completed form with all relevant details and supporting documentation to:
179 Summers Street, Suite 319
Charleston, WV 25301
Phone: (304) 558-0302
Email: wvfuneralboard@wv.gov
The Board investigates complaints and has the authority to discipline licensees, including suspending or revoking licenses for violations.
Your Rights as a Consumer
Under federal and state law, you have specific rights when working with a funeral home:
Planning a Funeral?
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Tips for Choosing a Funeral Home in WV
- Get quotes from at least 3 funeral homes — prices for identical services can vary by $2,000 or more in the same city
- Verify that the funeral home and director are licensed — use the Board's verification tool
- Ask for the General Price List — review it carefully before committing
- Ask about payment options — not all funeral homes offer payment plans
- Ask for recommendations from friends, family, or clergy in your community
- Visit the facility if possible — it should be clean, professional, and welcoming
- Trust your instincts — if you feel pressured or uncomfortable, choose a different provider