Illinois Funeral Director Licensing & Regulations
Complete guide to Illinois funeral director licensing requirements, IDFPR regulations, death certificate filing procedures, and cemetery oversight laws for funeral professionals.
Illinois Funeral Industry Regulations
Licensing Authority
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) oversees all funeral director and embalmer licensing in the state.
Death Certificate Filing
Death certificates must be filed within 7 days of death. The funeral director who assumes custody is responsible for proper filing.
Cemetery Regulations
Cemetery Care Act (760 ILCS 100/8) requires all cemeteries to register with the state. IDFPR licenses cemetery authorities and managers.
Continuing Education
Combined license holders must complete 24 hours of continuing education every 24 months to maintain their license.
Illinois Funeral Director Licensing Requirements
Education Requirements
- One academic year of college or equivalent
- One year at IDFPR-approved mortuary school
- One year practical training under licensed professional
Examination Requirements
- Pass written examination
- Pass oral examination
- Meet age and residency requirements
License Renewal
- Renewal required every 24 months
- 24 hours continuing education for combined license
- 12 hours for grandfathered funeral directors only
Death Certificate Filing & Record Keeping
Illinois has specific requirements for death certificate filing and record maintenance that funeral directors must follow.
Death Certificate Filing
- Must be filed within 7 days of death
- Funeral director who assumes custody is responsible
- Proper completion required for all sections
Record Keeping Requirements
- Maintain accurate records per IDFPR requirements
- Long-term retention as required by state law
- Available for inspection by regulatory authorities
Illinois Cemetery Oversight
Illinois cemeteries are regulated under the Cemetery Care Act (760 ILCS 100/8), which requires registration and oversight.
Cemetery Registration Requirements
- All cemeteries must register with the state
- IDFPR licenses cemetery authorities and managers
- Regular reporting and compliance monitoring
Regulatory Oversight
- IDFPR oversight and enforcement
- Maintenance of burial records
- Perpetual care fund management
Illinois Funeral Director FAQ
What are the licensing requirements for funeral directors in Illinois?
Illinois requires a combined funeral director and embalmer license through IDFPR. Requirements include one academic year of college plus one year at an approved mortuary school, one year practical training under a licensed funeral director/embalmer, and passing written/oral examinations.
How often must Illinois funeral directors complete continuing education?
Combined license holders must complete 24 hours of continuing education every 24 months. Grandfathered funeral directors only need 12 hours every 24 months.
What are Illinois death certificate filing requirements?
Death certificates must be filed within 7 days of death. The funeral director who assumes custody of the deceased is responsible for filing with the appropriate authorities.
How are cemeteries regulated in Illinois?
Illinois cemeteries are governed by the Cemetery Care Act (760 ILCS 100/8). All cemeteries must register with the state, and IDFPR licenses cemetery authorities and managers.