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Texas Funeral Service — Requirements & Free Practice

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Licenses, application pathways and examination requirements

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Commercial Embalmers Establishment License

License for an establishment that embalms for licensed funeral establishments and does not sell services or merchandise directly or at retail to the public.

Licensing authority: Texas Funeral Service Commission

Initial establishment licensure
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Commission application, fee, price lists and purchase-agreement/case-report forms as applicable.
Commercial restrictions
Embalm only for licensed funeral establishments; no direct public retail sales; the statutory exemptions in §651.352(b) apply.
Inspection
Pass the mandatory initial inspection; satisfy applicable building, fire, health, physical-location, equipment and staffing requirements.
Personnel
Employ the licensed professional personnel and designate the responsible Funeral Director in Charge or Embalmer in Charge. These are existing licenses, not establishment exam leaves.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

New license following a name or physical location change
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Change
Submit a new establishment application, pay fees and outstanding penalties subject to review exceptions; a physical-location change requires inspection.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensing after an establishment ownership change
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Ownership
Submit a new-license application or the prescribed change-of-ownership notice within thirty days, attestation, supporting documents and applicable fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Annual establishment renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Late renewal
Late fee after expiration; no operation after thirty days until payment, and cancellation if the application is not received within ninety days.
Renewal
Pay the required fee, provide the renewal application, and resolve penalties or satisfy the prescribed payment-plan/review exceptions.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Crematory Establishment License

License required to conduct a crematory business; valid for one year.

Licensing authority: Texas Funeral Service Commission

Initial crematory establishment licensure: embalming license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Written Commission application, required business/ownership/history information, fees and inspection before operation.
Operator training
Provide proof that the owner/operator and chamber operators are trained and certified by a reputable Commission-approved organization, such as CANA. The certification is an applicant training condition, not an identified examination of the funeral-director/embalmer profession.
Ownership qualification
Owner/operator holds a commercial embalmers establishment license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial crematory establishment licensure: funeral license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Written Commission application, required business/ownership/history information, fees and inspection before operation.
Operator training
Provide proof that the owner/operator and chamber operators are trained and certified by a reputable Commission-approved organization, such as CANA. The certification is an applicant training condition, not an identified examination of the funeral-director/embalmer profession.
Ownership qualification
Owner/operator holds a funeral establishment license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial crematory establishment licensure: grandfathered
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Written Commission application, required business/ownership/history information, fees and inspection before operation.
Operator training
Provide proof that the owner/operator and chamber operators are trained and certified by a reputable Commission-approved organization, such as CANA. The certification is an applicant training condition, not an identified examination of the funeral-director/embalmer profession.
Ownership qualification
Owner/operator had a crematory registered with the Commission on September 1, 2003 and qualifies for §651.656(c).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial crematory establishment licensure: perpetual care cemetery
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Written Commission application, required business/ownership/history information, fees and inspection before operation.
Operator training
Provide proof that the owner/operator and chamber operators are trained and certified by a reputable Commission-approved organization, such as CANA. The certification is an applicant training condition, not an identified examination of the funeral-director/embalmer profession.
Ownership qualification
Owner/operator owns or operates a perpetual-care cemetery.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Crematory licensing after a name location change
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Business information
Provide the applicable ownership, training/certification, business-history and facility documentation.
Change
Name or physical-location change; new application, fees and inspection.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Crematory licensing after a ownership change
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Business information
Provide the applicable ownership, training/certification, business-history and facility documentation.
Change
Ownership change; new application or the Board change-of-ownership amendment. An amendment retains the license number, complaint history, records obligations and penalties.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Annual renewal of a crematory establishment license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Late renewal
An equal renewal-fee penalty applies after expiration; no operation after thirty days until fees and penalties are paid.
Renewal
Submit renewal application, required fee and unchanged-information statement or current business disclosures; file the annual cremation report.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Funeral Director and Embalmer Dual License

License authorizing both funeral directing and embalming.

Licensing authority: Texas Funeral Service Commission

Full licensure following a former Texas provisional license
Criminal history
Submit to the required fingerprint-based criminal background check and satisfy the Commission criminal-history standards.
Fees and affidavit
Pay applicable fees and submit the exit documents and supervisor proficiency affidavit required by 22 TAC §203.5(k)–(m).
Minimum age
At least 18 years old under §651.253(a)(1).
Mortuary education
Graduation from an accredited school or college of mortuary science.
Passing scores
At least 75 percent on the applicable examinations; the Mortuary Law Exam score expires for application purposes if no application is submitted within six months.
Previous provisional license
Held a Texas provisional license no more than 24 months before the application and did not obtain the regular license by direct program exit or reciprocity; re-take the Mortuary Law Exam under §203.1(e).
Provisional program
Complete the applicable supervised provisional program unless admitted by reciprocity; at least 45 cases, including at least 10 complete cases, are required under §§651.303–651.304. Approved clinical case credit is governed by §651.3035.
Secondary education
Accredited high-school graduation or the examination prescribed by the Texas Education Agency; this education examination is an applicant qualification, not a funeral-service examination leaf.
Initial licensure by examination after the provisional program
Criminal history
Submit to the required fingerprint-based criminal background check and satisfy the Commission criminal-history standards.
Degree route
Associate of Applied Science mortuary-science graduate under 22 TAC §203.5(n)(2); the applicable national Arts and/or Sciences examination follows the license sought.
Fees and affidavit
Pay applicable fees and submit the exit documents and supervisor proficiency affidavit required by 22 TAC §203.5(k)–(m).
Minimum age
At least 18 years old under §651.253(a)(1).
Mortuary education
Graduation from an accredited school or college of mortuary science.
Passing scores
At least 75 percent on the applicable examinations; the Mortuary Law Exam score expires for application purposes if no application is submitted within six months.
Provisional program
Complete the applicable supervised provisional program unless admitted by reciprocity; at least 45 cases, including at least 10 complete cases, are required under §§651.303–651.304. Approved clinical case credit is governed by §651.3035.
Secondary education
Accredited high-school graduation or the examination prescribed by the Texas Education Agency; this education examination is an applicant qualification, not a funeral-service examination leaf.
Late renewal within 90 days
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Meet the continuing-education requirements of 22 TAC §203.8; education courses are conditions.
Renewal time
Expired for 90 days or less; pay 1.5 times the regular renewal fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Late renewal after 90 days but before one year
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Meet the continuing-education requirements of 22 TAC §203.8; education courses are conditions.
Renewal time
Expired for more than 90 days but less than one year; pay twice the regular renewal fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Military alternative licensure based on a former Texas license
Alternative competency
The executive director may waive prerequisites and accept education, experience, training, clinical work, recommendations, or examinations as alternative competency evidence under §55.004(b) and 22 TAC §§203.2 and 203.59. Unnamed alternative written or practical examinations are conditions, not invented examination leaves.
Criminal history
Submit to the required fingerprint-based criminal background check and satisfy the Commission criminal-history standards.
Expedited processing
Expedited processing and eligible fee exemptions apply; the 2025 statute requires prompt issuance of a provisional license or the applied-for license pending processing.
Fees and affidavit
Pay applicable fees and submit the exit documents and supervisor proficiency affidavit required by 22 TAC §203.5(k)–(m).
Military eligibility
Held the Texas license within the five years preceding application.
Military status
Military service member, military veteran, or military spouse under Occupations Code Chapter 55.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old under §651.253(a)(1).
Mortuary education
Graduation from an accredited school or college of mortuary science.
Passing scores
At least 75 percent on the applicable examinations; the Mortuary Law Exam score expires for application purposes if no application is submitted within six months.
Provisional program
Complete the applicable supervised provisional program unless admitted by reciprocity; at least 45 cases, including at least 10 complete cases, are required under §§651.303–651.304. Approved clinical case credit is governed by §651.3035.
Reciprocity equivalence
Former Texas licensure within five years qualifies under §55.004(a)(2), with discretionary waiver of prerequisites.
Secondary education
Accredited high-school graduation or the examination prescribed by the Texas Education Agency; this education examination is an applicant qualification, not a funeral-service examination leaf.
Military alternative licensure based on a current out of state license
State Mortuary Law Examination
Alternative competency
The executive director may waive prerequisites and accept education, experience, training, clinical work, recommendations, or examinations as alternative competency evidence under §55.004(b) and 22 TAC §§203.2 and 203.59. Unnamed alternative written or practical examinations are conditions, not invented examination leaves.
Criminal history
Submit to the required fingerprint-based criminal background check and satisfy the Commission criminal-history standards.
Expedited processing
Expedited processing and eligible fee exemptions apply; the 2025 statute requires prompt issuance of a provisional license or the applied-for license pending processing.
Fees and affidavit
Pay applicable fees and submit the exit documents and supervisor proficiency affidavit required by 22 TAC §203.5(k)–(m).
Military eligibility
Holds a current license in good standing issued by another state that is similar in scope of practice.
Military status
Military service member, military veteran, or military spouse under Occupations Code Chapter 55.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old under §651.253(a)(1).
Mortuary education
Graduation from an accredited school or college of mortuary science.
Passing scores
At least 75 percent on the applicable examinations; the Mortuary Law Exam score expires for application purposes if no application is submitted within six months.
Provisional program
Complete the applicable supervised provisional program unless admitted by reciprocity; at least 45 cases, including at least 10 complete cases, are required under §§651.303–651.304. Approved clinical case credit is governed by §651.3035.
Reciprocity equivalence
For a current substantially equivalent license meeting §651.259 and §203.4(c)(1), general license requirements must be waived; military waivers of other prerequisites remain discretionary.
Secondary education
Accredited high-school graduation or the examination prescribed by the Texas Education Agency; this education examination is an applicant qualification, not a funeral-service examination leaf.
Military alternative licensure based on a current out of state license
Alternative competency
The executive director may waive prerequisites and accept education, experience, training, clinical work, recommendations, or examinations as alternative competency evidence under §55.004(b) and 22 TAC §§203.2 and 203.59. Unnamed alternative written or practical examinations are conditions, not invented examination leaves.
Criminal history
Submit to the required fingerprint-based criminal background check and satisfy the Commission criminal-history standards.
Expedited processing
Expedited processing and eligible fee exemptions apply; the 2025 statute requires prompt issuance of a provisional license or the applied-for license pending processing.
Fees and affidavit
Pay applicable fees and submit the exit documents and supervisor proficiency affidavit required by 22 TAC §203.5(k)–(m).
Military eligibility
Holds a current license in good standing issued by another state that is similar in scope of practice.
Military status
Military service member, military veteran, or military spouse under Occupations Code Chapter 55.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old under §651.253(a)(1).
Mortuary education
Graduation from an accredited school or college of mortuary science.
Passing scores
At least 75 percent on the applicable examinations; the Mortuary Law Exam score expires for application purposes if no application is submitted within six months.
Provisional program
Complete the applicable supervised provisional program unless admitted by reciprocity; at least 45 cases, including at least 10 complete cases, are required under §§651.303–651.304. Approved clinical case credit is governed by §651.3035.
Reciprocity equivalence
The current out-of-state license has similar scope but does not satisfy the mandatory substantially-equivalent reciprocity waiver.
Secondary education
Accredited high-school graduation or the examination prescribed by the Texas Education Agency; this education examination is an applicant qualification, not a funeral-service examination leaf.
Military reinstatement within five years of expiration
State Mortuary Law Examination
Expiration
License expired for at least one year but not more than five years.
Military status
Military service member, military veteran, or military spouse.
Waiver
The executive director may waive any prerequisite under §203.1(f)(6); absent a waiver the State Mortuary Law Examination and other reinstatement requirements in §203.1(f)(4) apply.
Return of a former Texas licensee practicing in another state
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Fees
Pay twice the normal renewal fee.
Other state practice
Former Texas licensee currently licensed and practicing in another state for the two years immediately preceding application.
Reexamination waiver
§651.165(e), §651.264, and §203.1(f)(5) expressly permit a new license without reexamination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial licensure by examination under a criminal history probation order
Criminal history
Submit to the required fingerprint-based criminal background check and satisfy the Commission criminal-history standards.
Fees and affidavit
Pay applicable fees and submit the exit documents and supervisor proficiency affidavit required by 22 TAC §203.5(k)–(m).
Minimum age
At least 18 years old under §651.253(a)(1).
Mortuary education
Graduation from an accredited school or college of mortuary science.
Passing scores
At least 75 percent on the applicable examinations; the Mortuary Law Exam score expires for application purposes if no application is submitted within six months.
Probation
A criminal-history applicant whom the Commission determines not ineligible may receive a probated license under §203.17(g), through an agreed order stating the probation terms and consequences; completion converts the same license to ordinary status.
Provisional program
Complete the applicable supervised provisional program unless admitted by reciprocity; at least 45 cases, including at least 10 complete cases, are required under §§651.303–651.304. Approved clinical case credit is governed by §651.3035.
Secondary education
Accredited high-school graduation or the examination prescribed by the Texas Education Agency; this education examination is an applicant qualification, not a funeral-service examination leaf.
Probated reissuance of a revoked license
State Mortuary Law Examination
Discretion
The Commission may grant or deny reissuance; a denied petition cannot be reconsidered for twelve months under §203.18(c).
Examination
§651.267(d) requires the applicable examination; §203.18(h)(1) identifies it as the State Mortuary Law Examination.
Fees and education
Pay twice the regular renewal fee and satisfy continuing education, with additional competency training as required.
Probation
The Commission may place the reissued license on probation for at least two years under §203.18(i), with an agreed order.
Revocation
Apply no earlier than the third anniversary of revocation; petition in writing and establish good cause before the Commission.
Reciprocity from a substantially equivalent jurisdiction
State Mortuary Law Examination
Board packet demand
The Reciprocal Application Packet, updated August 8, 2023, states: Passing National Board Scores of 75%+ For equivalent applicants this implementing demand is subject to the mandatory waiver in §651.259(a).
Criminal history
Criminal background check required.
Experience
At least one year of practice in a jurisdiction with substantially equivalent requirements.
License held
Current funeral-director and/or embalmer license in good standing issued by another state, country, or territory, supported by the sworn application and official license verification.
Mortuary education
Graduate of an accredited college of mortuary science.
National waiver
§651.259(a) and 22 TAC §203.4(f) require waiver of the general requirements for substantially equivalent applicants.
State score
Pass the State Mortuary Law Examination with at least 75 percent; application within six months of the exam.
Reciprocity from a non equivalent jurisdiction
Board packet demand
The Reciprocal Application Packet, updated August 8, 2023, states: Passing National Board Scores of 75%+ For equivalent applicants this implementing demand is subject to the mandatory waiver in §651.259(a).
Criminal history
Criminal background check required.
Experience
At least five years of practice in a jurisdiction without substantially equivalent requirements.
License held
Current funeral-director and/or embalmer license in good standing issued by another state, country, or territory, supported by the sworn application and official license verification.
Mortuary education
Graduate of an accredited college of mortuary science.
National waiver
§651.259(a) and 22 TAC §203.4(f) permit the Commission to waive general license requirements; the applicable current national examination remains involved subject to this discretion.
State score
Pass the State Mortuary Law Examination with at least 75 percent; application within six months of the exam.
Reinstatement after expiration of at least one year
State Mortuary Law Examination
Board application demand
The 2021 Reinstatement Application requests National Board Examination Arts or a historical State Board Examination Arts score and graduation documentation. The controlling reinstatement procedure in §651.165(d), implemented by §203.1(f)(4), identifies the applicable reexamination as the State Mortuary Law Examination; the form demand is retained here.
Continuing education
Complete the continuing education under §203.8.
Expiration
License expired for at least one year.
Fees
Pay twice the normal renewal fee plus applicable fees.
State exam
Retake and pass the State Mortuary Law Examination under 22 TAC §203.1(f)(4).
Reissuance of a revoked license
State Mortuary Law Examination
Discretion
The Commission may grant or deny reissuance; a denied petition cannot be reconsidered for twelve months under §203.18(c).
Examination
§651.267(d) requires the applicable examination; §203.18(h)(1) identifies it as the State Mortuary Law Examination.
Fees and education
Pay twice the regular renewal fee and satisfy continuing education, with additional competency training as required.
Revocation
Apply no earlier than the third anniversary of revocation; petition in writing and establish good cause before the Commission.
Renewal of a suspended license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Fees
Pay twice the normal renewal fee plus assessed penalties under §651.1655; renewal does not independently remove a disciplinary suspension.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Timely renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Meet the continuing-education requirements of 22 TAC §203.8; education courses are conditions.
Renewal time
Apply within the 60-day renewal window and pay the renewal fee before expiration.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Funeral Director and Embalmer Dual License (Disabled, Active)

Disabled, active status for an existing dual licensee with a disability of 75% or greater; written application and proof of disability are required, with a renewal fee equal to half the active-status fee.

Licensing authority: Texas Funeral Service Commission

Renewal into disabled active status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit written application and proof of disability, subject to Commission acceptance.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
One-half of the ordinary renewal fee for active retired/disabled status.
Practice
Active status permits the underlying professional practice.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and documented disability of at least 75 percent; a second certification may be required.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Continued disabled active licensure: Renew within ninety days of expiration with the statutory late fee.
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit written application and proof of disability, subject to Commission acceptance.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
One-half of the ordinary renewal fee for active retired/disabled status.
Practice
Active status permits the underlying professional practice.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and documented disability of at least 75 percent; a second certification may be required.
Renewal time
Renew within ninety days of expiration with the statutory late fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Continued disabled active licensure: Renew after ninety days but before one year of expiration with the statutory late fee.
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit written application and proof of disability, subject to Commission acceptance.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
One-half of the ordinary renewal fee for active retired/disabled status.
Practice
Active status permits the underlying professional practice.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and documented disability of at least 75 percent; a second certification may be required.
Renewal time
Renew after ninety days but before one year of expiration with the statutory late fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Military reinstatement of an expired retired/disabled license
State Mortuary Law Examination
Application
Submit written application and proof of disability, subject to Commission acceptance.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
One-half of the ordinary renewal fee for active retired/disabled status.
Military expiration
Military service member, veteran or spouse, expired at least one but not more than five years; executive-director waiver of any prerequisite is discretionary under §203.1(f)(6).
Practice
Active status permits the underlying professional practice.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and documented disability of at least 75 percent; a second certification may be required.
Return to disabled active licensure after licensed practice in another state
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit written application and proof of disability, subject to Commission acceptance.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
One-half of the ordinary renewal fee for active retired/disabled status.
Other state practice
Previously held the Texas license and currently licensed and practicing in another state for the preceding two years; statutory no-reexamination route.
Practice
Active status permits the underlying professional practice.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and documented disability of at least 75 percent; a second certification may be required.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reactivation from the corresponding inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit written application and proof of disability, subject to Commission acceptance.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
One-half of the ordinary renewal fee for active retired/disabled status.
Inactive conversion
Holder of the corresponding inactive license may convert at any time to the active retired/disabled license by written notification and applicable fees under §203.3(d).
Practice
Active status permits the underlying professional practice.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and documented disability of at least 75 percent; a second certification may be required.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement of the expired disabled active license
State Mortuary Law Examination
Application
Submit written application and proof of disability, subject to Commission acceptance.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Expiration
Expired for one year or more; retake the State Mortuary Law Examination and pay applicable fees.
Fee
One-half of the ordinary renewal fee for active retired/disabled status.
Practice
Active status permits the underlying professional practice.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and documented disability of at least 75 percent; a second certification may be required.
Continued disabled active licensure: Renew an unexpired license.
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit written application and proof of disability, subject to Commission acceptance.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
One-half of the ordinary renewal fee for active retired/disabled status.
Practice
Active status permits the underlying professional practice.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and documented disability of at least 75 percent; a second certification may be required.
Renewal time
Renew an unexpired license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reissuance of a revoked retired/disabled license
State Mortuary Law Examination
Application
Submit written application and proof of disability, subject to Commission acceptance.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
One-half of the ordinary renewal fee for active retired/disabled status.
Practice
Active status permits the underlying professional practice.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and documented disability of at least 75 percent; a second certification may be required.
Revocation
Petition after at least three years, establish good cause, retake and pass the State Mortuary Law Examination, and satisfy applicable fees and other Commission requirements; the qualifying retired/disabled category remains required.
Renewal of a suspended retired/disabled license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit written application and proof of disability, subject to Commission acceptance.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
One-half of the ordinary renewal fee for active retired/disabled status.
Practice
Active status permits the underlying professional practice.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and documented disability of at least 75 percent; a second certification may be required.
Suspension
Renewal of a suspended license requires twice the normal renewal fee and assessed penalties under §651.1655, and does not independently lift a disciplinary restriction.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Funeral Director and Embalmer Dual License (Disabled, Inactive)

The statutory retired/disabled renewal category of the underlying professional license; inactive status prohibits practice.

Licensing authority: Texas Funeral Service Commission

Renewal into disabled inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit written application and proof of disability, subject to Commission acceptance.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
No renewal fee for statutory inactive status.
Practice
Inactive status prohibits funeral directing and embalming.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and documented disability of at least 75 percent; a second certification may be required.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Continued disabled inactive licensure: Renew within ninety days of expiration with the statutory late fee.
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit written application and proof of disability, subject to Commission acceptance.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
No renewal fee for statutory inactive status.
Practice
Inactive status prohibits funeral directing and embalming.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and documented disability of at least 75 percent; a second certification may be required.
Renewal time
Renew within ninety days of expiration with the statutory late fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Continued disabled inactive licensure: Renew after ninety days but before one year of expiration with the statutory late fee.
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit written application and proof of disability, subject to Commission acceptance.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
No renewal fee for statutory inactive status.
Practice
Inactive status prohibits funeral directing and embalming.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and documented disability of at least 75 percent; a second certification may be required.
Renewal time
Renew after ninety days but before one year of expiration with the statutory late fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Military reinstatement of an expired retired/disabled license
State Mortuary Law Examination
Application
Submit written application and proof of disability, subject to Commission acceptance.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
No renewal fee for statutory inactive status.
Military expiration
Military service member, veteran or spouse, expired at least one but not more than five years; executive-director waiver of any prerequisite is discretionary under §203.1(f)(6).
Practice
Inactive status prohibits funeral directing and embalming.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and documented disability of at least 75 percent; a second certification may be required.
Return to disabled inactive licensure after licensed practice in another state
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit written application and proof of disability, subject to Commission acceptance.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
No renewal fee for statutory inactive status.
Other state practice
Previously held the Texas license and currently licensed and practicing in another state for the preceding two years; statutory no-reexamination route.
Practice
Inactive status prohibits funeral directing and embalming.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and documented disability of at least 75 percent; a second certification may be required.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement of the expired disabled inactive license
State Mortuary Law Examination
Application
Submit written application and proof of disability, subject to Commission acceptance.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Expiration
Expired for one year or more; retake the State Mortuary Law Examination and pay applicable fees.
Fee
No renewal fee for statutory inactive status.
Practice
Inactive status prohibits funeral directing and embalming.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and documented disability of at least 75 percent; a second certification may be required.
Continued disabled inactive licensure: Renew an unexpired license.
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit written application and proof of disability, subject to Commission acceptance.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
No renewal fee for statutory inactive status.
Practice
Inactive status prohibits funeral directing and embalming.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and documented disability of at least 75 percent; a second certification may be required.
Renewal time
Renew an unexpired license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reissuance of a revoked retired/disabled license
State Mortuary Law Examination
Application
Submit written application and proof of disability, subject to Commission acceptance.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
No renewal fee for statutory inactive status.
Practice
Inactive status prohibits funeral directing and embalming.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and documented disability of at least 75 percent; a second certification may be required.
Revocation
Petition after at least three years, establish good cause, retake and pass the State Mortuary Law Examination, and satisfy applicable fees and other Commission requirements; the qualifying retired/disabled category remains required.
Renewal of a suspended retired/disabled license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit written application and proof of disability, subject to Commission acceptance.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
No renewal fee for statutory inactive status.
Practice
Inactive status prohibits funeral directing and embalming.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and documented disability of at least 75 percent; a second certification may be required.
Suspension
Renewal of a suspended license requires twice the normal renewal fee and assessed penalties under §651.1655, and does not independently lift a disciplinary restriction.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Funeral Director and Embalmer Dual License (Retired, Active)

The statutory retired/disabled renewal category of the underlying professional license; inactive status prohibits practice.

Licensing authority: Texas Funeral Service Commission

Renewal into retired active status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Retired active status is applied at renewal; request retired inactive status in writing.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
One-half of the ordinary renewal fee for active retired/disabled status.
Practice
Active status permits the underlying professional practice.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and age at least 65 at renewal.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Continued retired active licensure: Renew within ninety days of expiration with the statutory late fee.
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Retired active status is applied at renewal; request retired inactive status in writing.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
One-half of the ordinary renewal fee for active retired/disabled status.
Practice
Active status permits the underlying professional practice.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and age at least 65 at renewal.
Renewal time
Renew within ninety days of expiration with the statutory late fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Continued retired active licensure: Renew after ninety days but before one year of expiration with the statutory late fee.
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Retired active status is applied at renewal; request retired inactive status in writing.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
One-half of the ordinary renewal fee for active retired/disabled status.
Practice
Active status permits the underlying professional practice.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and age at least 65 at renewal.
Renewal time
Renew after ninety days but before one year of expiration with the statutory late fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Military reinstatement of an expired retired/disabled license
State Mortuary Law Examination
Application
Retired active status is applied at renewal; request retired inactive status in writing.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
One-half of the ordinary renewal fee for active retired/disabled status.
Military expiration
Military service member, veteran or spouse, expired at least one but not more than five years; executive-director waiver of any prerequisite is discretionary under §203.1(f)(6).
Practice
Active status permits the underlying professional practice.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and age at least 65 at renewal.
Return to retired active licensure after licensed practice in another state
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Retired active status is applied at renewal; request retired inactive status in writing.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
One-half of the ordinary renewal fee for active retired/disabled status.
Other state practice
Previously held the Texas license and currently licensed and practicing in another state for the preceding two years; statutory no-reexamination route.
Practice
Active status permits the underlying professional practice.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and age at least 65 at renewal.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reactivation from the corresponding inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Retired active status is applied at renewal; request retired inactive status in writing.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
One-half of the ordinary renewal fee for active retired/disabled status.
Inactive conversion
Holder of the corresponding inactive license may convert at any time to the active retired/disabled license by written notification and applicable fees under §203.3(d).
Practice
Active status permits the underlying professional practice.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and age at least 65 at renewal.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement of the expired retired active license
State Mortuary Law Examination
Application
Retired active status is applied at renewal; request retired inactive status in writing.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Expiration
Expired for one year or more; retake the State Mortuary Law Examination and pay applicable fees.
Fee
One-half of the ordinary renewal fee for active retired/disabled status.
Practice
Active status permits the underlying professional practice.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and age at least 65 at renewal.
Continued retired active licensure: Renew an unexpired license.
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Retired active status is applied at renewal; request retired inactive status in writing.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
One-half of the ordinary renewal fee for active retired/disabled status.
Practice
Active status permits the underlying professional practice.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and age at least 65 at renewal.
Renewal time
Renew an unexpired license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reissuance of a revoked retired/disabled license
State Mortuary Law Examination
Application
Retired active status is applied at renewal; request retired inactive status in writing.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
One-half of the ordinary renewal fee for active retired/disabled status.
Practice
Active status permits the underlying professional practice.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and age at least 65 at renewal.
Revocation
Petition after at least three years, establish good cause, retake and pass the State Mortuary Law Examination, and satisfy applicable fees and other Commission requirements; the qualifying retired/disabled category remains required.
Renewal of a suspended retired/disabled license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Retired active status is applied at renewal; request retired inactive status in writing.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
One-half of the ordinary renewal fee for active retired/disabled status.
Practice
Active status permits the underlying professional practice.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and age at least 65 at renewal.
Suspension
Renewal of a suspended license requires twice the normal renewal fee and assessed penalties under §651.1655, and does not independently lift a disciplinary restriction.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Funeral Director and Embalmer Dual License (Retired, Inactive)

The statutory retired/disabled renewal category of the underlying professional license; inactive status prohibits practice.

Licensing authority: Texas Funeral Service Commission

Renewal into retired inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Retired active status is applied at renewal; request retired inactive status in writing.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
No renewal fee for statutory inactive status.
Practice
Inactive status prohibits funeral directing and embalming.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and age at least 65 at renewal.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Continued retired inactive licensure: Renew within ninety days of expiration with the statutory late fee.
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Retired active status is applied at renewal; request retired inactive status in writing.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
No renewal fee for statutory inactive status.
Practice
Inactive status prohibits funeral directing and embalming.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and age at least 65 at renewal.
Renewal time
Renew within ninety days of expiration with the statutory late fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Continued retired inactive licensure: Renew after ninety days but before one year of expiration with the statutory late fee.
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Retired active status is applied at renewal; request retired inactive status in writing.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
No renewal fee for statutory inactive status.
Practice
Inactive status prohibits funeral directing and embalming.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and age at least 65 at renewal.
Renewal time
Renew after ninety days but before one year of expiration with the statutory late fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Military reinstatement of an expired retired/disabled license
State Mortuary Law Examination
Application
Retired active status is applied at renewal; request retired inactive status in writing.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
No renewal fee for statutory inactive status.
Military expiration
Military service member, veteran or spouse, expired at least one but not more than five years; executive-director waiver of any prerequisite is discretionary under §203.1(f)(6).
Practice
Inactive status prohibits funeral directing and embalming.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and age at least 65 at renewal.
Return to retired inactive licensure after licensed practice in another state
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Retired active status is applied at renewal; request retired inactive status in writing.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
No renewal fee for statutory inactive status.
Other state practice
Previously held the Texas license and currently licensed and practicing in another state for the preceding two years; statutory no-reexamination route.
Practice
Inactive status prohibits funeral directing and embalming.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and age at least 65 at renewal.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement of the expired retired inactive license
State Mortuary Law Examination
Application
Retired active status is applied at renewal; request retired inactive status in writing.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Expiration
Expired for one year or more; retake the State Mortuary Law Examination and pay applicable fees.
Fee
No renewal fee for statutory inactive status.
Practice
Inactive status prohibits funeral directing and embalming.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and age at least 65 at renewal.
Continued retired inactive licensure: Renew an unexpired license.
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Retired active status is applied at renewal; request retired inactive status in writing.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
No renewal fee for statutory inactive status.
Practice
Inactive status prohibits funeral directing and embalming.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and age at least 65 at renewal.
Renewal time
Renew an unexpired license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reissuance of a revoked retired/disabled license
State Mortuary Law Examination
Application
Retired active status is applied at renewal; request retired inactive status in writing.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
No renewal fee for statutory inactive status.
Practice
Inactive status prohibits funeral directing and embalming.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and age at least 65 at renewal.
Revocation
Petition after at least three years, establish good cause, retake and pass the State Mortuary Law Examination, and satisfy applicable fees and other Commission requirements; the qualifying retired/disabled category remains required.
Renewal of a suspended retired/disabled license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Retired active status is applied at renewal; request retired inactive status in writing.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
No renewal fee for statutory inactive status.
Practice
Inactive status prohibits funeral directing and embalming.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and age at least 65 at renewal.
Suspension
Renewal of a suspended license requires twice the normal renewal fee and assessed penalties under §651.1655, and does not independently lift a disciplinary restriction.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Embalmer License

License authorizing the holder to practice embalming.

Licensing authority: Texas Funeral Service Commission · Application information

Full licensure following a former Texas provisional license
Criminal history
Submit to the required fingerprint-based criminal background check and satisfy the Commission criminal-history standards.
Fees and affidavit
Pay applicable fees and submit the exit documents and supervisor proficiency affidavit required by 22 TAC §203.5(k)–(m).
Minimum age
At least 18 years old under §651.253(a)(1).
Mortuary education
Graduation from an accredited school or college of mortuary science.
Passing scores
At least 75 percent on the applicable examinations; the Mortuary Law Exam score expires for application purposes if no application is submitted within six months.
Previous provisional license
Held a Texas provisional license no more than 24 months before the application and did not obtain the regular license by direct program exit or reciprocity; re-take the Mortuary Law Exam under §203.1(e).
Provisional program
Complete the applicable supervised provisional program unless admitted by reciprocity; at least 45 cases, including at least 10 complete cases, are required under §§651.303–651.304. Approved clinical case credit is governed by §651.3035.
Secondary education
Accredited high-school graduation or the examination prescribed by the Texas Education Agency; this education examination is an applicant qualification, not a funeral-service examination leaf.
Initial licensure by examination after the provisional program
Criminal history
Submit to the required fingerprint-based criminal background check and satisfy the Commission criminal-history standards.
Degree route
Associate of Applied Science mortuary-science graduate under 22 TAC §203.5(n)(2); the applicable national Arts and/or Sciences examination follows the license sought.
Fees and affidavit
Pay applicable fees and submit the exit documents and supervisor proficiency affidavit required by 22 TAC §203.5(k)–(m).
Minimum age
At least 18 years old under §651.253(a)(1).
Mortuary education
Graduation from an accredited school or college of mortuary science.
Passing scores
At least 75 percent on the applicable examinations; the Mortuary Law Exam score expires for application purposes if no application is submitted within six months.
Provisional program
Complete the applicable supervised provisional program unless admitted by reciprocity; at least 45 cases, including at least 10 complete cases, are required under §§651.303–651.304. Approved clinical case credit is governed by §651.3035.
Secondary education
Accredited high-school graduation or the examination prescribed by the Texas Education Agency; this education examination is an applicant qualification, not a funeral-service examination leaf.
Late renewal within 90 days
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Meet the continuing-education requirements of 22 TAC §203.8; education courses are conditions.
Renewal time
Expired for 90 days or less; pay 1.5 times the regular renewal fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Late renewal after 90 days but before one year
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Meet the continuing-education requirements of 22 TAC §203.8; education courses are conditions.
Renewal time
Expired for more than 90 days but less than one year; pay twice the regular renewal fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Military alternative licensure based on a former Texas license
Alternative competency
The executive director may waive prerequisites and accept education, experience, training, clinical work, recommendations, or examinations as alternative competency evidence under §55.004(b) and 22 TAC §§203.2 and 203.59. Unnamed alternative written or practical examinations are conditions, not invented examination leaves.
Criminal history
Submit to the required fingerprint-based criminal background check and satisfy the Commission criminal-history standards.
Expedited processing
Expedited processing and eligible fee exemptions apply; the 2025 statute requires prompt issuance of a provisional license or the applied-for license pending processing.
Fees and affidavit
Pay applicable fees and submit the exit documents and supervisor proficiency affidavit required by 22 TAC §203.5(k)–(m).
Military eligibility
Held the Texas license within the five years preceding application.
Military status
Military service member, military veteran, or military spouse under Occupations Code Chapter 55.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old under §651.253(a)(1).
Mortuary education
Graduation from an accredited school or college of mortuary science.
Passing scores
At least 75 percent on the applicable examinations; the Mortuary Law Exam score expires for application purposes if no application is submitted within six months.
Provisional program
Complete the applicable supervised provisional program unless admitted by reciprocity; at least 45 cases, including at least 10 complete cases, are required under §§651.303–651.304. Approved clinical case credit is governed by §651.3035.
Reciprocity equivalence
Former Texas licensure within five years qualifies under §55.004(a)(2), with discretionary waiver of prerequisites.
Secondary education
Accredited high-school graduation or the examination prescribed by the Texas Education Agency; this education examination is an applicant qualification, not a funeral-service examination leaf.
Military alternative licensure based on a current out of state license
State Mortuary Law Examination
Alternative competency
The executive director may waive prerequisites and accept education, experience, training, clinical work, recommendations, or examinations as alternative competency evidence under §55.004(b) and 22 TAC §§203.2 and 203.59. Unnamed alternative written or practical examinations are conditions, not invented examination leaves.
Criminal history
Submit to the required fingerprint-based criminal background check and satisfy the Commission criminal-history standards.
Expedited processing
Expedited processing and eligible fee exemptions apply; the 2025 statute requires prompt issuance of a provisional license or the applied-for license pending processing.
Fees and affidavit
Pay applicable fees and submit the exit documents and supervisor proficiency affidavit required by 22 TAC §203.5(k)–(m).
Military eligibility
Holds a current license in good standing issued by another state that is similar in scope of practice.
Military status
Military service member, military veteran, or military spouse under Occupations Code Chapter 55.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old under §651.253(a)(1).
Mortuary education
Graduation from an accredited school or college of mortuary science.
Passing scores
At least 75 percent on the applicable examinations; the Mortuary Law Exam score expires for application purposes if no application is submitted within six months.
Provisional program
Complete the applicable supervised provisional program unless admitted by reciprocity; at least 45 cases, including at least 10 complete cases, are required under §§651.303–651.304. Approved clinical case credit is governed by §651.3035.
Reciprocity equivalence
For a current substantially equivalent license meeting §651.259 and §203.4(c)(1), general license requirements must be waived; military waivers of other prerequisites remain discretionary.
Secondary education
Accredited high-school graduation or the examination prescribed by the Texas Education Agency; this education examination is an applicant qualification, not a funeral-service examination leaf.
Military alternative licensure based on a current out of state license
Alternative competency
The executive director may waive prerequisites and accept education, experience, training, clinical work, recommendations, or examinations as alternative competency evidence under §55.004(b) and 22 TAC §§203.2 and 203.59. Unnamed alternative written or practical examinations are conditions, not invented examination leaves.
Criminal history
Submit to the required fingerprint-based criminal background check and satisfy the Commission criminal-history standards.
Expedited processing
Expedited processing and eligible fee exemptions apply; the 2025 statute requires prompt issuance of a provisional license or the applied-for license pending processing.
Fees and affidavit
Pay applicable fees and submit the exit documents and supervisor proficiency affidavit required by 22 TAC §203.5(k)–(m).
Military eligibility
Holds a current license in good standing issued by another state that is similar in scope of practice.
Military status
Military service member, military veteran, or military spouse under Occupations Code Chapter 55.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old under §651.253(a)(1).
Mortuary education
Graduation from an accredited school or college of mortuary science.
Passing scores
At least 75 percent on the applicable examinations; the Mortuary Law Exam score expires for application purposes if no application is submitted within six months.
Provisional program
Complete the applicable supervised provisional program unless admitted by reciprocity; at least 45 cases, including at least 10 complete cases, are required under §§651.303–651.304. Approved clinical case credit is governed by §651.3035.
Reciprocity equivalence
The current out-of-state license has similar scope but does not satisfy the mandatory substantially-equivalent reciprocity waiver.
Secondary education
Accredited high-school graduation or the examination prescribed by the Texas Education Agency; this education examination is an applicant qualification, not a funeral-service examination leaf.
Military reinstatement within five years of expiration
State Mortuary Law Examination
Expiration
License expired for at least one year but not more than five years.
Military status
Military service member, military veteran, or military spouse.
Waiver
The executive director may waive any prerequisite under §203.1(f)(6); absent a waiver the State Mortuary Law Examination and other reinstatement requirements in §203.1(f)(4) apply.
Return of a former Texas licensee practicing in another state
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Fees
Pay twice the normal renewal fee.
Other state practice
Former Texas licensee currently licensed and practicing in another state for the two years immediately preceding application.
Reexamination waiver
§651.165(e), §651.264, and §203.1(f)(5) expressly permit a new license without reexamination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial licensure by examination under a criminal history probation order
Criminal history
Submit to the required fingerprint-based criminal background check and satisfy the Commission criminal-history standards.
Fees and affidavit
Pay applicable fees and submit the exit documents and supervisor proficiency affidavit required by 22 TAC §203.5(k)–(m).
Minimum age
At least 18 years old under §651.253(a)(1).
Mortuary education
Graduation from an accredited school or college of mortuary science.
Passing scores
At least 75 percent on the applicable examinations; the Mortuary Law Exam score expires for application purposes if no application is submitted within six months.
Probation
A criminal-history applicant whom the Commission determines not ineligible may receive a probated license under §203.17(g), through an agreed order stating the probation terms and consequences; completion converts the same license to ordinary status.
Provisional program
Complete the applicable supervised provisional program unless admitted by reciprocity; at least 45 cases, including at least 10 complete cases, are required under §§651.303–651.304. Approved clinical case credit is governed by §651.3035.
Secondary education
Accredited high-school graduation or the examination prescribed by the Texas Education Agency; this education examination is an applicant qualification, not a funeral-service examination leaf.
Probated reissuance of a revoked license
State Mortuary Law Examination
Discretion
The Commission may grant or deny reissuance; a denied petition cannot be reconsidered for twelve months under §203.18(c).
Examination
§651.267(d) requires the applicable examination; §203.18(h)(1) identifies it as the State Mortuary Law Examination.
Fees and education
Pay twice the regular renewal fee and satisfy continuing education, with additional competency training as required.
Probation
The Commission may place the reissued license on probation for at least two years under §203.18(i), with an agreed order.
Revocation
Apply no earlier than the third anniversary of revocation; petition in writing and establish good cause before the Commission.
Reciprocity from a substantially equivalent jurisdiction
State Mortuary Law Examination
Board packet demand
The Reciprocal Application Packet, updated August 8, 2023, states: Passing National Board Scores of 75%+ For equivalent applicants this implementing demand is subject to the mandatory waiver in §651.259(a).
Criminal history
Criminal background check required.
Experience
At least one year of practice in a jurisdiction with substantially equivalent requirements.
License held
Current funeral-director and/or embalmer license in good standing issued by another state, country, or territory, supported by the sworn application and official license verification.
Mortuary education
Graduate of an accredited college of mortuary science.
National waiver
§651.259(a) and 22 TAC §203.4(f) require waiver of the general requirements for substantially equivalent applicants.
State score
Pass the State Mortuary Law Examination with at least 75 percent; application within six months of the exam.
Reciprocity from a non equivalent jurisdiction
Board packet demand
The Reciprocal Application Packet, updated August 8, 2023, states: Passing National Board Scores of 75%+ For equivalent applicants this implementing demand is subject to the mandatory waiver in §651.259(a).
Criminal history
Criminal background check required.
Experience
At least five years of practice in a jurisdiction without substantially equivalent requirements.
License held
Current funeral-director and/or embalmer license in good standing issued by another state, country, or territory, supported by the sworn application and official license verification.
Mortuary education
Graduate of an accredited college of mortuary science.
National waiver
§651.259(a) and 22 TAC §203.4(f) permit the Commission to waive general license requirements; the applicable current national examination remains involved subject to this discretion.
State score
Pass the State Mortuary Law Examination with at least 75 percent; application within six months of the exam.
Reinstatement after expiration of at least one year
State Mortuary Law Examination
Board application demand
The 2021 Reinstatement Application requests National Board Examination Arts or a historical State Board Examination Arts score and graduation documentation. The controlling reinstatement procedure in §651.165(d), implemented by §203.1(f)(4), identifies the applicable reexamination as the State Mortuary Law Examination; the form demand is retained here.
Continuing education
Complete the continuing education under §203.8.
Expiration
License expired for at least one year.
Fees
Pay twice the normal renewal fee plus applicable fees.
State exam
Retake and pass the State Mortuary Law Examination under 22 TAC §203.1(f)(4).
Reissuance of a revoked license
State Mortuary Law Examination
Discretion
The Commission may grant or deny reissuance; a denied petition cannot be reconsidered for twelve months under §203.18(c).
Examination
§651.267(d) requires the applicable examination; §203.18(h)(1) identifies it as the State Mortuary Law Examination.
Fees and education
Pay twice the regular renewal fee and satisfy continuing education, with additional competency training as required.
Revocation
Apply no earlier than the third anniversary of revocation; petition in writing and establish good cause before the Commission.
Renewal of a suspended license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Fees
Pay twice the normal renewal fee plus assessed penalties under §651.1655; renewal does not independently remove a disciplinary suspension.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Timely renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Meet the continuing-education requirements of 22 TAC §203.8; education courses are conditions.
Renewal time
Apply within the 60-day renewal window and pay the renewal fee before expiration.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Embalmer License (Disabled, Active)

Disabled-active status for an existing embalmer license holder with a disability of at least 75 percent; written application and proof of disability are required, and the renewal fee is half the active-status fee.

Licensing authority: Texas Funeral Service Commission

Renewal into disabled active status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit written application and proof of disability, subject to Commission acceptance.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
One-half of the ordinary renewal fee for active retired/disabled status.
Practice
Active status permits the underlying professional practice.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and documented disability of at least 75 percent; a second certification may be required.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Continued disabled active licensure: Renew within ninety days of expiration with the statutory late fee.
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit written application and proof of disability, subject to Commission acceptance.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
One-half of the ordinary renewal fee for active retired/disabled status.
Practice
Active status permits the underlying professional practice.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and documented disability of at least 75 percent; a second certification may be required.
Renewal time
Renew within ninety days of expiration with the statutory late fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Continued disabled active licensure: Renew after ninety days but before one year of expiration with the statutory late fee.
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit written application and proof of disability, subject to Commission acceptance.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
One-half of the ordinary renewal fee for active retired/disabled status.
Practice
Active status permits the underlying professional practice.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and documented disability of at least 75 percent; a second certification may be required.
Renewal time
Renew after ninety days but before one year of expiration with the statutory late fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Military reinstatement of an expired retired/disabled license
State Mortuary Law Examination
Application
Submit written application and proof of disability, subject to Commission acceptance.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
One-half of the ordinary renewal fee for active retired/disabled status.
Military expiration
Military service member, veteran or spouse, expired at least one but not more than five years; executive-director waiver of any prerequisite is discretionary under §203.1(f)(6).
Practice
Active status permits the underlying professional practice.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and documented disability of at least 75 percent; a second certification may be required.
Return to disabled active licensure after licensed practice in another state
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit written application and proof of disability, subject to Commission acceptance.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
One-half of the ordinary renewal fee for active retired/disabled status.
Other state practice
Previously held the Texas license and currently licensed and practicing in another state for the preceding two years; statutory no-reexamination route.
Practice
Active status permits the underlying professional practice.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and documented disability of at least 75 percent; a second certification may be required.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reactivation from the corresponding inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit written application and proof of disability, subject to Commission acceptance.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
One-half of the ordinary renewal fee for active retired/disabled status.
Inactive conversion
Holder of the corresponding inactive license may convert at any time to the active retired/disabled license by written notification and applicable fees under §203.3(d).
Practice
Active status permits the underlying professional practice.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and documented disability of at least 75 percent; a second certification may be required.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement of the expired disabled active license
State Mortuary Law Examination
Application
Submit written application and proof of disability, subject to Commission acceptance.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Expiration
Expired for one year or more; retake the State Mortuary Law Examination and pay applicable fees.
Fee
One-half of the ordinary renewal fee for active retired/disabled status.
Practice
Active status permits the underlying professional practice.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and documented disability of at least 75 percent; a second certification may be required.
Continued disabled active licensure: Renew an unexpired license.
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit written application and proof of disability, subject to Commission acceptance.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
One-half of the ordinary renewal fee for active retired/disabled status.
Practice
Active status permits the underlying professional practice.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and documented disability of at least 75 percent; a second certification may be required.
Renewal time
Renew an unexpired license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reissuance of a revoked retired/disabled license
State Mortuary Law Examination
Application
Submit written application and proof of disability, subject to Commission acceptance.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
One-half of the ordinary renewal fee for active retired/disabled status.
Practice
Active status permits the underlying professional practice.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and documented disability of at least 75 percent; a second certification may be required.
Revocation
Petition after at least three years, establish good cause, retake and pass the State Mortuary Law Examination, and satisfy applicable fees and other Commission requirements; the qualifying retired/disabled category remains required.
Renewal of a suspended retired/disabled license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit written application and proof of disability, subject to Commission acceptance.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
One-half of the ordinary renewal fee for active retired/disabled status.
Practice
Active status permits the underlying professional practice.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and documented disability of at least 75 percent; a second certification may be required.
Suspension
Renewal of a suspended license requires twice the normal renewal fee and assessed penalties under §651.1655, and does not independently lift a disciplinary restriction.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Embalmer License (Disabled, Inactive)

The statutory retired/disabled renewal category of the underlying professional license; inactive status prohibits practice.

Licensing authority: Texas Funeral Service Commission

Renewal into disabled inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit written application and proof of disability, subject to Commission acceptance.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
No renewal fee for statutory inactive status.
Practice
Inactive status prohibits funeral directing and embalming.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and documented disability of at least 75 percent; a second certification may be required.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Continued disabled inactive licensure: Renew within ninety days of expiration with the statutory late fee.
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit written application and proof of disability, subject to Commission acceptance.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
No renewal fee for statutory inactive status.
Practice
Inactive status prohibits funeral directing and embalming.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and documented disability of at least 75 percent; a second certification may be required.
Renewal time
Renew within ninety days of expiration with the statutory late fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Continued disabled inactive licensure: Renew after ninety days but before one year of expiration with the statutory late fee.
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit written application and proof of disability, subject to Commission acceptance.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
No renewal fee for statutory inactive status.
Practice
Inactive status prohibits funeral directing and embalming.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and documented disability of at least 75 percent; a second certification may be required.
Renewal time
Renew after ninety days but before one year of expiration with the statutory late fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Military reinstatement of an expired retired/disabled license
State Mortuary Law Examination
Application
Submit written application and proof of disability, subject to Commission acceptance.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
No renewal fee for statutory inactive status.
Military expiration
Military service member, veteran or spouse, expired at least one but not more than five years; executive-director waiver of any prerequisite is discretionary under §203.1(f)(6).
Practice
Inactive status prohibits funeral directing and embalming.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and documented disability of at least 75 percent; a second certification may be required.
Return to disabled inactive licensure after licensed practice in another state
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit written application and proof of disability, subject to Commission acceptance.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
No renewal fee for statutory inactive status.
Other state practice
Previously held the Texas license and currently licensed and practicing in another state for the preceding two years; statutory no-reexamination route.
Practice
Inactive status prohibits funeral directing and embalming.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and documented disability of at least 75 percent; a second certification may be required.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement of the expired disabled inactive license
State Mortuary Law Examination
Application
Submit written application and proof of disability, subject to Commission acceptance.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Expiration
Expired for one year or more; retake the State Mortuary Law Examination and pay applicable fees.
Fee
No renewal fee for statutory inactive status.
Practice
Inactive status prohibits funeral directing and embalming.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and documented disability of at least 75 percent; a second certification may be required.
Continued disabled inactive licensure: Renew an unexpired license.
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit written application and proof of disability, subject to Commission acceptance.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
No renewal fee for statutory inactive status.
Practice
Inactive status prohibits funeral directing and embalming.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and documented disability of at least 75 percent; a second certification may be required.
Renewal time
Renew an unexpired license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reissuance of a revoked retired/disabled license
State Mortuary Law Examination
Application
Submit written application and proof of disability, subject to Commission acceptance.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
No renewal fee for statutory inactive status.
Practice
Inactive status prohibits funeral directing and embalming.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and documented disability of at least 75 percent; a second certification may be required.
Revocation
Petition after at least three years, establish good cause, retake and pass the State Mortuary Law Examination, and satisfy applicable fees and other Commission requirements; the qualifying retired/disabled category remains required.
Renewal of a suspended retired/disabled license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit written application and proof of disability, subject to Commission acceptance.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
No renewal fee for statutory inactive status.
Practice
Inactive status prohibits funeral directing and embalming.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and documented disability of at least 75 percent; a second certification may be required.
Suspension
Renewal of a suspended license requires twice the normal renewal fee and assessed penalties under §651.1655, and does not independently lift a disciplinary restriction.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Embalmer License (Retired, Active)

Retired, active renewal status for licensed embalmers aged 65 or older, with a fee equal to half the active-license renewal fee.

Licensing authority: Texas Funeral Service Commission

Renewal into retired active status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Retired active status is applied at renewal; request retired inactive status in writing.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
One-half of the ordinary renewal fee for active retired/disabled status.
Practice
Active status permits the underlying professional practice.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and age at least 65 at renewal.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Continued retired active licensure: Renew within ninety days of expiration with the statutory late fee.
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Retired active status is applied at renewal; request retired inactive status in writing.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
One-half of the ordinary renewal fee for active retired/disabled status.
Practice
Active status permits the underlying professional practice.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and age at least 65 at renewal.
Renewal time
Renew within ninety days of expiration with the statutory late fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Continued retired active licensure: Renew after ninety days but before one year of expiration with the statutory late fee.
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Retired active status is applied at renewal; request retired inactive status in writing.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
One-half of the ordinary renewal fee for active retired/disabled status.
Practice
Active status permits the underlying professional practice.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and age at least 65 at renewal.
Renewal time
Renew after ninety days but before one year of expiration with the statutory late fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Military reinstatement of an expired retired/disabled license
State Mortuary Law Examination
Application
Retired active status is applied at renewal; request retired inactive status in writing.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
One-half of the ordinary renewal fee for active retired/disabled status.
Military expiration
Military service member, veteran or spouse, expired at least one but not more than five years; executive-director waiver of any prerequisite is discretionary under §203.1(f)(6).
Practice
Active status permits the underlying professional practice.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and age at least 65 at renewal.
Return to retired active licensure after licensed practice in another state
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Retired active status is applied at renewal; request retired inactive status in writing.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
One-half of the ordinary renewal fee for active retired/disabled status.
Other state practice
Previously held the Texas license and currently licensed and practicing in another state for the preceding two years; statutory no-reexamination route.
Practice
Active status permits the underlying professional practice.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and age at least 65 at renewal.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reactivation from the corresponding inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Retired active status is applied at renewal; request retired inactive status in writing.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
One-half of the ordinary renewal fee for active retired/disabled status.
Inactive conversion
Holder of the corresponding inactive license may convert at any time to the active retired/disabled license by written notification and applicable fees under §203.3(d).
Practice
Active status permits the underlying professional practice.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and age at least 65 at renewal.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement of the expired retired active license
State Mortuary Law Examination
Application
Retired active status is applied at renewal; request retired inactive status in writing.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Expiration
Expired for one year or more; retake the State Mortuary Law Examination and pay applicable fees.
Fee
One-half of the ordinary renewal fee for active retired/disabled status.
Practice
Active status permits the underlying professional practice.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and age at least 65 at renewal.
Continued retired active licensure: Renew an unexpired license.
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Retired active status is applied at renewal; request retired inactive status in writing.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
One-half of the ordinary renewal fee for active retired/disabled status.
Practice
Active status permits the underlying professional practice.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and age at least 65 at renewal.
Renewal time
Renew an unexpired license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reissuance of a revoked retired/disabled license
State Mortuary Law Examination
Application
Retired active status is applied at renewal; request retired inactive status in writing.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
One-half of the ordinary renewal fee for active retired/disabled status.
Practice
Active status permits the underlying professional practice.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and age at least 65 at renewal.
Revocation
Petition after at least three years, establish good cause, retake and pass the State Mortuary Law Examination, and satisfy applicable fees and other Commission requirements; the qualifying retired/disabled category remains required.
Renewal of a suspended retired/disabled license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Retired active status is applied at renewal; request retired inactive status in writing.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
One-half of the ordinary renewal fee for active retired/disabled status.
Practice
Active status permits the underlying professional practice.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and age at least 65 at renewal.
Suspension
Renewal of a suspended license requires twice the normal renewal fee and assessed penalties under §651.1655, and does not independently lift a disciplinary restriction.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Embalmer License (Retired, Inactive)

The statutory retired/disabled renewal category of the underlying professional license; inactive status prohibits practice.

Licensing authority: Texas Funeral Service Commission

Renewal into retired inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Retired active status is applied at renewal; request retired inactive status in writing.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
No renewal fee for statutory inactive status.
Practice
Inactive status prohibits funeral directing and embalming.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and age at least 65 at renewal.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Continued retired inactive licensure: Renew within ninety days of expiration with the statutory late fee.
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Retired active status is applied at renewal; request retired inactive status in writing.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
No renewal fee for statutory inactive status.
Practice
Inactive status prohibits funeral directing and embalming.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and age at least 65 at renewal.
Renewal time
Renew within ninety days of expiration with the statutory late fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Continued retired inactive licensure: Renew after ninety days but before one year of expiration with the statutory late fee.
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Retired active status is applied at renewal; request retired inactive status in writing.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
No renewal fee for statutory inactive status.
Practice
Inactive status prohibits funeral directing and embalming.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and age at least 65 at renewal.
Renewal time
Renew after ninety days but before one year of expiration with the statutory late fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Military reinstatement of an expired retired/disabled license
State Mortuary Law Examination
Application
Retired active status is applied at renewal; request retired inactive status in writing.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
No renewal fee for statutory inactive status.
Military expiration
Military service member, veteran or spouse, expired at least one but not more than five years; executive-director waiver of any prerequisite is discretionary under §203.1(f)(6).
Practice
Inactive status prohibits funeral directing and embalming.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and age at least 65 at renewal.
Return to retired inactive licensure after licensed practice in another state
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Retired active status is applied at renewal; request retired inactive status in writing.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
No renewal fee for statutory inactive status.
Other state practice
Previously held the Texas license and currently licensed and practicing in another state for the preceding two years; statutory no-reexamination route.
Practice
Inactive status prohibits funeral directing and embalming.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and age at least 65 at renewal.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement of the expired retired inactive license
State Mortuary Law Examination
Application
Retired active status is applied at renewal; request retired inactive status in writing.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Expiration
Expired for one year or more; retake the State Mortuary Law Examination and pay applicable fees.
Fee
No renewal fee for statutory inactive status.
Practice
Inactive status prohibits funeral directing and embalming.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and age at least 65 at renewal.
Continued retired inactive licensure: Renew an unexpired license.
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Retired active status is applied at renewal; request retired inactive status in writing.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
No renewal fee for statutory inactive status.
Practice
Inactive status prohibits funeral directing and embalming.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and age at least 65 at renewal.
Renewal time
Renew an unexpired license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reissuance of a revoked retired/disabled license
State Mortuary Law Examination
Application
Retired active status is applied at renewal; request retired inactive status in writing.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
No renewal fee for statutory inactive status.
Practice
Inactive status prohibits funeral directing and embalming.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and age at least 65 at renewal.
Revocation
Petition after at least three years, establish good cause, retake and pass the State Mortuary Law Examination, and satisfy applicable fees and other Commission requirements; the qualifying retired/disabled category remains required.
Renewal of a suspended retired/disabled license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Retired active status is applied at renewal; request retired inactive status in writing.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
No renewal fee for statutory inactive status.
Practice
Inactive status prohibits funeral directing and embalming.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and age at least 65 at renewal.
Suspension
Renewal of a suspended license requires twice the normal renewal fee and assessed penalties under §651.1655, and does not independently lift a disciplinary restriction.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Funeral Director License

Texas license authorizing the holder to practice funeral directing.

Licensing authority: Texas Funeral Service Commission · Application information

Full licensure following a former Texas provisional license
Criminal history
Submit to the required fingerprint-based criminal background check and satisfy the Commission criminal-history standards.
Fees and affidavit
Pay applicable fees and submit the exit documents and supervisor proficiency affidavit required by 22 TAC §203.5(k)–(m).
Minimum age
At least 18 years old under §651.253(a)(1).
Mortuary education
Graduation from an accredited school or college of mortuary science.
Passing scores
At least 75 percent on the applicable examinations; the Mortuary Law Exam score expires for application purposes if no application is submitted within six months.
Previous provisional license
Held a Texas provisional license no more than 24 months before the application and did not obtain the regular license by direct program exit or reciprocity; re-take the Mortuary Law Exam under §203.1(e).
Provisional program
Complete the applicable supervised provisional program unless admitted by reciprocity; at least 45 cases, including at least 10 complete cases, are required under §§651.303–651.304. Approved clinical case credit is governed by §651.3035.
Retired state board score
The application accepts historical State Board Examination Arts scores; that examination is no longer offered and is not a leaf.
Secondary education
Accredited high-school graduation or the examination prescribed by the Texas Education Agency; this education examination is an applicant qualification, not a funeral-service examination leaf.
Initial licensure after a funeral directing certificate program
Criminal history
Submit to the required fingerprint-based criminal background check and satisfy the Commission criminal-history standards.
Degree route
Funeral-directing certificate-program graduate. The rule still names the Texas State Board Examination, but the owner retired the State Board Exam in 2023; the current Board requirements name the National Board Exam. A prior passing State Board Exam Arts score remains historical applicant evidence.
Fees and affidavit
Pay applicable fees and submit the exit documents and supervisor proficiency affidavit required by 22 TAC §203.5(k)–(m).
Minimum age
At least 18 years old under §651.253(a)(1).
Mortuary education
Graduation from an accredited school or college of mortuary science.
Passing scores
At least 75 percent on the applicable examinations; the Mortuary Law Exam score expires for application purposes if no application is submitted within six months.
Provisional program
Complete the applicable supervised provisional program unless admitted by reciprocity; at least 45 cases, including at least 10 complete cases, are required under §§651.303–651.304. Approved clinical case credit is governed by §651.3035.
Secondary education
Accredited high-school graduation or the examination prescribed by the Texas Education Agency; this education examination is an applicant qualification, not a funeral-service examination leaf.
Initial licensure by examination after the provisional program
Criminal history
Submit to the required fingerprint-based criminal background check and satisfy the Commission criminal-history standards.
Degree route
Associate of Applied Science mortuary-science graduate under 22 TAC §203.5(n)(2); the applicable national Arts and/or Sciences examination follows the license sought.
Fees and affidavit
Pay applicable fees and submit the exit documents and supervisor proficiency affidavit required by 22 TAC §203.5(k)–(m).
Minimum age
At least 18 years old under §651.253(a)(1).
Mortuary education
Graduation from an accredited school or college of mortuary science.
Passing scores
At least 75 percent on the applicable examinations; the Mortuary Law Exam score expires for application purposes if no application is submitted within six months.
Provisional program
Complete the applicable supervised provisional program unless admitted by reciprocity; at least 45 cases, including at least 10 complete cases, are required under §§651.303–651.304. Approved clinical case credit is governed by §651.3035.
Secondary education
Accredited high-school graduation or the examination prescribed by the Texas Education Agency; this education examination is an applicant qualification, not a funeral-service examination leaf.
Late renewal within 90 days
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Meet the continuing-education requirements of 22 TAC §203.8; education courses are conditions.
Renewal time
Expired for 90 days or less; pay 1.5 times the regular renewal fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Late renewal after 90 days but before one year
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Meet the continuing-education requirements of 22 TAC §203.8; education courses are conditions.
Renewal time
Expired for more than 90 days but less than one year; pay twice the regular renewal fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Military alternative licensure based on a former Texas license
Alternative competency
The executive director may waive prerequisites and accept education, experience, training, clinical work, recommendations, or examinations as alternative competency evidence under §55.004(b) and 22 TAC §§203.2 and 203.59. Unnamed alternative written or practical examinations are conditions, not invented examination leaves.
Criminal history
Submit to the required fingerprint-based criminal background check and satisfy the Commission criminal-history standards.
Expedited processing
Expedited processing and eligible fee exemptions apply; the 2025 statute requires prompt issuance of a provisional license or the applied-for license pending processing.
Fees and affidavit
Pay applicable fees and submit the exit documents and supervisor proficiency affidavit required by 22 TAC §203.5(k)–(m).
Military eligibility
Held the Texas license within the five years preceding application.
Military status
Military service member, military veteran, or military spouse under Occupations Code Chapter 55.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old under §651.253(a)(1).
Mortuary education
Graduation from an accredited school or college of mortuary science.
Passing scores
At least 75 percent on the applicable examinations; the Mortuary Law Exam score expires for application purposes if no application is submitted within six months.
Provisional program
Complete the applicable supervised provisional program unless admitted by reciprocity; at least 45 cases, including at least 10 complete cases, are required under §§651.303–651.304. Approved clinical case credit is governed by §651.3035.
Reciprocity equivalence
Former Texas licensure within five years qualifies under §55.004(a)(2), with discretionary waiver of prerequisites.
Secondary education
Accredited high-school graduation or the examination prescribed by the Texas Education Agency; this education examination is an applicant qualification, not a funeral-service examination leaf.
Military alternative licensure based on a current out of state license
State Mortuary Law Examination
Alternative competency
The executive director may waive prerequisites and accept education, experience, training, clinical work, recommendations, or examinations as alternative competency evidence under §55.004(b) and 22 TAC §§203.2 and 203.59. Unnamed alternative written or practical examinations are conditions, not invented examination leaves.
Criminal history
Submit to the required fingerprint-based criminal background check and satisfy the Commission criminal-history standards.
Expedited processing
Expedited processing and eligible fee exemptions apply; the 2025 statute requires prompt issuance of a provisional license or the applied-for license pending processing.
Fees and affidavit
Pay applicable fees and submit the exit documents and supervisor proficiency affidavit required by 22 TAC §203.5(k)–(m).
Military eligibility
Holds a current license in good standing issued by another state that is similar in scope of practice.
Military status
Military service member, military veteran, or military spouse under Occupations Code Chapter 55.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old under §651.253(a)(1).
Mortuary education
Graduation from an accredited school or college of mortuary science.
Passing scores
At least 75 percent on the applicable examinations; the Mortuary Law Exam score expires for application purposes if no application is submitted within six months.
Provisional program
Complete the applicable supervised provisional program unless admitted by reciprocity; at least 45 cases, including at least 10 complete cases, are required under §§651.303–651.304. Approved clinical case credit is governed by §651.3035.
Reciprocity equivalence
For a current substantially equivalent license meeting §651.259 and §203.4(c)(1), general license requirements must be waived; military waivers of other prerequisites remain discretionary.
Secondary education
Accredited high-school graduation or the examination prescribed by the Texas Education Agency; this education examination is an applicant qualification, not a funeral-service examination leaf.
Military alternative licensure based on a current out of state license
Alternative competency
The executive director may waive prerequisites and accept education, experience, training, clinical work, recommendations, or examinations as alternative competency evidence under §55.004(b) and 22 TAC §§203.2 and 203.59. Unnamed alternative written or practical examinations are conditions, not invented examination leaves.
Criminal history
Submit to the required fingerprint-based criminal background check and satisfy the Commission criminal-history standards.
Expedited processing
Expedited processing and eligible fee exemptions apply; the 2025 statute requires prompt issuance of a provisional license or the applied-for license pending processing.
Fees and affidavit
Pay applicable fees and submit the exit documents and supervisor proficiency affidavit required by 22 TAC §203.5(k)–(m).
Military eligibility
Holds a current license in good standing issued by another state that is similar in scope of practice.
Military status
Military service member, military veteran, or military spouse under Occupations Code Chapter 55.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old under §651.253(a)(1).
Mortuary education
Graduation from an accredited school or college of mortuary science.
Passing scores
At least 75 percent on the applicable examinations; the Mortuary Law Exam score expires for application purposes if no application is submitted within six months.
Provisional program
Complete the applicable supervised provisional program unless admitted by reciprocity; at least 45 cases, including at least 10 complete cases, are required under §§651.303–651.304. Approved clinical case credit is governed by §651.3035.
Reciprocity equivalence
The current out-of-state license has similar scope but does not satisfy the mandatory substantially-equivalent reciprocity waiver.
Secondary education
Accredited high-school graduation or the examination prescribed by the Texas Education Agency; this education examination is an applicant qualification, not a funeral-service examination leaf.
Military reinstatement within five years of expiration
State Mortuary Law Examination
Expiration
License expired for at least one year but not more than five years.
Military status
Military service member, military veteran, or military spouse.
Waiver
The executive director may waive any prerequisite under §203.1(f)(6); absent a waiver the State Mortuary Law Examination and other reinstatement requirements in §203.1(f)(4) apply.
Return of a former Texas licensee practicing in another state
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Fees
Pay twice the normal renewal fee.
Other state practice
Former Texas licensee currently licensed and practicing in another state for the two years immediately preceding application.
Reexamination waiver
§651.165(e), §651.264, and §203.1(f)(5) expressly permit a new license without reexamination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial licensure by examination under a criminal history probation order
Criminal history
Submit to the required fingerprint-based criminal background check and satisfy the Commission criminal-history standards.
Fees and affidavit
Pay applicable fees and submit the exit documents and supervisor proficiency affidavit required by 22 TAC §203.5(k)–(m).
Minimum age
At least 18 years old under §651.253(a)(1).
Mortuary education
Graduation from an accredited school or college of mortuary science.
Passing scores
At least 75 percent on the applicable examinations; the Mortuary Law Exam score expires for application purposes if no application is submitted within six months.
Probation
A criminal-history applicant whom the Commission determines not ineligible may receive a probated license under §203.17(g), through an agreed order stating the probation terms and consequences; completion converts the same license to ordinary status.
Provisional program
Complete the applicable supervised provisional program unless admitted by reciprocity; at least 45 cases, including at least 10 complete cases, are required under §§651.303–651.304. Approved clinical case credit is governed by §651.3035.
Secondary education
Accredited high-school graduation or the examination prescribed by the Texas Education Agency; this education examination is an applicant qualification, not a funeral-service examination leaf.
Probated reissuance of a revoked license
State Mortuary Law Examination
Discretion
The Commission may grant or deny reissuance; a denied petition cannot be reconsidered for twelve months under §203.18(c).
Examination
§651.267(d) requires the applicable examination; §203.18(h)(1) identifies it as the State Mortuary Law Examination.
Fees and education
Pay twice the regular renewal fee and satisfy continuing education, with additional competency training as required.
Probation
The Commission may place the reissued license on probation for at least two years under §203.18(i), with an agreed order.
Revocation
Apply no earlier than the third anniversary of revocation; petition in writing and establish good cause before the Commission.
Reciprocity from a substantially equivalent jurisdiction
State Mortuary Law Examination
Board packet demand
The Reciprocal Application Packet, updated August 8, 2023, states: Passing National Board Scores of 75%+ For equivalent applicants this implementing demand is subject to the mandatory waiver in §651.259(a).
Criminal history
Criminal background check required.
Experience
At least one year of practice in a jurisdiction with substantially equivalent requirements.
License held
Current funeral-director and/or embalmer license in good standing issued by another state, country, or territory, supported by the sworn application and official license verification.
Mortuary education
Graduate of an accredited college of mortuary science.
National waiver
§651.259(a) and 22 TAC §203.4(f) require waiver of the general requirements for substantially equivalent applicants.
State score
Pass the State Mortuary Law Examination with at least 75 percent; application within six months of the exam.
Reciprocity from a non equivalent jurisdiction
Board packet demand
The Reciprocal Application Packet, updated August 8, 2023, states: Passing National Board Scores of 75%+ For equivalent applicants this implementing demand is subject to the mandatory waiver in §651.259(a).
Criminal history
Criminal background check required.
Experience
At least five years of practice in a jurisdiction without substantially equivalent requirements.
License held
Current funeral-director and/or embalmer license in good standing issued by another state, country, or territory, supported by the sworn application and official license verification.
Mortuary education
Graduate of an accredited college of mortuary science.
National waiver
§651.259(a) and 22 TAC §203.4(f) permit the Commission to waive general license requirements; the applicable current national examination remains involved subject to this discretion.
State score
Pass the State Mortuary Law Examination with at least 75 percent; application within six months of the exam.
Reinstatement after expiration of at least one year
State Mortuary Law Examination
Board application demand
The 2021 Reinstatement Application requests National Board Examination Arts or a historical State Board Examination Arts score and graduation documentation. The controlling reinstatement procedure in §651.165(d), implemented by §203.1(f)(4), identifies the applicable reexamination as the State Mortuary Law Examination; the form demand is retained here.
Continuing education
Complete the continuing education under §203.8.
Expiration
License expired for at least one year.
Fees
Pay twice the normal renewal fee plus applicable fees.
State exam
Retake and pass the State Mortuary Law Examination under 22 TAC §203.1(f)(4).
Reissuance of a revoked license
State Mortuary Law Examination
Discretion
The Commission may grant or deny reissuance; a denied petition cannot be reconsidered for twelve months under §203.18(c).
Examination
§651.267(d) requires the applicable examination; §203.18(h)(1) identifies it as the State Mortuary Law Examination.
Fees and education
Pay twice the regular renewal fee and satisfy continuing education, with additional competency training as required.
Revocation
Apply no earlier than the third anniversary of revocation; petition in writing and establish good cause before the Commission.
Renewal of a suspended license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Fees
Pay twice the normal renewal fee plus assessed penalties under §651.1655; renewal does not independently remove a disciplinary suspension.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Timely renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Meet the continuing-education requirements of 22 TAC §203.8; education courses are conditions.
Renewal time
Apply within the 60-day renewal window and pay the renewal fee before expiration.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Funeral Director License (Disabled, Active)

The statutory retired/disabled renewal category of the underlying professional license; inactive status prohibits practice.

Licensing authority: Texas Funeral Service Commission

Renewal into disabled active status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit written application and proof of disability, subject to Commission acceptance.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
One-half of the ordinary renewal fee for active retired/disabled status.
Practice
Active status permits the underlying professional practice.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and documented disability of at least 75 percent; a second certification may be required.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Continued disabled active licensure: Renew within ninety days of expiration with the statutory late fee.
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit written application and proof of disability, subject to Commission acceptance.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
One-half of the ordinary renewal fee for active retired/disabled status.
Practice
Active status permits the underlying professional practice.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and documented disability of at least 75 percent; a second certification may be required.
Renewal time
Renew within ninety days of expiration with the statutory late fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Continued disabled active licensure: Renew after ninety days but before one year of expiration with the statutory late fee.
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit written application and proof of disability, subject to Commission acceptance.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
One-half of the ordinary renewal fee for active retired/disabled status.
Practice
Active status permits the underlying professional practice.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and documented disability of at least 75 percent; a second certification may be required.
Renewal time
Renew after ninety days but before one year of expiration with the statutory late fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Military reinstatement of an expired retired/disabled license
State Mortuary Law Examination
Application
Submit written application and proof of disability, subject to Commission acceptance.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
One-half of the ordinary renewal fee for active retired/disabled status.
Military expiration
Military service member, veteran or spouse, expired at least one but not more than five years; executive-director waiver of any prerequisite is discretionary under §203.1(f)(6).
Practice
Active status permits the underlying professional practice.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and documented disability of at least 75 percent; a second certification may be required.
Return to disabled active licensure after licensed practice in another state
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit written application and proof of disability, subject to Commission acceptance.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
One-half of the ordinary renewal fee for active retired/disabled status.
Other state practice
Previously held the Texas license and currently licensed and practicing in another state for the preceding two years; statutory no-reexamination route.
Practice
Active status permits the underlying professional practice.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and documented disability of at least 75 percent; a second certification may be required.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reactivation from the corresponding inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit written application and proof of disability, subject to Commission acceptance.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
One-half of the ordinary renewal fee for active retired/disabled status.
Inactive conversion
Holder of the corresponding inactive license may convert at any time to the active retired/disabled license by written notification and applicable fees under §203.3(d).
Practice
Active status permits the underlying professional practice.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and documented disability of at least 75 percent; a second certification may be required.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement of the expired disabled active license
State Mortuary Law Examination
Application
Submit written application and proof of disability, subject to Commission acceptance.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Expiration
Expired for one year or more; retake the State Mortuary Law Examination and pay applicable fees.
Fee
One-half of the ordinary renewal fee for active retired/disabled status.
Practice
Active status permits the underlying professional practice.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and documented disability of at least 75 percent; a second certification may be required.
Continued disabled active licensure: Renew an unexpired license.
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit written application and proof of disability, subject to Commission acceptance.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
One-half of the ordinary renewal fee for active retired/disabled status.
Practice
Active status permits the underlying professional practice.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and documented disability of at least 75 percent; a second certification may be required.
Renewal time
Renew an unexpired license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reissuance of a revoked retired/disabled license
State Mortuary Law Examination
Application
Submit written application and proof of disability, subject to Commission acceptance.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
One-half of the ordinary renewal fee for active retired/disabled status.
Practice
Active status permits the underlying professional practice.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and documented disability of at least 75 percent; a second certification may be required.
Revocation
Petition after at least three years, establish good cause, retake and pass the State Mortuary Law Examination, and satisfy applicable fees and other Commission requirements; the qualifying retired/disabled category remains required.
Renewal of a suspended retired/disabled license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit written application and proof of disability, subject to Commission acceptance.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
One-half of the ordinary renewal fee for active retired/disabled status.
Practice
Active status permits the underlying professional practice.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and documented disability of at least 75 percent; a second certification may be required.
Suspension
Renewal of a suspended license requires twice the normal renewal fee and assessed penalties under §651.1655, and does not independently lift a disciplinary restriction.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Funeral Director License (Disabled, Inactive)

The statutory retired/disabled renewal category of the underlying professional license; inactive status prohibits practice.

Licensing authority: Texas Funeral Service Commission

Renewal into disabled inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit written application and proof of disability, subject to Commission acceptance.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
No renewal fee for statutory inactive status.
Practice
Inactive status prohibits funeral directing and embalming.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and documented disability of at least 75 percent; a second certification may be required.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Continued disabled inactive licensure: Renew within ninety days of expiration with the statutory late fee.
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit written application and proof of disability, subject to Commission acceptance.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
No renewal fee for statutory inactive status.
Practice
Inactive status prohibits funeral directing and embalming.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and documented disability of at least 75 percent; a second certification may be required.
Renewal time
Renew within ninety days of expiration with the statutory late fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Continued disabled inactive licensure: Renew after ninety days but before one year of expiration with the statutory late fee.
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit written application and proof of disability, subject to Commission acceptance.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
No renewal fee for statutory inactive status.
Practice
Inactive status prohibits funeral directing and embalming.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and documented disability of at least 75 percent; a second certification may be required.
Renewal time
Renew after ninety days but before one year of expiration with the statutory late fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Military reinstatement of an expired retired/disabled license
State Mortuary Law Examination
Application
Submit written application and proof of disability, subject to Commission acceptance.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
No renewal fee for statutory inactive status.
Military expiration
Military service member, veteran or spouse, expired at least one but not more than five years; executive-director waiver of any prerequisite is discretionary under §203.1(f)(6).
Practice
Inactive status prohibits funeral directing and embalming.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and documented disability of at least 75 percent; a second certification may be required.
Return to disabled inactive licensure after licensed practice in another state
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit written application and proof of disability, subject to Commission acceptance.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
No renewal fee for statutory inactive status.
Other state practice
Previously held the Texas license and currently licensed and practicing in another state for the preceding two years; statutory no-reexamination route.
Practice
Inactive status prohibits funeral directing and embalming.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and documented disability of at least 75 percent; a second certification may be required.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement of the expired disabled inactive license
State Mortuary Law Examination
Application
Submit written application and proof of disability, subject to Commission acceptance.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Expiration
Expired for one year or more; retake the State Mortuary Law Examination and pay applicable fees.
Fee
No renewal fee for statutory inactive status.
Practice
Inactive status prohibits funeral directing and embalming.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and documented disability of at least 75 percent; a second certification may be required.
Continued disabled inactive licensure: Renew an unexpired license.
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit written application and proof of disability, subject to Commission acceptance.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
No renewal fee for statutory inactive status.
Practice
Inactive status prohibits funeral directing and embalming.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and documented disability of at least 75 percent; a second certification may be required.
Renewal time
Renew an unexpired license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reissuance of a revoked retired/disabled license
State Mortuary Law Examination
Application
Submit written application and proof of disability, subject to Commission acceptance.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
No renewal fee for statutory inactive status.
Practice
Inactive status prohibits funeral directing and embalming.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and documented disability of at least 75 percent; a second certification may be required.
Revocation
Petition after at least three years, establish good cause, retake and pass the State Mortuary Law Examination, and satisfy applicable fees and other Commission requirements; the qualifying retired/disabled category remains required.
Renewal of a suspended retired/disabled license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit written application and proof of disability, subject to Commission acceptance.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
No renewal fee for statutory inactive status.
Practice
Inactive status prohibits funeral directing and embalming.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and documented disability of at least 75 percent; a second certification may be required.
Suspension
Renewal of a suspended license requires twice the normal renewal fee and assessed penalties under §651.1655, and does not independently lift a disciplinary restriction.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Funeral Director License (Retired, Active)

The statutory retired/disabled renewal category of the underlying professional license; inactive status prohibits practice.

Licensing authority: Texas Funeral Service Commission

Renewal into retired active status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Retired active status is applied at renewal; request retired inactive status in writing.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
One-half of the ordinary renewal fee for active retired/disabled status.
Practice
Active status permits the underlying professional practice.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and age at least 65 at renewal.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Continued retired active licensure: Renew within ninety days of expiration with the statutory late fee.
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Retired active status is applied at renewal; request retired inactive status in writing.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
One-half of the ordinary renewal fee for active retired/disabled status.
Practice
Active status permits the underlying professional practice.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and age at least 65 at renewal.
Renewal time
Renew within ninety days of expiration with the statutory late fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Continued retired active licensure: Renew after ninety days but before one year of expiration with the statutory late fee.
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Retired active status is applied at renewal; request retired inactive status in writing.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
One-half of the ordinary renewal fee for active retired/disabled status.
Practice
Active status permits the underlying professional practice.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and age at least 65 at renewal.
Renewal time
Renew after ninety days but before one year of expiration with the statutory late fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Military reinstatement of an expired retired/disabled license
State Mortuary Law Examination
Application
Retired active status is applied at renewal; request retired inactive status in writing.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
One-half of the ordinary renewal fee for active retired/disabled status.
Military expiration
Military service member, veteran or spouse, expired at least one but not more than five years; executive-director waiver of any prerequisite is discretionary under §203.1(f)(6).
Practice
Active status permits the underlying professional practice.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and age at least 65 at renewal.
Return to retired active licensure after licensed practice in another state
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Retired active status is applied at renewal; request retired inactive status in writing.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
One-half of the ordinary renewal fee for active retired/disabled status.
Other state practice
Previously held the Texas license and currently licensed and practicing in another state for the preceding two years; statutory no-reexamination route.
Practice
Active status permits the underlying professional practice.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and age at least 65 at renewal.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reactivation from the corresponding inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Retired active status is applied at renewal; request retired inactive status in writing.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
One-half of the ordinary renewal fee for active retired/disabled status.
Inactive conversion
Holder of the corresponding inactive license may convert at any time to the active retired/disabled license by written notification and applicable fees under §203.3(d).
Practice
Active status permits the underlying professional practice.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and age at least 65 at renewal.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement of the expired retired active license
State Mortuary Law Examination
Application
Retired active status is applied at renewal; request retired inactive status in writing.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Expiration
Expired for one year or more; retake the State Mortuary Law Examination and pay applicable fees.
Fee
One-half of the ordinary renewal fee for active retired/disabled status.
Practice
Active status permits the underlying professional practice.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and age at least 65 at renewal.
Continued retired active licensure: Renew an unexpired license.
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Retired active status is applied at renewal; request retired inactive status in writing.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
One-half of the ordinary renewal fee for active retired/disabled status.
Practice
Active status permits the underlying professional practice.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and age at least 65 at renewal.
Renewal time
Renew an unexpired license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reissuance of a revoked retired/disabled license
State Mortuary Law Examination
Application
Retired active status is applied at renewal; request retired inactive status in writing.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
One-half of the ordinary renewal fee for active retired/disabled status.
Practice
Active status permits the underlying professional practice.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and age at least 65 at renewal.
Revocation
Petition after at least three years, establish good cause, retake and pass the State Mortuary Law Examination, and satisfy applicable fees and other Commission requirements; the qualifying retired/disabled category remains required.
Renewal of a suspended retired/disabled license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Retired active status is applied at renewal; request retired inactive status in writing.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
One-half of the ordinary renewal fee for active retired/disabled status.
Practice
Active status permits the underlying professional practice.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and age at least 65 at renewal.
Suspension
Renewal of a suspended license requires twice the normal renewal fee and assessed penalties under §651.1655, and does not independently lift a disciplinary restriction.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Funeral Director License (Retired, Inactive)

The statutory retired/disabled renewal category of the underlying professional license; inactive status prohibits practice.

Licensing authority: Texas Funeral Service Commission

Renewal into retired inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Retired active status is applied at renewal; request retired inactive status in writing.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
No renewal fee for statutory inactive status.
Practice
Inactive status prohibits funeral directing and embalming.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and age at least 65 at renewal.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Continued retired inactive licensure: Renew within ninety days of expiration with the statutory late fee.
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Retired active status is applied at renewal; request retired inactive status in writing.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
No renewal fee for statutory inactive status.
Practice
Inactive status prohibits funeral directing and embalming.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and age at least 65 at renewal.
Renewal time
Renew within ninety days of expiration with the statutory late fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Continued retired inactive licensure: Renew after ninety days but before one year of expiration with the statutory late fee.
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Retired active status is applied at renewal; request retired inactive status in writing.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
No renewal fee for statutory inactive status.
Practice
Inactive status prohibits funeral directing and embalming.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and age at least 65 at renewal.
Renewal time
Renew after ninety days but before one year of expiration with the statutory late fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Military reinstatement of an expired retired/disabled license
State Mortuary Law Examination
Application
Retired active status is applied at renewal; request retired inactive status in writing.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
No renewal fee for statutory inactive status.
Military expiration
Military service member, veteran or spouse, expired at least one but not more than five years; executive-director waiver of any prerequisite is discretionary under §203.1(f)(6).
Practice
Inactive status prohibits funeral directing and embalming.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and age at least 65 at renewal.
Return to retired inactive licensure after licensed practice in another state
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Retired active status is applied at renewal; request retired inactive status in writing.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
No renewal fee for statutory inactive status.
Other state practice
Previously held the Texas license and currently licensed and practicing in another state for the preceding two years; statutory no-reexamination route.
Practice
Inactive status prohibits funeral directing and embalming.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and age at least 65 at renewal.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement of the expired retired inactive license
State Mortuary Law Examination
Application
Retired active status is applied at renewal; request retired inactive status in writing.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Expiration
Expired for one year or more; retake the State Mortuary Law Examination and pay applicable fees.
Fee
No renewal fee for statutory inactive status.
Practice
Inactive status prohibits funeral directing and embalming.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and age at least 65 at renewal.
Continued retired inactive licensure: Renew an unexpired license.
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Retired active status is applied at renewal; request retired inactive status in writing.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
No renewal fee for statutory inactive status.
Practice
Inactive status prohibits funeral directing and embalming.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and age at least 65 at renewal.
Renewal time
Renew an unexpired license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reissuance of a revoked retired/disabled license
State Mortuary Law Examination
Application
Retired active status is applied at renewal; request retired inactive status in writing.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
No renewal fee for statutory inactive status.
Practice
Inactive status prohibits funeral directing and embalming.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and age at least 65 at renewal.
Revocation
Petition after at least three years, establish good cause, retake and pass the State Mortuary Law Examination, and satisfy applicable fees and other Commission requirements; the qualifying retired/disabled category remains required.
Renewal of a suspended retired/disabled license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Retired active status is applied at renewal; request retired inactive status in writing.
Continuing education
Retired/disabled licensees are exempt from continuing education under §203.8.
Fee
No renewal fee for statutory inactive status.
Practice
Inactive status prohibits funeral directing and embalming.
Qualification
Underlying professional license and age at least 65 at renewal.
Suspension
Renewal of a suspended license requires twice the normal renewal fee and assessed penalties under §651.1655, and does not independently lift a disciplinary restriction.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Funeral Establishment License

License required to conduct a funeral business, with application, fee, facility, licensed-personnel and initial-inspection requirements.

Licensing authority: Texas Funeral Service Commission

Initial licensure of a public junior college funeral establishment
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Commission application, fee, price lists and purchase-agreement/case-report forms as applicable.
Educational location
A funeral establishment on public junior-college real property and connected with its accredited funeral-services program is exempt from the fixed-location tax-exempt/cemetery prohibition under §651.351(i).
Facilities
Chapel, rolling stock, preparation room or approved exemption, sanitation facilities and required merchandise display under §651.351.
Inspection
Pass the mandatory initial inspection; satisfy applicable building, fire, health, physical-location, equipment and staffing requirements.
Personnel
Employ the licensed professional personnel and designate the responsible Funeral Director in Charge or Embalmer in Charge. These are existing licenses, not establishment exam leaves.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial establishment licensure
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Commission application, fee, price lists and purchase-agreement/case-report forms as applicable.
Facilities
Chapel, rolling stock, preparation room or approved exemption, sanitation facilities and required merchandise display under §651.351.
Inspection
Pass the mandatory initial inspection; satisfy applicable building, fire, health, physical-location, equipment and staffing requirements.
Personnel
Employ the licensed professional personnel and designate the responsible Funeral Director in Charge or Embalmer in Charge. These are existing licenses, not establishment exam leaves.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

New license following a name or physical location change
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Change
Submit a new establishment application, pay fees and outstanding penalties subject to review exceptions; a physical-location change requires inspection.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensing after an establishment ownership change
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Ownership
Submit a new-license application or the prescribed change-of-ownership notice within thirty days, attestation, supporting documents and applicable fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Annual establishment renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Late renewal
Late fee after expiration; no operation after thirty days until payment, and cancellation if the application is not received within ninety days.
Renewal
Pay the required fee, provide the renewal application, and resolve penalties or satisfy the prescribed payment-plan/review exceptions.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Military Provisional Licensing — Funeral Directing and Embalming

Temporary Chapter 55 processing license; not the supervised mortuary training provisional license under Chapter 651.

Licensing authority: Texas Funeral Service Commission

Temporary military license pending an alternative licensing application
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Duration
Expires on approval or denial of the full-license application or the 180th day after issuance, whichever is earlier.
Eligibility
Military service member, veteran or spouse with a current good-standing similar-scope license in another state or a Texas license held within the previous five years.
Issuance
On receipt of the qualifying application the agency must promptly issue this provisional license or the requested regular license under §55.004(b-1).
Older rule
22 TAC §203.59(e) states: (e) A license issued under this section cannot be a limited provisional license pursuant to §55.005(b), Texas Occupations Code. For purposes of this section, "provisional license" does not mean a provisional license as set forth in Chapter 651, Texas Occupations Code. The September 1, 2025 statutory amendment is the controlling authority for this temporary processing license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Temporary military license pending recognition of an out of state license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Duration
Expires when recognition is issued or denied or on the 180th day after issuance, whichever is earlier.
Eligibility
Military service member or military spouse with a current similar-scope out-of-state license in good standing, relocation orders and prescribed application/affidavit documentation.
Issuance
The additional §55.0041(b-1) enacted by S.B. 1818 requires prompt confirmation or a provisional license pending recognition. The separate H.B. 5629 subsection requires notice about recognition, incompleteness or dissimilar scope within ten business days.
Practice
Comply with Texas scope and all applicable practice law; the continuing recognition authorization lasts while the service member is stationed in Texas, with the statutory former-spouse continuation.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Military Provisional Embalmer License

Temporary provisional license issued while a qualifying military applicant's application under §55.004 is processed; expires upon approval or denial or 180 days after issuance, whichever is earlier.

Licensing authority: Texas Funeral Service Commission

Temporary military license pending an alternative licensing application
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Duration
Expires on approval or denial of the full-license application or the 180th day after issuance, whichever is earlier.
Eligibility
Military service member, veteran or spouse with a current good-standing similar-scope license in another state or a Texas license held within the previous five years.
Issuance
On receipt of the qualifying application the agency must promptly issue this provisional license or the requested regular license under §55.004(b-1).
Older rule
22 TAC §203.59(e) states: (e) A license issued under this section cannot be a limited provisional license pursuant to §55.005(b), Texas Occupations Code. For purposes of this section, "provisional license" does not mean a provisional license as set forth in Chapter 651, Texas Occupations Code. The September 1, 2025 statutory amendment is the controlling authority for this temporary processing license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Temporary military license pending recognition of an out of state license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Duration
Expires when recognition is issued or denied or on the 180th day after issuance, whichever is earlier.
Eligibility
Military service member or military spouse with a current similar-scope out-of-state license in good standing, relocation orders and prescribed application/affidavit documentation.
Issuance
The additional §55.0041(b-1) enacted by S.B. 1818 requires prompt confirmation or a provisional license pending recognition. The separate H.B. 5629 subsection requires notice about recognition, incompleteness or dissimilar scope within ten business days.
Practice
Comply with Texas scope and all applicable practice law; the continuing recognition authorization lasts while the service member is stationed in Texas, with the statutory former-spouse continuation.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Military Provisional Funeral Director License

Temporary provisional license issued while a qualifying military alternative-licensing application is processed; expires upon approval or denial, or 180 days after issuance, whichever occurs first.

Licensing authority: Texas Funeral Service Commission

Temporary military license pending an alternative licensing application
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Duration
Expires on approval or denial of the full-license application or the 180th day after issuance, whichever is earlier.
Eligibility
Military service member, veteran or spouse with a current good-standing similar-scope license in another state or a Texas license held within the previous five years.
Issuance
On receipt of the qualifying application the agency must promptly issue this provisional license or the requested regular license under §55.004(b-1).
Older rule
22 TAC §203.59(e) states: (e) A license issued under this section cannot be a limited provisional license pursuant to §55.005(b), Texas Occupations Code. For purposes of this section, "provisional license" does not mean a provisional license as set forth in Chapter 651, Texas Occupations Code. The September 1, 2025 statutory amendment is the controlling authority for this temporary processing license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Temporary military license pending recognition of an out of state license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Duration
Expires when recognition is issued or denied or on the 180th day after issuance, whichever is earlier.
Eligibility
Military service member or military spouse with a current similar-scope out-of-state license in good standing, relocation orders and prescribed application/affidavit documentation.
Issuance
The additional §55.0041(b-1) enacted by S.B. 1818 requires prompt confirmation or a provisional license pending recognition. The separate H.B. 5629 subsection requires notice about recognition, incompleteness or dissimilar scope within ten business days.
Practice
Comply with Texas scope and all applicable practice law; the continuing recognition authorization lasts while the service member is stationed in Texas, with the statutory former-spouse continuation.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Provisional Embalmer License

Provisional license to learn embalming under an embalmer's instruction and supervision while employed by a funeral establishment or commercial embalming facility.

Licensing authority: Texas Funeral Service Commission

Initial provisional licensure with an education waiver
State Mortuary Law Examination
Age
At least 18 years old.
Application and fees
Verified application, required documents and fees.
Criminal history
Fingerprint-based criminal background check.
Education
An otherwise qualified first-time provisional applicant may obtain a mortuary-enrollment education waiver for at most twelve months.
Employment
Maintain employment and direct personal supervision in a licensed funeral or commercial embalming establishment.
License term
Twelve consecutive months; ordinary maximum term 24 months, or up to 36 months for an education-waiver licensee to the extent of months not enrolled in mortuary school.
State exam
Pass the State Mortuary Law Examination at 75 percent or better before issuance and apply within six months of the exam.
Initial provisional licensure with mortuary enrollment or education
State Mortuary Law Examination
Age
At least 18 years old.
Application and fees
Verified application, required documents and fees.
Criminal history
Fingerprint-based criminal background check.
Education
Completed mortuary educational requirements or enrolled in an accredited mortuary school or college; the college must provide the enrollment or qualifying graduation letter.
Employment
Maintain employment and direct personal supervision in a licensed funeral or commercial embalming establishment.
License term
Twelve consecutive months; ordinary maximum term 24 months, or up to 36 months for an education-waiver licensee to the extent of months not enrolled in mortuary school.
State exam
Pass the State Mortuary Law Examination at 75 percent or better before issuance and apply within six months of the exam.
Reinstatement after cancellation for untimely renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application deadline
Apply no later than the expiration date the license would have had if timely renewed.
Expiration
The reinstated license retains that original expiration date; no practice while suspended or cancelled.
Fees
Pay the license/renewal fee and equal late-payment penalty and satisfy other applicable requirements.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Military alternative provisional licensure based on a former Texas license
State Mortuary Law Examination
Alternative competency
The executive director may waive prerequisites and accept the alternative methods in §203.59(b); unspecified additional written or practical examinations remain applicant conditions.
Background
Submit the application, relevant evidence and fingerprints under §203.59(f)–(g).
Eligibility
Held the Texas license within five years before application.
Military status
Military service member, military veteran or military spouse.
Provisional kind
This is the Chapter 651 supervised provisional license, distinguished from the temporary processing license required by the 2025 amendments to Chapter 55.
Military alternative provisional licensure based on an out of state license
State Mortuary Law Examination
Alternative competency
The executive director may waive prerequisites and accept the alternative methods in §203.59(b); unspecified additional written or practical examinations remain applicant conditions.
Background
Submit the application, relevant evidence and fingerprints under §203.59(f)–(g).
Eligibility
Current good-standing license from another state similar in scope of practice.
Military status
Military service member, military veteran or military spouse.
Provisional kind
This is the Chapter 651 supervised provisional license, distinguished from the temporary processing license required by the 2025 amendments to Chapter 55.
Reapplication after failure to complete the provisional program
State Mortuary Law Examination
Casework
Previous casework does not count unless the executive director grants a hardship exemption, with Commission appeal available.
Criminal history
Submit to a new criminal background check.
Examination
Retake and pass the State Mortuary Law Examination.
Ordinary eligibility
Meet the applicable provisional age, education, employment, application, supervision and fee requirements.
Reapplication limit
Only one reapplication is permitted under §651.3055(c).
Renewal of the provisional program license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Employment
Continue the required employment and supervision.
Fees
Pay the renewal fee; the program consists of supervised cases, not a separate scored practical examination.
Program term
May renew for a further twelve months if the program is incomplete; maximum ordinary term 24 months.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Extension of an education waiver provisional license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Enrollment
The mortuary college must send the required enrollment letter before renewal.
Fees
Pay the required renewal fee.
Program term
After the maximum 24-month period, education-waiver licensees may receive an extension for months not enrolled in mortuary school, at most twelve further months and 36 months total.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Provisional Funeral Director License

Provisional license for learning funeral directing under the instruction and supervision of a funeral director while employed by a funeral establishment.

Licensing authority: Texas Funeral Service Commission

Initial provisional licensure with an education waiver
State Mortuary Law Examination
Age
At least 18 years old.
Application and fees
Verified application, required documents and fees.
Criminal history
Fingerprint-based criminal background check.
Education
An otherwise qualified first-time provisional applicant may obtain a mortuary-enrollment education waiver for at most twelve months.
Employment
Maintain employment and direct personal supervision in a licensed funeral establishment.
License term
Twelve consecutive months; ordinary maximum term 24 months, or up to 36 months for an education-waiver licensee to the extent of months not enrolled in mortuary school.
State exam
Pass the State Mortuary Law Examination at 75 percent or better before issuance and apply within six months of the exam.
Initial provisional licensure with mortuary enrollment or education
State Mortuary Law Examination
Age
At least 18 years old.
Application and fees
Verified application, required documents and fees.
Criminal history
Fingerprint-based criminal background check.
Education
Completed mortuary educational requirements or enrolled in an accredited mortuary school or college; the college must provide the enrollment or qualifying graduation letter.
Employment
Maintain employment and direct personal supervision in a licensed funeral establishment.
License term
Twelve consecutive months; ordinary maximum term 24 months, or up to 36 months for an education-waiver licensee to the extent of months not enrolled in mortuary school.
State exam
Pass the State Mortuary Law Examination at 75 percent or better before issuance and apply within six months of the exam.
Reinstatement after cancellation for untimely renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application deadline
Apply no later than the expiration date the license would have had if timely renewed.
Expiration
The reinstated license retains that original expiration date; no practice while suspended or cancelled.
Fees
Pay the license/renewal fee and equal late-payment penalty and satisfy other applicable requirements.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Military alternative provisional licensure based on a former Texas license
State Mortuary Law Examination
Alternative competency
The executive director may waive prerequisites and accept the alternative methods in §203.59(b); unspecified additional written or practical examinations remain applicant conditions.
Background
Submit the application, relevant evidence and fingerprints under §203.59(f)–(g).
Eligibility
Held the Texas license within five years before application.
Military status
Military service member, military veteran or military spouse.
Provisional kind
This is the Chapter 651 supervised provisional license, distinguished from the temporary processing license required by the 2025 amendments to Chapter 55.
Military alternative provisional licensure based on an out of state license
State Mortuary Law Examination
Alternative competency
The executive director may waive prerequisites and accept the alternative methods in §203.59(b); unspecified additional written or practical examinations remain applicant conditions.
Background
Submit the application, relevant evidence and fingerprints under §203.59(f)–(g).
Eligibility
Current good-standing license from another state similar in scope of practice.
Military status
Military service member, military veteran or military spouse.
Provisional kind
This is the Chapter 651 supervised provisional license, distinguished from the temporary processing license required by the 2025 amendments to Chapter 55.
Reapplication after failure to complete the provisional program
State Mortuary Law Examination
Casework
Previous casework does not count unless the executive director grants a hardship exemption, with Commission appeal available.
Criminal history
Submit to a new criminal background check.
Examination
Retake and pass the State Mortuary Law Examination.
Ordinary eligibility
Meet the applicable provisional age, education, employment, application, supervision and fee requirements.
Reapplication limit
Only one reapplication is permitted under §651.3055(c).
Renewal of the provisional program license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Employment
Continue the required employment and supervision.
Fees
Pay the renewal fee; the program consists of supervised cases, not a separate scored practical examination.
Program term
May renew for a further twelve months if the program is incomplete; maximum ordinary term 24 months.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Extension of an education waiver provisional license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Enrollment
The mortuary college must send the required enrollment letter before renewal.
Fees
Pay the required renewal fee.
Program term
After the maximum 24-month period, education-waiver licensees may receive an extension for months not enrolled in mortuary school, at most twelve further months and 36 months total.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Temporary Operation Authorization

Commission authorization to operate the existing licensed establishment at a temporary location after damage.

Licensing authority: Texas Funeral Service Commission

Temporary operation after fire, flood or another natural disaster
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Written application describes the damage circumstances and estimates the date the permanent licensed location will be ready.
Damage
Existing licensed location damaged by fire, flood or other natural disaster.
Location
Temporary location meets all Chapter 651 and Commission rule requirements for the establishment.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

temporary operation authorization

Commission authorization to operate the existing licensed establishment at a temporary location after damage.

Licensing authority: Texas Funeral Service Commission

Temporary operation after fire, flood or another natural disaster
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Written application describes the damage circumstances and estimates the date the permanent licensed location will be ready.
Damage
Existing licensed location damaged by fire, flood or other natural disaster.
Location
Temporary location meets all Chapter 651 and Commission rule requirements for the establishment.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

temporary operation authorization

Commission authorization to operate the existing licensed establishment at a temporary location after damage.

Licensing authority: Texas Funeral Service Commission

Temporary operation after fire, flood or another natural disaster
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Written application describes the damage circumstances and estimates the date the permanent licensed location will be ready.
Damage
Existing licensed location damaged by fire, flood or other natural disaster.
Location
Temporary location meets all Chapter 651 and Commission rule requirements for the establishment.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

State Mortuary Law Examination

Examination outline
  • Texas Occupations Code Chapter 651 — CREMATORY SERVICES, FUNERAL DIRECTING, AND EMBALMING
  • Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 191 — ADMINISTRATION OF VITAL STATISTICS RECORDS
  • Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 193 — DEATH RECORDS
  • Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 195 — ENFORCEMENT OF VITAL STATISTICS REPORTING
  • Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 671 — DETERMINATION OF DEATH AND AUTOPSY REPORTS
  • Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 673 — SUDDEN INFANT DEATH SYNDROME
  • Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 691 — DONATION OF BODIES AND ANATOMICAL SPECIMENS
  • Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 692A — REVISED UNIFORM ANATOMICAL GIFT ACT
  • Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 693 — REMOVAL OF BODY PARTS, BODY TISSUE, AND CORNEAL TISSUE
  • Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 694 — BURIAL
  • Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 695 — IN-CASKET IDENTIFICATION
  • Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 696 — DISPOSITION OF UNCLAIMED CREMATED REMAINS
  • Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 697 — DISPOSITION OF EMBRYONIC AND FETAL TISSUE REMAINS
  • Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 711 — GENERAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO CEMETERIES
  • Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 712 — PERPETUAL CARE CEMETERIES
  • Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 713 — LOCAL REGULATION OF CEMETERIES
  • Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 714 — MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS RELATING TO CEMETERIES
  • Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 715 — CERTAIN HISTORIC CEMETERIES
  • Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 716 — CREMATORIES
  • 22 Texas Administrative Code Chapter 201 — LICENSING AND ENFORCEMENT--PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE
  • 22 Texas Administrative Code Chapter 203 — LICENSING AND ENFORCEMENT--SPECIFIC SUBSTANTIVE RULES
  • 22 Texas Administrative Code Chapter 204 — FEES
  • 22 Texas Administrative Code Chapter 205 — CREMATORIES
  • 22 Texas Administrative Code Chapter 206 — ANATOMICAL FACILITIES, NON-TRANSPLANT ANATOMICAL DONATION ORGANIZATIONS, AND WILLED BODY PROGRAMS
  • 22 Texas Administrative Code Chapter 207 — ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION
  • 22 Texas Administrative Code Chapter 209 — ETHICAL STANDARDS FOR PERSONS LICENSED BY THE COMMISSION
  • 25 Texas Administrative Code Chapter 181 — VITAL STATISTICS
Examination sources

National Board Exam Arts

Provider
The International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards (The Conference); computer-based exam administered by Pearson at Pearson Professional Centers
Format
Computer-based multiple-choice examination, administered, paid for, scheduled and scored separately from the NBE-Sciences section; a basic calculator is built into the exam software
Exam questions
170 multiple-choice questions: 150 scored and 20 non-scored pretest questions
Time limit
170 minutes for the exam (the appointment also includes a 3-minute non-disclosure agreement, a 3-minute release-of-results screen and a 7-minute tutorial)
Passing score
Scaled score of 75 (pass/fail)
Exam fee
$285 per section
Examination outline
  • I. Funeral Arranging and Directing (51 of 150 scored items; 34% of the NBE-Arts blueprint) (34%)
  • II. Funeral Service Marketing/Merchandising (21 of 150 scored items; 14% of the NBE-Arts blueprint) (14%)
  • III. Funeral Service Counseling (19 of 150 scored items; 13% of the NBE-Arts blueprint) (13%)
  • IV. Legal and Regulatory Compliance (35 of 150 scored items; 23% of the NBE-Arts blueprint) (23%)
  • V. Cemetery/Crematory/Other Dispositions (24 of 150 scored items; 16% of the NBE-Arts blueprint) (16%)
Examination sources

National Board Exam Sciences

Provider
The International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards (The Conference); computer-based exam administered by Pearson at Pearson Professional Centers
Format
Computer-based multiple-choice examination, administered, paid for, scheduled and scored separately from the NBE-Arts section; a basic calculator is built into the exam software
Exam questions
170 multiple-choice questions: 150 scored and 20 non-scored pretest questions
Time limit
170 minutes for the exam (the appointment also includes a 3-minute non-disclosure agreement, a 3-minute release-of-results screen and a 7-minute tutorial)
Passing score
Scaled score of 75 (pass/fail)
Exam fee
$285 per section
Examination outline
  • I. Embalming (62 of 150 scored items; 41% of the NBE-Sciences blueprint) (41%)
  • II. Restorative Art (34 of 150 scored items; 23% of the NBE-Sciences blueprint) (23%)
  • III. Other Preparation of the Deceased (28 of 150 scored items; 19% of the NBE-Sciences blueprint) (19%)
  • IV. Funeral Service Sciences (26 of 150 scored items; 17% of the NBE-Sciences blueprint) (17%)
Examination sources