Q: Does a direct cremation business in California need a funeral establishment license . I have third party crematory

A: A funeral establishment license is generally required for businesses that perform services related to the disposition of human remains. This includes arranging for cremations, even if you are not directly performing the cremation but are coordinating it with a third-party provider.

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A: Yes, according to California law, you need a funeral establishment license even if you're operating a direct cremation business with third-party partnerships. The California Cemetery and Funeral Bureau requires any business arranging cremation services to hold this license, regardless of whether they own the crematory facilities.

Your virtual office setup doesn't exempt you from licensing requirements. The state views arranging cremations as funeral directing, which requires proper licensing to protect consumers and ensure compliance with state regulations. This includes having a licensed funeral director as part of your operation.

While you have arrangements with third-party crematories and removal services, you're still considered the primary provider interfacing with families and arranging these services. You'll need to complete the funeral establishment application process through the Cemetery and Funeral Bureau, meet all facility requirements, and pass necessary inspections before beginning operations. Consider reaching out to the Bureau directly for specific guidance on virtual office arrangements, as they may have additional requirements.