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Regulatory Handbook -> General Requirements -> Cremated Remains Disposition

Cremated Remains Disposition

What is the Purpose of this Permit?
You must have a Cremated Remains Disposition Permit if you:
    Provide the service of scattering, burying or otherwise disposing of cremated human remains as a business.
    Don't have authority to dispose of cremated remains under RCW 68.50.160 (authority is usually limited to direct family members).
Who Issues this Permit?
Department of Licensing
What Activities Require this Permit?
Scattering, burying or otherwise disposing of cremated human remains as a business; or as an individual who is not a direct family member (see RCW 68.50.160)
How Much Will this Permit Cost?
$70
Where Can I Get the Application for this Permit?
The application which is called 'Cremated Human Remains Disposition Permit Application' is online and can be accessed at http://www.dol.wa.gov/business/funeralcemetery/remainsindex.html.
How Long Will it Take to Review my Application?
The estimated processing time for a completed application is 5 business days.
Where do I Submit my Application?
Funeral and Cemetery Board
Department of Licensing
PO Box 35001
Seattle, WA 98124–3401
How Long is my Permit Valid?
1 year
Permit Timeliness Results

Permit Timeliness data collection is in response to a State Auditor’s Performance Audit and RCW 43.42A. Each regulatory agency developed a plan to improve permit clarity, predictability, and timeliness. Each agency considers the customers experience to ensure permit assistance is simple to use, easy to access, and designed in a customer-friendly manner. Agencies report progress to the Governor’s Office for Regulatory Innovation and Assistance (ORIA). ORIA prepares and distributes reports, with participation from the State Auditor’s Office and Results Washington. See latest report here: https://www.oria.wa.gov/ORIA-2018-PermitTimelinessProgressReport.pdf.

All permits submitted for reporting were entered into this Regulatory Handbook. Here are the results of the performance data:

Estimated Time Required By the Agency to Process a Permit Application (Definition)
Average number of days from Receipt to Complete: 1
Maximum number of days from Receipt to Complete: 3

Estimated Time Required By the Agency to Issue a Permit Decision (Definition)
Average number of days from Complete Application to Decision: 1
Maximum number of days from Complete Application to Decision: 3

(Summary results based on 40 submittals in 2020)

Where can I get permitting assistance?
Web page URL:http://www.dol.wa.gov/business/funeralcemetery/remainsindex.html
Subject matter expert phone: (360) 664-1555
Subject matter expert email: funerals@dol.wa.gov
Statewide Contact:
Department of Licensing
Funeral and Cemetery Licensing
Post Office Box 9012
Olympia, WA 98507-9012
Telephone: (360) 664-1555
Email: funerals@dol.wa.gov
Website: https://www.dol.wa.gov
* Permit information last updated 7/25/2017
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