Office of Funeral and Mortuary Science Services: Division Info and FAQ
Professional FAQs
- Information about Funeral Home and Crematory Registration
Currently under development. Please check back again.
- Information about Individual Licenses
Currently under development. Please check back again.
Consumer FAQs
- Information about Pre-Need Insurance
Q: Can I file a complaint against a funeral home related to a pre-need insurance contract?
A: The Colorado Division of Insurance regulates Pre-Need Funeral Insurance sellers in Colorado:
Verify a Pre-Need Funeral Insurance seller online on the Division of Insurance website. Contact the Colorado Division of Insurance at (303) 894-7499 or toll free at (800) 930-3745.
- Information about Filing a Complaint
Q: How do I file a complaint against a mortuary science practitioner, funeral director, embalmer, cremationist, or natural reductionist? How do I file a complaint against a mortuary science practitioner, funeral director, embalmer, or cremationist?
A: Although the Office of Funeral and Mortuary Science Services does not currently issue a license to these individuals, you can file a complaint with the Program concerning the registered funeral home or crematory where the individual practices, and the Program will review the complaint and determine jurisdiction. You may also want to consider filing a complaint with the Colorado Funeral Directors Association.
Recent legislation requires individuals in these occupations to be licensed no later than January 1, 2027.
- Information about the Process and Expectations
Q: How do I obtain a certified copy of a death certificate?
A: Copies of certified death certificates are generally included in the services provided by a funeral home or crematory, and are detailed in the Statement of Funeral Goods and Services which describes the arrangements for funeral services or cremation. In addition, certified copies of death certificates may be requested from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Vital Records Section.
Q: How do I know who has the right to make arrangements for final disposition of a loved one?
A: The right to control disposition of last remains or ceremonial arrangements of a decedent is defined in 15-19-106, C.R.S. You may always find the most current version of the Colorado Revised Statutes online.
Q: Do I have the right to the cremated remains of my loved one, regardless of whether I have completed payment for the memorial services and/or cremation?
A: Yes, it is unlawful for a funeral home or a crematory to not properly and promptly release human remains or cremated remains to the custody of the person who has the legal right to effect such release whether or not any costs have been paid.
Q: When is a funeral home or crematory to provide to me written information regarding the funeral or cremation services the establishment provides?
A: Before a person selects the funeral or cremation services, the funeral establishment shall provide an itemized list of the prices of all available merchandise and individual services at that funeral establishment (section 12-54-106 (2), C.R.S.). In addition, when a consumer inquires about the goods or services a funeral establishment provides, the funeral establishment must provide written notice to the consumer specifying the names and addresses of any subcontractors or agents that routinely work with the funeral establishment and routinely handle or care for human remains (section 12-54-103 (1), C.R.S.). If the initial customer inquiry occurs over the telephone, this written notice must be provided when the customer finalizes the arrangements for goods or services with the funeral establishment.
Q: Does the Colorado Office of Funeral and Mortuary Science Services regulate cemeteries, or how do I file a complaint against a cemetery?
A: The Colorado Office of Funeral and Mortuary Science Services does not license or register Colorado cemeteries, nor does the Program have jurisdiction concerning consumer complaints filed against cemeteries.
Q: If I bury my loved one on private land, does a funeral director need to be present?
A: No, there is no requirement that a funeral director be present for a burial. However, the funeral director, or whoever is acting as such who first assumes custody of the remains is the person primarily responsible for completing the death certificate, obtaining the medical certification, and filing with the local registrar in the county of death. For questions concerning this process, contact the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Vital Records Section.
Q: What are the rules regarding scattering of cremated remains?
A: The Office of Funeral and Mortuary Science Service has no rules or laws which apply to the scattering of cremated remains. Cremated remains may be disposed of as the decedent or next of kin desires, except for any restriction by local ordinances. It is important to check any federal, county or local laws and ordinances in the area prior to scattering cremated remains.
Q: Is embalming required?
A: No, embalming is not required if burial or cremation of the human remains occurs within 24 hours of death. However, if burial or cremation is to occur more than 24 hours after death, embalming or refrigeration of the human remains is required.
Q: Are there any resources available to assist an individual with planning a funeral?
A: The Funeral Consumers Alliance has put together a list of resources for consideration by an individual planning a funeral. Information obtained from the Funeral Consumer Alliance contains points of view and/or opinions of the Funeral Consumers Alliance, and does not represent the official position of the Office of Funeral Home and Mortuary Science Services.
Q: Other than funeral arrangements or arrangements for cremation, what steps should I take relating to the death of a loved one?
A: The Colorado Bar Association has developed an educational brochure titled “What to Do When Someone Dies”, which contains a detailed list of steps to take and agencies to contact when a loved one dies. Information obtained from the Colorado Bar Association contains points of view and/or opinions of the Colorado Bar Association, and does not represent the official position of the Office of Funeral Home and Mortuary Science Services.