Registration Requirements – Crematories - Cemetery Oversight

Requirements for Operating a Crematory

Issuing Agencies and Types of Permits

The Office of Cemetery Oversight (office) issues crematory permits to the following individuals/entities:

1. A cemetery oversight registrant or permit holder who owns a greater or equal interest in a crematory operated in conjunction with a licensee of the Maryland State Board of Morticians and Funeral Directors (board).
2. A crematory owner who does not hold a license, permit, or registration from either the office or the board.

Cemetery oversight crematory permit holders are required to designate a registered crematory operator. Designees must obtain a registered crematory operator permit from the office.

If the majority of interest in a crematory is held by a licensee of the Maryland State Board of Morticians and Funeral Directors, then the crematory permit is issued by the board.

Requirements for Sole Proprietors

For a crematory permit from the Office, a sole proprietor must:

1. File an application form and pay a nonrefundable application fee;
2. Provide the name, address, and phone number of each affiliated crematory;
3. Designate a registered crematory operator as the responsible party for each affiliated crematory, provided that the registered crematory operator may not be designated as the responsible party for more than a total of two crematories;
4. Provide an affidavit stating that the crematory business is financially stable, and no federal or state taxes or fees are delinquent; and
5. Provide evidence to the office of the sole proprietor’s ability to read and write.

Requirements for Corporations, Limited Liability Companies, and Partnerships

For a crematory permit from the office, a corporation, limited liability company, or partnership must:

1. File an application form and pay a nonrefundable application fee;
2. Provide the name, address, and phone number of each affiliated crematory;
3. Designate a registered crematory operator as the responsible party for each affiliated crematory, provided that the registered crematory operator may not be designated as the responsible party for more than a total of two crematories;
4. Provide a list of the officers, directors, members, partners, agents, and employees of the entity applying for the permit;
5. Provide a certificate of status, issued by the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation, indicating that the entity is in good standing, or its equivalent as determined by the office, and dated not earlier than 30 days before the date of the application; and
6. Provide an affidavit stating that:
1. No federal or state taxes or fees are delinquent; and
2. The corporation, limited liability company, or partnership is financially stable.

Registrations and permits issued by the Office of Cemetery Oversight expire two years after the date of issuance.