Cemetery Board

• Go to: Most Requested Forms (address change, criminal conviction reporting, certification request, etc.) 

Applicants must read and understand the Cemetery Board Regulations (PDF). Application fees are not refundable. 

DPOR Boards only accept the most recent versions of the applications provided below. DPOR Boards are not responsible for processing delays associated with forms that do not conform to this requirement.

Problems opening interactive forms? 

Help for Google Chrome users here | Other troubleshooting resources here

Cemetery Company/Personnel Forms

Perpetual Care Forms

Preneed Forms

Trustee Forms

Sign up for email notification of regulatory action and meetings by registering here.

VIRGINIA CEMETERY BOARD

• Chapter 23.1 of Title 54.1 of the Code of Virginia | Cemetery Operators, Perpetual Care Trust Funds & Preneed Burial Contracts
• Cemetery Board Regulations online | PDF  
• Guidance Documents on Virginia Regulatory Town Hall     

Cemetery-related statutes NOT administered or enforced by DPOR: 

• Title 57 | Religious and Charitable Matters; Cemeteries 
• Chapter 22 of Title 10.1 | Historic Resources 
• Local government statutes including: 
  • § 15.2-972 (local appropriations for the upkeep of certain cemeteries),
  • § 15.2-978 (local registration of cemeteries, graveyards, or other places of burial on private property), 
  • § 15.2-1111 (regulation of cemeteries and burials), and
  • § 15.2-1121 (local operation of cemeteries).

NOTE: This is not an all-inclusive list and does not constitute legal advice. The entire Code of Virginia is accessible online and searchable at http://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode. 

• Sign up for email notification of regulatory action and meetings by registering here.

  The Virginia Regulatory Town Hall provides access to the board's meeting schedule, agendas, and past meeting minutes.  

  Visit the Town Hall: https://townhall.virginia.gov/L/Meetings.cfm?BoardID=131

• Applicants for Compliance Agent or Designee must complete a training program approved by the Cemetery Board.

  Resources for Approved Training Courses

  Virginia Cemetery Association Executive Director: Lisa Noon, CAE 8100 Three Chopt Rd., Ste. OMG 226 Richmond, VA 23229 (804) 215-2665 info@virginiacemeteryassociation.com

Sign up for email notification of regulatory action and meetings by registering here.

Consumer Guide 

DPOR Consumer Guide: Cemeteries and Pre-Need Burial Contracts  

1. How do I contact the Board office? Will I be able to speak directly with a Board member?

You may reach us by phone at 804-367-0010 (Licensing Section) or 804-367-8552, by FAX at 1-866-826-8863, or by e-mail at cemetery@dpor.virginia.gov. Additionally, if you have information to mail to the Board, please send it to:

Cemetery Board
Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation
9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 400
Richmond, VA 23233

The Board members do not work in the Board office. They come into the Board offices for Board meetings and hearings, but are not here on a daily basis. Board office staff members can answer your questions and are trained to process all information that comes into the Board office. Please do not contact Board members directly.

2. Does the Cemetery Board regulate all cemeteries?

No, the law specifically exempts cemeteries owned and operated by churches, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and all counties, cities and towns. Additional exemptions are given to certain non-profit, association, and family cemeteries. Please contact the Board office for specific information.

3. Where can I get information concerning funeral homes?

The Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers is responsible for regulating funeral directors, funeral establishments and crematories. That Board is housed at the Department of Health Professions. More information is available calling (804) 367-4479, or by visiting www.dhp.virginia.gov.

4. Is a salesperson registration required to sell cemetery plots or merchandise?

Yes. All individuals selling for a licensed cemetery must obtain their salesperson registration from the Cemetery Board. Application forms are available on this web site or can be obtained by contacting the Board office.

5. May a cemetery require vaults or grave liners?

Vaults or grave liners are not required by law, but cemeteries may have their own policies requiring them, because they keep the ground from settling after burial and make mowing and maintenance easier. Be sure to check a cemetery's rules and regulations for this and other requirements before you sign a contract.

6. Does the Cemetery Board regulate the depth of graves or how close graves can be to each other?

The Cemetery Board does not regulate the depth of graves, or how close graves can be to each other. Most cemeteries are guided by the requirements set forth by their locality, and in the event the locality has no requirements, by their individual rules and regulations.

7. I think the prices charged by a cemetery are too high. Should I complain to the Cemetery Board?

The Cemetery Board does not regulate the prices charged by any cemetery. However, the law requires licensed cemeteries to provide a General Price List (GPL) when you inquire in person about burial arrangements and prices. When you contract for services with a licensed cemetery, the law requires the cemetery to give you an itemized statement of your final choices. Make sure the statement includes only those items you have selected. Get a total dollar amount in writing before you sign the contract.  

8. How do I go about filing a complaint against a cemetery or a salesperson?

If you have a complaint about a licensed cemetery or a cemetery salesperson, first try to settle it with management. If you cannot resolve the issue, you may file a complaint with the Regulatory Programs and Compliance Section.

For complaints you are unable to resolve with cemeteries that are not under the Cemetery Board's jurisdiction, contact an official of the managing organization.

9. I need to renew my registration, but I haven't received my renewal form. What do I need to do?

Send in the renewal fee, make checks payable to the Treasurer of Virginia, and include your registration number on your check. Also submit a Name/Address Change Form if you have moved or changed your name. Mail this information to:
Cemetery Board
Department of Professional & Occupational Regulation
9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 400
Richmond, VA 23233

10. My renewal payment was one day late and I have always paid on time. Can you waive the late fee?

No. The Cemetery Board's regulations provide a 30-day period after the expiration date in which a license may be renewed without penalty (therefore, your payment is actually 31 days late). Staff cannot waive the fee. Board regulations state that if the requirements for renewal of a license, including receipt of the fee by the board, are not complete within 30 days of the expiration date, a reinstatement fee is required.

11. I did not renew on time because I didn't receive my renewal card. Do I still have to pay a late fee or reinstate my registration?

Yes. Regulation 18 VAC 47-20-100 B states that failure to receive the renewal notice does not relieve the licensee of the obligation to renew.

12. Does the Board office use the date of receipt or the postmark date to determine whether an application or renewal was received on time?

The date the application or renewal was received in the agency determines whether it is on time, not the postmark date. If the renewal fee is received after the due date, you will be required to pay the reinstatement fee. If the reinstatement fee is received after the due date, you will be required to reapply for licensure, meeting all current requirements.

13. My address and/or name has changed. What do I need to do to notify the Board?

Many Boards allow you to update your ADDRESS using Online Services, so login to your personal profile to see if this is an option for your license type. The alternative is to complete, print, sign, and submit an Address Change Form to the Board office by mail. Unless updated online, all Address Change Forms must be received by the Board in writing. When providing a post office box as the mailing address, it must be accompanied by the physical address.

To report a NAME CHANGE: complete, print, sign, and submit a Name Change Form to the Board office. All name changes must be received by the Board in writing. Individual name change requests must be accompanied by a copy of a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or other official documentation that verifies the name change.

(Please check back periodically as we modify transactions in the future.)

Address change

ALL license types 

Renew a license

ALL license types  

Reinstate an expired license

ALL individual license types 

Go to Online Services