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Oklahoma Funeral Board
In 1905 the Legislative Assembly of the Territory of Oklahoma established the Territorial Board of Embalming of the Oklahoma Territory. The original act reads in part "From and after the passage of this Act every person now engaged or desiring to engage in the practice of embalming dead human bodies within the Territory of Oklahoma shall make a written application to the Territorial Board of Embalming for a license, accompanying the same with the license fee of $5.00; where upon the applicant, as aforesaid, shall present himself or herself before said Board, at a time and place to be fixed by said Board, and if the Board shall find, upon due examination, that the applicant is of good moral character, possessed of skill and knowledge of said science of embalming and the care and disposition of the dead, and has a reasonable knowledge of sanitation and the disinfection of bodies of deceased persons, and the apartments, clothing and bedding, in case of death from infectious or contagious diseases, the Board shall issue to said applicant a license to practice said science of embalming and the care and disposition of the dead, and shall register such applicant as a duly licensed embalmer." Following statehood the Board’s name was changed to the State Board of Embalming of Oklahoma. In 1941 the name was changed to the Oklahoma State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors.
In 2003 following a comprehensive update of the Funeral Services Licensing Act which expanded the powers of the Board to enhance consumer protection including the regulation of crematories the name of the Board was changed to the Oklahoma Funeral Board.
Oklahoma Funeral Board
Oklahoma Funeral Board Licensing Portal
Oklahoma Funeral Board Rules & Regulations
Oklahoma Funeral Service Licensing Act
State of Oklahoma
Scenic beauty, a moderate climate, a culture rich in history and the arts, and world-class sports and recreational opportunities make Oklahoma an exceptional place to live and do business. Combine that with quality health care, top universities, a low cost of living, and it's easy to see why most people who live here never want to leave.
State of Oklahoma Website
Oklahoma Insurance Department
The Oklahoma Insurance Department is responsible for:
- Enforcing the insurance-related laws of the state.
- Protecting consumers by providing accurate, timely and informative insurance information.
- Promoting a competitive marketplace and ensure solvency of the entities we regulate. We also license and educate insurance producers and adjusters, funeral home directors, bail bondsmen and real estate appraisers.
The Oklahoma Insurance Department provides funding for:
- Firefighters Retirement System
- Police Retirement System
- Law Enforcement Retirement Fund
- State’s General Revenue Fund
Oklahoma Insurance Department
National Funeral Directors Association
The National Funeral Directors Association is the world’s leading, largest and most trusted association to support funeral professionals. We provide our members with critical information, innovative tools, resources and the professional community they need to serve families, run sustainable businesses and become pillars in their communities.
National Funeral Directors Association
Federal Trade Commission
The Federal Trade Commission was created on September 26, 1914, when President Woodrow Wilson signed the Federal Trade Commission Act into law. The FTC opened its doors on March 16, 1915. Our mission is to protect consumers and promote competition. We celebrated our 100th anniversary in 2015 by reflecting on our unique mission, significant events in Commission history, and its staff, stakeholders and constituents – present and past
Federal Trade Commission
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
With the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, Congress created the Occupational Safety and Health Administration ensure safe and healthful working conditions for workers by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education and assistance.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
FAQs
Shipping Cremated Remains
How to Package and Ship Cremated Remains
The United States Postal Service® offers Priority Mail Express® and Priority Mail Express International® service for shipping human or animals cremated remains domestically or internationally. Whether you are shipping the remains of a loved one or a pet to or between family members or to an artisan to incorporate the remains into blown glass or other works of art, this is how you need to prepare the remains for shipment per the USPS Publication 193 February 2023.
General Instructions
Cremated remains are permitted to mailed to any domestic address when the package is prepared as described below and in the reference postal manuals.
Cremated remains are permitted to mailed to an international address when the designating country does not prohibit the contents and when Priority Mail Express International Service® is available to that country. You can verify this by checking the Individual Country Listing in the Mailing Service Standards of the United States Postal Service, International Mail Manual.
Packaging
You will need a primary inner sift-proof¹ container, cushioning material, and an outer shipping package. ¹A sift-proof container is a container that does not allow loose powder to leak or sift out.
Inner Primary Container
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Domestic Shipping: The inner primary container must be strong, durable, and constructed in such a manner as to protect and securely contain the contents inside. It must be properly sealed sift-proof
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International Shipping: A funeral urn is required as the inner primary container. It must be properly sealed and sift-proof.
Seal and Address the Inner Primary Container
In the event that the shipping label becomes detached from the outer container, the Postal Service™ recommends that you put an address label on the inner sift-proof container.
Outer Shipping Package
For both domestic and international shipping, cremated remains must be shipped by USPS Priority Mail Express® or Priority Mail Express International Service® utilizing either a USPS-produced or customer-supplied shipping package.
For convenience, the Postal Service has a Priority Mail Express Cremated Remains box that may be used for domestic or international shipments using the applicable Priority Mail Express service. The Priority Mail Express Cremated Remains box can be ordered online at the Postal Store on USPS.com® and is available as part of a kit.
Before closing and sealing the shipping package, the Postal Service recommends adding a slip
of paper with both the sender’s and recipient’s address and contact information inside the package. This extra step will help to identify the sender and receiver in the event the shipping label becomes detached.
Labeling and Markings
To increase the visibility of mailpieces containing cremated remains, the outer shipping box (USPS- produced or customer-supplied) containingcremated remains must be marked with Label 139, Cremated Remains, affixed to each side (including top and bottom). Label 139 is available at the Postal Store on USPS.com or can be obtained at a retail Post OfficeTM location.
Address Your Package Domestic Shipping
A complete return address and delivery address must be used. The address format for a package is the same as for an envelope. Write or print address labels clearly. Use ink that does not smear and include the addresses and ZIP CodesTM for you and your recipient.Double check the mailing address, especially the ZIP Code. You can use Look Up a ZIP CodeTM on USPS.com.
Domestic Shipping
- A complete return address and delivery address must be used. The address format for a package is the same as for an envelope. Write or print address labels clearly. Use ink that does not smear and include the addresses and ZIP CodesTM for you and your recipient.
International Shipping
- A complete return address and delivery address must be used. The mailer must indicate the identity of the contents (Cremated Remains) on the required applicable customs declaration form. To determine the applicable required customs form, see IMM Section 123.61.
Note: If available, the cremation certificate should be attached to the outer box or made easily accessible. The sender is responsible for adherence to any restrictions or observances noted by the designating country.
Video on "How to Ship Cremated Remains"
TRANSPORTING CREMATED REMAINS BY AIR
Most airlines will allow you to transport cremated remains, either as air cargo, or as carry-on or checked luggage (traveling with you). Whether shipping as air cargo or as carry-on/checked luggage, consider all of the following steps:
- Check with the airline to determine their exact policies on either shipping or handling as luggage. Some airlines will not accept cremated remains in checked luggage while others may only accept it as checked luggage. Some airlines require seven days notice before shipping if handled as air cargo. In all cases the contents should be identified as cremated human remains.
- Review the Transportation Security Administration requirements and additional guidelines which require that the container must be scannable (a container returning an opaque image will not be permitted through security, either for checked luggage or for carry-on luggage). See their related blog post here.
- Arrive early to ensure adequate time for security clearance.
- Carry the Death certificate, Certificate of Cremation or other appropriate documentation with you (and consider attaching copies to the container), and
- Make sure to check with a licensed funeral director both at your origin of travel and destination to determine if there are local laws to be considered.
TRANSPORTING CREMATED REMAINS INTERNATIONALLY
There are even more issues involved in bringing cremated remains from...or taking them to...another country. For example, Germany requires that a licensed cemetery receive cremated remains sent to Germany...and that a licensed funeral director be involved in sending them to Germany. In addition to the steps outlined above, you should start by:
- Contacting the Consulate(s) for the country you are taking cremated remains to or from; identify their specific rules and legal requirements. Note: you can often find this information on the website for the country... but it may also require a call.
- Some countries will have additional authorizations that are required. Your contact with the Embassy should be able to provide you with the forms, although you may need to involve a licensed funeral director or even legal counsel in order to complete the information required.
- Allow even more time for this process — two weeks at a minimum — as there can be a number of steps involved.
We hope this guide has been useful to you. It can be a frustrating process to try to transport the cremated remains of a loved one, but it is useful to understand that the rules and requirements often have a basis in ensuring proper care for your loved ones remains as well as abiding by local customs and traditions. Be patient, and your patience can be rewarded by a positive experience in getting your loved one to the proper destination.
