One of the many member benefits of NYSFDA is access to a comprehensive resource of the various and numerous New York State laws and regulations that affect funeral service in New York State. Search the topics listed below to access the related resources available.
Below you will find definitive answers to some of the most frequently asked questions along with analysis of some the State’s more complex legal provisions. The interpretations and answers provided here represent policies that have been well-established or are known to NYSFDA.
There will be times when you may find yourself in a situation where you have legal questions with regard to your funeral business. If you do not find the answer here, never hesitate to give us a call at 1.800.291.2629.
The updated NYSFDA Law Book is now available (digital version FREE for members).
Click the image below to view the digital version.
Business Operations
218a Disclosure of Refund Policies
Agreement to Purchase Preliminary Services (fillable) (provided by the National Funeral Directors Association)
Updated Authorization to Obtain Biometric Data (fillable) (provided by the National Funeral Directors Association)
Authorization to Transfer Possession of Remains of the Decedent (fillable)
Business Records Retention Schedule: IRS Code 6001
Bureau of Funeral Directing - Advisory re: Heritage Cremation
New! Bureau of Funeral Directing - Compliance Reminder with Congestion Pricing (January 2025)
Department of Motor Vehicles/Department of Transportation:
- NYS DMV - vscleanair@dmv.ny.gov
- NYS DOT specific to operating authority for Limos having a seating capacity of 9 or greater including the driver - 518.457.6512
- NYS DOT regarding Exemption Letters for Limos having a seating capacity of 9 or greater including the driver - NYSDOTExemptionRequest@dot.ny.gov
Document Proofing and Approval Acknowledgement (fillable)
Foreign Language Interpretation
GPL: When In Doubt - Hand It Out
Your operations may be exempt from the NYSDOT Bus Inspection Program if you are transporting passengers for compensation, but only doing so in such a manner that meets any of the exemptions listed in Section 151 of the New York State Transportation Law. For details on submitting an exemption request:
- NYS DOT Bus Inspection Program - Exemption Information
- Information Required by DMV Inspection Stations to be Presented in Exemption Letter to Conduct an Inspection.pdf
- Stretch limo drivers and CDL licenses
Receipt of Third Party Merchandise (fillable)
Use of a Third Party Casket(fillable)
Guidance on Web Accessibility and the ADA
NYS Sexual Harassment Prevention Model Policy and Training - employer information, materials & training video
Release Form for Social Media (fillable)
Credit Card
In December 2023 Governor Hochul signed into law a bill amending state law to be in line with a 2018 U.S. Supreme Court decision allowing NYS business to impose credit card surcharges. The amended law takes effect February 11, 2024. Following are educational/informational materials developed by the NYS Department of State, Division of Consumer Protection:
NYSFDA Executive Director Mike Lanotte also hosted an information webinar. Click here to view the webinar. You can also download the presentation slides.
Cremation
Division of Cemeteries Authorization for Cremation and Disposition form (fillable)
Following the signing of the "Electronic Signatures" bill on July 1, 2021, the Division of Cemeteries released the following: Guidance from NYS Division of Cemeteries (07.31.2021)
Mailing Cremated Remains (fillable)
Directions to Divide and Distribute Cremated Remains (fillable) (provided by the National Funeral Directors Association)
Agreement on Disposition of Cremated Remains (fillable) (provided by the National Funeral Directors Association)
EDRS
Death Certificate Corrections Manual
Death Certificate Corrections Video Tutorial
For any questions regarding EDRS please contact the EDRS Call Center at 844.866.EDRS (3377)
Fetal Death
Application to Department of Health for Certificate of Still Birth (fillable)
Final Disposition
Agent Designation Form (fillable)
At-Need Written Statement of Agent Claiming Legal Control of Disposition (fillable)
At-Need Written Statement of Person Having the Right to Control Disposition (Other than Agent) (fillable)
Division of Cemeteries' Authorization for Cremation and Disposition form (fillable)
Customer's Designation of Intentions (CDI) (fillable)
Disposition of Medical Devices (fillable)
Updated! New York State's Next-of-Kin/Final Disposition Priority List
Waiver of Right of Disposition (fillable)
Body Delivery Receipt (fillable)
NYSDOH Disinterment Request Form (fillable)
Just added! NYSFDA Final Disposition Compliance Guide (2025)
Food and Beverage
NYS DOH Guidance Letter - Food and Beverage
NYS Department of Tax and Finance Guidance
NYC Consumer Affairs Checklist
NYC Department of Consumer Affairs: Inspection Checklist for Funeral Service Providers (fillable)
Veterans
DMNA Form 86 - Request for Military Funeral Honors (fillable)
Additional Information when Requesting Military Forces Honor Guard Burial
US Department of Veterans Affairs - Funeral Director Resources
