What Must a Funeral Home's Price List Include by Law?

Use the free tool — Funeral Cost Compare

Why there's a rule at all

Losing someone is hard enough without also feeling pressured to buy things you don't want. Federal law — the FTC Funeral Rule (16 CFR Part 453) — exists so you can see prices item by item and choose only what you want.

Your basic rights under the FTC Funeral Rule

You have the right to an itemized price list.
You have the right to buy only the items you want — nothing is required except what the law says.
You can ask the funeral director for a General Price List on request, and they must give it to you.

What's required versus what's optional

Not everything on a price list is required by law. Some items are genuinely needed for the service you chose; others are optional add-ons. The FTC Funeral Rule is what separates the two — but it doesn't set the same rules everywhere.

State law may add its own requirements. For example, some states require embalming in certain situations, or a specific type of container.
What's "typical" for your area can differ from what's typical elsewhere. Published national price surveys give general ranges, but your region may be different.

Questions worth asking before you sign

Which items on this list are required by law, and which are optional?
Is this specific item required by your state, or is it something your funeral home adds by default?
Can I decline this item and still get the service I want?

These are general questions. Your state may have additional rules, so confirm specifics with the funeral director or a professional if you have legal concerns.

What we don't know — and why that matters

This guide can't tell you the exact rules in your state, or the exact price you should expect to pay. Price ranges are typical and vary by region. This is general information, not legal advice, and it is not affiliated with any funeral home, cemetery or association.

What to do next

Paste your own General Price List or quote into the free tool. It reads your actual document and your actual numbers — not examples — and gives you a plain-English read on what looks required, what looks optional, what's typical, and the questions to ask before you sign.

Use the free tool

Funeral Cost Compare is an informational tool based on the FTC Funeral Rule (16 CFR Part 453) and published national price surveys. It is not legal advice; state law may add requirements (for example, when embalming or a container is required). Price ranges are typical and vary by region. It is not affiliated with any funeral home, cemetery or association.