What is the minimum age requirement to become a licensed funeral director in Missouri?

To become a licensed funeral director in Missouri, the minimum age requirement is 21 years old. This requirement exists to ensure that individuals entering the profession of funeral directing have reached an age where they can be expected to possess the maturity and judgment necessary to handle the complex emotional and ethical situations that arise in the care of the deceased and their families.

At 21, individuals are generally considered to have completed enough education and personal development to engage responsibly with the duties of a funeral director, which include managing the logistics of funerals, providing support to grieving families, and adhering to legal and professional standards.

The alternative age thresholds, such as 18, 25, or 30 years, do not align with the regulations set forth in Missouri law. While 18 is often the minimum age for many professions, the funeral industry specifically requires more life experience. Raising the bar to 25 or 30 years would unnecessarily limit entry into the profession, especially given that many individuals in their early 20s are capable and ready to start professional careers.