Georgia Burial and Funeral Merchandise Dealer Bond Overview
- Purpose: To hold burial and funeral merchandise dealers financially liable for conducting business ethically
- Who Needs It: Anyone who sells funeral or burial services in Georgia
- Regulating Body: The Georgia Secretary of State
- Bond Amount: $25,000
- Minimum Price: $250 for a one-year term; credit-based
What Is a Georgia Burial and Funeral Merchandise Dealer Bond?
The Georgia Secretary of State (SoS) requires burial or funeral merchandise dealers to have a $25,000 surety bond. The bond holds dealers financially liable for following cemetery rules and regulations and state laws.
Note: In lieu of a surety bond, the SoS also accepts a letter of credit or CD.
Who Needs a Funeral Merchandise Dealer Bond?
Anyone who sells memorial and funeral services, including burial or internment in a perpetual care cemetery must be bonded. Most funeral merchandise dealers get $25,000 bond coverage.
However, if you exclusively work with one individual cemetery, you can file a $10,000 cemetery compliance bond instead. Call us at 1(800)308-4358 for help getting this alternate bond.
How Much Do Burial and Funeral Merchandise Dealer Bonds Cost in Georgia?
Georgia burial and funeral merchandise dealer bonds start at just $250 for a one-year term. You can also select a multi-year term to save up to 25%. Apply for a quote today!
SuretyBonds.com offers the lowest available rates from our nationwide provider network with no added fees.
How Does the Dealer Bond Work?
When you get a Georgia funeral dealer surety bond, you enter a legal agreement between three parties.
| Bond Parties | Description |
|---|---|
| 1) Principal | You, the licensed funeral merchandise dealer |
| 2) Obligee | The Georgia Secretary of State |
| 3) Surety | The issuing surety provider |
If you install funeral merchandise incorrectly or violate cemetery and state rules, a bond claim can be filed. The surety will pay for valid claims and you must reimburse the surety later on.
How Do I Get My Bond?
You can get a free quote on your Georgia funeral merchandise dealer bond in one business day or less. Just follow these quick steps to become bonded:
- Apply online
- Pay the premium
- File your bond with the SoS
Your bond form will be delivered in the mail — we offer overnight, two-day and three-day shipping. Just select your preferred method at checkout!
How Do I File My Bond?
After receiving your bond, file it with the SoS by uploading online with your license application or by mailing it to the following address:
Georgia Secretary of State
Cemeteries Advisory Board
2 MLK Jr. Drive SE
Suite 317, West Tower
Atlanta Georgia 30334
Can I Get Bonded With Bad Credit?
Most likely, yes, we approve 99% of bond applicants. However, if you’re worried about qualifying, read about our Bad Credit Options.
How Do I Renew My Bond?
Georgia burial and funeral merchandise dealer bonds expire annually. We’ll send out periodic email and text reminders starting 90 days before the expiration date.
To renew your bond, just pay the renewal premium and file your bond with the Georgia SoS. You’ll also receive a continuation certificate to file with your bond form.
How Do I Update My Bond Information?
If you need to update information on your bond, contact our Customer Care team:
- 1(800)308-4358
- [email protected]
We’ll make smaller fixes with a bond rider, but larger fixes may require a new bond.
Georgia Funeral Merchandise Dealer License Requirements
You can file as a licensed burial and funeral merchandise dealer online or by mail. Prepare the following dealer application materials:
- Notarized application form (MD-100)
- Entity information
- Completed Consent Forms signed by owners
- Affidavit of Citizenship
- Copy of Secure Verifiable Document
- Consent to Service form
- Copy of the executed partnership agreement if applicable
- Authorized sales agent information
- Balance sheet from the most recent fiscal year
- Merchandise dealer bond
- $100 initial application fee
- Any other supporting materials
For more detailed information, use the merchandise Dealer Application Checklist to assemble your application packet.
More Resources
- Preneed Funeral Bonds — All States
- Georgia SoS Cemeteries Division
- Georgia Cemetery and Funeral Service Act
- Apply or Renew a Merchandise Dealer License
- GA SoS Application — How to File
- License Fee Schedule Search
- Merchandise Dealer Bond Form — $25,000
- Merchandise Dealer Bond Form — $10,000
- Georgia Online Application & Licensing System (GOALS)
