Abstract In this paper, a dynamic solution for the propagating viscoelastic waves in functionally graded material (FGM) plates subjected to stress-free conditions is presented in the context of the Kelvin–Voigt viscoelastic theory. The FGM plate is composed of two orthotropic materials. The material properties are assumed to vary in the thickness direction according to a known variation law. The three obtained wave equations are divided into two groups, which control viscoelastic Lamb-like wave and viscoelastic SH wave, respectively. They are solved respectively by the Legendre orthogonal polynomial series approach. The validity of the method is confirmed through a comparison with the Lamb wave solution of a pure elastic FGM plate and a comparison with the SH wave solution of a viscoelastic homogeneous plate. The dispersion curves and attenuation curves for the graded and homogeneous viscoelastic plates are calculated to highlight their differences. The viscous effect on dispersion curves is shown. The influences of gradient variations are illustrated.