Registrations and filings required for businesses - Department of Fish & Wildlife

You may be required to have a license, registration, or permit from the list below based on the business activity you selected from the Business Licensing Wizard. For more information, please contact the Department of Fish & Wildlife at 360-902-2200.

Alternate Operator

Purpose

Authorizes transfer of one operator to another.

How to submit

Make fees payable to Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW). Mail Application to:

Department of Fish & Wildlife - Commercial Licensing
PO Box 43154
Olympia, WA 98504

Processing time

Five to ten days from the date the application is received.

Fees

$255 - Resident
$640 - Non-Resident

License renewals

As needed.

Application for License Transfer

Purpose

Transfer of license from one person to another.

How to submit

Make fees payable to Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW).

Mail with application to:

Department of Fish & Wildlife - Commercial Licensing
PO Box 43154
Olympia, WA 98504-3154

Processing time

Five to ten days from the date the application is received.

Fees

Fees varies see the application for amounts.

License renewals

As needed

Aquatic Farm Registration

Purpose

To register any aquaculture operation. Authorizes an individual to commercially manage and farm cultured aquatic products on privately owned lands.

How to submit

Make fees payable to Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW).

Mail application to:

Department of Fish & Wildlife
License Division
PO Box 43154
Olympia WA 98504-3154

Processing time

Five to ten days from the date the application is received.

Fees

$105 - Application only

License renewals

Annually

Baitfish Lampara

Purpose

Authorizes the taking of anchovy using specified gear in designated Washington waters

How to submit

Make fees payable to Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW).

Mail application to:

Department of Fish & Wildlife - Commercial Licensing
PO Box 43154
Olympia, WA 98504

Processing time

Five to ten days from the date the application is received.

Fees

$405 - Resident
$790 - Non-Resident

License renewals

Annually

Baitfish Purse Seine

Purpose

Authorizes the taking of anchovy & smelt using specified gear in designated Washington waters.

How to submit

Make fees payable to Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW).

Mail applications directly to:

Department of Fish & Wildlife - Commercial Licensing
PO Box 43154
Olympia, WA 98504-3154

Processing time

Five to ten days from the date the application is received.

Fees

$450 - Resident
$835 - Non-Resident

License renewals

Annually

Burrowing Shrimp

Purpose

Authorizes the taking of ghost or mud shrimp using specified gear in designated Washington waters.

How to submit

Make fees payable to Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW):

Mail Application to:

Department of Fish & Wildlife - Commercial Licensing
PO Box 43154
Olympia, WA 98504

Processing time

Five to ten days from the date the application is received.

Fees

$340 - Resident
$725 - Non-Resident

License renewals

Annually

Carp

Purpose

Authorizes the taking of carp using specified gear in designated Washington waters.

How to submit

Make fees payable to Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW).

Mail Application to:

Department of Fish & Wildlife - Commercial Licensing
PO Box 43154
Olympia, WA 98504-3154

Processing time

Five to ten days from the date the application is received.

Fees

$250 - Resident
$635 - Non-Resident

License renewals

Annually

Change of Angler (Angler Transfer - Charter Salmon)

Purpose

Authorizes the angler permits, all or a portion of, to be transferred to another salmon charter license holder (no new licenses may be issued). Charter boats used for salmon fishing by transferring an existing license.

How to submit

Make fees payable to Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW).

Mail Application to:

Department of Fish and Wildlife Commercial Licensing
PO Box 43154
Olympia, WA 98504-3154

Processing time

Five to ten days from the date the application is received.

Fees

$125 - Resident
$125 - Non-Resident

License renewals

As needed

Coastal Pilchard (Sardine)

Purpose

Authorizes the taking of sardine in Washington waters.

How to submit

Make fees payable to Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW).

Mail Application to:

Department of Fish & Wildlife Commercial Licensing
PO Box 43154
Olympia, WA 98504-3154

Processing time

Five to ten days from the date the application is received.

Fees

$440 Resident Renewal
$825 Non-Resident Renewal
$1,277.50 Resident Transfer
$2,625.00 Non-Resident Transfer

License renewals

Annually

Coastal Spot Shrimp

Purpose

Authorizes the taking of shrimp using specified gear within Washington-coastal waters.

How to submit

Make fees payable to Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW).

Mail Application to:

Department of Fish & Wildlife Commercial Licensing Division
PO Box 43154
Olympia, WA 98504-3154

Processing time

Five to ten days from the date the application is received.

Fees

$405 Resident Renewal
$790 Non-Resident Renewal
$2,625 Resident Transfer
$1,540 Non-Resident Transfer

License renewals

Annually

Columbia River Smelt and/or Smelt Dip Bag and/or Smelt Gill Net

Purpose

Authorizes the taking of smelt using specified gear within Columbia River and tributaries.

How to submit

Make fees payable to Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW).

Mail Application to:

Department of Fish & Wildlife Commercial Licensing
PO Box 43154
Olympia, WA 98504

Processing time

Five to ten days from the date the application is received.

Fees

Columbia River Smelt:
$500 - Resident
$885 - Non-Resident

Smelt-Dip Bag Net:
$250 - Resident
$635 - Non-Resident

Smelt Gill Net:
$500 - Resident
$885 - Non-Resident

License renewals

Annually

Commercial Fishery

Purpose

To regulate the taking of and sale to licensed wholesale dealers of food fish (other than salmon, except for by using specified gear in specific locations) and shellfish (other than geoducks and razor clams). Commercial fishermen.

How to submit

Make fees payable to Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW).

Mail Application to:

Department of Fish & Wildlife Commercial Licensing
PO Box 43154
Olympia, WA 98504-3154

Processing time

Five to ten days from the date the application is received.

License renewals

Annually

Commercial Harvest for Wild Shellfish and Cultivating on Private Land

Purpose

Authorizes commercial harvest & cultivating for wild shellfish on private land.

How to submit

Make fees payable to Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW).

Mail Application to:

Department of Fish & Wildlife License Division
PO Box 43154
Olympia, WA 98504-3154

Processing time

Five to ten days from the date the application is received.

Fees

$440 - Resident
$825 - Non-Resident

License renewals

As needed.

Commercial Razor Clam for Detached Willapa Spits

Purpose

Authorizes the taking of razor clams for commercial purposes in the Detached Willapa Bay Spits only.

How to submit

Make fees payable to Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW).

Mail Application to:

Department of Fish & Wildlife Commercial Licensing
PO Box 43154
Olympia, WA 98504-3154

Processing time

Five to ten days from the date the application is received.

Fees

$285 - Resident
$670 - Non-Resident

License renewals

Annually

Commercial Whale Watching License

Purpose

A commercial whale watching licensing program was established by the Washington State Legislature in 2019 and put into effect in 2021. This program includes an annual license and requirements that must be met by businesses and individuals who meet the state's definition of commercial whale watching (see RCW 77.65.615 section 11).

How to submit

Commercial whale watching businesses, operators, and kayak guides need to apply annually for their license(s), which includes completion of the annual required training. Rules and requirements for commercial whale watching, including requirements for the viewing of Southern Resident Killer Whales (SRKW), are in effect.

Please visit the WILD website to apply. Reference our training videos for more information.

Processing time

Three to five business days from the date the application was received.

Fees

$200 - Business License fee plus a $70 application fee.
$25 - Operator License application fee.
$200 - Paddle Tours Business License fee plus a $70 application fee. 
$25 - Paddle Guide License application fee.

License renewals

Commercial whale watching licenses expire at midnight on December 31st of the calendar year for which they are issued. Licenses may be renewed annually upon application and payment of the applicable license fees.

Crewmember - Albacore crew

Purpose

License for albacore crew member.

How to submit

Make fees payable to: Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW).

Mail Application to:

Department of Fish & Wildlife License Division
PO Box 43154
Olympia, WA 98504-1091

Processing time

Five to ten days from the date the application is received.

Fees

$35 - Resident and Non-resident

Crewmember - sold in the WILD system for:
$40.50- Resident and Non-resident

License renewals

As needed.

Crewmember - Undesignated Annual Commercial Crew

Purpose

License for undesignated crewmember.

How to submit

Make fees payable to Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW).

Mail Application to:

Department of Fish & Wildlife License Division
PO Box 43154
Olympia, WA 98504-1091

Processing time

Five to ten days from the date the application is received.

Fees

$35 - Resident
$110 - Non-Resident

Crewmember - sold in the WILD system for:
$40.50 - Resident
$123.00 - Non-Resident

License renewals

As needed

Dungeness Crab (Coastal)

Purpose

Authorizes the taking of Coastal crab using specified gear and only in designated Washington waters and offshore waters (outside the three mile limit).

How to submit

Make fees payable to Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW).

Mail Applications to:

Department of Fish & Wildlife Commercial Licensing
PO Box 43154
Olympia, WA 98504-43154

Processing time

Five to ten days from the date the application is received.

Fees

$570 - Resident
$955 - Non-Resident
$605 - Resident Transfer
$605 - Non-Resident Transfer

License renewals

Annually

Dungeness Crab (Puget Sound)

Purpose

Authorizes the taking of Dungeness Crab using specified gear within Puget Sound.

How to submit

Make fees payable to Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW).

Mail Applications to:

Department of Fish & Wildlife Commercial Licensing
PO Box 43154
Olympia, WA 98504

Processing time

Five to ten days from the date the application is received.

Fees

$285 - Resident
$670 - Non-Resident
$735 - Resident Transfer
$2,082.50 - Non-Resident Transfer

License renewals

Annually

Fish Dealer

Purpose

A business engaging in commercial dealing of food fish or shellfish within Washington state.

How to submit

Make fees payable to Dept. of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW).

Mail Application to:

Department of Fish & Wildlife Commercial Licensing
PO Box 43154
Olympia, WA 98504

Processing time

Five to ten days from the date the application is received.

Fees

$505 - Resident
$890 - Non-Resident

License renewals

Annually

Fish Stocking - Finfish

Purpose

To stock live fin fish, viable eggs, or gametes. Any business that stocks live fish products within the state.

How to submit

Mail permit application to:

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
PO Box 43150
Olympia, WA 98504-3150

Processing time

Five to ten days from the date the application is received.

Fees

$94

License renewals

As needed.

Fish Transport - Finfish

Purpose

To import, export, or transfer live fin fish, viable eggs, or gametes. Any business that imports, exports, or transfers live fish products within the state.

How to submit

Mail permit application to:

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
PO Box 43150
Olympia, WA 98504-3150

Processing time

Five to ten days from the date the application is received.

Fees

$94

License renewals

As needed.

Food Fish and/or Game Fish Guide

Purpose

A game fish guide license allows the holder to offer or perform the services of a game fish guide in the taking of game fish. A game fish guide license purchased by a person, firm, or business on behalf of an employee is subject to RCW 77.65.600.

How to submit

Make fees payable to Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW).

Mail Application to:

Department of Fish & Wildlife Commercial Licensing
PO Box 43154
Olympia, WA 98504

Processing time

Five to ten days from the date the application is received.

Fees

Food Fish:
$300 - Resident
$765 - Non-Resident

Game Fish:
$375 - Resident
$760 - Non-Resident

Food/Game Fish:
$640 - Resident
$1,490 - Non-Resident

License renewals

Annually

Food Fish and/or Game Fish Guide Vessel Designation

Purpose

Authorizes fishing guide vessels. Fishing guide vessels.

Only required when making a change (or adding) to a license that has already been issued.

How to submit

Make fees payable to Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife.

Mail to:

Department of Fish & Wildlife - Commercial Licensing
PO Box 43154
Olympia, WA 98504-3154

Processing time

Five to ten days from the date the application is received.

Fees

$140 - Resident
$140 - Non-Resident

License renewals

Renew only when making changes or adding to a license.

Food Fish Drag Seine

Purpose

Authorizes the taking of bottom fish using specified gear in coastal waters.

How to submit

Make fees payable to Department of Fish & Wildlife.

Mail payment to Department of Fish & Wildlife - Commercial Licensing
PO Box 43154
Olympia, WA 98504

Processing time

Five to ten days from the date the application is received.

Fees

$250 - Resident
$635 - Non-Resident

License renewals

Annually

Food Fish Set Line

Purpose

Authorizes the taking of bottom fish using specified gear in coastal waters.

How to submit

Make fees payable to Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW).

Mail Application to:

Department of Fish & Wildlife Commercial Licensing
PO Box 43154
Olympia, WA 98504

Processing time

Five to ten days from the date the application is received.

Fees

$250 - Resident
$635 - Non-Resident

License renewals

Annually

Game Farm

Purpose

A game farm license allows the holder to operate a game farm to acquire, breed, grow, keep, and sell wildlife under conditions prescribed by the rules adopted pursuant to this title.

How to submit

Make fees payable to Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW).

Mail Applications to:

Department of Fish & Wildlife License Division
PO Box 43154-3154
Olympia, WA 98504-3200

Processing time

Five to ten days from the date the application is received.

Fees

$142 - License (first year)
$118 - License (each year after first year)

License renewals

Annually

Geoduck Fishery or Dive License

Purpose

Geoduck Dive authorizes the taking of geoducks using specified gear as outlined in a DNR harvest agreement.

Geoduck Fishery authorizes persons holding current geoduck harvest agreements from DNR to take geoduck for commercial purposes from designated Washington waters. Previously known as geoduck validations.

How to submit

Make fees payable to Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW).

Mail Application to:

Department of Fish & Wildlife Commercial Licensing
PO Box 43154
Olympia, WA 98504

Processing time

Five to ten days from the date the application is received.

Fees

Geoduck Fishery License
$70 - Resident
$70 - Non-Resident

Geoduck Dive License:
$425 - Resident
$810 - Non-Resident

License renewals

Annually

Grays Harbor-Columbia River Gill Net (Salmon)

Purpose

Authorizes the taking of salmon using specified gear and only in the geographical area for which the license is issued. Incidentally caught food fish other than salmon may, in certain circumstances, be retained.

How to submit

Make fees payable to Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW).

Mail Application to:

Department of Fish & Wildlife Commercial Licensing
PO Box 43154
Olympia, WA 98504

Processing time

Five to ten days from the date the application is received.

Fees

$585 - Resident
$970 - Non-Resident

License renewals

Annually

Hagfish

Purpose

Authorizes the taking of hagfish using specified gear in designated Washington waters.

How to submit

Make fees payable to the Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW).

Mail Application to:

Department of Fish & Wildlife Commercial Licensing
PO Box 43154
Olympia, WA 98504-3154

Processing time

Five to ten days from the date the application is received.

Fees

$440 - Resident
$825 - Non-Resident

License renewals

Annually

Herring Licenses: Dip Bag Net and/or Drag Seine and/or Lampara

Purpose

Authorizes the taking or catching of herring using specified gear within Puget Sound.

How to submit

Make fees payable to the Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW).

Mail Application to:

Department of Fish & Wildlife Commercial License Licensing
PO Box 43154
Olympia, WA 98504-3154

Processing time

Five to ten days from the date the application is received.

Fees

$395 - Resident
$780 - Non-Resident
$1,242.50 - Resident Transfer
$1,505.00 - Non-Resident Transfer

License renewals

Annually

Herring Licenses: Gill Net and/or Purse Seine

Purpose

Authorizes the taking or catching of herring using specified gear within Puget Sound.

How to submit

Make fees payable to Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW).

Mail Application to:

Department of Fish and Wildlife Commercial Licensing
PO Box 43154
Olympia, WA 98504-3154

Processing time

Five to ten days from the date the application is received.

Fees

$430 - Resident
$815 - Non-Resident
$1,242.50 - Resident Transfer
$2,590 - Non-Resident Transfer
$585 - Resident License

License renewals

Annually

Hydraulic Project Approval

Purpose

To regulate the business that uses, diverts, obstructs, or changes the natural flow or bed of any of the salt or fresh waters of the state (such as culvert or bridge repair). For any project that includes work to use, divert, obstruct, or change the natural flow or bed of any fresh or salt water.

How to submit

The fastest way to get an Hydraulic Project Approval (HPA) is to submit your application online (see link below). The APPS systems will walk you through the steps to apply for an HPA.

Processing time

Five to ten days from the date the application is received.

Fees

$180 - Fee is processed through the Habitat License System

License renewals

As needed.

Limited Fish Seller Endorsement

Purpose

Allows commercial harvesters and designated alternate operators to sell their catch directly to market.

How to submit

Make fees payable to Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW).

Mail Application to:

Department of Fish & Wildlife License Division
PO Box 43154
Olympia, WA 98504

Processing time

Five to ten days from the date the application is received.

Fees

$175 - Resident
$560 - Non-Resident

License renewals

Annually

Non-Salmon Charter

Purpose

A non-salmon charter license designating a vessel is required to operate a charter boat from which persons may, for a fee, fish for shellfish and fish other than salmon or albacore tuna.

How to submit

Make fees payable to Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW).

Mail payment:

Department of Fish & Wildlife Commercial Licensing
PO Box 43154
Olympia, WA 98504-3154

Processing time

Five to ten days from the date the application is received.

Fees

$480 - Non-Salmon Charter - Resident
$865 - Non-Salmon Charter - Non-Resident

License renewals

Annually

Non-Salmon Delivery

Purpose

Authorizes delivery of food fish or shellfish other than ocean pink shrimp or Dungeness crab in offshore waters (beyond the three mile limit).

How to submit

Make fees payable to Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW).

Mail Application to:

Department of Fish & Wildlife Commercial Licensing
PO Box 43154
Olympia, WA 98504

Processing time

Five to ten days from the date the application is received.

Fees

$400 - Resident
$785 - Non-Resident

License renewals

Annually

Ocean Pink Shrimp Delivery

Purpose

Authorizes delivery of ocean pink shrimp taken in offshore waters (outside the three mile limit) to a port in Washington state.

How to submit

Make fees payable to Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW).

Mail Application to:

Department of Fish & Wildlife Commercial Licensing
PO Box 43154
Olympia, WA 98504

Processing time

Five to ten days from the date the application is received.

Fees

$405 - Resident
$790 - Non-Resident
$1,155 - Resident Transfer
$2,502.50 - Non-Resident Transfer

License renewals

Annually

Oyster Reserve

Purpose

Authorizes a person to commercially take shellfish from Washington state oyster reserves.

How to submit

Make fees payable to Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW).

Mail payment to:
Department of Fish & Wildlife Commercial Licensing
PO Box 43154
Olympia, WA 98504

Processing time

Five to ten days from the date the application is received.

Fees

$250 - Resident
$635 - Non-Resident

License renewals

Annually

Puget Sound Gill Net (Salmon)

Purpose

Authorizes the taking of salmon using specified gear and only in the geographical area for which the license is issued. Incidentally caught food fish other than salmon may, in certain circumstances, be retained.

How to submit

Make fees payable to Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW).

Mail Application to:

Department of Fish and Wildlife Commercial Licensing
PO Box 43154
Olympia, WA 98504

Processing time

Five to ten days from the date the application is received.

Fees

$585 - Resident License
$970 - Non Resident License
$155 - Resident Transfer
$155 - Non-Resident Transfer
$205 - Waiver - Resident
$205 - Waiver - Non-Resident

License renewals

Annually

Purse Seine (Salmon)

Purpose

Authorizes the taking of salmon using specified gear in Washington state waters. Incidentally caught food fish other than salmon may, in certain circumstances, be retained.

How to submit

Make fees payable to Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW).

Mail Application to:

Department of Fish & Wildlife Commercial Licensing
PO Box 43154
Olympia, WA 98504

Processing time

Five to ten days from the date the application is received.

Fees

$750 - Resident License
$1,135 - Non-Resident License
$155 - Resident Transfer
$155 - Non-Resident Transfer
$205 - Waiver - Resident
$205 - Waiver - Non-Resident

License renewals

Annually

Reef net (Salmon)

Purpose

Authorizes the taking of salmon using specified gear in Washington state waters. Incidentally caught food fish other than salmon, in certain circumstances, may be retained.

How to submit

Make fees payable to Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW).

Mail Application to:

Department of Fish & Wildlife Commercial Licensing
PO Box 43154
Olympia, WA 98504

Processing time

Five to ten days from the date the application is received.

Fees

$585 - Resident License
$970 - Non Resident License
$155 - Resident Transfer
$155 - Non-Resident Transfer
$205 - Waiver - Resident
$205 - Waiver - Non-Resident

License renewals

Annually

Salmon Charter

Purpose

A salmon charter license designating a vessel is required to operate a charter boat to take salmon, other food fish, and shellfish, for personal use.

How to submit

Make fees payable to Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW).

Mail Application to:

Department of Fish & Wildlife Commercial Licensing
PO Box 43154
Olympia, WA 98504-3154

Processing time

Five to ten days from the date the application is received.

Fees

$700 - Salmon Charter - Resident
$1,085 - Salmon Charter - Non-Resident
$155 - Resident and Non-Resident Transfers
$240 - Waivers (Salmon only)

License renewals

Annually

Salmon Delivery

Purpose

Authorizes the delivery of salmon taken in off shore waters (outside the 3 mile limit) to a place or port in the state.

How to submit

Make fees payable to Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW).

Mail to:

Department of Fish & Wildlife Commercial Licensing
PO Box 43154
Olympia, WA 98504

Processing time

Five to ten days from the date the application is received.

Fees

$635 - Resident License
$1,020 - Non-Resident License
$155 - Resident Transfer
$155 - Non-Resident Transfer
$205 - Waiver - Resident
$205 - Waiver - Non-Resident

License renewals

Annually

Scientific Collection

Purpose

To collect fish, shellfish or wildlife for display, instruction, research, and stream assessment (under the Forest Practices Act). Capturing, banding, marking, attaching radio telemetry equipment, and salvaging dead fish, shellfish, or wildlife.

How to submit

Applications and annual reports must be submitted by e-mail to scp@dfw.wa.gov.

Processing time

Permit processing time is no more than 60 days.

Fees

$117

License renewals

As needed.

Sea Cucumber Dive

Purpose

Authorizes the taking of sea cucumbers using specified gear in designated Washington waters.

How to submit

Make fees payable to Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW) .

Mail Applications to:

Department of Fish & Wildlife Commercial Licensing Division
PO Box 43154
Olympia, WA 98504

Processing time

Five to ten days from the date the application is received.

Fees

$385 - Resident
$770 - Non-Resident
$1,085 - Resident Transfer
$2,432.50 - Non-Resident Transfer

License renewals

Annually

Sea Urchin Dive

Purpose

Authorizes the taking of sea urchins using specified gear in designated Washington waters.

How to submit

Make fees payable to Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW).

Mail Applications to:

Department of Fish & Wildlife Commercial Licensing Division
PO Box 43154
Olympia, WA 98504

Processing time

Five to ten days from the date the application is received.

Fees

$385 - Resident
$770 - Non-Resident
$1,085 - Resident Transfer
$2,432.50 - Non-Resident Transfer

License renewals

Annually

Shellfish Import

Purpose

Anyone seeking to import or possess live aquatic invertebrates from outside the state of Washington into the state. This includes but is not limited to aquatic invertebrates (other than insects) intended for aquaculture, research, public or personal display, or education. This excludes shellfish considered market-ready, intended for immediate human consumption and not intended to be placed into or to come into contact with state waters. Note that there are restrictions on importing certain species and from certain source locations. 

How to submit

Send your application and applicable attachments by using one of the following:

Email:
shellfishpermits@dfw.wa.gov


Mail:
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
375 Hudson Street
Port Townsend, WA 98368


Fax:
360-302-3031

Processing time

Once a person submits a complete shellfish import or shellfish transfer permit application, unless further information is required from the applicant, the department will submit transfer and import permit applications to a required 20 working day tribal review, prior to being issued.

Fees

None

License renewals

As needed.

Shellfish Pots

Purpose

Authorizes the taking of crawfish using specified gear in designated Washington waters.

How to submit

Make fees payable to the Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW).

Mail Application to:

Department of Fish & Wildlife Commercial Licensing
PO Box 43154
Olympia, WA 98504-3154

Processing time

Five to ten days from the date the application is received.

Fees

$250 - Resident
$635 - Non-Resident

License renewals

Annually

Shellfish Transfer

Purpose

Anyone wishing to transfer shellfish, shellfish aquaculture products (such as seed, cultch, and shell), aquaculture equipment (such as vessels and vehicles) or any marine organisms adversely affecting shellfish, into or contacting state waters. This includes but is not limited to shellfish aquaculture activities like broodstock movement, wet storage, placement of cultch, placement or sale of shellfish seed; and transfer of invertebrates for research, education, monitoring, or display. This excludes shellfish that are market ready, intended for immediate human consumption, and which will not be placed into or come into contact with state waters.

How to submit

Send your application and applicable attachments by using one of the following:

Email:
shellfishpermits@dfw.wa.gov


Mail:
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
375 Hudson Street
Port Townsend, WA 98368


Fax:
360-302-3031

Processing time

Once a person submits a complete shellfish import or shellfish transfer permit application, unless further information is required from the applicant, the department will submit transfer and import permit applications to a required 20 working day tribal review, prior to being issued.

Fees

None

License renewals

As needed.

Shrimp Pot Puget Sound

Purpose

Authorizes the taking of shrimp using specified gear within Puget Sound.

How to submit

Make fees payable to Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW).

Mail to:

Department of Fish & Wildlife Commercial Licensing
PO Box 43154
Olympia, WA 98504

Processing time

Five to ten days from the date the application is received.

Fees

$440 - Resident
$825 - Non-Resident
$1,277.50 - Resident Transfer
$2,625.00 - Non-Resident Transfer

License renewals

Annually

Shrimp Trawl Puget Sound Fishery

Purpose

Authorizes the taking of shrimp using specified gear within Puget Sound.

How to submit

Make fees payable to Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW).

Mail Application to:

Department of Fish & Wildlife Commercial Licensing
PO Box 43154
Olympia, WA 98504

Processing time

Five to ten days from the date the application is received.

Fees

$440 - Resident
$825 - Non-Resident
$1,277.50 - Resident Transfer
$2,625.00 - Non-Resident Transfer

License renewals

Annually

Squid

Purpose

Authorizes the taking of squid using specified gear in designated Washington waters.

How to submit

Make fees payable to the Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW).

Mail Application to:

Department of Fish & Wildlife Commercial Licensing
PO Box 43154
Olympia, WA 98504-3154

Processing time

Five to ten days from the date the application is received.

Fees

$405 - Resident
$790 - Non-Resident

License renewals

Annually

Troll (Salmon)

Purpose

Authorizes the taking of salmon using specified gear in Washington state water. This license includes the Salmon Delivery Permit.

How to submit

Make fees payable to Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW).

Mail Application to:

Department of Fish & Wildlife Commercial Licensing
PO Box 43154
Olympia, WA 98504

Processing time

Five to ten days from the date the application is received.

Fees

$585 - Resident
$970 - Non-Resident
$155 - Resident Transfer
$155 - Non-Resident Transfer
$205 - Waiver - Resident
$205 - Waiver - Non-Resident

License renewals

Annually

Vessel and/or Operator Change

Purpose

Authorizes vessel or operator change.

How to submit

Make fees payable to Department of Fish & Wildlife.

Mail to:

Department of Fish & Wildlife - Commercial Licensing
PO Box 43154
Olympia, WA 98504

Processing time

Five to ten days from the date the application is received.

Fees

$140 - Vessel Change: Resident/Non-Resident
$127 - Operator Change: Resident/Non- Resident

License renewals

As needed

Vessel Use in Geoduck Harvesting

Purpose

All vessels used in the commercial harvest of sea cucumber, sea urchin and/or geoduck in Washington are required to display a Harvest Identification Number.

How to submit

Make fees payable to Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW).

Mail Applications to:

Department of Fish & Wildlife Commercial Licensing
PO Box 43154
Olympia, WA 98504

Processing time

Five to ten days from the date the application is received.

Fees

$105 - Resident/Non-Resident

License renewals

As needed

Wholesale Fish Buyer Endorsement

Purpose

Authorizes the buying and selling of food fish and shellfish at wholesale as a representative of a wholesale dealer or authorizes Washington state business engaging in the commercial processing of food fish or shellfish. A business that commercially processes food fish or shellfish; a business that sells, buys, or brokers wholesale food fish or shellfish; fishermen who land and sell their catch or harvest in WA to anyone other than a licensed wholesale dealer within or outside the state; a business that manufactures or prepares commercial fertilizer, oil, meal, caviar, fish bait, or other by-products from food fish or shellfish; or a business employing a fish buyer.

How to submit

Make fees payable to Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW).

Mail Application to:

Department of Fish & Wildlife Commercial Licensing
PO Box 43154
Olympia, WA 98504

Processing time

Five to ten days from the date the application is received.

Fees

Fish Dealer License
$505 - Resident
$890 - Non-Resident

Wholesale Fish Buyer Endorsement
$155 - Resident (W/1 FB)
$350 - Resident (W/2 FB)
$735 - Non-Resident (W/2 FB)

License renewals

Annually

Willapa Bay - Columbia River Gill Net (Salmon)

Purpose

Authorizes the taking of salmon using specified gear and only in the geographical area for which the license is issued. Incidentally caught food fish other than salmon may, in certain circumstances, be retained.

How to submit

Make fees payable to Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW).

Mail Applications to:

Department of Fish & Wildlife Commercial Licensing
PO Box 43154
Olympia, WA 98504

Processing time

Five to ten days from the date the application is received.

Fees

$585 - Resident
$970 - Non-Resident
$155 - Resident Transfer
$155 - Non-Resident Transfer
$205 - Waiver - Resident
$205 - Waiver - Non-Resident

License renewals

Annually