Overview
CDFW's License and Revenue Branch is responsible for the issuance and revenue collection of approximately 400 types of licenses and permits related to recreational hunting and fishing, commercial fishing and special permits. The Department enlists approximately 1,300 retail license agents and online license sales to issue sport fishing and hunting license through the Automated License Data System (ALDS). License Agents vary in size from "mom and pop" stores in rural areas to large, big-box stores in urban areas. License Agents issue licenses to the public through Internet Point of Sale (IPOS) terminals.
Statistics By Area
License sales statistics by area are available upon request. Contact LRB@wildlife.ca.gov for more information.
Statistics By License Type
The license sales data below is organized by license type and year. Data available includes license fees, quantity issued and revenue totals.
- Sport Fishing
Annual sport fishing licenses were previously valid January 1 through December 31, but are now valid for 365 days from the date of purchase. Validations and report cards are required for certain species or areas.
- Hunting
Hunting licenses are valid July 1 through June 30 of the following year. Validations and harvest tags are required for many species. See also:
- Commercial Fish Businesses
Commercial fish business licenses are valid from January 1 through December 31.
- Commercial Fishing
Commercial fishing licenses, permits and registrations are valid from April 1 through March 31 of the following year.
- Special Licenses and Permits
Special permits, licenses, registrations and stamps are valid at different times throughout the year. These licenses are issued only from the LRB office in Sacramento, and are required for the taking, buying, selling, breeding, viewing, possessing, studying and collecting of certain animals. Special permits are required for biological supply houses, falconers, fallow deer farmers, domesticated game breeders, guides, hunting clubs, native reptile propagators, restricted species permittees, scientific collectors and trappers.
Sport Fishing Licenses
Hunting Licenses
Commercial Fish Business Licenses
Commercial Fishing Licenses
Special Licenses and Permits