If you: | You must have a/an: | Fees and notes: |
---|---|---|
Operate a commercial fishing vessel | Commercial Fisherman License OR Senior Commercial Fisherman License (if a resident age 70 or older) OR Minor Commercial Fisherman License (if a resident under age 18)* | $55 resident, $460 nonresident; senior: $20 resident (includes all gear licenses except annual shrimp gear fee). License is personal and not transferable. It allows you to transport and sell your catch to any licensed wholesale/retail seafood dealer in Louisiana. If you transport your catch out of state, sell to a retail seafood dealer, restaurant, or retail grocer, or purchase fish for resale, you must become a licensed Wholesale/Retail Seafood Dealer. You must have a Fresh Products License to transport and sell your catch to a consumer within the state. See below. |
Are an apprentice to a licensed and permitted commercial fisherman taking saltwater fish | Apprentice License | $27.50 resident, $230 nonresident; must meet qualifying income criteria and be an apprentice for at least two years onboard a commercial saltwater fishing vessel; after two years, may apply for a regular commercial fisherman’s license or permit for spotted seatrout, rod and reel, mullet, or other restricted species |
Gather reptiles and amphibians for sale | Reptile and Amphibian Collector License | $25 resident/$10 resident under age 16, $200 nonresident |
Have a vessel fishing commercially in the saltwater areas of Louisiana | Vessel License | $15 resident, $60 nonresident; this license is specific to the individual’s vessel and must be in the vessel owner’s name. |
Produce fish in privately owned waters or ponds and transport and sell such fish | Domesticated Aquatic Organism License | $15 resident, $400 nonresident |
Sell your catch to anyone who doesn’t have a Wholesale/Retail Seafood Dealer License (besides consumers) or transport your catch out of state | Wholesale/Retail Seafood Dealer License | $250 resident, $1,105 nonresident |
Sell your catch directly to consumers within Louisiana | Fresh Products License | $20 resident, $120 nonresident. Your spouse may purchase a Fresh Products-Spouse License for $5 to sell directly to consumers. |
*When a minor applies for a commercial fisherman’s license for the first time, he/she must provide the following:
- An LDWF Commercial License Application, with parental consent (signed by the father, mother, legal custodian, or emancipated minor)
- Parental documentation (one of the below)
- Original or certified birth certificate
- Custodial legal documentation
- Emancipation documentation
- Identification for the minor (one of the below)
- Louisiana driver’s license
- Louisiana identification card issued by the Louisiana Department of Public Safety
- U.S. passport issued by the U.S. Department of State
- Birth certificate and social security card
- Proof of residence for the minor/emancipated minor or parent (one of the below, valid for 12 months or more)
- Minor/emancipated minor:
- Louisiana driver’s license
- Louisiana identification card issued by the Louisiana Department of Public Safety
- Parent:
- Louisiana voter registration
- Louisiana driver’s license
- Louisiana vehicle registration
- Louisiana state income tax return
- Minor/emancipated minor:
Apply in-person at LDWF Headquarters at 2000 Quail Drive in Baton Rouge or via mail to:
LDWF Commercial Licensing
PO Box 98000
Baton Rouge, LA 70898.