Commercial licenses expire December 31 each year, unless otherwise noted. You can renew your license online, in person, or by mail.
To take or possess shrimp, crab, oysters, or finfish in Louisiana waters or gather reptiles and/or amphibians for commercial purposes, you must have one or more of the following licenses issued by LDWF. Application forms are available below.
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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) | $96 resident, $620 nonresident; senior: $50 resident (does not include gear licenses). 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 | $37.50 resident, $287.50 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 | $75 resident/$10 resident under age 18, $420 nonresident |
| Have a vessel fishing commercially in the saltwater areas of Louisiana | Vessel License | Residents: $50 for the first vessel, $35 for the second vessel, $20 for the third and any subsequent vessels; nonresidents: $400. 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 | $25 resident, $500 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 | $550 resident, $2,200 nonresident |
| Sell your catch directly to consumers within Louisiana | Fresh Products License | $61 resident, $300 nonresident. Commercial fishermen may also purchase a Fresh Products License-Other for $5 for any designated individual to sell directly to consumers. This license does not allow the sale of oysters. |
| Harvest fish/shellfish commercially in federal waters and travel through Louisiana state waters with harvested catch and/or commercial gear | Gulf Seafood Traversing and Offloading License | $75 resident, $800 nonresident. Any commercial fisherman harvesting commercially in federal waters may purchase this license to travel through Louisiana waters. |
*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.
Need Assistance?
Please contact: 225.765.2898 (Wait times may be up to 30 minutes)
Hours of Operation 8:00am-4:00pm CT