What is the purpose of this permit?
This permit is required to transfer live fish products within the state. The purpose is to protect our native fish species and ensure that: (1) Live finfish being brought into Washington State are free from reportable fish pathogens. (2) Aquatic Invasive Species do not get shipped with the desired fish species. (3) No fish that could compromise natural populates are being released into waters of the State.
What activities require this permit?
An approved Fish Transport Permit from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is required to transport fish into and through Washington State.
How much will this permit cost?
There is no fee for the permit.
Where can I get the application for this permit?
The application is called 'Fish Transport Application/Permit' is online and can be accessed at https://wdfw.wa.gov/licenses/fishing/fish-stocking-transport.
Do I need to include anything with my application?
It depends on what species and location you are moving fish from and to. There is a case-by-case evaluation.
Is the decision on my permit dependent on anything besides the information in my application?
Potentially. Again, it depends on what species and location you are moving fin fish from and to. There is a case-by-case evaluation.
How long will it take to review my application?
Up to 30 days from the time the application is received. If fish health or virology testing results are required for the approval of an application more time may be required.
Where do I submit my application?
Applications can be submitted by emailing a scanned copy to: Todd.Kassler@dfw.wa.gov.
Applications can also be mailed to:
WDFW Fish Transport Permits
6th floor NRB
1111 Washington Street SE
Olympia, WA 98501
What is the appeal process for the permit?
See WAC 220-77-030, which states: "In the event of denial, suspension, or revocation of a transport permit, the affected person may appeal the decision to the director. The department will advise the person of the appeals process. Additional appeals may be made through the Administrative Procedure Act (Chapter 34.04 RCW). A suspended or revoked transport permit will remain suspended or revoked during the appellate process."
Notes / Comments:
WDFW's Fish Program issues the Fin Fish Transfer Permit. They can be contacted at (360) 902-2700.
Permit Timeliness Results
Permit Timeliness data collection is in response to a State Auditor’s Performance Audit and RCW 43.42A. Each regulatory agency developed a plan to improve permit clarity, predictability, and timeliness. Each agency considers the customers experience to ensure permit assistance is simple to use, easy to access, and designed in a customer-friendly manner. Agencies report progress to the Governor’s Office for Regulatory Innovation and Assistance (ORIA). ORIA prepares and distributes reports, with participation from the State Auditor’s Office and Results Washington. See latest report here: https://www.oria.wa.gov/ORIA-2020-PermitTimelinessProgressReport.pdf.
All permits submitted for reporting were entered into this Regulatory Handbook. Here are the results of the performance data:
Estimated Time Required By the Agency to Process a Permit Application (Definition)Average number of days from Receipt to Complete: 3.6Maximum number of days from Receipt to Complete: 35Estimated Time Required By the Agency to Issue a Permit Decision (Definition)Average number of days from Complete Application to Decision: 17.7Maximum number of days from Complete Application to Decision: 39(Summary results based on 309 submittals in 2024)
Where can I get permitting assistance?
Web page URL:
https://wdfw.wa.gov/licenses/fishing/fish-stocking-transportHelpdesk phone:
(360) 902-2700
Subject matter expert phone:
(360) 902-2722
Subject matter expert email:
Todd.Kassler@dfw.wa.gov