Endangered/Threatened Species License
Statutory Authority: ECL 11-0535, and 6 NYCRR Part 175 and Part 182
An Endangered/Threatened Species License is required to import, transport, possess, or sell any endangered or threatened species of fish, shellfish, crustacea, wildlife, or their parts. There are three main types of license applications:
- General license used for Education, Exhibition, Propagation, Scientific, or Importation. Separate licenses are required for Importing/Processing Lake Sturgeon, Crocodile Importing/Wholesale, Crocodile Retail Sale, or for possession of Dead Endangered Species
- Ivory Sale license
- Vicuna products license
Please note:
- Native wildlife, including endangered species, may not be kept as pets in New York State.
- A Federal Endangered/Threatened species license may be required.
- Animals used for exhibition or propagation may require an additional USDA license.
- There is no fee for this license.
- This license expires annually on date of issuance.
Please contact the Special Licenses Unit with any questions or concerns about qualifying or applying for this license. To apply for this license complete the General (PDF 81.5 kb), General Renewal (PDF 119 kb), Ivory Sale (PDF 13.1 kb), or Vicuna License Application (PDF 15.2 kb), and send to the Department of Environmental Conservation Special Licenses Unit.
NYSDEC
Special Licenses Unit
625 Broadway
Albany, NY 12233-4752
518-402-8985
List of applicable Laws and Regulations


