Licenses to Collect, Possess or Sell
For Education, Exhibition, Scientific Research or Propagation of Non-Endangered and Non-Threatened Species
The licenses listed on this page allow for the collection, possession, or sale of the following species for education, exhibition, scientific research or propagation (breeding). The licenses on this page are for native species that are non-threatened and non-endangered only. To use endangered or threatened species for these purposes you must apply for an Endangered and Threatened Species License.
- Fish (freshwater)
- Wildlife
- Shellfish (freshwater)
- Crustaceans (freshwater)
- Aquatic insects
- Bird nests or eggs
- Birds listed as migratory by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (includes non-native species). To view the list, visit the USFWS Migratory Bird List (link leaves DEC website)
- Captive bred or permanently disabled species
- For the collection of marine species, see License to Collect, Possess or Sell: Marine Resources
- For the collection of freshwater mussels associated with waterbody disturbance projects (e.g. bridge maintenance/construction, dredging, etc.), see Freshwater Mussel Survey / Relocation License to Collect or Possess
Definition(s)
- Education: collection, possession and exhibition of a species to teach or instruct about its characteristics, ecological role or conservation needs.
- Exhibition: regular public display or showing of the species where the display itself is the chief object.
- Scientific: use of fish, wildlife or parts thereof by a scientific institution, clinic, laboratory or individual researcher to expand scientific knowledge or to gain knowledge of a fish or wildlife species, population or community. Captive-bred populations may be established and maintained as part of a scientific endeavor.
- Propagation: production or breeding of animals by application of husbandry techniques in a controlled environment.
License Types
DEC issues four different types of licenses that authorize the possession, collection or sale of non-threatened and non-endangered wildlife. Details of each license are below.
| Education/Exhibition License to Collect or Possess |
Scientific License to Collect or Possess |
Banding License to Collect or Possess |
Propagation License to Posses and Sell |
|---|---|---|---|
Allows For:
|
Allows For:
|
Allows For:
|
Allows For:
|
Does NOT allow:
|
Does NOT allow:
|
Does NOT allow:
|
Does NOT allow:
|
| License Fee: No Fee License Expires: 1 year from issuance |
License Fee: No Fee License Expires: 1 year from issuance |
License Fee: No Fee License Expires: 5 year from issuance |
License Fee: No Fee License Expires: 1 year from issuance |
Forms for Education/Exhibition (PDF documents):
|
Forms for Scientific Collection License (PDF documents):
|
Forms for Banding (PDF documents): |
Forms for Propagation (PDF documents):
|
Other Possible Requirements
|
Other Possible Requirements:
|
Other Possible Requirements
|
Other Possible Requirements
|
How to Apply
- Complete the appropriate application form available in the table above. You may also contact the Special Licenses Unit at speciallicenses@dec.ny.gov to request an application.
- Send completed information to the following address: NYSDEC Special Licenses Unit, 625 Broadway, Albany NY 12233-4752.
- Obtain any additional required permits, licenses or letters as noted in the "other possible requirements" in the table above.
Current License Holder Information
License Renewal
- All licenses except for the banding license expire 1 year from the date of issuance. Banding licenses expire 5 years from date of issuance.
- To renew your license you must complete the appropriate license application available in the table above.
- Check the renewal box on the application to indicate you are renewing your license.
Annual Report of Activities
- Scientific Collection and Propagation licenses are required to complete and submit an annual report of activities each year as specified by their license conditions. The Propagation report form is available in the table above.
License Amendments (i.e Address Changes)
- License amendments should be submitted using the appropriate application for the license type available in the table above.
- Check the "License Amendment" box on the application and follow the instructions on the last page of the application.
Applicable Laws and Regulations
Environmental Conservation Law (ECL)
Please visit New York State Legislature (link leaves DEC website)
- 11-0515 Licenses to Collect, Possess or Sell for Propagation, Scientific or Exhibition Purposes
New York Codes Rules and Regulations (NYCRR)
- 6 NYCRR Part 175 Special Licenses and Permits - Definitions and Uniform Procedures (link leaves DEC website)
Contact Information
Please contact the Special Licenses Unit with any questions or concerns about qualifying or applying for these licenses.
DEC Special Licenses Unit
625 Broadway, 5th Floor
Albany, NY 12233-4752
speciallicenses@dec.ny.gov
(518) 402-8985
For other permit or license requirements as noted in the table above, please contact the appropriate organization listed below.
USDA-APHIS Animal Welfare
Eastern Region-Raleigh, NC
920 Main Campus Drive, Suite 200
Raleigh, NC 27606
Phone: 919-716-5532
Fax: 919-716-5696
E-mail: aceast@aphis.usda.gov
Website: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Region 5 - Hadley, MA
Migratory Bird Permit Office
P.O. Box 779
Hadley, MA
Phone: 413-253-8643
Fax: 413-253-8424
E-mail: permitsR5MB@fws.gov
Website: www.fws.gov/migratorybirds
U.S. Geological Survey Bird Banding
USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center
12100 Beech Forest Road
Laurel, MD
Phone:301-497-5790
Fax: 301-497-5717
E-mail: BBL@usgs.gov
Website: www.pwrc.usgs.gov/bbl
