The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries’ new Commercial License fee structure went into effect on November 15, 2021. Commercial fishermen are reminded that most of their licenses can be renewed online by going to wlf.louisiana.gov and clicking on the “Buy A License” link at the top of the webpage. However, some licenses are not eligible for renewal due to the changes from the 2021 legislative session. Licenses not eligible for renewal will need to be purchased in person or by mail. Commercial License applications can be found online at wlf.louisiana.gov/page/forms.
Details about those licenses that are not eligible for renewal:
Resident Commercial Vessel License—any individual or business that has more than one licensed vessel will not be able to renew a vessel license. Those individuals will need to apply for a new license for each vessel.
Senior Commercial Fisherman—any individual that has a senior commercial license will not be able to renew their license. Each individual will have to apply for a new license and will be required to purchase the necessary gear license.
Individual gear licenses—these licenses (examples: crab drop net, hoop net, slat traps, eel pot, minnow trap, can, pipe, bucket, flounder gig, set net, dip net, etc.) have been streamlined into two gear licenses: Other Freshwater Gear and Other Saltwater Gear (except for oyster gear, crab trap, crawfish gear, and shrimp gear). Individuals who previously held gear licenses that are no longer available will need to purchase a new gear license.
Retail dealer license—these licenses will no longer be available. Retail Dealers will be able to renew online but will be obtaining a Wholesale/Retail Dealer license.
In an effort to assist commercial fishermen and business owners in obtaining their commercial licenses, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries will offer the sale of new commercial fishing licenses and renewals from the following locations:
New Orleans Office
2045 Lakeshore Drive Suite 438
New Orleans, LA
April 19 –April 21
8am – 3:30pm
Bourg Office
468 Texas Gulf Rd.
Bourg, LA
April 26 – April 28
8am – 3:30pm
Lake Charles Office
1213 North Lakeshore Drive
Lake Charles, LA
May 2 & 3
9am – 3:30pm
Lafayette Office
200 Dulles Drive
Lafayette, LA
May 4 & 5
9 am – 3:30 pm
Acceptable forms of payment will include personal checks, cashier's checks, money orders, and cash. To avoid processing delays, customers purchasing licenses are asked to bring their license renewal notices with them.
First-time applicants can apply by mail or in person. When applying in person, you must provide the following:
- Resident applicants must provide proof of residency such as a Louisiana driver’s license, (held continuously for 12 months) voter’s registration, vehicle registration and state income tax.
- Non-residents applicants must provide proof of residency from their domiciliary state, such as driver's license, voter's registration, vehicle registration and state income tax.
- Applicants applying for a license in a business name must provide documentation showing proof of valid federal tax ID# assigned to business name and proof of authorized signature, or an occupational license will be required.
For commercial licenses inquiries, contact (225) 765-2898.