The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries would like to remind all charter-for-hire license holders of the following requirements when purchasing their license.
 
·      A valid U.S. Coast Guard Captain’s License
·      A valid Louisiana Recreational Fishing License
·      A Louisiana Driver’s License, ID card or other acceptable evidence of residency (if seeking a resident license)
·      Proof of Liability Insurance
o   The liability insurance must be in the name of the license applicant and currently in force. (In the event that the insurance policy is in the name of a corporation, LLC, or partnership, LDWF will accept a letter from the insurance company on official letterhead indicating that the individual is covered under the policy or a rider naming the individual on the policy).
o   The liability insurance required shall be written by an insurance company with at least an A- rating in the latest printing of the A.M. Best’s Key Rating Guide.
o   The liability insurance must be of a commercial nature and not associated with a primary residential property.
o   The liability insurance coverage shall not be less than $300,000 per occurrence.
 
Proof of the above requirements must be shown when purchasing or renewing your license in person at LDWF headquarters.  When purchasing the license on-line, a temporary 30-day license will be issued.  Once the applicant supplies the required documentation to the Department, the permanent license will be mailed to the applicant.  For on-line purchases, documentation may be submitted by e-mail to charterguideins@wlf.la.gov, via fax at (225)763-5421, or by regular mail to Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries,  Attn:  Licensing, P. O. Box 14796 Baton Rouge, LA  70898, or in person at LDWF headquarters. 
 
These requirements will also be enforced on the water, therefore charter captains are reminded to have all required licenses and proof of liability insurance in their possession while on the water and available for inspection.
 
Charter captains are also reminded that annual charter-for-hire licenses expire on Saturday, December 31. To renew your license online, visit la.wildlifelicense.com. New applicants must apply in person at LDWF’s headquarters located at 2000 Quail Drive in Baton Rouge.
 
Regulations and minimal insurance requirements can be found in LDWF’s 2017 Commercial Fishing Regulations Brochure on page 42 and 43.  The online version is available here.