The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries’ (LDWF) new Commercial License fee structure went into effect on November 15, 2021. Commercial fishermen are also reminded that most of their licenses can be renewed online at www.wlf.la.gov by clicking on “Buy A License”.

However, due to changes enacted in the 2021 legislative session, some licenses are not eligible for renewal.  Details on licenses not eligible for renewal are listed below. Those not eligible for renewal must be purchased in person or by mail.  Commercial License applications are online at https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/forms.

In an effort to assist commercial fishermen and business owners to obtain their commercial licenses, LDWF will offer the sale of new commercial fishing licenses and renewals at the following locations:

New Orleans Office
2045 Lakeshore Drive Suite 438
New Orleans, LA
November 30 – December 2
8:00 am – 3:30 pm

Lake Charles Office
1213 North Lakeshore Drive
Lake Charles, LA
December 6 & 7
9:00 am – 3:30 pm

Lafayette Office
200 Dulles Drive
Lafayette, LA
December 8 & 9
9:00 am – 3:30 pm

Bourg Office
468 Texas Gulf Road
Bourg, LA 70343
December 14 – 16
8:00 am – 3:30 pm

Acceptable forms of payment will include personal checks, cashier’s checks, money orders, and cash. To avoid processing delays, those purchasing licenses are asked to bring their license renewal notices with them.

First-time applicants can apply by mail or in person. The following documents must be provided:

• Resident applicants must provide proof of residency such as a Louisiana driver’s license, (held continuously for 12 months) a voter’s registration card, a vehicle registration or state income tax documents.
• Non-resident applicants must provide proof of residency from their domiciliary state, such as a driver’s license, voter’s registration card, vehicle registration or state income tax documents.

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.

Details about the 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 now consolidated will need to purchase the new gear license.

Retail dealer license—these licenses have been consolidated with the wholesale license. Retail Dealers will be able to renew online but will have to obtain a Wholesale/Retail Dealer license.

For commercial licenses inquiries, contact (225) 765-2898.