Purchase a license online or over the phone

Internet: http://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov
Phone: 1-866-246-9453

Background

The 1996 Washington State Legislature asked Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW) to simplify and combine old licensing structures under the former Department of Fisheries and Department of Wildlife. During the1998 session, the Department worked with the legislature modifying the licensing statutes to reflect the combined fish & wildlife agency. They also asked us to explore the possibility of automating the current licensing system.

After much discussion about the best way to make this possible, a plan was developed and was finalized creating our automated system. This system makes purchasing licenses easier for the customer, for dealers selling licenses, and for the Department to maintain accurate accounts of license sales and revenue.

What is WILD?

The Washington Interactive Licensing Database (WILD) System System replaced the paper recreational licenses. It has made license purchasing easier and has decreased the time it takes to issue a license. The WILD System was developed by WDFW and contracted by MCI WORLDCOM Communications Inc.

The WILD System allows customers to make their selections and purchase licenses primarily at authorized license dealers utilizing point-of-sale terminals, and through alternative approaches such as Interactive Voice Response telephone, and the Internet where you can purchase a license remotely. Your license and all other documents issued are mailed to you within five to seven working days.

Since the system has become operational, license dealers no longer are required to fill out licenses by hand for each customer. Instead, computers installed at each dealership allow them to issue licenses and Vehicle Use Permits by simply typing in appropriate information into the system and printing the license or permit documents immediately.

WILD System components have been installed at over 600 license dealers statewide, WDFW's six regional offices, headquarters and WDFW's district office in Wenatchee.

Why make the change?

Fish & Wildlife customers requested a better way to purchase licenses. They wanted the convenience of purchasing their licenses at one stop, or from home by telephone or the Internet. The WILD System makes license purchasing much easier and faster. Paper documents took a minimum 5 to 10 minutes to complete. The new system produces the license on location in much less time.

License dealers asked for a system that was simpler and reduced the time required to process licenses. They also wanted a system that provided simple and accurate accounting of licenses sold.

The paper license system was almost entirely hand processed. The WILD System electronically links the Licensing division, dealers and WDFW enforcement staff to ensure licenses are issued correctly and to reduce license fraud.

WILD has made license revenue information timely, which improves resource management. Hunting & fishing survey information is collected faster with more accuracy. This gives resource managers more flexibility in setting seasons and harvest levels.

What will my new license look like?

The basic license form is printed on Tyvek® which is a waterproof, tear-resistant material. Attached to the basic license form is a validation sticker containing information on the licensee and the hunting and/or fishing privileges purchased. This has replaced the large, hand-written licenses that were issued previously.

Licenses may now be purchased by credit card over the phone by dialing a toll-free number or through the www.fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov Internet site. An authorization number will be provided allowing you to hunt and/or fish right away during open seasons for species not requiring a catch record or transport tag until your license documents arrive by mail.

How much will the system cost?

In 1999 WDFW worked with the legislature to pass legislation authorizing the Fish & Wildlife Commission to set a transaction fee in order to pay for the new automated licensing system. The annual cost to operate the system and to reimburse the contractor is 2.5 million dollars.

What is my cost?

The 2.5 million dollar operating costs are funded through a 9.5% transaction fee assessed for license documents purchased. For example, a resident freshwater fishing license cost $20. The transaction fee would be $1.90.

Where can I get more information?

Write to the Department of Fish & Wildlife or call (360) 902-2464.

Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife
Licensing Division
600 Capitol Way N.
Olympia, WA 98501-1091

E-mail: licensing@dfw.wa.gov