License Details
The license listed on this page allows for the possession and/or collection of the following New York State (NYS) native species and state and federally listed Threatened or Endangered Species for educational and exhibition activities:
- Fish (freshwater)
- Wildlife
- Shellfish (freshwater)
- Crustaceans (freshwater)
- Protected Aquatic insects
- Bird nests or eggs
- Birds listed as migratory by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (includes non-native species). USFWS Migratory Bird List
Fee
There is no fee for this license.
Duration
Licenses are valid for 1 year from license issuance.
What This License Allows
Possession of the following species for educational or exhibition purposes:
- Captive-bred, non-endangered or threatened NYS native species acquired from legal sources.
- Captive-bred, state or federally listed endangered or threatened species obtained from legal sources.
- Permanently disabled and non-releasable NYS native species obtained from a licensed wildlife rehabilitator – NOTE: a licensed veterinarian must verify that the animal is permanently disabled and not able to be released back to the wild.
- NYS native species collected from the wild for temporary educational activities.
What This License Does Not Allow
- Possession of regulated species as pets.
- Sale or propagation of regulated species.
- Possession and/or collection of marine species. For information on marine species licenses, please visit the License to Collect, Possess or Sell: Marine Resources webpage.
- Collection of freshwater mussels associated with waterbody disturbance projects (e.g. bridge maintenance/construction, dredging, etc.) For license information on these activities, please visit the Freshwater Mussel Survey / Relocation License to Collect or Possess webpage
Definition(s)
Education: collection, possession, and exhibition of a species to teach or instruct members of the public about the characteristics, ecological role or conservation needs of the species, or a population or community of such species.
Exhibition: regular public display or showing to members of the public of the species where the display itself is the chief object.
Threatened: native species designated by the department, which are likely to become endangered species within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of their range; or are species listed as threatened by the U.S. Department of the Interior in the Code of Federal Regulations (50 CFR part 17).
Endangered: native species designated by the department, in imminent danger of extirpation or extinction in New York State; or are species listed as endangered by the U.S. Department of the Interior in the Code of Federal Regulations (50 CFR part 17).
Endangered and Threatened Species Lists
- New York State listing of endangered and threatened species
- Federal listing of endangered and threatened species
How To Apply
- Complete the Education Exhibition License application form (PDF). You may also contact the Special Licenses Unit at [email protected] to request an application.
- Obtain any additional required permits, licenses or letters as noted in "other possible requirements" below.
- Send completed application along with any other required information and documents to: NYSDEC Special Licenses Unit, 625 Broadway, Albany NY 12233-4752
Current License Holder Information
License Renewal
- All licenses expire 1 year from the date of issuance.
- To renew your license, you must complete the renewal paperwork that will be mailed to you approximately 6 weeks prior to license expiration.
Please note: renewal of a license is the licensee’s responsibility, if you do not receive a renewal application from the Department at least 4 weeks prior to license expiration, please contact the Special Licenses Unit to receive the application.
Annual Report of Activities
- Licensees are required to compile and submit an annual report of activities each year as specified by their license conditions using the Department’s Report form (PDF).
License Amendments
- License amendments can be submitted using the License Amendment Request (hotlink) form.
Choosing not to Renew Exhibition License
- If you no longer wish to possess the licensed species, please complete the license renewal paperwork indicating you do not wish to renew and provide the Special License Unit with the final dispositions of the animals possessed under the license. Species must be transferred to properly licensed individuals.
Applicable Laws and Regulations
Environmental Conservation Law (ECL)
Please visit New York State Legislature Website
- 11-0515 Licenses to Collect, Possess or Sell for Propagation, Scientific or Exhibition Purposes
- 11-0535 Endangered and Threatened Species, Species of Special Concern
- 11-0536 Sale of Certain Wild Animals or Wild Animal Products Prohibited
- 11-0537 Bald and Golden Eagles; Prohibited Acts
New York Codes Rules and Regulations (NYCRR)
- 6 NYCRR Part 175 - Special Licenses and Permits - Definitions and Uniform Procedures
- 6 NYCRR Part 182 - Endangered and Threatened Species of Fish and Wildlife Species of Special Concern
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
Phone: 518-402-8985
E-mail: [email protected]
For other permit or license requirements noted above, please contact the appropriate organization listed below.
