Recreational Turtle License

Only the following species of turtles may be taken:

• western painted turtle (Chrysemys pica bellii)
• snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentine)
• spiny softshell (Apalone spinifera)  

Angling License Required  

An angling license is required to harvest turtles. A recreational turtle license, a turtle seller's license, or a turtle seller's apprentice license is required to use floating or submerged traps, turtle hooks, and other commercial fishing gear. Except for renewals, no turtle seller's licenses will be issued.  

Turtle propagation  

A person with an aquatic farm or private fish hatchery license listing turtles as approved species can obtain, possess, transport, and propagate, and sell turtles and turtle eggs.  

Fees

• $35/yr: recreational turtle license

Request an Application

Click here to request a license application

Helpful Links  

Turtle Statutes

Turtle Rules

Code of Federal Regulations - Title 21

Questions? Contact us!  

Neil Vanderbosch, Commercial Fishing Program Coordinator