On October 16, 2017, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife System (FWS) announced that it has developed and tested a new voluntary electronic licensing system (eLicense). eLicense allows users to apply for a new import/export license or renew or amend a current or expired license from the Service via a secured Internet web site. The system facilitates clearance of wildlife imports and exports, allowing users to store data for future use and communicate by e-mail with Service license issuers.
Effective October 2, 2017, the new eLicense system will be available for use by any individual or company that imports or exports wildlife for commercial purposes. Although the Service will continue to accept and process traditional “paper” applications for those who prefer that method of applying, the FWS encourages importers and exporters to take advantage of the new electronic application system.
Importers and exporters may access eLicense via the Office of Law Enforcement eLicense home page (https://www.fws.gov/elicense). No special software is required, and no additional fees are charged for using eLicense. Help files on the eLicense web site provide an on-line user manual, information on reconfiguring your Internet browser, filing instructions, and useful FAQs.
