General FAQs

What does "WILD" stand for and what is the purpose of a "WILD ID Number"?

What does “WILD” stand for and what is the purpose of a “WILD ID Number?” WILD stands for 'Washington Interactive Licensing Database' WILD is an automated licensing system which electronically links license sale computer terminals to a central database. WILD ID numbers are your 'unique identifier' for the WILD database. If you have purchased a WDFW recreational license since January 1, 2001, you have already been issued your WILD ID number. Your number may be found on any license document you possess.

What are the residency requirements for Washington's recreational licenses?

Washington Administrative Code provides the clarification of recreational licensing residency: WAC 220-55-061 Residency of purchaser. <(1)> Purchaser of a resident fishing or hunting license is required to be a resident of the state of Washington, and pursuant to RCW 77.08.010(38), must have maintained a permanent place of abode within the state for at least 90 days immediately preceding application for a license, must establish by formal proof an intent to continue residing in the state. This also applies to persons whose primary residence is Washington but who maintain a residence elsewhere. <(2)> Primary methods of establishing that purchasers have maintained a permanent place of abode within the state for at least 90 days immediately preceding application for a license and establishing by formal evidence an intent to continue residing in the state is possession of a Washington state driver's license issued at least ninety days prior to application for a resident recreational license. Any licensed driver who does not have a Washington driver's license, issued at least 90 days prior to application for a resident fishing or hunting license, will be presumed to have not maintained a permanent place of abode within the state for at least 90 days immediately preceding application for a license, and will be presumed not to intend to be a Washington resident. <(3)> Persons who are not licensed to drive may use a Washington state identification card, issued at least 90 days prior to application for a resident fishing or hunting license, to establish that the person has maintained a permanent place of abode within the state for at least 90 days immediately preceding application for a license and to establish by formal evidence an intent to continue residing in the state. <(4)> Persons who are too young to obtain a Washington state driver's license may use a Washington state identification card or a school identification card to establish residency and to establish by formal evidence an intent to continue residing in the state. <(5)> Persons who cannot establish having a permanent place of abode within Washington for 90 days preceding license application and cannot establish by formal evidence an intent to continue residing in the state by means of subsection (2), (3), or (4) of this section may submit evidence of residency and intent to continue residing in the state to the department's license office in Olympia, and, upon determination of sufficiency of proof, the licensing office will issue authorization to allow purchase of a resident license. Such evidence shall include, but is not limited to, one or more of the following:(a) Becoming a registered voter in this state;(b) Receiving benefits under one of the Washington public assistance programs;(c) Paying higher education tuition fees at resident rates;(d) Maintaining an abode within Washington, as shown by utility bills, a lease agreement, a contract or deed to real property, or a county tax assessment; or (e) Documenting use of a residence address in Washington for federal tax purposes. <(6)> Notwithstanding the provisions of subsections (2) and (3) of this section, a member of the armed forces stationed at a military installation in this state (other than on temporary duty), is eligible to purchase a resident fishing or hunting license after presenting a valid military identification card and evidence that the member is stationed within the state, including, but not limited to, official orders or billeting documents. <(7)> Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, proof of residency and intent to continue residing within the state are satisfied by producing a resident fishing or hunting license issued to the license applicant during the previous licensing year, showing the purchaser's Washington Interactive License Document (WILD) number, and verbal confirmation by the purchaser that personal information has not changed.

If I don't have my WILD number, how can I look it up?

Steps to find your WILD number are:

  • Log onto the WILD system with your username and password. (You will need to create a username and password in order to access your account.)
  • Search for your account by entering your first name, last name, and date of birth.
  • Your account with your WILD ID number should be displayed.
  • If you have any problems accessing your account, please contact the Licensing Division at 360-902-2464.
Where can I find the online Washington hunting and fishing regulations?

Copies of the hunting and fishing regulations may be found by going to the WDFW website and selecting either "Fishing & Shellfishing" or "Hunting".

How can I contact WDFW if I have questions for them?
Where do I send comments or questions about the WDFW online licensing?

You can send comments or questions to licensing@dfw.wa.gov.

Will I receive a complimentary Vehicle Access Pass with my WDFW license order?
  • The Vehicle Access Pass is issued free of charge with the purchase of the first big-game or small-game hunting license, western Washington pheasant permit, trapping license, or saltwater, freshwater or combination recreational fishing license.
  • The Vehicle Access Pass and annual Discover Pass are transferable between two vehicles. The vehicle license plate numbers must be written on the Pass and must be visibly displayed in the front windshield.
  • If an additional pass is needed, customers can purchase a Discover Pass or a One-day Discover Pass. Additional Vehicle Access Passes are NOT available for purchase. More information on the Discover Pass may be found at DiscoverPass.wa.gov.
Is the Lifetime License Drawing still taking place?

As of January 4, 2011 WDFW has elected to discontinue the Lifetime Drawing Program. For an historical list of past winners of the drawing, .