WDFW to discontinue sale of paper licenses as early as May 13 amid global shortage of petroleum-based paper

May 4-Due to a global shortage of petroleum-based materials, the Washington state Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and its 600 license dealer locations will no longer sell waterproof, tear resistant licensing paper as early as May 13.

Customers will be able to print licensing documents on standard printer paper at home or at a license dealer location. Alternatively, customers can select to become a mobile license holder and use the new MyWDFW mobile licensing application, according to a news release from WDFW.

"We appreciate everyone's understanding during these global supply chain challenges," said Jennine Griffo, WDFW Licensing Division manager. "Whether you're one of the nearly 100,000 license customers who has made the shift to mobile licensing this year, or continue to prefer a standard printer paper option, we appreciate your commitment to fish and wildlife conservation and hunting and fishing in Washington, and ask that you practice patience and grace with our license dealers as we navigate this change together."

Washington is one of several states navigating a global shortage for petroleum-based paper, WDFW stated in the release.

How to enroll as mobile license holder:

-Log in to fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov.

-Verify Washington Interactive Licensing Database (WILD) licensing account.

-Select "Mobile License Holder" for the 2026-2027 license year. If this option is selected, residents will use mobile licenses only for the 2026-2027 license year.

-Download the MyWDFW app from the Google Play or Apple's App Store stores.

-Log in to the MyWDFW app using WILD username and password.

To help protect their information, mobile customers must have a passcode or biometrics (such as face identification or fingerprint functionality) enabled on their phone to use the MyWDFW mobile application. The application also features two-factor authentication.

For more information about the MyWDFW mobile app, including frequently asked questions and how-to videos, visit WDFW's website at https://wdfw.wa.gov/about/apps/mywdfw. WDFW is available for app support via email or by phone at 360-902-2464, option 1.

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