Who can apply for a commercial wildlife licence?
Commercial wildlife licences can be issued to a person or to a corporation, company or business entity. Licences are not transferable and are available for on or three years.
What are the requirements?
Any application for a commercial wildlife licence must include:
- Completed application form with all necessary supporting information.
- National Police Certificate (name only), issued within the last 2 years.
Applicants (including the nominated responsible person) must be over 18 years of age.
Select a wildlife licence
Commercial wildlife licences: Natural person
Complete the wildlife licence to be issued to a person:
Licences issued to a natural person are not transferable. If you are seeking to buy or take over an existing wildlife business, a new licence is required prior to taking possession of any wildlife.
Commercial wildlife licences: Body corporate
Complete the commercial wildlife licence in the name of a body corporate (including corporations, companies or business entities):
The body corporate must nominate a natural person who will be responsible for managing the business on the application. A National Police Certificate (name only) must be supplied for the nominated responsible person.
For licences issued to a body corporate, if the nominated responsible person leaves the business, a new person can be added to a licence issued to a body corporate without having to apply for a new one.
Prepare your application
Ensure that you provide all required information as part of your application. Missing information will result in a delay in processing your application.
An inspection or interview may be required as part of the application process.
It may benefit your application to provide additional detail such as:
- A plan of the area the licence relates to, including buildings, facilities, fences and yards.
- The design and specifications of any enclosure which wildlife will be held in under the licence, including materials and dimensions.
- The design, specifications and materials to be used in the construction of an enclosure for the display or demonstration of venomous or dangerous wildlife.
Licence fees
Do not include payment with your application. If your application is successful, you will be invoiced for the appropriate licence fee.
From 1 July 2024, the annual cost for each type of commercial wildlife licence is provided as a guide only, as the licence fee is pro-rata by month. Discounts apply for licences issued for 3 years.
| Licence | Months | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Wildlife Controller | 12 | $326.60 |
| Wildlife Dealer | 12 | $934.00 |
| Wildlife Demonstrator | 12 | $609.10 |
| Wildlife Demonstrator Short-Term | 3 | $152.20 |
| Wildlife Displayer | 12 | $837.70 |
| Wildlife Processor | 12 | $803.40 |
| Wildlife Farmer | 12 | $803.40 |
| Wildlife Taxidermist | 12 | $664.60 |
Please note that once licence fees are paid, refunds will not be issued for change of mind. If you have a specific refund enquiry, please contact wildlifelicensing@delwp.vic.gov.au
Submit your application
Email your completed application to wildlifelicensing@delwp.vic.gov.au
You can also post your application to:
DEECA
Permissions Delivery
475 Mickleham Road
Attwood VIC 3049
Allow 6-8 weeks for the application process.
You must not acquire any wildlife until you have received your licence and record book.
Licence types
Secondary permissions
Wildlife Regulations 2024 require the holder of certain types of wildlife licence to obtain prior written permission before conducting certain transactions.
The most common secondary permissions are:
- Acquire wildlife from an unlicensed person
- Dispose of wildlife to an unlicensed person
- Dispose of wildlife held for less than 6 months
- Acquire unscheduled wildlife
Alternatively, you can email your request to wildlifelicensing@deeca.vic.gov.au.
More information
Updated