WDFW to end sale of waterproof paper licenses

Due to a global shortage of petroleum-based materials, WDFW and its 600 license dealer locations will no longer sell waterproof, tear-resistant licensing paper as early as May 13, 2026.

While customer experiences may vary across license dealers, in the interim, customers may find that dealers are running low or out of this style of petroleum-based licensing paper entirely. As early as May 13, customers will no longer be able to buy waterproof, tear-resistant WDFW licensing documents. Customers can continue 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. 

“We appreciate everyone’s understanding during these global supply chain challenges,” Jennine Griffo, WDFW Licensing Division manager said. “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.  

How to enroll as mobile license holder: 

1. Log in to fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov.
2. Verify your Washington Interactive Licensing Database (WILD) licensing account.
3. Select “Mobile License Holder” for the 2026-27 license year. If you select this option, you will use mobile licenses only for the 2026-27 license year.
4. Download the MyWDFW app from Google Play or the Apple App Store.
5. Log in to the MyWDFW app using your WILD username and password. 

Updates about MyWDFW mobile application functionality 

WDFW heard concerns about some functionality within the MyWDFW mobile application, including the login and verification process. The Department is also aware of a system issue preventing mobile licensing customers from printing their Vehicle Access Pass and is working with its vendor to resolve both issues. In the meantime, customers can write their confirmation number and license plate number on a piece of paper and place it on their dashboard, visible from outside the vehicle. Additional guidance is available on WDFW’s website.  

“The Department is working diligently with its vendor to remedy application functionality challenges,” Griffo said. “We will share updates as they’re available.”  

To help protect their information, mobile customers must have a passcode or biometrics (like face identification or fingerprint functionality) enabled on their phone to use the MyWDFW mobile application. The application also features two-factor authentication, which is a process that requires a user to provide two distinct forms of identification to sign in. WDFW encourages customers to make sure their phone number and email are up to date in their account.   

For more information about the MyWDFW mobile app, including frequently asked questions and how-to videos, visit WDFW’s website. WDFW is available for app support via email or by phone at 360-902-2464, Option 1.