Do You Need a Crab Fishing License in Washington?

As a Pacific Northwest native, I love going crabbing in Washington Nothing beats a fresh Dungeness crab feast with family and friends! But before setting out your pots, an important question comes up – do you need a license to catch crab in Washington state?

The answer is yes, you need a license issued by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) to recreationally catch crab in Washington waters.

In this detailed guide I’ll cover everything you need to know about getting a crab fishing license in Washington including

• The different types of licenses available
• Requirements for residents vs non-residents
• Licenses for Puget Sound vs coastal waters
• Cost of licenses
• How to purchase a license
• Additional endorsements
• Penalties for crabbing without a license

Let’s get into the nitty gritty details on crabbing licenses in WA!

Types of Recreational Crab Licenses in Washington

To go crabbing in Washington, you’ll need a license that allows saltwater fishing. Here are the most common options:

• Combination License – This covers both freshwater and saltwater fishing, plus shellfish harvesting. It allows you to catch all crab species statewide.

• Saltwater License – A saltwater license allows crab fishing in Puget Sound and coastal waters. But you’ll need additional endorsements for Puget Sound Dungeness crab.

• 1-3 Day Combination License – Temporary short-term licenses that allow crab fishing. Not valid on certain peak fishing days.

• Shellfish & Seaweed License – Allows crab fishing, but only in coastal waters, not Puget Sound.

Make sure to carefully review the license options to choose the right one for the type of crabbing you want to do in WA.

Resident vs. Non-Resident Crab Fishing Licenses

When buying a Washington state crab fishing license, requirements and costs differ for residents versus non-residents:

• Residents – Must provide proof of WA residency like a WA driver’s license or ID card. Resident licenses are lower cost.

• Non-Residents – More expensive license fees apply to non-WA residents. Certain licenses also have limited availability.

Active duty military personnel stationed in Washington can purchase resident licenses. Senior residents aged 70+ receive discounted license rates.

Puget Sound vs. Coastal Crab License Requirements

Fishing for Dungeness crab in Washington’s inland Puget Sound waters has different regulations from coastal crabbing along the outer coasts:

• Puget Sound – Requires the Puget Sound Crab Endorsement on top of a base fishing license good for saltwater.

• Coastal – The Shellfish & Seaweed License is valid for crabbing coastal waters only.

So depending on where you want to go crabbing in WA, you’ll need proper endorsements for Puget Sound or coastal waters.

Cost of a Washington Recreational Crab Fishing License

Here are the current 2022 license costs for legally crabbing in Washington:

• Combination License – $55.50 residents / $124.65 non-residents
• Saltwater License – $30.05 residents / $59.75 non-residents
• Puget Sound Crab Endorsement – $8.75
• 1-3 Day Combination License – $11.35-$19.05 residents / $20.15-$35.55 non-residents
• Shellfish & Seaweed License – $17.40 residents / $36.10 non-residents

Discounts are available for seniors 70+ and residents with disabilities. Prices typically increase a little year to year.

How to Buy a WA Crab Fishing License

You can purchase a recreational crab fishing license in Washington through several options:

• Online – At WDFW’s website through the Fish and Wildlife WILD licensing system. Easiest way, available 24/7!

• Phone – Call WDFW Licensing at 360-902-2464. Office hours are limited.

• In-Person – From hundreds of license vendors locations across Washington state.

Consider getting your license ahead of time online to be prepared before your crabbing adventure. Also purchase any required crab catch record cards.

Additional Crab Fishing Endorsements

On top of your base fishing license, here are some extra endorsements you might need when crabbing in Washington:

• Puget Sound Crab Endorsement – Needed for Dungeness crabbing in Puget Sound waters.

• Two-Pole Endorsement – Allows use of two fishing lines. Helpful when crabbing from piers or jetties.

• Catch Record Cards – Required to harvest shellfish like crab and track your catch.

Be sure to review which endorsements apply to the type of crabbing you are doing. Getting the right license with needed endorsements avoids headaches out on the water!

Consequences of Crabbing Without a License in WA

It’s critical to purchase your Washington recreational crab fishing license before heading out to drop pots or throw rings. Crabbing without a proper license leads to:

• Fines – $84-$334 fines if caught without the right license or endorsements.

• Seizure of Gear – Pots or gear used while unlicensed can be seized and impounded.

• Loss of Catch – Any crab caught illegally are considered tainted and won’t be returned.

Don’t risk penalties – always get your license! I always have mine handy when crabbing just in case enforcement officers do license checks out on the water.