Era of waterproof, tear-resistant licenses coming to an end

Because of a global shortage of waterproof, tear-resistant paper, the state Department of Fish and Wildlife and its 600 license dealers will no longer print licenses on such paper as early as Wednesday.

Exactly when local license dealers will run out of waterproof, tear-resistant paper will vary.

Those wanting a paper license can have one printed on standard paper by a license dealer, or do it on their own at home.

Alternatively, customers can select to become a mobile license holder and use the new MyWDFW mobile licensing app.

"We appreciate everyone's understanding during these global supply chain challenges," Fish and Wildlife Licensing Division manager Jennine Griffo said in a news release. "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."

To start the process of enrolling as a mobile license holder, to to fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov.

Fish and Wildlife is aware of concerns about some functionality within the MyWDFW app, including the login and verification process.

It is also aware of a system issue preventing mobile license customers from printing their Vehicle Access Pass.

Fish and Wildlife 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.

"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 personal information, mobile app users must have a passcode or biometrics (face identification or fingerprint functionality) enabled on their phone to use the MyWDFW app.

The application also features two-factor authentication, a process requiring a user to provide two distinct forms of identification to sign in.

Individuals should make sure their phone number and email are up to date in their account.

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This story was originally published May 13, 2026 at 7:06 AM.