Our Programs
Our Services
The Migratory Bird Permit Office administers over 20 permit types across the country. For more information about each permit type and how to apply, please click the link below. Don't know what kind of permit you need? Try searching the USFWS Permits page, using the Refine By Tool, to find the permit type that fits your needs. For processing fees associated with permits, check out our Processing Fees Table.
Our Laws and Regulations
Regulations are an important part of our conservation efforts. During the past one hundred years, the United States has enacted wildlife laws and regulations, and ratified international treaties to protect our heritage of wild animals and plants and their habitats. The Nation's wildlife laws and treaties embody a collective commitment to conserve wildlife and to maintain the biodiversity of animals and plants to be enjoyed by people today and by future generations.
Each law and treaty has its own unique purpose and uses permits in specific ways to protect species. Regulations contain information on the types of permits available, application procedures, and issuance criteria under a particular law or treaty. Permits can serve as tools to gather, share, and use species data to monitor and manage plants and animals.
The Migratory Bird Permitting Handbook provides procedural guidance on permit administration.
Below are summaries of laws and implementing regulation related to the work of the Migratory Bird Program.
