Fur Buyer License

Maine Fur Buyer
License 2026

Complete guide to fur buyer and dealer licensing in Maine - resident and nonresident fees, record-keeping requirements, CITES compliance, pelt tagging, annual reporting deadlines, and bonding rules. Maine requires a fur dealer license and has one of the most comprehensive fur buyer tracking systems in the Northeast. Pelt tagging is required for bobcat, otter, and fisher. CITES compliance is mandatory. Records must be kept for 5 years.

License Required CITES Compliance Required Record Keeping Required Annual Report Required

2026 Fur Buyer License Quick Facts Verified 2026

Resident Fee

$40.00

Annual license

Nonresident Fee

$100.00

Annual license

Record Retention

5yr

Records must be kept on file

CITES Required

Yes

For regulated species export

License Details

Maine Fur Buyer License Requirements

All commercial fur purchases in Maine are regulated. Review all requirements before purchasing furs from trappers.

Requirement	Details
License Required	Yes - required
License Type	Fur Dealer License
Resident Fee	$40.00 / year
Nonresident Fee	$100.00 / year
Record Keeping Required	Yes
Record Retention Period	5 years minimum
Pelt Tagging Required	Yes - required
CITES Compliance Required	Yes - CITES compliance required
Annual Report Required	Yes - Due: February 15
Report Due Date	February 15
Bonding Required	Not required

Regulated Species

Species Requiring Special Handling in Maine

The following species are subject to special fur buyer rules in Maine - which may include tagging, harvest reporting, or CITES permits for export.

bobcat otter fisher marten

CITES Note: Bobcat and otter pelts from Maine that are destined for international commercial export require CITES export permits from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Maine participates in annual harvest reporting to support the national CITES export quota program.

Record Keeping

Maine Fur Buyer Record Requirements

Licensed fur buyers in Maine must maintain detailed purchase records available for inspection by wildlife officers at any time.

For each purchase: species, quantity of pelts, seller name and trapping license number

Date of transaction and purchase price or fair market value

County or general area of harvest (where required by species)

Records must be retained for 5 years

Records must be available for inspection by Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife wildlife officers without prior notice

Important Notes

Maine-Specific Fur Buyer Rules

Maine requires state-issued pelt tags on bobcat, otter, and fisher before purchase is permitted. Annual dealer reports due February 15. CITES compliance required for bobcat and otter. Canada lynx is federally threatened — any lynx purchase is strictly prohibited.

Source: Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (www.maine.gov). Requirements verified 2026. Always confirm current license fees and record-keeping rules directly with the agency before purchasing furs.

Maine