Fur Buyer License

Tennessee Fur Buyer
License 2026

Complete guide to fur buyer and dealer licensing in Tennessee - resident and nonresident fees, record-keeping requirements, CITES compliance, pelt tagging, annual reporting deadlines, and bonding rules. Tennessee requires a fur dealer license for commercial fur buyers. The state has a productive fur market for beaver, raccoon, mink, otter, and bobcat. CITES compliance required for bobcat and otter.

License Required CITES Compliance Required Record Keeping Required Annual Report Required

2026 Fur Buyer License Quick Facts Verified 2026

Resident Fee

$50.00

Annual license

Nonresident Fee

$100.00

Annual license

Record Retention

3yr

Records must be kept on file

CITES Required

Yes

For regulated species export

License Details

Tennessee Fur Buyer License Requirements

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

Requirement	Details
License Required	Yes - required
License Type	Fur Dealer License
Resident Fee	$50.00 / year
Nonresident Fee	$100.00 / year
Record Keeping Required	Yes
Record Retention Period	3 years minimum
Pelt Tagging Required	Not required
CITES Compliance Required	Yes - CITES compliance required
Annual Report Required	Yes - Due: March 31
Report Due Date	March 31
Bonding Required	Not required

Regulated Species

Species Requiring Special Handling in Tennessee

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

bobcat otter beaver raccoon mink

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

Record Keeping

Tennessee Fur Buyer Record Requirements

Licensed fur buyers in Tennessee 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 3 years

Records must be available for inspection by Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency wildlife officers without prior notice

Important Notes

Tennessee-Specific Fur Buyer Rules

Tennessee has a recovering river otter population. Annual fur dealer reports due March 31. CITES documentation required for bobcat and otter for international commercial trade. Tennessee's river corridor and swamp habitats produce quality furs.

Source: Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (www.tn.gov). Requirements verified 2026. Always confirm current license fees and record-keeping rules directly with the agency before purchasing furs.

Tennessee