Commercial Fishing Information

Lobster Operator Permit Transfer Provisions

Applying to Transfer a Lobster Operator Permit

The following items must be submitted with the transfer request:

1. application in the form of a notarized letter requesting the transfer, that identifies the transferee;
2. permittee’s original current TLOP;
3. copy of the transferee’s California commercial fishing license; and
4. a nonrefundable transfer fee of $500.

Mail to:

Department of Fish and Game
License and Revenue Branch
1740 N. Market Blvd.
Sacramento, California 95834

Limit on Permit Transfers

Applications for the 10 transfers allowed for each license year (April 1 through the following March 31) will be accepted on or after April 1, of each permit year.

Note: Lobster Operator Permit transfer applications may not be postmarked prior to March 31, for the permit year a permittee is requesting a transfer.

Not more than 10 applications to transfer a permit will be processed by the Department during each license year (April 1 through March 31). Beginning April 1, 2008, there is no limit on the number of transfers that may be processed during a license year.  If the transferee holds a nontransferable lobster operator permit, that permit shall be cancelled when a TLOP is transferred, to that person.

Death of Permittee

In the event of the death of the permit holder, the estate of the holder of a TLOP may renew that permit if needed to keep it valid. The estate of the decedent may transfer the TLOP not later than one year from the date of death of the permit holder as listed on the death certificate, and is not subject to the limit on the number of transfers that may be processed during a license year.

A non-transferable Lobster Operator Permit, becomes null and void upon the death of the permittee, pursuant to Section 122(g)(1), Title 14, of the CCR.

Lobster Operator Permit Transfer Provisions

Evaluation of the transfer request should be completed within 20 business days after receipt by the License and Revenue Branch provided additional documentation is not required. If approved, a letter authorizing the transfer will be sent to the permittee with the voided TLOP and the original commercial fishing license and the reissued TLOP will be mailed to the transferee to complete the transfer process.

Appeal Provisions and Deadline

If denied, the Department will notify the permittee in writing, explaining the reason for denial. The permittee has the right to appeal such denial to the Fish and Game Commission.  Pursuant to Section 122(t), Title 14, of the CCR, appeals must be received by the Commission within 60 days of the Department’s denial.

Please contact Ms. Vandella Campbell, Commercial Fishing Limited Entry Program Analyst at (916) 928-5816, or Vcampbell@dfg.ca.gov, if you have any further questions or require additional information.