Licences & permits > Wildlife permits > Wildlife Permit System (online)

System guides and FAQs

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Frequently asked questions

Applying for a permit online

Which permits can I apply for online?
You can apply for the following permits through the online Wildlife Permit System, listed under the categories below:

  • Keep, sell or display native animals (including eggs)
    • Basic Permit to Keep and Sell Protected Animals (Hobbyist/Recreational)
    • Specialist Permit to keep and Sell Protected Animals (Hobbyist/Recreational).
    • Sell Protected Animal Permit
    • Basic Permit to Keep and Sell Protected Animals (Dealer)
    • Specialist Permit to keep and Sell Protected Animals (Dealer)
    • Wildlife Displayer Permit (Commercial)
    • Mobile Wildlife Educator/demonstrator permit (Commercial)
    • Basic Permit to Keep and Sell Protected Animals (Scientific/biological products)
    • Import/Export Permit (Wildlife)
    • Permit to keep eggs of protected animals
    • Permit to keep and sell eggs of protected animals
    • Emu Farming Permit
  • Rescue and Rehabilitation permits
    • Protected animals rescue permit
    • Wildlife Carer Permit
    • Wildlife Rehabilitation Facility permit
    • Retain Protected animals unfit for release permit
  • Manage, control or destroy wildlife permits
    • Wildlife Management (controller) permit
    • Permit to destroy wildlife
    • Trap and release protected animals permit
  • Take native plants or animals from wild permits
    • Take protected animals from the wild permit
    • Permit to collect native plant material – commercial – Class A
    • Permit to collect native plant material – Bush food collection – Class B
    • Permit to collect native plant material – Individual/community/botanic garden – Class C
    • Permit to collect native plant material – Threatened species – Class D
  • Kangaroo Industry Permits
    • Permit to sell protected animals (Kangaroo meat processor)
    • Permit to sell protected animals (tannery and skin)
    • Permit to harvest and sell or use protected animals (kangaroo field processor)(concession)
    • Permit to harvest and sell or use protected animals (kangaroo field processor)
    • Import/export (Kangaroo Industry)
  • Hunting Permits

What are the standard processing times for permit applications?
With the exception of basic permits the standard processing time for new applications is between 6-8 weeks. Note these times may vary and are dependent on the type of permit you are applying for and the level of additional information that requires assessment.

How will I know my application form was submitted successfully?
A confirmation message will display on the screen with an application number to let you know the form and payment has been successfully submitted. A tax invoice will be sent to your nominated email address.

Reapplying for existing permits

When can I reapply for an existing permit?
2023 permit reapplications for existing permit holders will be available from 14 June 2023 and should be completed prior to the expiry of existing permits to ensure compliance with relevant legislation and regulations.

Existing permit holders will receive an email when permit reapplications are available. This will include detailed information on the reapplication process.

To ensure that you retain your current permit number you must complete and submit your reapplication form before the reapplication period closes on 31 August 2023.

Will my online reapplication be auto approved?
The following permit types will be automatically approved (where no changes have been identified to the previous permit information, no previous offence has been indicated and no additional species are being added to the permit reapplication):

  • Basic permit to keep and Sell Protected Animals (hobbyist/recreational)
  • Specialist permit to keep and sell (hobbyist recreational) - excluding venomous snake endorsements and Grey-headed Flying Fox endorsements
  • Basic permit to keep and Sell Protected Animals (Fauna Dealer)
  • Specialist permit to keep and sell (Fauna Dealer) - excluding venomous snake endorsements and Grey-headed Flying Fox endorsements
  • Wildlife Displayer Permit (commercial) - excluding venomous snake endorsements and Grey-headed Flying Fox endorsements
  • Wildlife Rehabilitation Facility Permit - excluding Grey-headed Flying Fox endorsements
  • Wildlife Carer Permit - excluding Grey-headed Flying Fox endorsements
  • Retain Protected Animals Unfit for release permit - excluding Grey-headed Flying Fox endorsements
  • Permit to Keep and Sell Protected Animals (Scientific/Biological Products) - excluding venomous snake and Grey-headed Flying Fox endorsements
  • Permit to Keep Eggs of Protected Animals
  • Permit to Keep and Sell Eggs of Protected Animals
  • Emu Farming Permit

What happens if I close my reapplication before I finish it?
Your reapplication starts as soon as you click the ‘Reapply’ button. If you close or click out of the application before it is submitted you will find the application saved in your account under your ‘Draft applications’ or in your ‘Unpaid Applications’ section depending on the stage of process you made it to.

Can I add additional species endorsements to my reapplication?
Yes. However please note that your reapplication will not be eligible for auto approval.
If you wish to add an additional species endorsement to your permit as a part of the reapplication process, please indicate this within the change details section of the reapplication form. Your application will then be forwarded for the department for review. Please note that adding an additional species endorsement to your permit requires an assessment of your knowledge and experience relative to the species you are applying for against the application criteria. This may result in further information and documentation being requested from you and may add to the expected processing time for your permit reapplication.

Can I add additional premises to my reapplication?

Yes. To apply to have an additional approved premises listed on your permit, please complete the additional premises application form. Fees apply for certain permit types indicated within the application form.

Annual returns

How do I submit my annual return?
An email notification will be sent to permit holders with instructions on how to submit your online return closer to the due date (permit returns are due 14 days after the 30 June). In the interim, please ensure that your online record book (if applicable) is accurate and up to date.

Other

What do I do if I no longer require a permit?
Please notify the department in writing of your desire to cancel your permit. You will be required to complete a final protected animal's stock return to indicate that you are no longer in possession of animals requiring a permit

Do you offer concession prices?
There are no concession discounts for Protected Animal Permits.

Can I request a refund?
As indicated during the application process, application fees are non-refundable* and are payable upon application. Payment does not guarantee that the application will be approved.

*Exceptions may be granted for duplicate applications where payment has been made twice.

I have forgotten my password for the online portal, what can I do?
You will be able to reset your password by selecting the ‘forgot password’ button within the login page and using the email that you originally created your account with. If you are experiencing issues with the login portal, please contact Service SA on 131 084

Who can I contact if I need help using the online portal?
Please view the how-to guides for additional assistance in using and navigating the online portal. You can also contact DEW's Fauna Permits Unit on DEWfaunapermitsunit@sa.gov.au or (08) 8124 4972 (Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm).

I don't want to use the online portal, what can I do?
While we are committed to improving the user experience and encourage permit holders to engage with the online system, we do understand that some individuals are unable or do not wish to access the online Wildlife Permits System. In this instance there is a paper-based application form available.

To receive a paper form, please contact the Fauna Permits Unit:

DEW Fauna Permits Unit
Email: DEWfaunapermitsunit@sa.gov.au
Phone: (08) 8124 4972

DEW Kangaroo Management Program
Email: kmp@sa.gov.au
Phone: (08) 8648 5318

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Acknowledgement of Country

The state government acknowledges Aboriginal people as the First Peoples and Nations of the lands and waters we live and work upon and we pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge and respect the deep spiritual connection and the relationship that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have to Country.

We work in partnership with the First Peoples of South Australia and support their Nations to take a leading role in caring for their Country.