agent handbook for issuing pennsylvania fishing licenses...

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Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission

Agent Handbook for Issuing

Pennsylvania Fishing Licenses and Permits

PALS Edition

Contact Information

Direct equipment or electronic license issuing related questions for the

Pennsylvania Automated Licensing Service (PALS) to the Helpdesk at:

WebPOS Users

1-800-964-7705

VeriFone Users

1-800-280-4853

Representatives are available to assist you

24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week

Direct all other questions and correspondence to:


Licensing and Registration Section

P.O. Box 67000

Harrisburg, PA 17106-7000

www.fishandboat.com

Telephone:

1-877-707-4085

(717) 705-7930

Fax: (717) 705-7931

Office Hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday

Closed on State Holidays

Physical Address for UPS, FedEx, DHL, etc.:


Licensing and Registration Section

1601 Elmerton Avenue


http://www.fishandboat.com/

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Table of Contents

PFBC Regional Offices 4

SECTION I - General Information

A. PFBC Web Site 5

B. PALS Helpdesk 5

C. Agent Responsibilities 5

D. License Year 5

E. Customer Identification Number (CID) 5

F. Senior Resident Lifetime Licenses 5

G. Social Security Number Requirements 5

H. Federal Assistance 6

SECTION II - Pennsylvania Fishing Licenses & Permits

A. License & Permit Prices 7

B. License Certificate 8

C. Military Personnel Exemption (Active Duty Only) 8

D. Fishing License Types 11

E. Stamp & Permit Types 12

F. Qualifications/Requirements for Resident Licenses 15

G. Selling a PALS License 16

H. Vouchers 18

I. Redeeming a Voucher 18

J. Replacement Licenses 19

K. Voids, Reversals, and Reprints 21

L. The Outdoor Shop 22

SECTION III – Issuing Agent Operations

A. Application for Fishing License Issuing Agency 23

B. Issuing Agent Agreement 23

C. Sub-Agents Prohibited 23

D. Bond Coverage 23

E. Banking 24

F. Automatic Clearing House/Electronic Funds Transfer 24

G. Insufficient Funds 24

H. Voided Licenses 24

I. Ordering Supplies 24

J. Compliance 25

K. Inspections 25

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SECTION IV - Instructions for County Treasurers and PFBC Regional

Law Enforcement Offices

A. Disabled Veterans (DAV) 26

B. National Guard/Armed Forces Reserve 26

C. Prisoner of War (POW) 27

D. Senior Resident Lifetime Prisoner of War (POW) 27

E. No License Required 27

F. Records Retention 27

G. Voided Licenses 27

H. Senior Resident Lifetime Upgrade 27

SECTION V – Issuing Use Permit Decals

A. General Information 28

B. Cost 28

C. Issuing a Use Permit Decal 28

D. Reports 29

E. Agent 29

SECTION VI – Charter Boat/Fishing Guide’s Guide

A. General Information 30

B. Applicant and Permit Information 31

C. Display of Permits and Decals 31

D. Other Requirements 32

E. Special Issuing Agents for Fishing Licenses 33

F. General Fishing License Agent Information 33

Sample Forms

PFBC-769, Application for PFBC Unpowered Boat Use Permit 34

PFBC-UP001, Issuing Agent’s Use Permit Decal Report 35

PFBC-770, Use Permit Supply Request 36

PFBC-L-102, PALS Void Log 37

PFBC-L-101, Affidavit of Pennsylvania Residency and/or

Affidavit Pertaining to Social Security Number 38

U. S. Veteran’s Administration Sample Letter 39

PFBC-G-1, Charter Boat/Fishing Guide Application 40

Completed Charter Boat/Fishing Guide Application 41

Charter Boat/Fishing Guide Renewal Application 42

Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission Regulations

For Issuing Agents 43

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PFBC Regional Law Enforcement Offices - Direct questions regarding the

eligibility of applicants or other regulatory issues to your local office.

NORTHWEST REGION –

11528 State Highway 98, Meadville, PA 16335

814-337-0444 ♦ Fax: 814-337-0579

Counties - Butler, Clarion, Crawford, Erie, Forest, Lawrence, Mercer, Venango,

Warren

SOUTHWEST REGION –

236 Lake Road, Somerset, PA 15501-1644

814-445-8974 ♦ Fax: 814-445-3497

Counties - Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Cambria, Fayette, Greene, Indiana,

Somerset, Washington, Westmoreland

NORTHCENTRAL REGION -

1150 Spring Creek, Bellefonte, PA 16823

814-359-5250 ♦ Fax: 814-359-5254

Counties - Cameron, Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, Elk, Jefferson, Lycoming,

McKean, Montour, Northumberland, Potter, Snyder, Tioga, Union

SOUTHCENTRAL REGION -

1704 Pine Road, Newville, PA 17241

717-486-7087 ♦ Fax: 717-486-8227

Counties - Adams, Bedford, Blair, Columbia, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin,

Fulton, Huntingdon, Juniata, Lebanon, Mifflin, Perry, York

NORTHEAST REGION –

5565 Main Road, Sweet Valley, PA 18656

570-477-5717 ♦ Fax: 570-477-3221

Counties - Bradford, Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Sullivan,

Susquehanna, Wayne, Wyoming

SOUTHEAST REGION –

Brubaker Valley Road & Lakeview Drive, Box 9, Elm, PA 17521-0009

717-626-0228 ♦ Fax: 717-626-0486

Counties - Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Lancaster, Lehigh, Montgomery,

Northampton, Philadelphia, Schuylkill

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SECTION I

General Information

A. Web Site - For the latest information on fishing and boating in

Pennsylvania visit our web site at www.fishandboat.com.

B. PALS Helpdesk – If you encounter a Pennsylvania Automated Licensing

Service (PALS) equipment malfunction or electronic license issuing

problem, call the Automated License Systems (ALS) Helpdesk

immediately at 1-800-280-4853 for VeriFone device users and at 1-800-

964-7705 for WebPOS users.

C. Agent Responsibilities - Fishing license issuing agents are required to

keep an adequate supply of PALS License stock on hand and available

for sale to customers. PFBC issued supplies may be ordered through the

VeriFone or WebPOS terminals. Equipment and license stock remains the

property of the PFBC and may be recalled or picked up at any time. All

agents are required to provide a copy of the Summary of Fishing

Regulations & Laws booklet to any person requesting one.

All agents and their employees involved in issuing fishing licenses and

permits and preparing the required reports should be familiar with the

PFBC’s regulations and policies that provide guidance on the sale,

responsibility and accountability of fishing licenses and permits. The

regular and routine use of this handbook may eliminate many procedural

problems. Additional handbooks are available upon request.

D. License Year - Licenses and permits, with the exception of 1-Day

Tourist, 3-Day Tourist, 7-Day Tourist, 1-Day Resident and Resident

Lifetime Licenses are valid for up to 13 months including the year printed

on the license and the month of December of the prior year.

E. Customer Identification Number (CID) - Each customer will receive a

unique CID through PALS when purchasing a license for the first time.

The CID will remain with the customer and will appear on future PALS

licenses.

F. Senior Resident Lifetime Licenses - All agents are permitted to sell

Resident Senior Lifetime Licenses through PALS to eligible individuals.

G. Social Security Number Requirements – Since 1998, purchasers of a

Pennsylvania fishing license have been required to provide their social

security numbers when they apply to purchase a fishing license. This

requirement is set forth in federal and state laws on enforcement of child

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support obligations. Similar requirements apply to other state licenses,

including drivers’ licenses and hunting licenses. By now, purchasers of

fishing licenses and the issuing agents who sell the licenses should be

familiar with these requirements.

H. Federal Assistance - The PFBC receives federal assistance in sport fish

restoration and boating enhancement. Under Title VI of the Civil Rights

Act of 1964 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the U.S.

Department of the Interior prohibits discrimination on the basis of race,

color, national origin, or disability. If you or any customer believes that

they have been discriminated against in any program, activity, or facility

as described above or if you desire further information, please write to:

Human Resources Office


P.O. Box 67000


Or

Office of Equal Opportunity

U.S. Department of the Interior

Washington, D.C. 20240

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SECTION II

Pennsylvania Fishing Licenses and Permits

A. License and Permit Prices

TYPE PRICE*

(includes all fees)

Resident $ 22.70

Senior Resident $ 11.70

Senior Resident Lifetime $ 51.70

1-Day Resident $ 11.70

Nonresident $ 52.70

7-Day Tourist $ 34.70



National Guard/Reserve Resident** $ 2.70

POW Resident** $ 2.70

POW Senior Resident Lifetime** $ 2.70

Replacement License (Includes previously purchased privileges) $ 6.70

Trout/Salmon Permit $ 9.70

Lake Erie Permit $ 9.70

Combination Trout-Salmon/Lake Erie Permit $ 15.70

Lifetime Upgrade $ 6.70

*Price includes $1.00 issuing agent fee (excluding Lifetime Upgrade) and

$0.70 electronic processing fee.

**Licenses available at County Treasurer offices and PFBC offices.

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B. License Certificate - This constitutes and is recognized as the "LEGAL

FISHING LICENSE" issued to a license buyer desiring to fish or angle in

Commonwealth waters.

1. DO NOT laminate licenses. They are printed on yellow heat-

sensitive paper and lamination will cause darkening of the license.

Customers should be instructed of this when purchasing a license.

2. Instruct the license buyer to sign their license immediately upon

receipt.

3. Different graphic types are displayed for the various licenses and

permit privilege combinations. If no permit is purchased, a

Pennsylvania state graphic will be displayed. Please review the

possible combinations and become familiar with how the license

should print and appear to the license buyer.

C. Military Personnel Exemption (Active Duty Only) - To be eligible for

the military waiver, an angler must be a bona fide Pennsylvania resident,

be on active duty, be stationed outside Pennsylvania and be here on

authorized leave. While in the act of fishing, the military personnel must

carry proof of each of these requirements, such as a Pennsylvania

Driver’s License, his or her military ID, and valid military orders showing

his or her place of assignment and leave status.

Under the law, a qualifying soldier, sailor, airman or marine does not

receive a free Pennsylvania fishing license; instead eligible active duty

military personnel can legally fish without a license under the limited

circumstances outlined in the law. The Commission recommends anyone

taking advantage of this provision display their military ID while in the

act of fishing in much the same way they would a conventional fishing

license.

The law does not exempt military personnel on leave from any other

requirements of fishing or boating laws and regulations. They must

comply with all applicable seasons, sizes creel limits and other

requirements.

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LICENSE WITH NO PERMIT

PRIVILEGES

SENIOR LIFETIME LICENSE

WITH COMBINATION

TROUT/SALMON LAKE ERIE

PERMIT PRIVILEGE

LICENSE WITH A

TROUT/SALMON PERMIT

PRIVILEGE

LICENSE WITH TROUT/SALMON

AND LAKE ERIE PERMIT

PRIVILEGES

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LICENSE WITH A LAKE ERIE

PERMIT PRIVILEGE

OUTDOOR SHOP INTERNET

LICENSE WITH NO PERMIT

PRIVILEGES

1-DAY TOURIST

LICENSE WITH COMBO

PRIVILEGE

OUTDOOR SHOP INTERNET

LICENSE WITH A

TROUT/SALMON PERMIT

PRIVILEGE

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D. Fishing License Types

1. Resident – Annual license issued to bona fide residents of

Pennsylvania.

2. Senior Resident – Annual license issued to bona fide residents of

Pennsylvania 65 years of age and over. Buyers may purchase a

Senior Resident License anytime during the license year that they

reach 65.

3. Senior Resident Lifetime – Lifetime license issued to bona fide

residents of Pennsylvania 65 years of age and over. Buyers may

purchase a Senior Resident Lifetime license anytime in the calendar

year that they turn 65 years of age.

4. 1-Day Resident – Issued to bona fide residents of Pennsylvania for

one 24-hour period, and are not valid from March 15th

through April

30th. Customer must specify the start time and date of intended use.

The license will be valid for the 24-hour period following the

specified time.

5. Nonresident – Annual license issued to nonresidents of

Pennsylvania.

6. 7-Day Tourist - Issued for seven consecutive days. Customer must

specify the starting date.

7. 3-Day Tourist - Issued for three consecutive days. Customer must

specify the starting date.

8. 1-Day Tourist – Issued for one 24-hour period, and are not valid

from March 15th

through April 30th. Customer must specify the start

time and date of intended use. The license will be valid for the 24-

hour period following the specified time. The license is all inclusive

(includes all stamps & permits).

9. National Guard* – Annual license issued to resident service

members who can provide documentation that within the previous 24

months they were deployed overseas as a member of the National

Guard or the reserve component of the armed forces for a period of

180 consecutive days or more, or that they were released early from

service because of an injury or disease incurred in the line of duty.

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If a service member who is eligible for a National Guard/Armed

Forces Reserve license inadvertently purchases a resident license, the

Licensing and Registration Section will process an appropriate

refund.

10. Prisoner of War (POW)* – Annual license issued to resident

service members who can provide documentation that shows they

were a prisoner of war.

11. Senior Resident Lifetime Prisoner of War (POW)* – Lifetime

license issued to resident service members who can provide

documentation that shows they were a prisoner of war. Buyers may

purchase a Senior Resident Lifetime POW license anytime in the

calendar year that they turn 65.

12. Disabled Veteran* - Issued to disabled veterans who meet certain

qualifications.

*This license is sold only at county treasurer, PFBC headquarters, and

the six PFBC law enforcement regional offices.

13. Replacements – Replacement licenses can be issued to customers

for licenses and permits that are lost or destroyed. All license types

may be replaced. Replacement licenses include all previously

purchased stamps or permits (privileges).

E. Stamp and Permit Types

In addition to fishing license requirements, Pennsylvania law provides

that certain permits are required for the privilege to fish in certain waters

or for certain species of fish in Pennsylvania.

The license buyer must purchase, or have previously purchased, a fishing

license in order to buy a stamp or permit (privilege).

If a license buyer previously purchased a fishing license and is requesting

an additional stamp or permit (privilege), agents must locate the customer

in PALS and confirm that a license was issued and that all information is

correct before proceeding to sell the stamp or permit (privilege). PALS

will print the previously purchased license type and it will include the

newly issued or purchased stamp or permit (privilege).

The customer will only be charged by PALS for the additional stamps or

permits (privileges) purchased. The agent is required to instruct the

customer to destroy any previously purchased license documents.

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1. Trout/Salmon Stamp Permit

a. General - Trout/salmon anglers are required to purchase a

trout/salmon permit when fishing for species of trout or salmon

in certain waters. The Trout/Salmon Stamp Permit privileges

are valid for the year printed on the license certificate and the

month of December in the prior year.

b. Individuals Who Need a Trout/Salmon Permit- Go to the

PFBC’s web site at www.fishandboat.com or refer to the

Summary of Fishing Regulations & Laws booklet.

c. Individuals Who Do NOT Need a Trout/Salmon Permit

i. Individuals less than 16 years of age.

ii. Individuals who are exempt from fishing license

requirements or who are issued institutional fishing

licenses.

iii. Individuals who purchased a Senior Resident Lifetime

license before January 1, 1991.

iv. Individuals who fish on "free fishing days."

v. Individuals who purchase One-Day Tourist licenses.

vi. Individuals who fish on certain waters are exempt from

this requirement and the license buyer should consult their


d. Special Note for Senior Resident Lifetime License Holders

Individuals who purchased a Senior Resident Lifetime License

before January 1, 1991, are NOT required to buy a permit.

Individuals who purchased a Senior Resident Lifetime License

on or after January 1, 1991, are required to buy only one permit

to fish for trout or salmon for the remainder of their lives. If the

permit is lost, the license holder may purchase a replacement

license. The replacement license will include all previously

purchased stamps or permits (privileges).

http://www.fish.state.pa.us/

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2. Lake Erie and Combination Trout-Salmon/Lake Erie Permits

a. General – Anglers are required to purchase a Lake Erie or

Combination Trout/Salmon Lake Erie permit privilege when

fishing in the waters of Lake Erie including Presque Isle Bay and

the following Lake Erie tributaries:

i. Cascade Creek, Conneaut Creek, Crooked Creek,

Eightmile Creek, Elk Creek, Fourmile Creek, Mill Creek,

Raccoon Creek, Sevenmile Creek, Sixmile Creek,

Sixteenmile Creek, Turkey Creek, Twelvemile Creek,

Twentymile Creek and Walnut Creek.

The stamps or permits (privileges) are valid for the year

printed on the license certificate and the month of December

in the prior year.

b. Individuals Who Need a Lake Erie Permit - All individuals

not listed in paragraph C (below) are required to purchase a

permit, sign their name on the face of the license, and display the

license and permit when fishing. For more information, consult

the Summary of Fishing Regulations & Laws booklet.

c. Individuals Who Do NOT Need a Lake Erie Permit i. Individuals less than 16 years of age.

ii. Individuals who are exempt from fishing license

requirements or who are authorized to fish using an

institutional license.

iii. Individuals who fish on "free fishing days."

iv. Individuals who purchase One-Day Tourist licenses.

v. Individuals who fish on certain waters are exempt from

this requirement and the license buyer should consult their


d. Special Note for Senior Resident Lifetime License Holders Individuals who purchased a Senior Resident Lifetime License

are required to buy only one permit (Combination/Trout/or Lake

Erie) for the remainder of their lives. If the permit is lost, the

license holder may purchase a replacement license. The

replacement license will include the previously purchased

permits.

3. Combination Trout-Salmon/Lake Erie Permits - License buyers

may purchase a combination permit in place of the individual

Trout/Salmon and Lake Erie permit. The net cost of the

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Combination Trout/Salmon Lake Erie Permit privilege is $3.00 less

than the combined cost of the individual permits.

When issuing a license through PALS, select both permit types. The

system will automatically recognize the Combination request and

calculate the cost accordingly.

F. Qualifications/Requirements for Resident Licenses

For all resident class licenses, applicants must furnish satisfactory "proof

of residency" to the license agent. Resident class licenses shall only be

issued to bona fide residents of Pennsylvania. A bona fide resident is

defined as a permanent resident who has a fixed intent to return to

Pennsylvania when he leaves and who maintains a permanent place of

residence in Pennsylvania. A person is not a bona fide resident while

claiming residence in another state for any purpose.

One or a combination of the following documents must be presented:

1. Valid Pennsylvania driver's license

2. Valid Pennsylvania non-driver photo identification card

3. Current Pennsylvania Firearms Permit

4. Current Pennsylvania Voter’s Registration Card

5. Proof of payment of Pennsylvania personal income tax as a

resident of Pennsylvania; proof of payment of earned income,

personal income or per capita taxes showing residence in a

Pennsylvania municipality.

If an applicant cannot furnish one of the documents listed above, they

may complete a PFBC-L-101, Affidavit of Pennsylvania Residency and/or

Affidavit Pertaining to Social Security Number. The completed affidavit

of residency will be investigated by a Waterways Conservation Officer

(WCO). When using this form, the original form must be submitted to

the Licensing and Registration Section within 10 days. Individuals that

falsely claim Pennsylvania residency may be subject to legal action.

Military Personnel who are stationed in Pennsylvania under permanent

change of station order (PCS) for 6 months or more qualify for a Resident

License. This also includes residents of Pennsylvania stationed outside

Pennsylvania provided they do not become a resident of another state.

Non-resident students attending college in Pennsylvania are not entitled

to resident licenses if their permanent residence is not in Pennsylvania.

All license types except the 1-Day Tourist may require the purchase of

additional stamps or permits (privileges) depending on what species of

fish a customer intends to fish for and where a customer intends to fish.

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G. Selling a PALS License

1. Have the customer provide proof of residency as this will determine

the type of license they are eligible to purchase.

2. Input all requested customer information into PALS. For detailed

instructions on selling a license, please refer to your POS 3750 or

WebPOS User’s Guide.

3. Special Note on Social Security Numbers (SSN)

a. A customer’s SSN only needs to be entered into PALS once.

PALS will retain the SSN for all future license sales.

b. Obtaining a SSN from first time customers and inputting the

number into PALS.

i. WebPOS users – provide the auxiliary keypad to the

customer and allow the customer to enter his or her SSN.

ii. VeriFone users – when prompted, turn the device toward

the customer and ask them to enter the SSN.

iii. Or, provide the customer with a piece of paper and ask the

customer to write down the SSN and provide it to you.

Return the paper to the customer or destroy it.

iv. Or, ask if the customer is willing to provide their SSN to

you verbally.

c. Customers are required to provide a SSN when purchasing a

license for the first time.

i. Certain customers who want to purchase one of the

resident class licenses (such as the Amish) may not have a

SSN. A customer who claims that they do not have a SSN

must complete and sign form PFBC-L-101, Affidavit of

Pennsylvania Residency and/or Affidavit Pertaining to

Social Security Number. All original signed PFBC-L-101

forms must be forwarded to the Licensing and

Registration Section within ten days of the purchase.

Agents must call the ALS help desk to obtain a customer

identification number.

ii. For non-resident U.S. citizens - Agents must call the ALS

help desk to obtain a customer identification number.

iii. For non-resident alien customers – Agents must enter

either the “Green Card”, “Passport”, or “VISA” number

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in PALS.

4. Verify the customer information in PALS and update if necessary.

5. Select the license and/or stamps or permits (privileges) the customer

wants to purchase.

LICENSE

CODE FISHING LICENSE TYPE

101 Resident Annual

102 Non-resident Annual

103 3-Day Tourist

104 Senior Resident Annual

105 Senior Resident Lifetime

106 1-Day Tourist

107 7-Day Tourist

108 1-Day Resident

120 DAV Resident Lifetime*

121 DAV Senior Resident Lifetime*

122 DAV Resident Annual*

123 National Guard*

124 POW Senior Resident Lifetime*

125 POW Resident Annual*

150 Trout/Salmon Permit

151 Lake Erie Permit

152 Combination Trout/Salmon Lake Erie Permit

156 Senior Resident Lifetime Replacement (Pre-1991)

180 Lifetime Upgrade

*License is sold only at county treasurer, PFBC headquarters, and

the six PFBC law enforcement regional offices.

6. Verify all information is correct and print the license.

7. Ensure that the correct type of license is issued. Agents must review

each license after printing it before providing it to the customer. If

the license displays incorrect information or graphics, the license

must be voided. If the license prints incorrectly, the license must be

reprinted immediately.

8. Give the license and receipt to the customer and provide only the last

printed license.

9. Instruct the customer to sign the license.

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10. Give the customer a Summary of Fishing Regulations & Laws

booklet.

11. If you accept a personal check from an applicant, you must process

the check. The check should be made payable to you or your

business.

12. Customers on the Revocation List: Customers who have their

fishing privileges revoked or suspended will be stopped from

purchasing fishing licenses using the PALS system. Once the

customer’s revocation period has expired or they have satisfied all

conditions of their suspension, they will be authorized to purchase a

fishing license. Customers with questions about their Commission

initiated suspension/revocation status can contact the PFBC’s Bureau

of Law Enforcement at 717-705-7861. Customers with questions

about their Child Support suspension/revocation can contact the

Department of Public Welfare at 1-800-932-0211.

H. Vouchers - A voucher for a license and stamps or permits (privileges)

may be purchased for another individual. Agents must collect all the

information requested through PALS when issuing a voucher. A voucher

will be issued and may be redeemed for a license or permit containing the

privilege indicated on the voucher. The voucher is non-refundable and

expires as noted. Individuals wishing to purchase vouchers for Christmas

presents need to wait until December 1 of that year before purchasing a

voucher. An agent who issues a voucher is entitled to collect the

applicable issuing agent fee.

I. Redeeming a Voucher

Agents are required to destroy all redeemed vouchers. Agents redeeming

a voucher must ensure that the individual redeeming the voucher is

eligible to purchase the license type listed on the voucher. For example,

an agent may not redeem a voucher for a resident fishing license for an

individual who is not a resident of Pennsylvania.

Vouchers may be redeemed at any issuing agent.

A voucher is not a fishing license. Individuals that use a voucher to fish

are in violation of the Fish and Boat Code and may be subject to legal

action.

Agents who redeem a voucher are not entitled to collect any additional

issuing agent fees and shall issue all corresponding licenses and permits

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to the voucher holder. Agents must collect all the information requested

through PALS when issuing a license when redeeming a voucher.

Replacement of a Voucher -If a customer presents a receipt from the

purchase of a voucher, the voucher can be replaced by entering the

voucher number printed on the receipt into PALS. If a receipt from the

purchase of a voucher is not available, the voucher number can be

obtained by calling the ALS Help Desk or PFBC Headquarters and by

providing the name of the person who purchased the voucher.

J. Replacement License – PALS provides the ability to issue a replacement

license when an original license is lost or destroyed. Since the system

retains customer purchase information, agents can retrieve it regardless of

where the license was purchased. Follow the instructions for the type of

PALS equipment in use.

WebPOS – Enter the customer identification number into the terminal;

any previously purchased privileges are listed in the Replacement

section.

VeriFone – Select the Replacement option on the main sales screen; all

privileges listed in the system will be displayed, including replacements.

Although these items can be selected, the system will not permit the

transaction to proceed if the customer is not entitled to purchase a

replacement of a particular privilege.

Senior Resident Lifetime Replacements - If there is evidence that an

original license was purchased, a PALS replacement shall be issued,

regardless of the year it was originally issued. The customer may need

only to provide the original license number. If the license was purchased

prior to PALS, please contact the Licensing and Registration Section for

instructions and guidance.

To find a customer in PALS, the customer may need to provide one of the

following:

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Customer identification number,

U.S. Driver’s license number,

Social Security number, or

Alternative forms of identification for Non-US Citizens such as a

“Green Card”, “Passport”, or “VISA”.

If you are unable to locate a customer in PALS, you must contact the

Licensing and Registration Section for assistance.

1. Selling Additional Stamps and Permits While Issuing a

Replacement Senior Resident Lifetime License– Replacement

fishing licenses now include all stamps or permits (privileges)

previously purchased by the customer. However, customers may need

to buy additional stamps or permits (privileges) when replacing a

license.

VeriFone Agents: To sell additional permits or stamps when

purchasing a replacement license, do the following:

i. Issue a replacement license using the Replacements option on

the menu. This will automatically print a replacement license

with all previously issued permits or stamps.

ii. Use the Sale option on the menu to issue the requested stamp

or permit. A second license with the newly purchased stamp

or permit will print. Provide this license to the customer.

Destroy the first printed license.

Web POS Agents:

i. Additional stamps or permits may be selected from the Stamps

section of the menu during the time a replacement license is

issued. Only one license with the newly purchased stamp or

permit will be printed. Provide the license to the customer.

See SECTION II, Pennsylvania Fishing Licenses and Permits, for

assistance on who needs a stamp or permit privilege.

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K. Voids, Reversals, and Reprints

1. Voids

Voids are used when a problem with a transaction is discovered

AFTER the document has printed (i.e. a typographical error

occurred, the customer’s address is not correct on the printed

documents, or the customer selected the incorrect type of license).

If you void a license or any stamp or permit (privilege), you must

retain the document and write ‘VOID’ across the license.

Agents using WebPOS equipment can void any license issued

during the current day. VeriFone agents can only void the last

completed transaction and the void must occur within 15 minutes of

the transaction. To void a stamp or permit (privilege) issued outside

of these parameters, agents must call the PALS Help Desk or PFBC

Harrisburg Headquarters for assistance.

Agents are responsible for ensuring that all voided documents are

returned to the PFBC within fifteen (15) days of the transaction.

Agents that fail to return voided license documents to the PFBC may

be charged for value of the voided licenses and permits sold.

Report all voids by recording them on form PFBC-L-102, PALS Void

Log and submit the voids along with the form to the PFBC at:

Licensing Section – VOIDS

PA Fish & Boat Commission

P.O. Box 67000


2. Reversals

An agent may reverse a transaction if a problem is discovered

BEFORE printing the document. Once a document is printed, it

cannot be reversed and must be voided.

3. Reprints

When a document fails to print properly (i.e. printer is out of paper,

paper jam, etc.) agents shall reprint the license. There is no charge or

fees associated with a reprint.

Agents shall NOT use the reprint feature to issue a second copy of

22

any document to be used as an “extra” license. The agent shall issue

and provide only one license document. All reprint requests are

tracked by the system. Excessive reprinting will be investigated by

the Bureau of Law Enforcement.

WebPOS - Agents have two opportunities to reprint license

documents:

Option 1. Upon conclusion of the transaction the WebPOS

terminal will ask, “Did the license print correctly?” If you answer

No, another copy of the license documents will print and the

reprint will be logged by PALS.

Option 2. Select the “Void/Reprint” option. This option allows a

reprint of a license that was issuedwithin the same day from when

the original transaction was processed. To reprint any other

documents, you must call the ALS Help Desk or the PFBC

headquarters.

VeriFone - Agents may reprint only the last license issued within

15 minutes of the completion of the transaction and if it was the

last transaction processed. To reprint any other documents, you

must call the ALS Help Desk or the PFBC headquarters.

L. The Outdoor Shop - An individual who purchased a fishing license

through the PFBC’s new PALS powered Outdoor Shop, or internet based

license sales outlet, may now purchase a replacement license at any

issuing agent. All licenses purchased at an issuing agent can also be

replaced on the Outdoor Shop.

23

SECTION III

Issuing Agent Operations

Issuing agents are appointed by the PFBC to sell and distribute fishing licenses

and permits, and to distribute PFBC authorized information and materials to

potential or active fishing license and permit holders and buyers.

A. Application for Fishing License Issuing Agency – All Fishing License

Issuing Agents must complete and submit an Application for Fishing

License Issuing Agency and a $ 150.00 non-refundable application fee.

B. Issuing Agent Agreement – All Fishing License Issuing Agents must

complete and submit a Fishing License Issuing Agent Agreement. This

Agreement covers all Issuing Agent operations pertaining to the issuance

of fishing licenses and permits through PALS at the business location

described in the original Application for Fishing License Issuing Agency

or the application as amended by the Issuing Agent. Agents are permitted

to sell licenses and permits only at the business location specified in the

application or approved by the PFBC, and at a place on the premises

accessible to the public.

C. Sub-Agents Prohibited - Issuing agents, including county treasurers, are

not permitted, under any circumstances, to appoint sub-agents to issue

fishing licenses or permits. Violation may result in the loss of an agent's

authority to issue fishing licenses and permits.

D. Bond Coverage - The minimum recommended bond coverage for each

new agent location is $12,000.00. Existing issuing agents are required to

secure a bond in an amount determined by the combined value of the

following items:

the two (2) highest EFT drafts that occurred during the opening

days of trout season,

the replacement cost of the PALS equipment, and

if applicable, the value of any boat launch permits.

The PFBC will review, every three (3) years, the bond amounts for each

issuing agent to determine whether an adjustment is needed based on the

above criteria.

There is no limit to how large a bond may be. An agent shall secure a

sufficient bond amount to cover its projected highest weekly license sales

dollar amount.

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E. Banking – Issuing Agents must maintain a bank account in a federally

insured financial institution organized under the authority of the

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or the United States. All money

received from the sale of licenses and permits, less the amount retained

according to law as the Issuing Agent Fee, shall be deposited in the

designated bank account. The bank account must be able to accept

Electronic Fund Transfers (EFT). Issuing Agents must notify the PFBC

at least fifteen (15) days prior to changing banks, account numbers,

ownership status, business status, or other information used for the

purpose of collecting monies owed.

F. Automated Clearing House (ACH)/Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)-

ACH and/or EFT refer to the process of electronically collecting license

sales revenue. As part of the agent agreement process, agents are

required to sign an ACH authorization agreement. This permits the

PFBC to collect all funds due via an EFT from a designated bank

account.

Agents should print a PALS ACH report each week by running the ACH

Inquiry transaction. This report should be run every Tuesday and will

show the previous week’s transaction totals and the amount of the EFT.

Each weekly report shows all transactions that occurred from 12:01 am

Tuesday morning of the prior week through the following Monday at

midnight. EFT transactions will occur on the Thursday following the

weekly EFT closeout period of midnight Monday. If discrepancies are

discovered, contact the PFBC immediately.

G. Insufficient Funds - Issuing Agents must have sufficient funds available

in their designated bank account at the time of the EFT for all licenses

sold through the PALS system. Upon notification of insufficient funds

for payment, PALS will immediately suspend an Agent’s authority to

issue license and permits and a $15.00 charge will be applied to the

Agent.

H. Voided Licenses - Agents shall use form PFBC-L-102, PALS Void Log

when submitting all voided licenses. All voids shall be submitted within

fifteen (15) days of the date of their issuance. Issuing agents are

responsible for the license fees associated with all voids not returned

within the specified time frame. PFBC may collect license fees

associated with voids through subsequent EFT transactions.

I. Ordering Supplies – Issuing Agents shall order PALS supplies and

PFBC issued materials through the VeriFone or WebPOS terminals.

25

J. Compliance - Agents that fail to comply with the rules and regulations

regarding the operation of the agency or the issuance of licenses or

permits are subject to legal action initiated by the Bureau of Law

Enforcement and subsequent revocation of the issuing agency.

K. Inspections - Issuing agents shall allow PFBC personnel access to all

records and equipment related to the PALS operation. Issuing agents

shall allow access to PFBC personnel to make inspections during

reasonable business hours, with or without advance notice, to determine

whether the agent is in compliance with the laws and regulations

governing the operation of the agency.

26

SECTION VI

Instructions for County Treasurers and

PFBC Offices

A. Disabled Veterans (DAV) – Certain service members qualify for a no

fee Resident or Senior Resident Lifetime fishing license and permits. For

permanently disabled veterans that meet the requirements, a Resident or

Senior Resident Lifetime License shall be issued. A Combination Stamp

graphic will be printed on all DAV licenses, the PALS system is

programmed to do this automatically.

a. To qualify for a DAV license and permits, service members

must:

Be a bona fide resident of Pennsylvania and be a war

or armed conflict veteran; and have a disability

incurred in any war or armed conflict, consisting of

100% or total disability as certified by the United

States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA); or total

blindness; or loss of one or more limbs; or loss of use

of one or more limbs.

Present a letter from the VA, with a claim number,

verifying the disability or injury. This is the only

acceptable verification. A medical card is not

acceptable. A copy of the VA letter must be kept on

file by the Treasurer. Documentation from the VA

must state that the disability or injury is total and

permanent.

Have an injury or disability that was incurred during

a period of war or armed conflict. The qualifying

disability does not have to be combat incurred.

b. Maintain a copy of the VA letter on file.

c. Do not issue Senior Resident Licenses to disabled veterans.

B. National Guard/Armed Forces Reserve – Annual license issued to

resident service members who can provide documentation that within the

previous 24 months they were deployed overseas as a member of the

National Guard or the reserve component of the armed forces for a period

of 180 consecutive days or more, or that they were released early from

service because of an injury or disease incurred in the line of duty.

If a service member who is eligible for a National Guard/Armed

Forces Reserve license inadvertently purchases a resident license, the

Licensing and Registration Section will process an appropriate

27

refund. Direct all requests for refunds of this nature to the Licensing

and Registration Section.

C. Prisoner of War (POW) – Annual license issued to resident service

members who can provide documentation that shows they were a prisoner

of war.

a. Service member must provide official military documentation

stating that they were a POW.

D. Senior Resident Lifetime Prisoner of War (POW) – Lifetime license

issued to resident service members who can provide documentation that

shows they were a prisoner of war and meet the age requirements for a

Senior Resident Lifetime License.

a. Service member must provide official military documentation

stating that they were a POW.

E. No License Required - Any person who is a bona fide resident of

Pennsylvania and is classified as totally blind or severely disabled so that

they are unable to cast or retrieve a line or bait hooks (see Section 2709

Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Code Act 1980-175) is exempt from license

requirements, including permits.

F. Records Retention – Records and voids shall be retained as required by

the Department of the Auditor General for audit purposes.

G. Voided Licenses – All County Treasurers shall retain voided licenses,

which must be kept on file to be audited by the Auditor General.

H. Senior Resident Lifetime Upgrade – Anglers who purchased a Senior

Resident Lifetime license can now purchase a more durable, plastic

license. Request forms for the upgrade can be obtained on the PFBC

website or the upgrade may be purchased through PALS. The durable

card style upgrade will be mailed by the Licensing and Registration

Section to the customer.

28

SECTION V

Issuing Use Permit Decals

A. General Information – Use Permit Decals

are designed to provide the unpowered boater

a quick and easy way to get their boat on the

water without going through the boat

registration process. Note: this is not a

registration. Owners of unpowered boats

(canoes, kayaks, rowboats, etc) can launch

their boats at Commonwealth owned lakes

and access areas under the management of the PFBC if their boat has a

current registration or if it displays a valid PFBC Use Permit Decal. State

Parks launch and mooring permits are also recognized at PFBC lakes and

access areas; PFBC Use Permit Decals will be recognized at State Parks

and State Forests lakes and access areas.

B. Cost - The cost is $10 for a one-year permit which will expire December

31st of the year it is issued. The cost for a two-year permit is $18 which

will expire December 31st of the year after it is issued. Agents are

permitted to charge a $1.00 issuing agent fee for each use permit decal

issued.

C. Issuing a Use Permit Decal – A Customer must complete the Use Permit

Decal application form (PFBC-769) and provide the requested boat and

applicant information.

a. Issue Use Permit Decals in numerical sequence.

b. Write the Use Permit Decal number and your agent number on

the customer application form.

c. Instruct the user that the Use Permit Decal must be clearly

displayed on each side of the boat between the middle

(amidships) and the rear (stern) just below the top of the hull

(gunwale). For low-volume boats, such as kayaks, decals may

be placed on the deck between amidships and the stern.

29

D. Reports - Agents are required by law to submit reports of all permits

sold or issued to the PFBC within ten (10) days of issuance.

a. Delinquent agents are subject to a penalty of ten percent (10%)

per month on any outstanding balance due the PFBC.

b. Reports will be audited for accuracy on the reported dates sold

and when reports are submitted.

c. Checks or money orders covering Use Permit Decals fees must

be remitted with reports.

E. Agent – Submit the following to the PFBC within ten (10) days:

a. PFBC-UP001, Use Permit Decal Report.

b. Completed Use Permit application form PFBC-769.

c. Check or Money Order covering fees made payable to PFBC.

30

SECTION VI

Charter Boat/Fishing Guide’s Guide

Everything You Need to Know

About Being a Pennsylvania

Charter Boat/Fishing Guide

Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission (PFBC)

www.fishandboat.com

A. General Information

Charter Boat- A boat operated as a commercial enterprise which carries

passengers for hire for the purpose of fishing on the waters of this

Commonwealth.

Fishing Guide – A person who operates a commercial enterprise whereby

he guides or leads other persons for the purpose of fishing on the waters

of this Commonwealth.

http://www.fishandboat.com/

31

B. Applicant and Permit Information

1. Application and Applicant – A person desiring to be a charter boat

operator or a fishing guide on the waters of the Commonwealth of

Pennsylvania must first apply for a permit on the form provided by

the Commission (Charter Boat/Fishing Guide Permit Application,

PFBC-G-1) and submit the appropriate fee ($100 for residents; $400

for non-residents). Applicants must be 16 years of age or older. To

obtain an application access the PA Fish and Boat Commission’s

website at www.fishandboat.com for a printable version or call us at

717-705-7851.

2. Permit Duration – Charter boat/fishing guide permits are valid for a

calendar year and expire on December 31 of the year for which they

were issued.

3. Permit Renewals – A holder of a charter boat/fishing guide permit

must apply to the Commission for renewal of the permit by

completing the renewal application form provided by the

Commission and by submitting it along with the appropriate fee to

the Commission. Renewal notices will be mailed to current permit

holders during the month of October or November of the preceding

year.

4. Suspensions – The Commission may suspend or revoke a charter

boat/fishing guide permit for noncompliance with the terms and

conditions of the applicable regulations or when the charter boat

operator or fishing guide is convicted or acknowledges guilt of a

violation of the laws or regulations.

5. Compliance with Laws – Charter boat operators and fishing guides

must comply with all federal, state and local laws and regulations.

Charter boat operators and fishing guides are responsible for

ensuring that their employees, passengers and customers comply

with all fishing and boating laws and regulations.

C. Display of Permits and Decals

1. Permits – While operating a charter boat or fishing guide operation,

charter boat operators and fishing guides must display their permits

on a hat or an outer garment in plain view. The charter boat operator

and fishing guide may carry and display the permit in the same

holder containing a fishing license. Charter boat operators and

fishing guides must present their charter boat/fishing guide permits

upon the request of an officer authorized to enforce the code. While

32

onboard a boat displaying a decal, the charter boat operator is exempt

from the permit display requirements of this section provided the

permit is onboard the boat.

2. Decals – When a boat is used in the charter boat/fishing guide

operation, the charter boat operator must display a decal supplied by

the Commission on both sides of the boat hull above the waterline

and below the gunwale near the stern of the boat or on each side

window of the cockpit of the boat. When, due to exigent

circumstances, a charter boat operator must use a boat that does not

display a charter boat/fishing guide decal, the charter boat operator

must display the permit on a hat or outer garment as required by this

section.

D. Other Requirements

1. Boating Safety Education Certificate & USCG License – When a

boat is used in the charter boat/fishing guide operation, the charter

boat operator must possess a boating safety education certificate

issued by the Commission or by another state in accordance with

criteria of the National Association of State Boating Law

Administrators or a boat operator’s license issued by the U.S. Coast

Guard. Applicants and holders of charter boat/fishing guide permits

must provide proof of certification of boating safety education upon

the request of the Commission.

2. Insurance – Charter boat operators and fishing guides must possess

and maintain in full force and effect general liability insurance for all

periods which they are operating a charter boat/fishing guide

operation on the waters of the Commonwealth. The minimum

amount of coverage is $250,000 for each occurrence and $500,000 in

the aggregate. Applicants and holders of charter boat/fishing guide

permits must provide proof of insurance upon the request of the

Commission.

3. CPR and First Aid – Charter boat operators and fishing guides must

possess and maintain current certification in basic cardiopulmonary

resuscitation (CPR) and basic first aid skills. Applicants and holders

of charter boat/fishing guide permits must provide proof of CPR or

basic first aid certification upon the request of the Commission.

4. Fishing License and Permits – Charter boat operators and their

crewmembers and fishing guides must possess valid fishing licenses

and the stamps and permits required for the waters in which they

fish. Charter boat operators and fishing guides are responsible for

33

ensuring that their employees, passengers and customers possess a

valid fishing license and the appropriate stamps and permits.

5. Guide Operations on Boundary Waters – Individuals who operate

charter boats or fishing guide operations on boundary waters under

the jurisdiction of the Commonwealth must possess a charter

boat/fishing guide permit. If a person uses a boat launch in the

Commonwealth, then it is presumed that the person is operating a

charter boat or fishing guide operation on the waters of this

Commonwealth.

E. Special Issuing Agents for Fishing Licenses

a. Holders of charter boat/fishing guide permits may apply to be a

special issuing agent for the purpose of selling to their customers

1-Day Fishing Licenses, 3-Day Tourist Fishing Licenses, 7-Day

Tourist Fishing Licenses and trout/salmon permits and special

permits for fishing Lake Erie and tributaries. A holder of a

charter boat/fishing guide permit may seek to become a special

issuing agent by completing and submitting to the Commission

an application on the form prescribed by the Commission.

Applications to become a special issuing agent can be obtained

by calling the Commission at 717-705-7851.

b. Applications to become a special issuing agent must be

accompanied by a bond or other security in a form satisfactory to

the Commission in an amount equal to the value of the licenses,

and permits being requested by the applicant.

F. General Fishing License Agent Information

See General Information, Section I for all General Fishing License Agent

Information.

34

PFBC-769, Application for PFBC Unpowered Boat Use (Launch) Permit

35

PFBC-UP001, Issuing Agent’s Use Permit Decal Report

36

PFBC-770, Use Permit Supply Request

37

PFBC-L-102, PALS Void Log

38

PFBC-L-101, Affidavit of Pennsylvania Residency and/or Affidavit

Pertaining to Social Security Number

*When using this form, the original form must be submitted to PFBC.

39

Sample Letter from U.S. Veterans Administration to demonstrate

and document that a disability is permanent. This is needed to issue

a Senior Resident Lifetime License to a disabled veteran.

40

PFBC-G-1, Charter Boat/Fishing Guide Application

41

Completed Charter Boat/Fishing Guide Permit

42

Charter Boat/Fishing Guide Renewal Application

43


Regulations

§ 51.31. Responsibility of issuing agents

(a) Issuing agents are responsible to ensure that the fishing license is fully

completed. The applicant shall make sure the information entered on the license

form is correct, and shall sign his own name or place his mark in the place

indicated on the reverse of the license certificate.

(b) Issuing agents shall verify the eligibility of the applicant for the class of

license indicated on the license in accordance with §51.32 (relating to resident

and nonresident licenses).

(c) The issuing agent shall transfer the information provided by the applicant

to the license certificate, assuring that the information can be easily read.

Information on the license certificate shall agree with the information provided

and be typed or printed in ink.

(d) Agents shall use standard abbreviations supplied by the Commission for

color of eyes.

(e) Each license shall bear the account number of the issuing agent and the

signature or initials of the person issuing the license.

(f) Issuing agents shall issue licenses in numerical sequence.

(g) Issuing agents shall provide a Summary of Fishing Regulations and Laws

with each license issued. Issuing agents also shall provide a copy of the

summary book to any holder of a Senior Resident Lifetime Fishing License who

requests one. Failure to comply with this subsection will be grounds for recall

of the issuing agency as provided in section 2711 of the code (relating to issuing

agents). Issuing agents are encouraged to provide a copy of the summary book,

if adequate numbers are available, to other individuals who request one.

(h) Issuing agents are responsible to ensure that when someone buys a

license as a gift for another person, the person buying the license signs his name

on the reverse of the agency’s copy of the license and indicates that the license

was purchased as a gift. The recipient of the gift license shall sign his name on

the original of the license.

§ 51.32. Resident and nonresident licenses

(a) Only bona fide residents of this Commonwealth who establish their

resident status by producing a Pennsylvania motor vehicle driver’s license or

44

other positive means of identification are entitled to one of the various forms of

a resident fishing license.

(1) Other positive means of identification for establishing bona fide

residence in this Commonwealth include, proof of payment of Pennsylvania

Personal Income Tax as a resident of this Commonwealth; proof of payment

of earned income tax, personal income tax or per capita taxes showing

residence in a Pennsylvania municipality; current Pennsylvania firearms

permit; Pennsylvania voter registration card; Pennsylvania nondriver

identification card; or a signed affidavit of Pennsylvania residency on the

form prescribed by the Commission.

(2) For purposes of this subsection, a bona fide resident of this

Commonwealth is a permanent resident who has a fixed intent to return to

this Commonwealth when he leaves it and maintains a permanent place of

abode here. A person may not be a bona fide resident of this Commonwealth

for this purpose while claiming residence in another state for any purpose.

(b) Military personnel who are stationed in this Commonwealth under

permanent change of station orders (PCS) for a duration of 6 months or more

may qualify as bona fide residents for the purpose of obtaining resident fishing

licenses regardless of the fact they may maintain a legal domicile in another

state as authorized by the Service Members’ Civil Relief Act (50 U.S.C.A. App.

§§501-596). Military personnel who are domiciled in this Commonwealth but

who are stationed in another state or country qualify as bona fide residents of

this Commonwealth for fishing license purposes so long as they do not become

domiciles of another state.

(c) A person who does not qualify as a bona fide resident of this

Commonwealth under subsection (a) or (b) is considered a nonresident for

purposes of obtaining a fishing license.

(d) A Senior Resident Lifetime Fishing License is valid only so long as the

holder is a bona fide resident of this Commonwealth. A holder of a Senior

Resident Lifetime Fishing License who establishes residence in another state

and continues to fish in this Commonwealth without purchasing a Nonresident

Fishing License may be charged with violating sections 923(c) and 2703 of the

code (relating to additional penalty for fishing without license; and possession

and display of licenses).

§ 51.33. Effective dates of licenses and trout/salmon permits

(a) Fishing licenses and related permits are valid for the year printed on the

license certificate or permit and the month of December of the preceding year,

except for one-day and tourist licenses that are valid for the dates specified on

the license certificate.

45

§ 51.34. Stamps and permits

(a) The Commission may require licensees to possess stamps or permits to

fish for certain species or in certain bodies of water.

(b) Individuals who purchase the stamp or permit to fish for the specified

species or in designated bodies of water shall permanently affix the stamp or

permit to their license certificate, sign their names (or in the instance of small

stamps or permits, their initials) in ink across the face of the stamp or permit and

display the stamped or permitted license certificate when fishing for the

specified species or on the designated body of water. The buyer is not required

to affix the stamp or permit on the license certificate until he actually engages in

the stamped or permitted activity.

(c) Issuing agents shall make stamps and permits available to individuals

purchasing them as collectibles. The buyer does not have to sign the stamp or

permit.

§ 51.36. Lost license certificates

(a) An issuing agent shall replace a lost license regardless of where the

licensee purchased the original license.

(b) If a licensee seeks to purchase a replacement license at the agency where

he bought the original license, the licensee shall present the original license

number and complete the form provided by the Commission relating to the lost

license certificate. If the original license number is not known, the form shall be

notarized.

(c) If a licensee seeks to purchase a replacement license at an agency other

than the agency where he bought the original license, the licensee shall complete

the form provided by the Commission relating to the lost license certificate and

have it notarized.

(d) The issuing agent shall write the word “DUPLICATE” and the original

number, if known, across the face of the replacement license certificate.

(e) The issuing agent shall attach to the monthly report the form relating to

the lost license certificate, any voided license certificate and the original and

duplicate of the license certificate. The issuing agent shall record the certificate

number in the body of the report.

(f) If the original license was sold through the Pennsylvania Automated

Licensing Service (PALS) and the licensee seeks to purchase a replacement

46

license, the licensee shall present the original license number or licensee’s PALS

customer identification number to the issuing agent, and the issuing agent shall

issue a replacement license, including associated permits, through the PALS.

§51.37. Application and Prerequisites for Becoming an Issuing Agent for

the Pennsylvania Automated Licensing Service (PALS).

(a) A person, sole proprietorship, partnership or corporation may apply to

become an issuing agent of the Commission for the purpose of selling fishing

licenses and permits through the PALS

(1) An applicant seeking to become an issuing agent shall complete and

submit to the Commission an application on the form prescribed by the

Commission and pay a one-time, nonrefundable fee of $150.

(2) Applications shall be accompanied by a bond in favor of the

Commission, or other security in a form satisfactory to the Commission, in

a minimum amount specified by the Executive Director or designee.

(3) A person, sole proprietorship, partnership or corporation that is an

agent of the Commission for the sale of paper licenses may sell licenses

through PALS without making a new application under this subsection.

(b) An entity accepted by the Commission to act as an issuing agent shall

perform in the following manner and meet the following prerequisites:

(1) An issuing agent, including county treasurers, may not appoint

subagents to issue fishing licenses or permits.

(2) Issuing agents shall enter into a Fishing License Issuing Agent

Agreement with the Commission that covers the issuance of fishing licenses

and permits and the electronic transfer of funds through the PALS.

(3) Issuing agents shall maintain a bond in favor of the Commission, or

other security in a form satisfactory to the Commission, in a minimum

amount specified by the Commission for each location where licenses and

permits are issued.

(4) Issuing agents shall maintain an account in a Federally insured

financial institution organized under the authority of the Commonwealth or

the United States. This bank account must be able to accept electronic funds

transfers. Issuing agents shall provide the Commission with account

information upon the request of the Commission.

47

§51.38. Operation of the Issuing Agent for the Pennsylvania Automated

Licensing Service (PALS). 2711(c)

(a) Sale of licenses.

(1) Issuing agents shall collect all required customer information,

including social security numbers, at the time of purchase and shall ensure

that the fishing license is accurate, correct and fully completed. The

applicant shall verify the information provided to the issuing agent and

entered into the PALS is accurate and correct and shall sign his own name

or place his mark in the place indicated on the face of the license certificate.

A license is not valid unless it is signed by the applicant. If an applicant

indicates to the issuing agent that he does not have a social security number,

the issuing agent shall ask the applicant to complete an affidavit on the form

prescribed by the Commission certifying under penalty of law that the

applicant does not have a social security number and the reason therefore.

Upon completion and execution of the form by the applicant, the issuing

agent may issue the license to the applicant. Issuing agents shall deny the

issuance of a license to an applicant who fails to provide his social security

number or who fails to sign an affidavit as required by this paragraph.

Issuing agents shall retain the affidavits and shall submit them to the

Commission at least once a month or in such other manner prescribed by

the Commission.

(2) Issuing agents shall verify the eligibility of the applicant for the class

of license indicated on the license in accordance with §51.32 (relating to

resident and nonresident licenses). If an applicant for a resident license

indicates that he is unable to establish that he is a resident of the

Commonwealth by any of the means identified in §51.32 other than by

signing an affidavit of Pennsylvania residency, the issuing agent shall ask

the applicant to complete the form prescribed by the Commission certifying

under penalty of law that the applicant is a bona fide resident of the

Commonwealth. Issuing agents shall deny the issuance of a resident license

to an applicant who fails to establish his residency by signing the form or as

otherwise provided in §51.32. Issuing agents shall retain the affidavits of

Pennsylvania residency and shall submit them to the Commission at least

once a month or in such other manner prescribed by the Commission.

(3) Issuing agents shall transfer the information provided by the

applicant to the PALS and ensure that the PALS is otherwise operational

and prints the license certificate legibly. Issuing agents may not provide a

customer with more than one copy of a license certificate issued under

PALS.

(4) Issuing agents shall provide a Summary of Fishing Regulations and

Laws with each license issued. Issuing agents also shall provide a copy of

the summary book to any holder of a Senior Resident Lifetime Fishing

License who requests one. Issuing agents are encouraged to provide a copy

48

of the summary book, if adequate numbers are available, to other

individuals who request one.

(5) Issuing agents shall make available licenses and permits for sale to

the public in strict accordance with all policies, instructions, rules and

regulations of the Commission.

(6) Issuing agents and their employees may not provide false or

misleading information on a license. The date reported on a license sold

must be the date of the actual sale.

(7) Issuing agents shall keep all customer information confidential and

not use, release or permit the use of this information for any purpose not

specifically authorized by the Commission or applicable law.

(8) Issuing agents shall return all original voided licenses to the

Commission within 15 days of their issuance. Issuing agents shall pay the

license fees for voided licenses that are not returned to the Commission

within 15 days of issuance.

(9) Issuing agents shall return all documents designated by the

Commission within the time frame specified by the Commission.

(10) Issuing agents shall maintain, as instructed by the Commission,

displays, notices or other informational materials relating to licenses and

permits provided by the Commission, distribute to customers and fishing

guides other compliance or educational materials provided by the

Commission and promote and market new products or privileges as

required by the Commission.

(11) Issuing agents shall sell licenses and permits only at the business

location specified in their application or approved by the Commission and

at a place on the premises accessible to the public.

(12) Issuing agents may not offer or provide licenses or permits free of

charge or for any fee not authorized by section 2715 of the code (relating to

license, permit and issuing agent fees).

(13) Issuing agents shall redeem a license or permit voucher regardless of

where the voucher was purchased.

(b) PALS equipment.

(1) Issuing agents shall ensure proper use of the PALS equipment and

follow the PALS operating manual and subsequent amendments and

revisions thereto.

(2) An issuing agent may not borrow, lend or otherwise transfer PALS

equipment to another agent without the prior written consent of the

Commission.

(3) Issuing agents shall safeguard PALS equipment and supplies from

unauthorized, wasteful, inappropriate or fraudulent use. Issuing agents shall

place the equipment and supplies in a secure location. Issuing agents shall

use license paper stock only for purposes of printing licenses, permits,

reports and receipts. Issuing agents shall promptly notify the Commission or

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its designee of equipment malfunction. PALS equipment and supplies are

not transferable to other locations without the prior written consent of the

Commission. Issuing agents shall return the defective equipment

immediately to the repair center identified by the Commission.

(4) Issuing agents shall notify the Commission by telephone within 48

hours and submit a written report within 10 days after any fire, theft or

natural disaster affecting PALS equipment and supplies or records.

(5) Issuing agents shall be responsible for the PALS equipment and the

supplies relating to the issuance of licenses and permits, except for events

beyond their control, and they shall assume financial responsibility for any

damage to the PALS equipment resulting from negligence, malicious

activity, abandonment, failure to return upon request of the Commission or

improper electrical service to the equipment.

(6) Issuing agents shall carry appropriate insurance covering PALS

equipment and supplies in an amount determined by the Commission.

Issuing agents shall provide proof of insurance coverage upon the request of

the Commission.

(c) Access and auditing.

(1) Issuing agents, their employees and subcontractors shall allow the

Commission or other authorized representatives access to periodically

inspect, review or audit PALS associated records, reports, canceled checks

and similar material pertaining to PALS. Issuing agents shall maintain these

records for 5 years.

(2) Issuing agents shall allow the Commission access to all material and

equipment related to the PALS operations. Issuing agents shall allow access

to the Commission to make inspections during reasonable business hours,

with or without notice to the issuing agent, to determine whether the issuing

agent is in compliance with this section.

(d) Financial provisions.

(1) Issuing agents shall deposit all money received from the sale of

licenses and permits in a designated bank account less the amount retained

as an issuing agent fee under section 2715 of the code.

(2) Issuing agents shall have sufficient funds available in the designated

bank account at the time of the electronic funds transfers. Upon notification

of insufficient funds for payment to the Commission, the Commission may

immediately and without notice suspend an issuing agent’s authority to

issue licenses and permits, may assess an administrative fee in accordance

with section 502 of the code (relating to collection fee for uncollectible

checks) and may require the issuing agent to increase the amount of the

bond or other security or to provide adequate bank account overdraft

protection.

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(3) Issuing agents shall provide written notification on the form

prescribed by the Commission at least 15 days prior to changing banks,

account numbers, ownership status, business status or other information

used by the Commission or its designee for the purpose of collecting

monies owed by the issuing agent.

(e) Suspension or recall of agency.

(1) The Commission may suspend the issuing agency of any agent that

no longer meets the Commission’s criteria for acceptance for participation

in PALS until the agent becomes compliant.

(2) The Commission may recall the issuing agency of any agent that

violates the requirements of this section.

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