Starting July 1, 2026, Washington State replaces paper hunting and fishing licenses with a digital system.

Starting July 1, 2026, Washington State will replace traditional paper and plastic-backed hunting and fishing licenses with a digital system. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife says rising costs and declining demand for physical licenses are driving the change. While paper licenses will still be available through July 8, officials urge hunters and anglers to use the new mobile platform to buy licenses, report harvests, and display permits on smartphones. The shift improves convenience, data accuracy, and durability, aligning with broader digital trends in state services.