An Amphibian and Reptile Possession permit is required for the possession, importation, transportation, purchase and sale of 25 or more individuals of any combination of native amphibians and/or five or more individuals of any combination of native reptiles.
An Amphibian and Reptile Possession for Rehabilitation permit authorizes the possession of injured, crippled, or orphaned, native reptiles and/or amphibians, for the purpose of providing short term care and eventual release back into the animal's natural habitat.
Last Revised on 11/24/15
It is unlawful for any individual to import, transport, export, purchase, possess or sell any species of Tongueless or African Clawed Frogs (Xenopus spp.), Brown Anoles (Anolis sagrei), Cuban Tree Frogs (Osteopilus septentrionalis), Red-eared Sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans), Asian Newts (Cynops, Pachytriton, Paramesotriton, Laotriton, Tylititriton) unless the individual has a Restricted Species Permit authorizing such activity issued by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission.
Amphibian and Reptile Possession:
An Amphibian and Reptile Possession permit does not authorize the collection of any wildlife resources from the wild. If you wish to collect native amphibians or reptiles, you must apply for a Wildlife Collection License.
An Amphibian and Reptile Possession permit will not be issued for:
1.) Holding reptiles and amphibians that were acquired unlawfully
2.) Holding reptiles and amphibians for unlawful sale or trade
3.) Collection of five or more individual native turtles from the families Emydidae or Trionychidae from the wild in a given year except those exempted in 15A NCAC 10H .1301 (c).
An Amphibian and Reptile Possession permit will not be issued to any person who is found to be in violation of any Collection License, Endangered Species Permit, or Possession permit requirements.
Each individual who obtains An Amphibian and Reptile Possession permit must submit a written report, listing all specimens possessed, post-marked within 15 days following the expiration of the permit as instructed in 15A NCAC 10H .1302 (e). (Amphibian and Reptile Possession Report Form)
Amphibian and Reptile Possession - Rehabilitation:
This permit does not authorize holding any reptiles and amphibians other than those animals in the process of being rehabilitated for release. Reptile or amphibians held under the authority of this permit are authorized to be held for rehabilitation purposes only and may not be held as pets or for education, exhibition, or scientific purposes.
Rehabilitation activities authorized under this permit shall be conducted at the authorized location designated on the permit. The licensee shall meet the minimum standards set forth in 15A NCAC 10H .1402(g)(1).
Reptiles and amphibians undergoing rehabilitation may remain in a rehabilitation facility for no longer than 12 months. If a longer rehabilitation period is needed, the permit holder shall notify the Commission in writing. Wild reptiles and amphibians shall not be released on property owned by another unless the rehabilitator has written permission dated within the last 12 months from the landowner.
Individuals applying for both Amphibian and Reptile Possession and Rehabilitation must submit an application for both. Applications are posted under the ‘How to Obtain a Permit’ tab.
Permits are issued to a single individual at least 18 years of age or older.
Amphibian and Reptile Possession permits are valid from January 1st through December 31st of each year.
Download the current Amphibian and Reptile Possession Rules from North Carolina Office of Administrative Hearings:
Fill out a completed Amphibian and Reptile Possession Application or Amphibian and Reptile Possession for Rehabilitation Application and submit to the Commission address listed at the bottom of the application form. This license has a $10.00 application/renewal fee which may be paid by:
Amphibian and Reptile Possession Application (PDF)
Amphibian and Reptile Possession for Rehabilitation Application (PDF) Amphibian and Reptile Possession Report Form (PDF)