California falconry license
Checked 2026-11-03 against official sources — see the links at the bottom. General guidance only; always confirm with the state agency before you apply.
First-year fees
≈$596 first year (2026 fees): application $20.34 + license $112.53 + admin processing $19.06 + exam $70.75 + inspection $373.25 (up to five enclosures)
License year runs July 1 – June 30
Each enclosure beyond five adds $19.06. The inspection fee is waived if you share an already-inspected facility with a licensed falconer and can prove the passed inspection. Nonresident raptor capture permit $457.75; special raptor capture drawing entry $8.38. Fees include a 3% nonrefundable application surcharge (CCR Title 14 §700.4).
Exam & minimum age
Exam: 80% to pass. CDFW-administered exam (fee due at the first sitting and on retakes); exams are offered on a limited basis at some CDFW regional offices.
Minimum age: 12 — The falconry license is issued to any person at least 12 years of age (CDFW).
Classes: Apprentice → General → Master
Birds by class & trapping
Class allowances follow the federal framework (50 CFR 21.82). Wild raptor capture is regulated separately — residents report captures, nonresidents need the $457.75 capture permit.
A special raptor capture drawing opens April 1 each year (apply online or at a license sales office).
Notes from the official sources
A state hunting license is also required. A court order (Stavrianoudakis v. USFWS, Nov 2022) lifted a state restriction on paid education/media use of falconry raptors.
Official sources for this page
Regulations change. Verify every figure against these sources and the agency's current rules before you rely on it.
Getting geared up in California?
Most states' equipment inspection lists overlap heavily — Aylmeri jesses, a weathering-resistant leash and swivel, a bath pan, a weathering perch and a graduated scale. Build a list matched to your class and climate with the equipment checklist builder, or print the start-up equipment checklist for your mews inspection visit. Comparing neighboring states? Back to the full state matrix.