Become a Licensed Alabama Seafood Dealer
If your business sells, brokers, trades, barters, or processes fresh or frozen seafood in the state of Alabama, you are legally considered a seafood dealer and must obtain a license. This applies to both physical storefronts and payment-accepting vehicles.
Quick Facts:
- License Expiration: All licenses expire annually on September 30th.
- Cost: $465.00 for your first location or vehicle.
- Additional Vehicles: $333.00 per additional vehicle.
- Important Change: As of October 1, 2025, license fees include a $200 increase to support Sweet Grown Alabama, a nonprofit that promotes local seafood products.
Application Requirements:
To obtain your license, you must provide the following documentation:
- Completed Application: Ensure all business or personal details are filled out.
- Business License: A copy of your current, non-expired business license.
- Health Permit: A current seafood health permit from the Alabama Department of Public Health, or city or county health department. We also accept Alabama Department of Agriculture permits.
- Note: If a permit isn't required for your specific business, you must provide a dated exemption letter from the health department stating this.
- The "Trip Ticket" Affidavit: If you do not purchase seafood directly from commercial fishermen, you must submit a signed and notarized affidavit.
- Note: If seafood is purchased directly from a commercial fisherman, trip tickets are required to be submitted to the Alabama Marine Resources Division by the 10th of the following month.
Important Rules for Vehicles:
- Licensing: Any vehicle where payment (cash, check, or digital) is accepted must have its own Seafood Dealer Vehicle license.
- Possession: The driver must keep the original license in the vehicle at all times.
- Delivery Only: If a vehicle is used only for delivery and does not take payments, it does not need a license.
Questions? Contact the Marine Resources Division at (251) 968-7576 or email marine.resources@dcnr.alabama.gov.
Important Documents & Links:
Please ensure you download and complete all necessary forms to avoid delays in your application:
- Seafood Dealer License Application: Use this form to provide your business FEIN, personal details (like SSN and Driver's License), and vehicle tag information. Download Here
- Current Year Affidavit of Retail/Wholesale Grocer: If you do not purchase seafood directly from commercial fishermen, you must submit this notarized original by US mail or via FEDEx. Download Here
- Contact Form Checklist: This mandatory form helps streamline communication and allows you to opt-in for an emailed license. Download Here
- Federal Fisheries Permitting: Visit the NOAA Fisheries website for federal rules and reporting notifications. NOAA Website
How to Apply:
1. By Mail or Courier
Send your completed application, required documents, and a check or money order (payable to the Alabama Marine Resources Division) to one of the following:
- US Postal Service
PO Drawer 458,
Gulf Shores, AL 36547 - FedEx / UPS
999 Commerce Dr.,
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
2. In Person
Visit a Marine Resources Division Office with your application and original documents.
3. By Phone (Payment Only)
If you have submitted your paperwork and wish to pay via credit card, you can call (251) 968-7576.
Need Assistance? For health permit questions, contact the Alabama Dept. of Public Health Seafood Division at 251-433-2428. For all other licensing inquiries, call the Marine Resources Division at 251-968-7576.
