Wildlife Diversity Permits: Scientific Research

The information on this page applies to both Scientific Permits for Research (SPR) issued prior to August 2025 and Scientific Research Permits (SRP) issued on or after August 13, 2025

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General Permit Information

A Scientific Research Permit is required to collect, hold, possess, display, transport, release, or propagate indigenous mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and other aquatic life for scientific purposes. Scientific purposes include activities aimed at enhancing, protecting, conserving, or managing wildlife, or furthering scientific understanding of a resource or the environment.

These permits do not allow the sale of animals and are valid for three years from the date of issuance.

As of August 2025, management of the Scientific Research permit has shifted to an online platform. An important aspect of this transition is that all permits will be issued on a project-specific basis. Permit holders may be required to hold more than one permit if working on multiple research projects. Please review the Scientific Research Permits Projects Guide carefully, as it provides a thorough explanation of what constitutes a project for the purposes of this permit.

In addition to standard terms and conditions that apply to all permits, certain permits may reference protocols that require the permit holder to adhere to standards related to the authorized activities (e.g., disease monitoring standards, collection method requirements, etc.). These protocols may be updated occasionally. A link to detailed information on protocols will be provided soon.

Research in state parks or state natural areas requires a State Park Scientific Study Permit. Visit the State Park Scientific Study Permit Page for information.

Moving Online

Management of the Scientific Research Permit has moved online as of August 2025. Active permits issued prior to this date remain valid until the permit expiration date. Refer to the appropriate information below regarding permit management and moving to the online system.

Permits Issued Prior to August 2025

Scientific Permits for Research issued prior to August 2025 will not be migrated to the online system but remain valid until the permit expiration date. Continue to follow the processes that were in place when your permit was issued until the expiration of your permit.

Permits Issued On/After August 2025

All Scientific Research Permit-related business must be managed online via the Texas Parks and Wildlife Permitting System. New users can create an account to access the online system at any time. Additional information regarding the transition to the online system is available here.

New Permit Applications

All applications for a new Scientific Research Permit must be submitted online beginning in August 2025. The application fee is $53. Check or money order payment is required until further notice, but online payment options are coming soon. Applicants representing grade schools or certain governmental organizations may be exempt from the permit fee. Be prepared to upload the following documents during the application process:

  • Resume/CV
  • Two letters of recommendation from experienced individuals in the appropriate biological or professional field for which the applicant is applying.
  • Proposal for the specific project needing permit authorization. A detailed breakdown of proposal requirements is found here.
  • Live Animal Care and Use Committee (e.g., IACUC) protocol and approval letter (if applicable).
  • Supplemental documents (e.g., federal permits, etc.)

Permit Amendments

Modifications to the authorized activities and the list of subpermittees allowed to conduct those activities can be requested. Refer to the appropriate information below based on the date of issuance for your permit.

Issued Prior to August 2025

All amendment requests for active permits issued prior to August 2025 must be submitted to SRP@tpwd.texas.gov.

  • Requests to add or remove subpermittees will continue to be accepted until your current permit expires. Use the following form to request the addition of new subpermittees. Email the address provided to request removal of subpermittees.
  • Requests to modify existing or add new authorizations require TPWD review. Requests that represent significant changes in the scope, goals, or objectives of authorized work may not be accepted and might instead require a new permit application. Email a description of and justification for all requested amendments.

Issued On/After August 2025

Requests to amend active permits, including the addition and removal of subpermittees, must be submitted online. If requesting an amendment to a permit authorization, be prepared to upload supplemental documentation, if necessary (e.g., updated project proposal, federal permits, etc.).

Annual Reports

Annual Reports are due within 14 days of the anniversary date of permit issuance for all permits. The format of the required report is dependent on the issuance date. Refer to the appropriate information below.

Issued Prior to August 2025

Complete and submit the form linked below along with a written narrative of the activities conducted to SRP@tpwd.texas.gov.

Issued On/After August 2025

Download and complete the appropriate form(s) linked below. Ideally, activities should be logged throughout the year to simplify completion of the annual report. Completed reports must be uploaded via your online Permitting system account. The Annual Report submission option appears on the anniversary date of permit issuance each year. The system will send email reminders two weeks prior to and on the day your Annual Report window opens.

Report forms (downloadable files coming soon):

  • Aquatic Field Collections Reporting template
  • Terrestrial Field Collections reporting template
  • Captive Species Inventory form

Permit Renewals

Refer to the appropriate information based on the date of issuance of your permit.

Issued Prior to August 2025

Renewal applications are no longer accepted for permits issued prior to August 2025 due to the transition to the new online system. Please apply for a new permit via the Texas Parks and Wildlife Permitting system.

Issued On/After August 2025

All renewal applications must be submitted via the online Permitting system. Permit renewal applications are available 30 days prior to permit expiration. The renewal fee is $53. Credit card and check payment options are available.

Permit Cancellation

Permits may be canceled prior to the specified expiration date. Refer to the appropriate information based on the date of issuance of your permit.

Issued Prior to August 2025

Email a final annual report that details all permit-related activity conducted through the requested cancellation date to SRP@tpwd.texas.gov and include a request to discontinue the permit.

Issued On/After August 2025

Prepare a final annual report for the current reporting year that details all permit-related activity conducted through the requested cancellation date. Log in to your online Permitting system account to submit the request. The completed annual report form(s) must be uploaded to submit the request. Cancellation is effective immediately. Do not submit the request until you are ready to cease permitted activities.

Additional Permit Considerations

Certain research activities may require additional permit authority from TPWD or other state or federal agencies. Two common examples are listed below, but this is not a comprehensive list. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure all appropriate permits are in place.

  • Fish/Shellfish Relocation: Be aware that certain research activities involving fish or shellfish may also require a Permit to Introduce Fish, Shellfish or Aquatic Plants into Public Waters (INTRO Permit). Additional information on the INTRO Permit is available here.
  • Federally Protected Wildlife: Migratory birds, federally-listed species, and other federally protected wildlife may require a permit from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

Statutes and Regulations

Parks and Wildlife Code, Chapter 43, Subchapter C

Texas Administrative Code, Title 31, Chapter 69, Subchapter J

Other Documents

Accessibility

These forms are provided for your convenience only. If they are inaccessible to you for any reason, you may request that a copy be sent to you through the mail. Should you have questions regarding these permits, the regulations, or the application process, you may e-mail SRP@tpwd.texas.gov.