Surety Bond Encyclopedia

Fishing License Agent Bond - Statewide in Pennsylvania

Brief Summary

The Fish and Boat Commission reviews a fishing license agent application only once every document is in, and that includes a signed, notarized surety bond of at least $6,000 with the surety's power of attorney attached. Ordering the bond alongside the application keeps the 8 to 10 week review clock from starting late.

Pennsylvania fishing license issuing agents must post a bond in favor of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission under 58 Pa. Code 51.37. The Commission's current application calls for a corporate surety bond of at least $6,000, signed, notarized and sent with the surety's power of attorney, the issuing agent agreement and a one time $250 nonrefundable application fee. A person, sole proprietorship, partnership or corporation may apply.

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How to Apply for a Fishing License Agent Bond:

Complete the Application for Fishing License Issuing Agency, form PFBC-L-114, including an email address.
Sign the Fishing License Issuing Agent Agreement.
Have the Fish Issuing Agent Bond written on the Commission's form for at least $6,000 for each location.
Have the bond signed and notarized and attach the surety's power of attorney.
Include the $250 nonrefundable application fee payable to the PA Fish and Boat Commission.
Mail the complete package to the PFBC Division of Licensing and Registration at the address on the current cover letter.

Detailed Information About the Pennsylvania Fishing License Agent Bond:

The amount is a minimum the Commission sets

58 Pa. Code 51.37 does not put a dollar figure in the rule itself. It requires a bond in favor of the Commission, or other security in a form the Commission accepts, in a minimum amount specified by the Executive Director. The Commission's application, form PFBC-L-114, and its cover letter set that minimum at $6,000. The rule also says the agent must maintain the bond in the minimum amount for each location, so a business selling from several stores should settle the per location figure with the Commission before the bond is written.

Who may apply

A person, sole proprietorship, partnership or corporation may apply to sell fishing licenses through PALS, the Pennsylvania Automated Licensing System. The Commission weighs how many agents already serve the area compared with its population, the location, the type of business with fishing equipment sellers preferred, weekend and evening hours, parking and public access, and whether the business registration matches the Pennsylvania Department of State's records. The rule is issued under section 2711 of the Fish and Boat Code, 30 Pa.C.S., relating to issuing agents.

What comes with the bond

An accepted agent signs the Fishing License Issuing Agent Agreement, cannot appoint subagents, and must keep an account at a federally insured financial institution that can accept electronic funds transfers. The bond runs to the Commission and stands behind the agent's obligations as an issuing agent. The Commission says processing takes 8 to 10 weeks from the time all completed documents are received.

Bonds that get confused with this one

Selling temporary boat registrations is a separate appointment with its own application, a $250 fee and a separate surety bond with a $2,000 minimum. Hunting licenses belong to the Pennsylvania Game Commission, which requires its own agent application and security of at least $11,000. A sporting goods store that wants all three posts three separate instruments.

Eligibility and Requirements for a Pennsylvania Fishing License Agent Bond:

A corporate surety bond of at least $6,000 in favor of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.
Bond maintained in the minimum amount for each location.
An account at a federally insured financial institution that can accept electronic funds transfers.
No subagents.
Business name and registration that match Pennsylvania Department of State records.

Pennsylvania Fishing License Agent Bond FAQs:

Is $6,000 the required bond amount?

It is the minimum on the Commission's current application and cover letter. Under 58 Pa. Code 51.37 the Executive Director sets the minimum, so confirm the amount with the Division of Licensing and Registration at 866-262-8734 before the bond is issued.

We have three stores. Is one bond enough?

The rule requires the agent to maintain a bond in the minimum amount specified by the Commission for each location. Ask the Commission whether it wants a separate bond or one bond in a combined amount for your locations.

Does this bond also let us sell hunting licenses or boat registrations?

No. Temporary boat registrations need a separate PFBC appointment with a bond of at least $2,000. Hunting licenses are issued under the Pennsylvania Game Commission, which requires its own security of at least $11,000.

Can a corporation or LLC apply?

The rule allows a person, sole proprietorship, partnership or corporation, and the application lists individual proprietorship, partnership, corporation and other as business types. The name on the bond should match the business registration filed with the Department of State.

How long does approval take?

The Commission says 8 to 10 weeks from the time all completed documents are received. A missing bond, notarization or power of attorney leaves the file incomplete.