You need an interstate commerce permit in order to purchase an eastern indigo snake. The process is not difficult, and I am happy to help. The permit just serves to assure USFW that you have both the experience and the facilities needed to successfully care for this species. Once submitted it can take some weeks to months to receive your permit. But you can start the process before the eggs hatch so that your permit is ready when the snakes are. The permit costs $100, and I require a $100 non-refundable deposit before I begin my end of the process.
The application requires both the seller and the buyer to submit information. Do not upload or submit anything until I’ve added my information!
The permit you will be applying for is 3-200-60: Native Endangered and Threatened Species (Interstate Commerce). This is actually a permit for instersatate commerce – allowing the snake to be legally transported between States. You may have state or local laws that govern the possession of this or other snakes. Make sure to check.
You can begin the permitting process anytime – you dont pay until you submit the application materials – by creating your online USFW ePermit account and downloading the forms here.
Important: The permit application has 4 parts. 1.) You will have a list of specific questions to answer about your experience with snakes etc and how the animal will be cared for by you, 2.) you will fill out the application itself, 3) you will provide a diagram or photographs of the area where the snake(s) will be cared for, and 4.) is my “breeders letter” that I will provide you.
It may sound a little intimidating, but none of this is difficult. I will provide examples of these documents so you can see and learn from them – they are not to be copied! Your application materials must reflect your honest reality. That said, they are used to applications from hobbyists who will not have fancy facilities or decades of experience. So dont worry.
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