The Lake Whatcom Management Program charges fees for inspection and decontamination services to partially fund the Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Program.
All boats are required to have a valid permit when launching and while operating on Lake Whatcom or Lake Samish. Resident boats will need to have an annual permit to remain on the lake throughout the season. For additional questions or to schedule an inspection on-site, please call the hotline at (360) 778-7975.
Get $10 off your annual permit by taking the AIS Awareness Course today! You’ll also learn more about ways to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.
Buy Your Permit Here!
| Type of Permit | Cost | Discounted Cost with AIS Awareness Course |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Registered Permit | $60 | $50 |
| Annual Small Vessel Permit | $30 | $20 |
| Annual Non-Motorized Permit | $10 | free |
| Three Day Pass | $20 | not applicable |
| One Day Pass | $10 | not applicable |
If you have paid online, please provide your name to an inspector when you arrive at the check station so they can look up your payment. You will receive your AIS permit after passing the inspection.
Permit fees are not required for surfboards, paddle boards, and kite boards (of any size); float tubes and water sport toys; or non-motorized inflatables that are 10 feet or less in length.
Payment Options
Permits may be purchased online or via credit card at the check station.
Annual Permit stickers will be valid until December 31 and will need to be visible on the boat so that permit numbers can be recorded and tracked by the inspector on duty. 3-Day Passes and 1-Day Passes for registered or motorized watercraft may be purchased online and are valid only for the date(s) indicated on the pass.
Planning an event?
You may qualify for a special event pass for Lake Whatcom or Lake Samish. For more information or to find out if your event qualifies, contact the Boat Inspection Hotline at 778-7975
Boater Education Card
Boat operators who are 12 to 61 years of age are required to have a Boater Education Card to operate a motorized watercraft with an engine that is 15 horsepower or more.
Did you know?
Since the 1800s, there have been 160 new exotic species introduced to the Great Lakes; most of these species came from South Eastern Europe and approximately 70 percent were introduced through ballast water operations.