Annual Permits and Fees
The Lake Whatcom Management Program charges fees for inspection and decontamination services to help fund the Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Prevention Program, protect lake health, and support continued recreational access.
All boats are required to have a valid permit when launching and while operating on Lake Whatcom or Lake Samish.
Permit rates vary depending on where your boat is stored. Boats visiting Whatcom County lakes from further away pose a greater risk of introducing invasive species. This increased risk is reflected in the permit prices. Resident boats will need to have an annual permit to remain on the lake throughout the season.
Not sure which permit to get?
Follow these steps to find the right permit for your watercraft.
1. Identify your vessel category. Permit types depend on the size and power of your watercraft.
| Description | Permit Options | Examples | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered vessel | Over 16 feet long OR motor over 10 hp | Annual, 1-day, 3-day | Ski boats, PWCs, pontoons, large sailboats |
| Small vessel | Under 16 feet long AND 10 hp motor or less | Annual, 1-day, 3-day | Small motorboats, sailboats less than 16ft, trolling motors |
| Non-motorized vessel | Fully non-motorized or hand carried | Annual | Kayaks, canoes, rowing shells, pedal boats |
Permit fees are not required for surfboards, paddle boards, e-foils, and kite boards (of any size); float tubes and water sport toys; or non-motorized inflatables that are 10 feet or less in length.
2. Determine your residency status. Fees vary based on where you store your watercraft.
3. Get your permit here.
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.
Once you have paid online, you will need to have your boat inspected to received your physical permit.
- During the program season when AIS seasonal staff are working daily at inspection stations (April – October), inspections are available at the boat launches.
- During the off-season, please call the AIS Program hotline at 360-778-7975 to schedule an appointment with our year-round staff.
Current permit fees:
| Residency status | Vessel category | Permit options | Permit fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whatcom County permit | Registered vessel |
Annual permit 1-day permit 3-day permit |
$80 $20 $40 |
| Whatcom County permit | Small vessel |
Annual permit 1-day permit 3-day permit |
$40 $15 $30 |
| Whatcom County permit | Non-motorized vessel | Annual | $10 |
| Washington State permit | Registered vessel |
Annual permit 1-day permit 3-day permit |
$100 $30 $55 |
| Washington State permit | Small vessel |
Annual permit 1-day permit 3-day permit |
$60 $25 $45 |
| Washington State permit | Non-motorized vessel | Annual | $10 |
| Out-of-State permit | Registered vessel |
Annual permit 1-day permit 3-day permit |
$150 $50 $70 |
| Out-of-State permit | Small vessel |
Annual permit 1-day permit 3-day permit |
$100 $35 $60 |
| Out-of-State permit | Non-motorized vessel | Annual | $10 |
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.
Need help?
If you have questions or would like to schedule an on-site inspection, please call the AIS Program hotline at 360-778-7975 or email us at ais@cob.org.
