Pesticide PermitsHandbook Page

Pesticide Permits

Anyone interested in starting a business that involves selling or using pesticides (herbicides, insecticides, miticides, etc.) should contact the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) to determine if, and what type of, a license may be required.

Many people involved in the pesticide industry are required to obtain at least one of 9 different pesticide licenses issued by the WSDA, some of which are described in this section. A licensee may only perform the technical activities (agricultural weed control, aquatic weed control, structural pest control, etc.) for which they have been certified. A person becomes certified by passing the exam(s) requirements established by WSDA.

WSDA occasionally requires permits (as opposed to licenses) for applying certain pesticides. These permits generally cover certain geographical areas and times of the year. You will need to contact WSDA to determine if your situation requires a permit.

In addition to the WSDA's licensing requirements, the Department of Licensing requires that a business selling or distributing pesticides has a Pesticide Dealer endorsement to their Master Business License. To apply for this Master Business License, contact Business License Services at (360) 753-4401. Before this license can be issued, a Pesticide Dealer must confirm employment of a WSDA licensed Pesticide Dealer Manger.

Before pesticides are used in or near water, a General NPDES Aquatic Pesticide Permit from the Department of Ecology will likely be required. Contact Ecology's Water Quality devision at (800) 633-6193.

Some cities and counties also have special requirements related to pesticide use, so it is important to check with them especially when considering pesticide use in sensitive areas (wetlands, surface waters, groundwater recharge areas, etc.).

For additional information about licenses, contact WSDA's Pesticide Management Division - Toll Free (877) 301-4555.

Permits:

Commercial Applicator License: Engaging in the business of applying pesticides to another person's land.

Commercial Operator License: Applying pesticides to the land of another as an employee of a Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA)-licensed Commercial Applicator.

Private Applicator License: Applying or supervising the agricultural use of any pesticide through chemigation equipment or a restricted-use pesticide on land rented or owned by the applicator or applicator's boss.

Private Commercial Applicators License: Applying or supervising the non-agricultural use of a restricted-use pesticide on land rented or owned by the applicator or applicator's boss.

Public Operator License: Applying a pesticide as a government employee.

Permit Handbook