What is the purpose of this permit?
The purpose of the Special Sale Permit is to ensure the orderly marketing of livestock and to protect customers who consign livestock to markets and sales.
Who issues this permit?
Washington State Department of Agriculture
What activities require this permit?
Any individual, farmer's cooperative association, livestock market, association of livestock breeders, or youth livestock organizations such as 4-H, FFA, or other junior livestock group who desires to conduct a special sale must first obtain a permit.
How much will this permit cost?
A $50.00 application fee is required for all sales except those affiliated with 4-H or FFA. There is no charge for permits requested by 4-H or FFA.
Where can I get the application for this permit?
The application is called '
Special Sale Application' is online and can be accessed at
https://agr.wa.gov/departments/animals-livestock-and-pets/livestock.
Is the decision on my permit dependent on anything besides the information in my application?
The Department must receive the application 15 or more days prior to the sale date to be considered for a permit.
How long will it take to review my application?
The average response time, based on 2018 data, is 13 days after receipt of a completed application.
Where do I submit my application?
Fax: 360-902-2087
WSDA Livestock Inspection Program
PO Box 42560
Olympia, WA 98504
How long is my permit valid?
Valid only for the specific date or dates and the exact location stated on the permit.
What is the appeal process for the permit?
Upon notice by the Department to deny or revoke a permit, a person may request a hearing under
chapter 34.05 RCW, the Administrative Procedures Act.
Notes / Comments:
The applicant must also schedule a private veterinarian to inspect the animals at the sale. WSDA schedules a livestock inspector and contacts the private veterinarian listed on the application to confirm attendance at the sale.
Permit Timeliness Results
Permit Timeliness data collection is in response to a State Auditor’s Performance Audit and RCW 43.42A. Each regulatory agency developed a plan to improve permit clarity, predictability, and timeliness. Each agency considers the customers experience to ensure permit assistance is simple to use, easy to access, and designed in a customer-friendly manner. Agencies report progress to the Governor’s Office for Regulatory Innovation and Assistance (ORIA). ORIA prepares and distributes reports, with participation from the State Auditor’s Office and Results Washington. See latest report here: https://www.oria.wa.gov/ORIA-2020-PermitTimelinessProgressReport.pdf.
All permits submitted for reporting were entered into this Regulatory Handbook. Here are the results of the performance data:
Estimated Time Required By the Agency to Process a Permit Application (Definition)Average number of days from Receipt to Complete: 17Maximum number of days from Receipt to Complete: 117Estimated Time Required By the Agency to Issue a Permit Decision (Definition)Average number of days from Complete Application to Decision: 1.5Maximum number of days from Complete Application to Decision: 20(Summary results based on 82 submittals in 2023)
Where can I get permitting assistance?
Web page URL:
https://agr.wa.gov/services/licenses-permits-and-certificates/summary-descriptions/special-sale-permitHelpdesk phone: (360) 902-1855
Subject matter expert phone: (360) 902-1855
Subject matter expert email:
livestockid@agr.wa.gov