Fishers and seafood providers in Louisiana can now access several commercial licenses through the LA Wallet app, making it easier for them to ensure they have the proper documentation while operating along the state’s coast.
“The advantage of adding a license to LA Wallet is really ease for the user,” LDFW Biologisy Program Manager Nicole Smith told local news outlet KTBS. “They don’t have to worry about having a card or a paper copy in their possession. If they have their phone with them, it’s easily accessible.”
First launched in 2018, LA Wallet is an app for mobile devices that allows users to pull up a digital version of their driver’s license, vehicle registration, and other key documents. In July, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry announced that the Transportation and Security Administration (TSA) had certified the app for use nationwide, meaning LA Wallet participants can use the app to board flights and access federal buildings anywhere in the country.
The state had previously allowed recreational fishers to access their licenses via the app, but the new update now allows commercial fishers to access several types of licenses, including commercial fisherman, vessel, oyster seed ground vessel permit, fresh products, wholesale/retail, seafood retail, special bait permit, and charter captains.
“For us, the advantage of the digital interaction is just a clearer line to the information we’re trying to get. A paper license can be damaged, and you can’t read a number,” LDWF Biologist Michael Harden told KTBS. “Scanning that information into a trip ticket, which is our intent, removes transcription errors and ensures the data is correct.”
