Surrendered permits and refunds

What happens if you obtain a permit and then realize you won't be able to use it? As long as your season hasn't started, you should consider surrendering the permit. It's an easy process, and it's important if you want to keep your bonus points or preference points and avoid a waiting period.

Depending on the type of permit you have, there are different rules for surrendering it and some situations that qualify for a refund or a variance.

Surrendered permits

Hunting permits may be turned in before the beginning of the relevant hunting period. Although we do not typically issue refunds (see below), surrendering a permit can reinstate bonus or preference points that were lost when the permit was obtained.

IMPORTANT: There are group restrictions and other details that you must know before you return a permit. That information is available in DWR Administrative Rule R657-42-4.

To surrender a permit, please download, fill out and drop off or mail the completed form to the DWR along with the original permit.

• Permit surrender form *

Refunds

The DWR does not usually issue refunds on permits, licenses or certificates of registration. There are exceptions, however, when refunds can be obtained. If you meet any of the following criteria, you may apply for a refund.

Refunds may be issued if:

1. The person holding the permit, license or COR becomes so ill or injured as to prevent that person from participating in the activity for which the permit was issued.
2. The activity for which the permit, license or COR was issued was cancelled by the DWR.
3. The DWR has erroneously collected a fee.
4. Members of the military called to active duty before the permit, license or COR was used.
5. The person to whom the permit, license or COR was issued dies prior to the authorized activity.
6. The permit is a once-in-a-lifetime or limited-entry permit that was surrendered to the DWR no less than 30 days before the season opening date. (To surrender one of these permits and request a refund, use the Permit surrender form.) This type of refund is subject to a $25 handling fee. If the fee is higher than the cost of your permit, you will not receive a refund.

IMPORTANT: Before applying for a refund, please read the applicable DWR administrative rule (scroll to the refund section) and Utah statute for complete information and to determine if you qualify.

After you read the criteria required for a refund, please download, complete and send the following refund-application form to the DWR.

• Application for a refund due to military deployment, illness, injury or death *

NOTE: If the DWR approves your refund request, it may be four to six weeks before you receive the refund.

Variances

Even if you qualify for a refund, you may also qualify for a variance, which may be a better option for some hunters. Variances can include a season extension or the reinstatement of a bonus point or preference point.

IMPORTANT: Before applying for a variance, please read the applicable DWR administrative rule for complete information and to determine if you qualify:

After you read the criteria required for a refund, please download, complete and send the following variance-application form and receipt to the DWR.

• Download the variance application* and then complete and return the form to the DWR
• Download the variance receipt* and return it with your application and unused permit

Contact us

Mail completed forms and any required associated documents to the following address, or drop them off at any DWR administrative office.

• Division of Wildlife Resources
  Attn: Licensing
  PO Box 146301
  Salt Lake City, UT 84114

If you have questions, call any DWR administrative office or email us at dwrrefunds@utah.gov.