Apiary Registration
What is the purpose of this registration?
To register honey bee hives owned or operated in the state of Washington in order to support projects of benefit to the apiary industry.
What activities require this registration and who needs to get it?
The registration is required by any individual or entity owning, operating, and/or brokering honey bee hives in the state of Washington.
How do I apply?
To register as a beekeeper and/or broker, please complete the apiary registration form and return it with your payment to WSDA Plant Protection Division, PO Box 42591, Olympia, WA 98504-2591.
How much will this registration cost?
Between $5 and $300 depending on number of hives owned and broker status.
There is also a late fee if the registration is sent after April 1. To calculate the late fee owed, multiply your fee by 0.015, then by the number of months you are late. Add that number to the fee that is owed. So if your registration costs $100 and you are two months late, then you would owe a total of $103 ($100 x 0.015 x 2 months = $3). For first time registrants, no late fee is owed as you may not have your bees yet or know how many. You are encouraged to register as soon as you have bees.
There is also a late fee if the registration is sent after April 1. To calculate the late fee owed, multiply your fee by 0.015, then by the number of months you are late. Add that number to the fee that is owed. So if your registration costs $100 and you are two months late, then you would owe a total of $103 ($100 x 0.015 x 2 months = $3). For first time registrants, no late fee is owed as you may not have your bees yet or know how many. You are encouraged to register as soon as you have bees.
Do I need to include anything with my application?
Payment for registration.
When will I receive my registration?
Approximately two weeks after the department receives your application and fee. Applications submitted in March and April may take up to a month to process due to the high volume of renewals.
How long is it valid?
Until March 31 following your application.
What is the legal authority?
Chapter 15.60 RCW Apiaries http://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=15.60
Registration of hives.
(1) Each person owning one or more hives with bees, brokers renting hives, and apiarists resident in other states who operate hives in Washington shall register with the director by April 1st each year.
(2) The registration application shall include:
(a) The name, address, and phone number of the apiarist or broker;
(b) The number of colonies of bees to be owned, brokered, or operated in Washington that year;
(c) A registration fee as prescribed in rule by the director, with the advice of the apiary advisory committee; and
(d) Any other information required by the department by rule.
(3) The director shall issue to each apiarist or broker registered with the department an apiarist identification number.
Chapter 16-602 WAC Apiaries http://app.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=16-602
Registration of hives.
(1) Each person owning one or more hives with bees, brokers renting hives, and apiarists resident in other states who operate hives in Washington shall register with the director by April 1st each year.
(2) The registration application shall include:
(a) The name, address, and phone number of the apiarist or broker;
(b) The number of colonies of bees to be owned, brokered, or operated in Washington that year;
(c) A registration fee as prescribed in rule by the director, with the advice of the apiary advisory committee; and
(d) Any other information required by the department by rule.
(3) The director shall issue to each apiarist or broker registered with the department an apiarist identification number.
Chapter 16-602 WAC Apiaries http://app.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=16-602
What is the appeal process?
Upon notice by the department to deny a registration, a person may request a hearing under chapter 34.05 RCW.
Contacts:
Pest Program, (800) 443-6684: pestprogram@agr.wa.gov
Katie Buckley, Polinator Program: kbuckley@agr.wa.gov
Katie Buckley, Polinator Program: kbuckley@agr.wa.gov