WILD credentials

Credentials are added to your Fish and Wildlife ID (FWID) profile in the WILD system to confirm your identity, residency, completion of hunter safety training or licence exemption status have been verified.

Consult the acceptable documents for WILD credentials before you apply.

On this page

• Apply for credentials
• Proof of identity
• Residency definitions
• Residency credential
• Hunting credential
• Licence exemption credential for First Nations hunters

Apply for credentials

To get the necessary credentials to access the licences, applications and services you require in your FWID profile, you need to:

• Prove your identity
• Select the appropriate residency credential
• Submit hunter safety training documentation to receive your hunting credential

You can apply for credentials:

• Online in WILD with one of the following options:
  • Basic BCeID – requires document submission
  • BC Services Card Account – automatically verifies and grants proof of identity and B.C. residency if eligible
• In person at:
  • FrontCounter BC offices
  • Service BC offices
  • Vendor locations

Credential applications submitted online in WILD can take up to 3 business days to review. Credential applications made in person will be active immediately if approved.

WILD quick reference guides provide step-by-step instructions for submitting credential applications online in WILD.

Proof of identity

Proving your identity will give your FWID profile verified user status which allows you to access certain hunting-related licences, permits, applications and services in WILD.

Proof of identity and legal name changes are automatically completed if you log in to WILD using your BC Services Card Account.

Review the list of acceptable proof of identity documents.

Requesting a name change

If your legal name changes, it is important to update it in WILD as soon as possible.

Review the list of acceptable name change request documents.

Residency definitions

Wildlife Act residency definitions apply to freshwater fishing and hunting. Review the following definitions to determine the type of residency credential you may be eligible for.

B.C. resident

You're a B.C. resident if at least one of the following apply: 

• You’re a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and you have lived in B.C. for at least 6 of the last 12 months
• You’re not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and you have lived in B.C. for at least the past 12 months
• You’re eligible for residency exemption 

Non-resident

You're a non-resident if at least one of the following apply:

• You're a Canadian citizen or permanent resident living outside of B.C.
• You're a Canadian citizen or permanent resident living in B.C. but have not met the minimum time requirement to qualify as a B.C. resident.
• You’ve lived in another part of Canada for at least the past 12 months

Non-resident alien

You're a non-resident alien if you don’t meet the definition of a resident or non-resident and both of the following apply:

• You don’t live in Canada
• You're not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident

Residency credential

The residency credential on your FWID profile determines which licences, applications and services you qualify for. There are 3 residency credential types in WILD:

• B.C. resident credential
• Non-resident credential
• Non-resident alien credential

B.C. resident credential

Some licences, permits, applications and services are only available to B.C. residents. To access these products in WILD, you must have a B.C. resident credential. To qualify for a B.C. resident credential, you must meet the definition of a B.C. resident.

If you log in to WILD using your BC Services Card Account, your B.C. resident credential will automatically be granted or renewed if you're eligible.

Review the list of acceptable B.C. resident credential documents.

Renewing a B.C. resident credential

B.C. resident credentials expire every 3 years.

The expiry date of your B.C. resident credential is displayed on your FWID profile. If your credential has expired or will expire within the next 6 months, you can update it through your FWID profile to ensure continued access to B.C. resident hunting products and services.

If your residency credential expires while you’re in the field, you can show B.C. identification to confirm your residency. You will need to update your credential in WILD as soon as possible.

Review the list of acceptable documents to renew a B.C. resident credential.

Residency exemption

In some cases, you may not be required to meet the definition of a resident to be eligible for a B.C. resident credential. Exemption applies to any individual who is at least one of the following:

• Currently serving full-time in the Canadian military and who has made their permanent residence in B.C. for 30 consecutive days prior to applying for a B.C. resident credential. Appropriate military identification and posting documentation is required
• A Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada, who leaves B.C. to attend a recognized educational institution, and returns to B.C. on completion of their studies at the institution
• Under 18 years of age, has resided with a parent or guardian in another province and returns to B.C. to reside with another parent or guardian who is a resident

Review the list of acceptable B.C. resident exemption documents.

Non-resident credential

To get a non-resident credential, you must meet the definition of a non-resident.

Review the list of acceptable non-resident credential documents.

Non-resident alien credential

A non-resident alien credential applies to individuals who are not B.C. residents or non-residents. 

​You do not need to submit additional supporting documents to be granted a non-resident alien credential. Your proof of identity document you already provided is sufficient for this credential.

Hunting credential

A hunting credential on your FWID profile confirms that you have successfully completed hunter safety training. A hunting credential determines the type of hunting licences, authorizations, applications and services you qualify for.

The Conservation and Outdoor Recreation Education (CORE) program is B.C.’s official hunter safety training, available to both residents and non-residents seeking hunting credentials. The program is valuable for anyone interested in outdoor recreation, wildlife and firearms safety.

The BC Wildlife Federation (BCWF) is responsible for CORE program administration, the keeping of graduate records and the public availability of the CORE examinations through a provincial network of certified CORE examiners. Contact the BCWF for any questions regarding CORE or your CORE documentation.

Review the list of acceptable hunting credential documents.

Licence exemption credential for First Nations hunters

To apply for limited entry hunting, you need an active B.C. resident credential and either a hunting credential or Licence Exemption WA S.11(9) credential.

To qualify for a licence exemption credential you must be a First Nations person residing in B.C. and eligible to be registered under the Indian Act (Canada).

Review the list of acceptable licence exemption documents.