Washington State Halts Sales of Petroleum-Based Licensing Paper Amid Global Shortage

Key facts

• Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) announced the halt on Thursday.
• All 600 license dealers will stop selling the paper as early as May 13, 2026.
• The move is due to a global shortage of petroleum-based materials.
• Customers can print licenses on standard printer paper at home or at dealers.
• WDFW offers a mobile license app as an alternative.
• Nearly 100,000 license customers have shifted to mobile licensing this year.
• Petrochemicals from oil and gas go into over 6,000 consumer products.
• 85% of global oil consumption is fuel; the rest goes into consumer products.

Lede: A Global Shortage Hits Home

Washington state will stop selling waterproof, tear-resistant licensing paper at all 600 fish and game license dealers as early as May 13, 2026, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) announced on Thursday. The decision stems from a global shortage of petroleum-based materials, which are essential for producing the specialized paper. The move affects hunters, anglers, and other outdoor enthusiasts who rely on these durable licenses.

The Decision and Its Immediate Impact

The WDFW attributed the halt to a “global shortage of petroleum-based materials,” which has disrupted supply chains for the specialized paper. Remaining supplies are reportedly running low, and customers may face difficulties purchasing the paper before the cutoff date. After May 13, license buyers will need to print their documents on standard printer paper at home or at a dealer location, or use the new “MyWDFW” mobile licensing application.

WDFW Officials and Customer Response

Jennine Griffo, WDFW Licensing Division manager, expressed appreciation for public understanding during these global supply chain challenges. “Whether you’re one of the nearly 100,000 license customers who has made the shift to mobile licensing this year, or continue to prefer a standard printer paper option, we appreciate your commitment to fish and wildlife conservation and hunting and fishing in Washington,” Griffo said. She also asked customers to practice patience and grace with license dealers as the change is navigated.

The Broader Petroleum Shortage Context

The shortage of petroleum-based materials is part of a larger global supply chain crisis affecting numerous products. The U.S. and Iran remain locked in a standoff over the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the world’s traded oil and gas passes in peacetime. Petrochemicals derived from oil and natural gas are used in over 6,000 consumer products, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, including computer keyboards, lipstick, tennis rackets, pajamas, soft contact lenses, detergent, chewing gum, shoes, crayons, shaving cream, pillows, aspirin, dentures, tape, umbrellas, and nylon guitar strings.

Oil Consumption and Petrochemical Production

While 85% of global oil consumption is in the form of fuel, the remaining 15% goes into a wide range of consumer products, a climate economist at Columbia University’s School of Business. Crude oil is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons, which refineries and chemical plants separate and break down into smaller chemical building blocks known as petrochemicals. Six key petrochemicals—ethylene, propylene, butylene, benzene, toluene, and xylenes—form the major foundations of plastics and synthetic materials like nylon and polyesters.

Washington Among Several States Affected

In its press release, the WDFW stated that Washington is among several states navigating the global shortage of petroleum-based paper. The agency did not specify which other states are affected, but the issue highlights the widespread impact of supply chain disruptions on everyday products. The shift to digital and print-at-home options may become a model for other states facing similar shortages.

Outlook: Adapting to a New Normal

As the May 13 deadline approaches, WDFW is encouraging customers to transition to mobile licensing or standard paper printing. The agency has provided information on its website for enrolling as a mobile license holder. The long-term implications for the licensing paper industry remain unclear, but the shortage underscores the vulnerability of petroleum-dependent products to geopolitical and supply chain shocks. For now, Washington’s hunters and anglers must adapt to a less durable, but functional, alternative.

The bottom line

• Washington state will stop selling petroleum-based licensing paper by May 13, 2026, due to a global shortage.
• Customers can print licenses on standard paper or use a mobile app as alternatives.
• Nearly 100,000 customers have already switched to mobile licensing this year.
• The shortage is linked to broader supply chain issues and geopolitical tensions over the Strait of Hormuz.
• Petrochemicals from oil are used in over 6,000 consumer products, highlighting the wide impact of shortages.
• Washington is one of several states affected by the global shortage of petroleum-based paper.