Illinois Native Reptile & Amphibian Permit Requirements
All vendors, Illinois residents and non-residents, are responsible for obtaining any required IDNR permits to possess, transport, or sell native Illinois reptiles and amphibians. This applies to both:
• Non-listed native species, such as (examples only) bull snakes, black and gray rat snakes, speckled and eastern black kingsnakes, red-eared sliders, painted turtles, map turtles, and various other native lizards, turtles, frogs, toads, salamanders, and snakes.
• Endangered/Threatened (E/T) native species, including (but not limited to) alligator snapping turtles, western and Mexican hognose snakes, Great Plains rat snakes, as well as any hybrids or crosses involving an E/T species (e.g., scaleless corn snakes, creamsicle corns, root beer corns, etc.).
• Regulated species under the Illinois Herptiles-Herps Act, including select non-native species and any species requiring special authorization under state law.
Rear-fanged colubrids and all crocodilians also fall under separate restrictions and may require additional permitting.
Venomous Animals Rule
No venomous animals may be brought to the show without a valid IDNR special-use permit.
Vendors are strictly prohibited from exhibiting, selling, trading, or offering any venomous reptiles, venomous lizards, or medically significant invertebrates (e.g., venomous snakes, Heloderma species, medically significant scorpions) without appropriate permits. Illinois law (510 ILCS 68, Article 10) outlines strict requirements for enclosures, labeling, anti-venom access, transport, and documentation.
If you intend to bring any species that could be classified as venomous or medically significant, you must submit your permit documentation in advance and receive written approval from the show organizer. Any species lacking full legal compliance will not be allowed on-site and may require immediate removal.
Permit Processing Times
Permits for E/T species often require 60 days to process, so vendors working with these animals must apply well in advance of the event. Permits for non-E/T native species generally process more quickly, but early submission is still strongly recommended.
For the most current information, vendors should review the Illinois Herp Code and communicate directly with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR).
Permit Contacts
Scott Ballard
Illinois Department of Natural Resources
Southern Region E&T Recovery Species Specialist / Herpetologist
1027 S. Division St.
Carterville, IL 62918
State cell: (618) 694-3398
Email: Scott.Ballard@illinois.gov