Register your Indian rock pythons, Burmese pythons, Argentine black-and-white tegus, Nile monitors, African helmeted turtles and Chinese softshell turtles with the Georgia DNR Law Enforcement Division after tagging requirements have been met.
Tagging and registration must be completed before Dec. 4, 2023.
For more on these and other changes to Georgia’s wild animal list, see wild animal rules.

How to Register Your Reptile

1. Visit https://www.gooutdoorsgeorgia.com/ and click on Licenses and Permits.
2. Click Login if you have an existing account or Enroll Now! To create a new free account.
3. Once you have logged in with your new or existing account, click on Purchase Licenses.
4. Scroll to the bottom of the page to find “Registration for Wild Animal Reptile Application”. Click the button on the right to add it to the cart.
5. Click the shopping cart in the top right of the page to checkout (There is no charge).
6. Enter tagging information for the first animal you want to register. It is very important to double check that you have entered the microchip # (RFID # or PIT #) exactly as it appears on the certificate.
7. Click the add more button on the upper right if you want to register additional animals.
8. Upload tagging certificates. You can upload one per animal registered. However, it is fine to upload a document containing information for multiple animals as long it contains the required documentation (SEE FAQ).
9. Check all of the certification boxes.
10. Hit the submit button.
11. Click checkout now.
12. There is no need to purchase a hard card. That is only for hunting and fishing licenses. Click “Not at this time”.
13. Check affirmation boxes and click process order.
14. You will now be taken to the transaction confirmation page. You can print out a screen shot of this page for your records, but it is not necessary. You have completed the application to register your wild animal reptile(s).
15. Once your registration has been reviewed and approved, you will be sent an approval email. You will log back into the system, click on customer applications box, select your approved permit, print it, sign it and retain a copy. It is also a good idea to download the permit and save it as electronic file.

What is a PIT tag?

A passive integrated transponder, or PIT, tag is a type of radio frequency identification (RFID) tag used to identify a tagged animal. When the tag is energized by a PIT tag reader, it transmits a unique identification number to the reader. Because PIT tags do not require a battery, they can be used to document the identity of a tagged animal for its entire life. Many PIT tags are about the size of a grain of rice, but they can be larger or smaller depending on the intended use.

 Can PIT tagging harm my pet reptile?

Harm to your pet is very unlikely when animals are tagged under the skin by an experienced professional following established protocols. PIT tags are commonly used to safely tag dogs and cats, as well as a variety of wildlife species for research.

Where can I get my animal tagged?

DNR recommends using your veterinarian or asking them to recommend a vet in your area who works with reptiles.

Do I need to buy a PIT tag separately?

No. Your veterinarian should have access to PIT tags.

Do I need to buy a PIT tag reader?

No. Your veterinarian should have a PIT tag reader that can be used to verify your animal’s tag number. (DNR also has readers that can read different types of PIT tags for enforcement purposes.)

Does the regulation require that I use a certain size or brand of PIT tag?

No. PIT tags are made by different manufacturers and vary in size and radio frequency.

Does my reptile need to be tagged in a specific part of its body?

Your veterinarian can decide the most appropriate place to PIT tag your animal. The World Small Animal Veterinary Association recommends implantation sites for turtles, snakes and lizards.

What documentation is needed to verify that my animal has been tagged?

Your veterinarian should be able to provide you the same type of certificate commonly used for tagging cats and dogs. The certificate should include the PIT tag number (also known as a microchip number), date of tagging, the species tagged, approximate tagging location on the animal’s body, a general description of your animal (color, size), your name and address, and the veterinarian’s name and clinic. Please keep this certificate: You will need it to register your animal with DNR.