Cost of licenses are increasing

Children casting lures, adults hunting big game and anyone driving a vehicle could pay more for licenses in coming years.

Despite a $1.6 billion surplus, legislators are still considering a few targeted fee increases during this year's session. Combined, the increases could amount to more than $9 million in new revenue for the state.

The most widespread impact will be the increases in the costs for drivers' licenses, detailed in HB52, which has passed the Legislature. The bill would raise the cost of class D licenses, which all drivers are required to have, from $20 to $25. Fees for endorsements, such as for motorcycles or taxicabs, would go up $2.

The license-fee increases are needed because there have not been increases in 15 years, according to the sponsor of HB52, Rep. Brad Daw, R-Orem. The estimated $5.7 million in new revenue will be dedicated to the Department of Motor Vehicles and primarily used to improve efficiency at the registration and license centers around the state.

Money generated by changes to hunting-license rules, which is estimated at $2.8 million, will be targeted to specific programs within the Division of Wildlife Resources. The revenue increase will provide a significant boost in conservation and education programs.

"If we want improvements in hunting and fishing, we have to increase fees," said Rep. Mike Noel, R-Kanab.

The bill raising the hunting fees, SB161, passed the Legislature on Monday. It is supported by most conservationist and sportsmen groups.

The biggest impact in the fee changes will be felt by 12- and 13-year-olds, who will now be required to get a $5 fishing license. The advantage for the state, however, is that for every youth license purchased, a federal $12 match is given for improvements to local fisheries and fish stocking.

Out-of-state hunters will also feel a pinch, as they will now have to purchase a state hunting license — which is increasing from $45 to $65 for nonresidents — before applying for special big-game permits. Those applications, which enter a hunter into a drawing for special permits to hunt cougar, bear or turkey, will cost $10 instead of $5.

Utah residents, however, will probably pay less. Deer, elk and turkey licenses will decrease between $5 and $20.

Unlike previous years, almost no professional or administrative licenses are increasing. In fact, the most notable increase is a $30 bump for a fireworks-display permit, which will now cost $40.

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