Scallop License Lottery Frequently asked Questions
- How do I enter the lottery?
- What are the eligibility criteria for the lottery?
- How many new licenses will be available?
- Can I enter the lottery multiple times?
- If I enter but I am not eligible for the lottery, can I get my money back?
- I am an existing scallop license holder. Can I enter the lottery to get an additional license?
- Can I enter my kids in the license lottery?
- How will the winners be selected?
- If I am selected, how will you notify me, and how do I buy my license?
- Do I need safety training to obtain a scallop diver license?
- Where does the money from the lottery application go?
- What are my odds of winning?
- Can I apply for both lottery types?
- I have a question that was not answered here - who can I talk to?
1. How do I enter the lottery?
You can enter the lottery online at: www.maine.gov/scalloplottery. If you do not have a computer or internet access, your local public library might be able to provide computers and internet access. The online lottery application is also accessible on mobile devices. Because of the anticipated volume of interest in the lottery, DMR cannot accept applications by mail. If you prefer to submit your application on paper, you may come to the DMR offices in Augusta to complete and submit paper applications. However, please be advised that the lottery application fee must be provided by credit card or check – DMR cannot accept cash at this time. DMR will be accepting online lottery applications between October 16, 2023 and 4:30 pm on November 6, 2023.
2. What are the eligibility criteria for the lottery?
An individual is eligible to enter either the scallop dragging license lottery or the scallop handfishing or handfishing with tender license lottery, but not both, if they meet the following criteria:
- Is a Maine resident and 18 years of age or older;
- Held in any previous calendar year or currently holds any commercial license issued by the Department of Marine Resources (under 12 M.R.S Part 9), or has in the past or currently is crewing onboard an active commercial scallop vessel;*
- Has not been convicted or adjudicated of a marine resources offense that resulted in a license suspension within the last 7 years;
- Does not currently possess a Scallop Dive or Scallop Drag license issued by Maine DMR.
*If you intend to use a license that you held from 1995-2022 to meet this requirement, the Department will use its licensing database to confirm that you held the license. If you intend to use a license that you held prior to 1995 to meet this eligibility criteria, you will need to produce a copy of the license for the Department’s review. If you intend to use experience as crew as evidence of meeting this requirement, you will need to provide documentation of the year(s), vessel(s), and captain(s). DMR will review the information provided to determine if you meet this requirement.
It is the responsibility of the applicant to determine their eligibility to participate in the scallop license lottery. If an applicant for either lottery is drawn, but determined to be ineligible, that drawing shall be void and the Department will draw another individual. The application fee submitted with the ineligible application is non-refundable.
3. How many new licenses will be available?
There will be eight (8) scallop drag licenses available.
Four (4) scallop drag licenses available will be awarded to individuals between the age of 18-30 and four (4) scallop drag licenses will be awarded to individuals 31 years of age or older.
There will be four (4) scallop dive licenses available.
4. Can I enter the lottery multiple times?
Individuals get an additional chance for every consecutive year that they enter a lottery. However, there is no opportunity to purchase more than one chance. Individuals with multiple entries in the same lottery will be disqualified.
5. If I enter but I am not eligible for the lottery, can I get my money back?
No. All fees are non-refundable and it is the responsibility of the applicant to review the eligibility criteria to make sure they are eligible before entering.
6. I am an existing scallop license holder. Can I enter the lottery to get an additional license?
No. Under the eligibility criteria, if you already hold a scallop drag or scallop dive license, you are not eligible to enter the lottery.
7. Can I enter my kids in the license lottery?
All lottery applicants must be 18 years of age or older.
8. How will the winners be selected?
Winners will be selected at random from the database of applications received. A third party, external to the DMR will administer the selection.
9. If I am selected, how will you notify me, and how do I buy my license?
Lottery winners will be informed in writing by the Department and will be mailed a license application with a deadline by which the application must be returned. If a lottery winner fails to submit the application and fees by the deadline, the scallop license will be made available to the next alternate on the list.
10. Do I need safety training to obtain a scallop diver license?
You may obtain the license without providing proof of safety training. However, before using your license you must obtain a Cardio-Pulmonary Response (CPR) Card and a First Aid Card. You must be able to provide a copy of these cards to a Marine Patrol officer upon request. Failure to do so is a violation of regulation.
11. Where does the money from the lottery application go?
$35 of the application fee goes to the Scallop Research Fund. The $2 fee is collected by a third party working in partnership with the State of Maine. The fee you pay through this online service includes funds to develop, maintain, and enhance this online service as well as the State's official web portal Maine.gov, and Maine.gov online services like this one.
12. What are my odds of winning?
DMR does not have a way of determining the odds of winning, because we will not know how many lottery applications will be received.
13. Can I apply for both lottery types?
No, you may apply for a Drag License or Dive License but not both.
14. I have a question that was not answered here - who can I talk to?
If you have remaining questions, please call Maine DMR at 624-6550, Option 2 and we will try to assist you.
Questions about this Service? Contact agency at: (207) 624-6550 Option 2
