The Hunting License Renewal at the National Council of Protected Areas (CONAP) is the annual procedure that lets sport, subsistence and scientific hunters continue practicing legally. Without renewal, the license expires and hunting becomes an administrative infraction with penalties including firearm seizure and fines.
Quick summary: Annual renewal at CONAP. Cost: Q300-Q800 by type. Time: 10-20 business days. Requires surrendering the used tag booklet and a harvest report. In-person filing at regional offices. Validity: 1 year from renewal.
Information verified May 2026 based on the Protected Areas Law (Decreto 4-89) and CONAP internal regulations.
License Types Eligible for Renewal
| License type | For whom | Approx. cost |
|---|---|---|
| National sport | Guatemalan recreational hunters | Q300-Q500 |
| Foreign sport | Visitors with sport hunt | Q600-Q1,500 |
| Subsistence | Rural communities (low quota) | Q50-Q150 |
| Scientific | Researchers and institutions | Q500 |
| Large species | Hunters of peccary, adult deer | Q600-Q800 |
When to Renew
- Before expiration: from 60 days prior
- After expiration: up to 60 days without penalty
- More than 60 days expired: considered lapsed — new application and aptitude exam
- More than 1 year expired: prior records voided, start from zero
Renewal Requirements
- Renewal application addressed to the CONAP Regional Director
- Original previous license (current or up to 60 days expired)
- Valid DPI (copy and original)
- Used Game-Control Tag booklet from the previous period
- Harvest report (species, date, zone) — free format or CONAP form
- Current firearm carry permit from DIGECAM (if applicable)
- Bank payment receipt for the renewal fee (Banrural deposit)
- Criminal and police record certificates (no older than 6 months)
- Two passport-sized photos (recent)
- Basic medical exam (some regional offices require it for hunters over 60)
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1 — Report previous year’s harvest
Complete the harvest report based on your tag booklet. If you didn’t harvest anything, you must still submit the booklet and a sworn statement of non-use.
Step 2 — Pay the fee
Make the deposit at Banrural into the CONAP account. Keep the receipt.
Step 3 — Assemble the file
Gather all requirements. Confirm your record certificates and firearm permit are current at filing date.
Step 4 — Submit at a CONAP regional office
Visit the matching regional office. Locations:
- Headquarters: 5a Avenida 6-06 zona 1, Guatemala City
- Peten: Flores
- Izabal: Puerto Barrios
- Las Verapaces: Coban
- Costa Sur: Escuintla
- Occidente: Quetzaltenango
Step 5 — Wait for resolution
CONAP reviews the harvest report, records and quotas. Time: 10-20 business days.
Step 6 — Pick up the renewed license
Collect in person with DPI. You’ll receive a new license valid 1 year and a fresh tag booklet if requested.
Cost and Time
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| National sport fee | Q300-Q500 |
| Foreign sport fee | Q600-Q1,500 |
| Additional tag booklet | Q50-Q100 |
| Additional certification | Q25 |
| Total time | 10-20 business days |
How to Apply: 2026 Seasons and Quotas
CONAP publishes an annual hunting season resolution. For 2026 (verify current resolution):
- White-tailed deer: November to February, quota 1 animal per hunter per season
- Green iguana: April to June in authorized zones, variable quota
- Paca / tepezcuintle: October to February, 2 animals per season
- Migratory birds (some species): per migration calendar
Year-round prohibited species: jaguar, puma, spider monkey, howler monkey, tapir, all CITES Appendix I species.
Hunting with Foreign Visitors
If you plan to host a foreign hunter:
- Foreign hunter must obtain their own CONAP tourist hunting license (Q600-Q1,500)
- An invitation letter from the registered local hunter is required
- If bringing their own firearm, they must process a temporary firearm import permit with DIGECAM
- To export trophies they need a CITES export certificate
Penalties for Hunting Without a Current License
- Firearm seizure and confiscation of the animal
- Fine of Q1,000 to Q50,000
- Criminal prosecution for protected species (Penal Code Art. 347-352)
- Cancellation of future license applications
Related Procedures
- CONAP Hunting License Replacement — if lost or damaged
- MARN Environmental License — for captive wildlife management
- Criminal Record Certificate — renewal requirement
- Police Record Certificate — companion document
Official Links
- CONAP — Official site
- Government services catalog
- Protected Areas Law (Decreto 4-89)
- DIGECAM - Firearm permits
Sport hunting in Guatemala is subject to strict quotas. Before heading out, check the annual CONAP resolution to confirm allowed species, zones and seasonal limits.