Is it legal to own a venomous snake? A state-by-state guide
Rules read from each state's law on 10 November 2026. Not legal advice.
Venomous snake covers a huge range of animals, from rattlesnakes in the Americas to cobras, mambas and vipers in Africa and Asia. Of roughly 3,000 known snake species, about 15 percent are considered dangerous to people. Size varies a lot: a western diamondback rattlesnake is about 1.5 meters (5 feet) long and can weigh up to 6.7 kg. People ask about keeping them because they're striking animals. But a venomous snake is a different category of responsibility, because one mistake can send you or someone else to the hospital.
Banned 19Banned for new owners 2Permit needed 8Depends 14No state restriction found 3Not verified yet 5
State by state
Tap a state name for every animal we cover there. The source link on each row goes to the rule itself.
| State | Status | What it means | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Depends | Venomous reptiles that never lived wild in Alabama, such as cobras, mambas and vipers, are banned. Native venomous snakes are not covered by that ban, but the eastern diamondback and eastern coral snake need a state permit.Nonnative venomous banned; eastern diamondback and eastern coral snake need a permit; other native species not covered by rules read | Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.26(1); r. 220-2-.9... |
| Alaska | Banned | Alaska bars possessing live venomous reptiles except under a permit, and a permit is granted only for a valid educational purpose such as zoo or school display. Pets do not qualify.Permit only for educational purpose (display in educational institutions and zoos) | AS 16.05.921(a), (b) |
| Arizona | Banned | Vipers (including rattlesnakes), elapids (cobras, mambas, coral snakes) and several other venomous snakes are barred. Some rear-fanged species are not listed. No special license type is open to ordinary pet owners. | Ariz. Admin. Code R12-4-406(H)(2) |
| Arkansas | Permit needed | A Venomous Reptile Permit is required to possess any medically significant venomous snake, native or not. Applicants must be 18, have a clean wildlife record, and show local ordinance compliance.Venomous Reptile Permit; secure caging and signage (Addendum F1.08); native venomous snakes kept under Code 09.14 are exempt. | AGFC Code 09.17; Addendum F1.08 |
| California | Depends | Cobras, mambas, vipers and nonnative pitvipers are restricted, with no pet permit. Some native rattlesnake species may be taken in limited numbers under the sport take rules, which set limits. Ask the department.Elapidae and Viperidae all species; Crotalidae nonnative only; certain native rattlesnakes may be taken under 14 CCR 5.60 limits | 14 CCR 671(c)(7)(C)-(E); 14 CCR 5.60 |
| Colorado | Banned | Venomous snakes are not on Colorado's lists of reptiles that may be kept. Live herpetofauna not listed in Chapter W-7 may not be possessed, and no pet licence exists. | 2 CCR 406-7 #701(A), #703 |
| Connecticut | Banned | Cobras, mambas, coral snakes, rattlesnakes, vipers and several rear-fanged snake genera are Category Two. Private individuals may not import or possess them.Category Two Wild Animal; no pet-owner route | Regs. Conn. State Agencies 26-55-6(a)(3)(B),... |
| Delaware | Banned | Delaware bars possessing nonnative poisonous snakes that pose a serious risk to humans, and no permit can be issued. Native venomous snakes are protected native wildlife.Exceptions only for research, licensed zoos and traveling circuses | 3 Del. C. 7201 |
| District of Columbia | Banned | Only non-venomous snakes are excepted from the District ban on pet animals, so venomous snakes are barred for private individuals. | D.C. Code 8-1808(j)(1) |
| Florida | Permit needed | Keeping any venomous reptile needs an FWC venomous reptile permit. Applicants must be 18, show a year of experience or pass an exam, and have the facility inspected.Venomous reptile permit; age 18+, experience or exam, inspected secure caging | Fla. Stat. 379.372(1)(a); Fla. Admin. Code 68... |
| Georgia | Depends | Cobras, mambas, vipers and other Elapidae and Viperidae are inherently dangerous and need a licence that pet owners cannot get. State wildlife law separately allows taking some native venomous snakes, so check with the state agency first.Non-native venomous snakes barred to pet owners; native venomous snakes treated as wildlife, rule for keeping them unclear | Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 391-4-8-.04; O.C.G.A. 27... |
| Hawaii | Banned | Hawaii prohibits all snakes, venomous or not, with exceptions only for a government zoo and for brown tree snake research.Entire suborder Serpentes | HAR 4-71-6(b), Prohibited Animal List |
| Idaho | Not verified yet | We could not confirm Idaho's rule for this animal yet. Ask Idaho State Department of Agriculture (deleterious exotic animals) and Idaho Department of Fish and Game (captive wildlife) before you buy. | |
| Illinois | Banned | Venomous reptiles are special use herptiles. Permits go only to residents with 250 hours of experience for bona fide educational programs, so ordinary pet owners cannot keep them.Special use permit for education programs only | 510 ILCS 68/10-5; 510 ILCS 68/10-15 |
| Indiana | Permit needed | Possessing a venomous reptile is banned unless the keeper holds a Class III wild animal possession permit from the Indiana DNR, obtained before possession, with secure caging and an inspection.Class III permit | 312 IAC 9-5-8(b), (d) |
| Iowa | Banned for new owners | Iowa bans owning, breeding or importing venomous snakes as a dangerous wild animal. Only people who already owned one on July 1, 2007 may keep it, so new buyers cannot.Grandfathered only: a person who already owned it on July 1, 2007 and meets registration, microchip, insurance and enclosure rules. | Iowa Code 717F.1(5)(a)(9)(d), 717F.3, 717F.4 |
| Kansas | Depends | Kansas makes it unlawful to possess non-native venomous snakes, with an exception only for USDA licensees holding them in 2006. Native venomous snakes are treated as native reptiles and are not covered by that ban.Non-native venomous prohibited; native species follow reptile limits and listed species rules | K.S.A. 32-1301(d)(3); K.S.A. 32-1302 |
| Kentucky | Depends | Exotic venomous snakes (vipers, elapids and similar, except hognose snakes) are prohibited. Native venomous snakes are not on the prohibited list; five or fewer of each native species may be kept without a permit, and more need a captive wildlife permit.Exotic venomous prohibited; native: 5 or fewer per species without permit | 301 KAR 2:082 Section 4(2)(t); 301 KAR 2:081... |
| Louisiana | Permit needed | Venomous snakes need a Restricted Snake Permit from LDWF. Applicants must be 18 and show about 500 hours of experience. Cobras, mambas, kraits, taipans and several other species are prohibited outright.Restricted Snake Permit; 18 or older; 500 hours experience; listed cobras, mambas and others prohibited | LAC 76:XV.101(K)(1), (K)(2)(a) |
| Maine | Banned | Cobras, coral snakes, kraits and other elapids and all vipers (rattlesnakes included) are Category 1 Restricted Species, held only by exhibitors, rehabilitators, laboratories or research facilities. | 09-137 CMR ch. 7, secs. 7.06(3)(A), 7.18(2)(G... |
| Maryland | Banned | Maryland bans possessing, selling or importing poisonous snakes in the sea snake, cobra, viper and pit viper families. Exemptions are narrow, such as DNR licence holders, and animals held before May 31, 2006 were grandfathered. | Md. Code, Criminal Law 10-621(b)(1)(viii) |
| Massachusetts | Banned | All venomous snakes require a state permit, and licence applications to keep animals as pets are denied, so private pet owners cannot lawfully keep them. | 321 CMR 9.01(10)(b); 2.12(9)(a), 2.12(10)(i) |
| Michigan | No state restriction found | Michigan has no state ban or permit for venomous snakes that I found. The fisheries order protects wild-taken native snakes, including the eastern massasauga rattlesnake. Local rules may differ.Wild-taken native species such as the eastern massasauga are restricted; captive animals are not named | FO-224.21; MCL 324.41301(1)(k) |
| Minnesota | Banned for new owners | Snakes are protected wild animals in Minnesota. A pet snake is lawful only if obtained from a permitted breeder or possessed before August 1, 2021. No separate venomous snake rule was found. Ask the DNR how this applies to nonnative species.Obtained from a DNR-permitted breeder, or possessed before 2021-08-01 | Minn. Stat. 97A.401 subd. 8; 97A.015 subd. 39 |
| Mississippi | Depends | Native venomous snakes (copperhead, cottonmouth, rattlesnakes, coral snake) may be kept for personal use with a state hunting or fishing licence, up to four per species. Other venomous snakes are not on state lists.Native species: licence, limit 4 per species, cage labelled DANGER; nonnative not listed | 40 Miss. Admin. Code Pt. 5, Rule 2.3(C)-(D) |
| Missouri | Permit needed | Any deadly, dangerous or poisonous reptile must be registered with county law enforcement. Native venomous snakes (copperhead, cottonmouth, rattlesnakes) also need a Class II Wildlife Breeder Permit.County law enforcement registration; native species also Class II breeder permit | RSMo 578.023; 3 CSR 10-9.240 |
| Montana | Not verified yet | We could not confirm Montana's rule for this animal yet. Ask Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks before you buy. | Agency page |
| Nebraska | Depends | Timber rattlesnake and copperhead cannot be possessed without a scientific collection permit. Prairie rattlesnakes may be possessed up to a limit of 10. Nonnative venomous snakes are not named in the rules read, so ask the Commission.native timber rattlesnake and copperhead barred; nonnative not addressed by name | 163 NAC 4-010.02 |
| Nevada | Depends | Cobras, mambas, coral snakes, kraits, burrowing asps and non-native vipers are prohibited, as are Gila monsters. Native vipers such as rattlesnakes may be kept without a license within Commission possession limits, with no sale or trade. The limits were not found.Prohibited: Elapidae, Atractaspidae, non-native Viperidae, Helodermatidae; native vipers only within Commission possession limits, no sale or trade | NAC 503.110(1)(b)(5)-(7), (9), (3); NAC 504.461 |
| New Hampshire | Banned | Venomous reptiles are excluded from the non-controlled list and are controlled, but only exhibitors can hold a permit for them. Private pet owners cannot legally keep one.Permit available only to exhibitors (permittee category 5) | N.H. Admin. Code Fis 804.02(b)(4); Fis 804.05... |
| New Jersey | Banned | Venomous snakes (cobras, coral snakes, vipers, pit vipers) are on New Jersey's potentially dangerous species list. A permit is possible only for experienced keepers, and the rule says these animals may not be kept as a pet or hobby animal.Potentially dangerous species; permit criteria bar pet or hobby keeping | N.J.A.C. 7:25-4.8(a); 7:25-4.9(a)3 |
| New Mexico | Banned | Venomous snakes are in group IV of the Director's Species Importation List. Group IV is closed to the general public, and possessing a group IV animal needs a department permit that pet owners cannot get.Group IV; permits only for science, zoos, qualified experts; also Elapidae and Atractaspididae venomous species | Director's Species Importation List, group IV... |
| New York | Banned | All reptiles venomous by nature are banned, including all elapids and vipers. Licences are not issued for pets. | 6 NYCRR 180.1(b)(17), (c) |
| North Carolina | Depends | Venomous reptiles may be kept only in a sturdy, secure, locked, labeled enclosure with a bite protocol. The native Carolina pygmy rattlesnake, timber rattlesnake and eastern coral snake cannot be held without a captivity licence, which is not issued for pets.secure locked enclosure, labeling and bite protocol; three native species barred | N.C.G.S. 14-417(a); NCWRC Possession and Coll... |
| North Dakota | Banned | Venomous reptiles are Category 3, and the license is issued only for an educational purpose such as research or school displays, not for pet keeping.Educational purpose required | N.D. Admin. Code 48.1-09-06-01(5)(a) |
| Ohio | Not verified yet | We could not confirm Ohio's rule for this animal yet. Ask Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife (native wildlife); Ohio Department of Agriculture (dangerous wild animals and restricted snakes) before you buy. | Agency page |
| Oklahoma | Not verified yet | We could not confirm Oklahoma's rule for this animal yet. Ask Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation before you buy. | Agency page |
| Oregon | Depends | Oregon bans copperheads, cottonmouths, lanceheads, sand vipers and most nonnative rattlesnakes by name, but lists several others, including cobras and gaboon vipers, as noncontrolled. Species on neither list are unclassified and get no permit for pet owners.Species by species: check OAR 635-056-0050 and 0060; unclassified species get no permit for pet owners | OAR 635-056-0050(1)(d)(C); OAR 635-056-0060(4... |
| Pennsylvania | Depends | Non-native venomous snakes need no state permit, says the Fish and Boat Commission. Native timber rattlesnakes and Eastern copperheads cannot be possessed without a Commission venomous snake permit. Local rules may apply.Native timber rattlesnake or Eastern copperhead: PFBC venomous snake permit; exotic venomous species: no state permit | 58 Pa. Code 79.6(b); PFBC FAQ |
| Rhode Island | Permit needed | All venomous snakes require a Department exotic animal possession permit, issued at DEM's discretion after inspection and a health certificate.Exotic animal possession permit from DEM Division of Agriculture | 250-RICR-40-05-3 3.17(A)(4)(b)(1) |
| South Carolina | Depends | I found no state ban or permit for keeping nonnative venomous snakes. Native venomous snakes cannot be sold, bought or traded. Check with SC DNR before buying.nonnative: no state rule found; native species cannot be sold or bought | S.C. Code 50-15-15; Regs 123-151.3(A) |
| South Dakota | Not verified yet | We could not confirm South Dakota's rule for this animal yet. Ask South Dakota Animal Industry Board (captive nondomestic animals) before you buy. | Agency page |
| Tennessee | Banned | All venomous snakes are Class I, which only zoos, circuses and commercial propagators may keep. Personal permits cover only animals held before June 25, 1991.Personal possession permit only for animals held before 25 June 1991 | Tenn. Code 70-4-403(1)(B)(ii), 70-4-404(c)(1) |
| Texas | Permit needed | A nonindigenous venomous snake needs a TPWD controlled exotic snake permit (a recreational permit exists). Native Texas venomous snakes fall under the separate nongame wildlife rules, which I did not fully confirm.Recreational controlled exotic snake permit (nonindigenous venomous snakes) | Tex. Parks & Wildlife Code 43.851(a), (d) |
| Utah | Depends | Nonnative venomous snakes whose bite can cause serious injury are prohibited and need a Wildlife Board variance. Native venomous reptiles such as rattlesnakes need a certificate of registration, with applicants at least 18 and with handling experience.Nonnative: prohibited unless Wildlife Board variance; native venomous: certificate of registration, age 18+ | Utah Admin. Code R657-53-9(1)(a); R657-53-12(... |
| Vermont | Banned | Venomous snakes such as rattlesnakes, cobras and vipers are not on Vermont's Domestic, Unrestricted or Restricted lists, so they are treated as Restricted. The wildlife rule says no permit is issued to keep a wild animal in captivity except for scientific or educational purposes.Permit only for bona fide scientific or educational purposes (10 V.S.A. 4152) | 10 App. V.S.A. 18 sections 4.1 and 5.1(a) |
| Virginia | No state restriction found | Virginia has no state ban or permit for exotic venomous snakes. Unlisted nonnative animals may be possessed, purchased and sold. The only snake on the list is the brown tree snake. Native snakes follow a one-per-address limit. | 4VAC15-30-40(H) |
| Washington | Banned | Washington bans private possession of vipers (such as rattlesnakes), elapids (such as cobras), sea snakes, atractaspids and boomslangs. Grandfathered only: an animal lawfully held before July 22, 2007 may be kept for life.Grandfathered animals only (pre July 22, 2007); venomous snakes not on the list are not covered | RCW 16.30.010(2)(b); RCW 16.30.030 |
| West Virginia | Depends | Only the Komodo dragon is a listed reptile, so nonnative venomous snakes are not on the state list. Native venomous snakes such as rattlesnakes and copperheads may not be taken or kept without DNR authorization.Nonnative species not listed; native species barred unless authorized | 58 CSR 73 1.1; W. Va. Code R. 74-1-3 |
| Wisconsin | No state restriction found | Nonnative venomous snakes are not on Wisconsin's harmful list, so state wildlife law requires no licence. Native Wisconsin snakes, including rattlesnakes, have separate possession limits and protections.Nonnative species only; native snakes are limited by NR 16.12 | Wis. Stat. 169.04(4)(b) |
| Wyoming | Permit needed | Wyoming requires a Game and Fish Chapter 69 permit to import or possess venomous reptiles, plus a veterinary inspection certificate before importation. The Department may deny it if the animal poses a risk.Chapter 69 importation/possession permit; certificate of veterinary inspection before importation | Wyo. Game & Fish Comm'n Ch. 69, Section 9(a) |
Federal law
No federal law bans private ownership of venomous snakes; state law decides. A few species, such as the Aruba Island rattlesnake, are ESA listed.
Why states regulate it
Restrictions on venomous snakes usually rest on public safety. The WHO estimates about 5.4 million snakebites a year worldwide, with 1.8 to 2.7 million envenomings and 81,410 to 137,880 deaths. Venom can cause paralysis that may prevent breathing, bleeding disorders, kidney failure and tissue damage that leads to permanent disability. Antivenom is the most effective treatment, but the WHO warns of supply failure in parts of Africa and Asia, and says prices of some products have risen dramatically over 20 years.
Before you buy
- This is not a beginner animal, and it isn't a good fit for homes with children, visitors or unreliable locks. Treat the bite risk as permanent, however experienced the keeper.
- Find out before buying which hospital near you stocks antivenom for that exact species. Antivenom is often still the only effective treatment, and supply can be a problem.
- Western diamondbacks average about 22 years in captivity, so you're committing to a long relationship with a dangerous animal. Ask a seller what the species you're considering lives to.
- The CDC notes most vets don't treat reptiles, and fewer still will handle a venomous one. Line up an exotic vet first, and ask the seller whether the snake is captive-bred or wild-caught.
Sources for the facts about the animal: en.wikipedia.org, animaldiversity.org, who.int, cdc.gov.
Check your own state
The legality checker shows one animal in one state with its source, and exotic pet laws by state lists every state we cover. Related guides: giant constrictor, alligator or other crocodilian, tarantula.
How we checked. For each state we read the statutes, administrative code and agency lists that govern keeping wild or exotic animals, and every row above links to the text it rests on. A second, independent reviewer then re-read the same sources, and a row is shown only if it survived that check. "Not verified yet" means a state's rule could not be read or confirmed, which is a gap in our data and not a green light. County and city ordinances, landlord and insurance rules, and federal law sit on top of the state rule. Read how we check. See an error? Email hello@creaturesincrisis.org with the link.
Quick answers
- Is it legal to own a venomous snake in California?
- Depends. Cobras, mambas, vipers and nonnative pitvipers are restricted, with no pet permit. Some native rattlesnake species may be taken in limited numbers under the sport take rules, which set limits. Ask the department.
- Is it legal to own a venomous snake in Texas?
- Permit needed. A nonindigenous venomous snake needs a TPWD controlled exotic snake permit (a recreational permit exists). Native Texas venomous snakes fall under the separate nongame wildlife rules, which I did not fully confirm.
- Is it legal to own a venomous snake in Florida?
- Permit needed. Keeping any venomous reptile needs an FWC venomous reptile permit. Applicants must be 18, show a year of experience or pass an exam, and have the facility inspected.
- Is it legal to own a venomous snake in New York?
- Banned. All reptiles venomous by nature are banned, including all elapids and vipers. Licences are not issued for pets.
- Is it legal to own a venomous snake in Pennsylvania?
- Depends. Non-native venomous snakes need no state permit, says the Fish and Boat Commission. Native timber rattlesnakes and Eastern copperheads cannot be possessed without a Commission venomous snake permit. Local rules may apply.
- Is it legal to own a venomous snake in Illinois?
- Banned. Venomous reptiles are special use herptiles. Permits go only to residents with 250 hours of experience for bona fide educational programs, so ordinary pet owners cannot keep them.
- Is it legal to own a venomous snake in Ohio?
- We could not confirm Ohio's rule yet. Ask the state wildlife agency before you buy.
- Is it legal to own a venomous snake in Georgia?
- Depends. Cobras, mambas, vipers and other Elapidae and Viperidae are inherently dangerous and need a licence that pet owners cannot get. State wildlife law separately allows taking some native venomous snakes, so check with the state agency first.
- Is venomous snake legal in every state?
- No. In our data it is banned in 19 states and needs a permit in 8. The table above shows each state.
- Does 'no state restriction found' mean I can buy one?
- No. It means the state rule we read does not ban it or require a state permit. County and city rules, federal law, sale and import rules and your landlord can still stop you.