Cal. Fish and Game Code § 8244

(a) An applicant may apply for a new, original permit as an individual, a joint venture, or a corporation. The applicant may submit only one application annually. The application shall be made on a form provided by the department. (b) An applicant for a new, original permit under this section shall submit a completed application as directed by the department. The completed application, and the application fees prescribed in subdivision (c), shall be delivered or postmarked on or before February 1 in order to be considered for permits for the subsequent permit year. (c) The applicant shall submit with the application a nonrefundable application fee determined by the department in an amount sufficient to pay the costs of administering the issuance of new, original permits by the department, which shall be not less than thirty-five dollars ($35). (d) The department shall determine the fishing potential of the vessel for use of which the new, original permit is to be issued and otherwise determine if the applicant is eligible to be issued a permit under this article.