⚖️ Where Are Blue-Tongued Skinks Legal? A State-by-State Guide
Blue-Tongued Skinks 
are amazing pets — but they're not legal everywhere. Here's where blue-tongued skinks are banned or restricted in the US, Canada, and around the world. Laws change and cities add their own rules, so always confirm with your state, province, and city before bringing one home.
Quick answer: Blue-tongued skinks are legal across the mainland US and the UK without a licence. They're restricted in Hawaii, Iceland, Singapore, and Norway. In their native Australia, blue-tongues are a protected native species — you can keep one only with a state reptile-keeper licence, and exporting natives is banned.
US states with bans or restrictions
- Hawaii — Banned — no pet reptiles. Hawaii's approved-list biosecurity system keeps almost all non-native reptiles off the islands; this species is on the state's restricted list, allowed only for permitted research or exhibition, never as a private pet. Illegal possession can bring fines up to $200,000. See the Hawaii Dept. of Agriculture.
Other countries with bans or restrictions
- Iceland — Banned. Iceland doesn't allow pet reptiles, largely to protect its isolated island ecosystem and animal-health status (reptiles can carry salmonella).
- Singapore — Banned. Singapore's Animal & Veterinary Service allows only a short list of reptiles as pets, and lizards aren't on it. See the AVS pet list.
- Norway — Banned. Norway permits only a short whitelist of about 19 reptile species as pets, and this lizard isn't on it.
Blue-tongued skinks in Australia
Blue-tongued skinks are native to Australia. You can keep one there, but only with the appropriate state or territory reptile-keeper licence, and it's illegal to export native reptiles — so pet blue-tongues overseas come from captive-bred lines.
Everywhere else
In places not listed above, blue-tongued skinks are generally legal to keep as pets — but counties and cities sometimes add their own restrictions, and a few places require permits. A quick call to local animal control (or a search for "blue-tongued skink laws" plus your city) is always worth it before you fall in love with one.
How to check the rules where you live
- Check your state or province first — that's the list above. Laws change, so confirm with the official wildlife or agriculture department.
- Then check your city or county. Local governments often add their own pet rules on top of state law, even where blue-tongued skinks are legal statewide.
- Ask about permits. Some places allow blue-tongued skinks only with a permit or license — a quick call to local animal control will tell you.
- Renters and HOAs: your lease or homeowners' association can restrict pets that your state actually allows.
When in doubt, confirm before you bring one home — it's far easier than having to rehome a pet later.
❓ Common questions about blue-tongued skink laws
Are blue-tongued skinks legal in the US?
Yes, across the mainland. Hawaii is the exception, where nearly all reptiles are banned as pets.
Are blue-tongued skinks legal in Hawaii?
No. They're on Hawaii's restricted animal list and can't be kept as pets.
Are blue-tongued skinks legal in Norway?
No. They aren't among the reptile species Norway allows as pets.
Do I need a licence for a blue-tongued skink in the UK?
No. They aren't a Dangerous Wild Animals Act species, so no licence is required.
Can I keep a blue-tongued skink in Australia?
Yes, but only with the right state or territory reptile-keeper licence, since they're a protected native species; exporting them is prohibited.