What Texas fishing licenses cost
A Texas resident fishing license costs $32 for a year, or $16 for a five-day license. A non-resident annual license is $63. Texas also sells one-day licenses for $20 (resident) or $27 (non-resident). These prices are set by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and do not change within the year, though the department can adjust them annually.
If you fish only in saltwater—bays, estuaries, and the Gulf—you do not need a license at all, as long as you are fishing from shore or from a public pier. If you fish from a private boat or wade in saltwater, you need a saltwater license, which costs $32 for residents and $63 for non-residents (annual). A five-day saltwater license is $16 for residents.
Some people do not need to buy a license. Texas residents 65 and older, disabled Texas residents with a disability permit, and active-duty military members stationed in Texas are exempt. Children under 17 can fish free with a licensed adult, as long as they do not have their own rod and reel.
Key Takeaways
- A Texas resident annual freshwater fishing license costs $32; non-residents pay $63.
- Saltwater fishing from shore or a public pier requires no license, but saltwater licenses cost the same as freshwater licenses if you fish from a boat or wade.
- Five-day licenses cost $16 for residents and are useful if you fish occasionally.
- Texas residents 65 and older, disabled residents with a permit, and active-duty military do not need to buy a license.
- You can buy a license online through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website, by phone, or at authorized retailers like sporting goods stores and bait shops.
Where to buy a Texas fishing license
The easiest way to buy a license is online at the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website (tpwd.texas.gov). You can purchase and print your license when ready, or have it mailed to you. You will need a valid Texas driver's license or ID number to buy online.
You can also buy a license by phone by calling the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department at 1-800-895-4248. Staff can process your order and mail the license to you, though this takes longer than buying online.
Authorized retailers throughout Texas sell licenses in person. These include Walmart, Academy Sports, Bass Pro Shops, local bait and tackle shops, and some sporting goods stores. Call ahead to confirm the retailer has the license type you need in stock.
Combination licenses and special permits
If you hunt and fish, Texas offers a combination hunting and fishing license for $79 (resident annual). This is cheaper than buying a hunting license and fishing license separately. Non-residents pay $150 for a combination license.
Texas also sells special use licenses for specific situations. A license to fish on private land costs $32 (resident) and covers freshwater fishing only on property you own or have written permission to fish. A license to fish in a state park costs $32 and is separate from your regular fishing license.
If you are disabled, you can get a disability permit from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department that exempts you from needing a license. You must explore in person at a Parks and Wildlife office with proof of disability. The permit is free and valid for life.
When your license expires and how to renew
An annual fishing license expires on August 31 of the year after you buy it. If you buy a license in March, it is valid until the following August 31. A five-day license is valid for five consecutive calendar days starting the day you buy it.
To renew, buy a new license through the same method you used before—online, by phone, or at a retailer. There is no separate renewal process; you straightforward purchase a new license. If you buy online, you can set up a reminder before your license expires.
What happens if you fish without a license
Fishing without a required license in Texas is a violation of state law. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department enforces this through game wardens. A first offense can result in a fine of up to $500, and repeat violations carry higher fines and possible jail time. You may also lose your fishing privileges for a period.
If a game warden stops you, they will ask to see your license. Have it with you when you fish—either the printed copy or a photo on your phone. If you bought online, you can show the confirmation email or take a screenshot of your license.
License types at a glance
| License Type | Resident Cost | Non-Resident Cost | Valid For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Freshwater | $32 | $63 | 1 year (expires Aug 31) |
| Five-Day Freshwater | $16 | Not available | 5 consecutive days |
| One-Day Freshwater | $20 | $27 | 1 calendar day |
| Annual Saltwater | $32 | $63 | 1 year (expires Aug 31) |
| Five-Day Saltwater | $16 | Not available | 5 consecutive days |
| Combination Hunt/Fish | $79 | $150 | 1 year (expires Aug 31) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a license to fish in a Texas state park?
Yes, you need a fishing license to fish in a state park. You can use your regular annual or five-day license, or you can buy a special state park fishing license for $32 (resident). The state park license covers only that park and is separate from a general Texas fishing license.
Can I buy a license for someone else as a gift?
Yes. You can buy a license online or at a retailer and provide it to someone else. If you buy online, you will need the recipient's driver's license or ID number. At a retailer, you can buy a license and give the printed copy to the recipient.
What if I lose my fishing license?
If you bought online, log into your account on the Texas Parks and Wildlife website and reprint your license. If you bought at a retailer, contact the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department with your purchase information and they can issue a replacement. There is no fee to reprint or replace a license.
Do I need a license to fish in a private pond on my own land?
No. You do not need a license to fish on your own property. If you fish on someone else's private land, you need written permission from the landowner, but you still do not need a license as long as the water is not a public lake or river.
Can I buy a Texas fishing license if I do not have a Texas ID?
You can buy a license at a retailer with any valid photo ID. If you buy online, you will need a Texas driver's license or ID number. Non-residents can use their home state's driver's license number when buying online.