What Indiana fishing licenses cost
An Indiana resident fishing license costs $17.95 for one year. A three-day license costs $9.95. A one-day license costs $7.95. Non-residents pay $30.95 for a one-year license, $16.95 for a three-day license, and $11.95 for a one-day license.
These prices are set by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and have remained stable, though the DNR can adjust them. If you plan to fish more than a few times per year, the annual license is the better value. The one-day and three-day licenses are useful if you're visiting Indiana or trying fishing for the first time without committing to a full year.
You do not need a license if you fish from a public pier or jetty, or if you fish on a private pond with the owner's written permission. Children under 17 do not need a license to fish in Indiana.
Key Takeaways
- Indiana resident annual licenses cost $17.95; non-residents pay $30.95 for the same period.
- Short-term licenses (one day or three days) are available at lower prices for visitors or occasional anglers.
- You can buy licenses online through the Indiana DNR website, by phone, or at authorized retailers like sporting goods stores and bait shops.
- Children under 17 do not need a license, and you do not need one to fish from public piers or with written permission on private property.
- Your license is valid for one year from the date of purchase, not on a calendar year.
Where to buy an Indiana fishing license
The fastest way to buy a license is online through the Indiana DNR website at on.IN.gov/BuyALicense. You can purchase and print your license when ready, or have it mailed to you. The online system accepts credit and debit cards.
You can also buy a license by phone by calling the DNR at 317-232-4080. Staff can process your order and mail the license to you, though this takes longer than the online route.
Authorized retailers throughout Indiana sell licenses in person. These include Walmart, Cabela's, Bass Pro Shops, local bait and tackle shops, and many sporting goods stores. Call ahead to confirm the retailer has licenses in stock, since smaller shops may not carry them daily.
What information you need to buy a license
To buy a license online or by phone, you will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and a valid Indiana address. If you are a non-resident, you will need your home state address instead. Have a credit or debit card ready if you are buying online.
At a retail location, bring a photo ID and a payment method. The retailer will fill out the license form with you. Processing is when ready, and you walk out with your license the same day.
How long your license is valid
Your license is valid for one year from the date you purchase it, not from January 1st. If you buy a license on March 15, it expires on March 14 of the following year. Check the expiration date printed on your license to know when you need to renew.
You must carry your license with you whenever you fish. A printed copy or a digital copy on your phone both count as proof. If you lose your license, you can buy a replacement for $2.00 through the DNR website or at an authorized retailer.
Special licenses and stamps
Indiana offers additional stamps and endorsements beyond the basic fishing license. A trout stamp costs $10.95 and is required if you fish for trout in designated trout streams. A salmon and steelhead stamp costs $10.95 and is required to fish for those species in Lake Michigan.
You can add these stamps when you buy your main license online, by phone, or at a retailer. They are not separate purchases—they are add-ons to your existing license. If you fish only for species that do not require a stamp, you do not need to buy one.
Fishing license rules you should know
Your license allows you to fish with up to two rods in most Indiana waters, unless local rules say otherwise. Some lakes and streams have different limits, so check the DNR's fishing guide for the specific water you plan to visit.
Catch limits (the number of fish you can keep) vary by species and location. Bass, pike, and catfish have different daily limits. The DNR publishes a current fishing guide on its website that lists limits for each species and water body. Ignoring catch limits can result in fines.
If you fish on private property, you still need a license unless the owner has given you written permission to fish without one. Public waters—lakes, rivers, and streams—always require a license.
When your license expires and how to renew
You can renew your license at any time before it expires, or when ready after it expires. There is no penalty for letting it lapse, but you cannot fish legally without a current license. Renewing is the same process as buying a new license: online, by phone, or at a retailer.
Many people renew online a few weeks before their expiration date to avoid the rush. If you buy a new license before your old one expires, the new license begins on the expiration date of the old one, so you do not overlap or waste money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a separate license to fish in different counties?
No. One Indiana fishing license covers all public waters in the state, regardless of county. You do not need to buy multiple licenses for different areas.
Can I buy a fishing license as a gift for someone else?
Yes. You can buy a license online or at a retailer and have it mailed to someone else, or give them a printed copy. The person receiving it will need to provide their own information (Social Security number, date of birth, address) when you purchase it.
What happens if I fish without a license?
Fishing without a valid license is a violation. Penalties include fines and possible confiscation of equipment. The amount varies depending on whether it is a first offense. It is cheaper and simpler to buy a license upfront than to deal with a violation.
Can I fish in Indiana with a license from another state?
No. You must have an Indiana license to fish in Indiana waters. If you are visiting from out of state, buy a non-resident one-day, three-day, or annual license through the DNR website or at a local retailer.
Is there a discount for seniors or disabled anglers?
Indiana offers a lifetime license for $17.95 (one-time purchase) for residents age 65 and older. Disabled veterans may also have reduced-cost options. Contact the DNR directly at 317-232-4080 to learn about current discounts and how to purchase them.