What Washington Fishing Licenses Cost

A resident fishing license in Washington costs $31.06 for one year. A three-day license costs $13.27. If you want to fish for the full calendar year without buying a new license partway through, you can buy a license that runs from January 1 to December 31, or you can buy one that runs from the date of purchase for 365 days—the price is the same either way.

Non-residents pay more: $54.82 for a one-year license or $20.91 for a three-day license. Washington also sells a 14-day non-resident license for $38.17. These prices cover saltwater and freshwater fishing on the same license—you do not need separate permits for each.

Prices can change annually, usually in July. The state sets these fees to fund fish and wildlife management. If you are planning a trip more than a few months away, check the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife website closer to your travel date to confirm the current price.

Key Takeaways

  • Washington resident licenses cost $31.06 per year and cover both saltwater and freshwater fishing.
  • Non-residents pay $54.82 for a full year, $38.17 for 14 days, or $20.91 for three days.
  • You can buy a license online, by phone, or at sporting goods stores and tackle shops throughout the state.
  • Some people—including seniors 69 and older, people with certain disabilities, and Native American tribal members—pay reduced or no fee.
  • Your license arrives by email if you buy online, so you can start fishing the same day.

Where to Buy a Washington Fishing License

The fastest way to buy is online through the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife website. You enter your name, address, and driver's license number, pay by credit or debit card, and receive your license by email within minutes. You can print it or show it on your phone—both are legal proof you have a license.

You can also call the licensing office at 1-866-246-9453 to buy over the phone. They accept credit cards and will mail the license to you, which takes about a week. If you need it faster, ask them to email it instead.

In person, you can buy at any Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife office, most sporting goods stores (like Cabela's and Bass Pro Shops), and many local tackle shops and bait-and-tackle retailers. Call ahead if you are going to a small shop—not all carry licenses. Buying in person means you walk out with a printed license the same day.

Who Pays a Reduced Fee or Nothing

Washington residents aged 69 and older do not pay for a fishing license. You will need to show proof of age (a driver's license or ID card) when you buy, but the license itself is free.

Residents with a permanent disability that prevents them from working may also fish for free. You will need to provide proof from the Social Security Administration, the Department of Veterans Affairs, or the state Department of Social and Health Services. Blind and deaf residents also fish for free.

Native American tribal members who are enrolled in a federally recognized tribe and hold a tribal ID do not need a Washington state license at all—tribal law governs their fishing rights. However, they must follow state rules about where and when they can fish unless they are fishing on tribal land or in certain treaty areas.

Active-duty military members and veterans with a service-connected disability rated by the Department of Veterans Affairs pay no fee. You will need to show your military ID or VA disability rating letter.

What Your License Covers and Does Not Cover

A standard fishing license lets you fish in freshwater (rivers, lakes, streams) and saltwater (Puget Sound, the Pacific coast) anywhere in Washington. It covers rod-and-reel fishing, hand-line fishing, and most traditional methods. One license covers you for all species unless the state has issued a special restriction for that species in that location during that season.

Your license does not cover shellfish (clams, oysters, crab, sea urchins). You need a separate shellfish license to dig or harvest those, and the rules and fees are different. Shellfish licenses are also sold through the same channels as fishing licenses.

Your license also does not override tribal fishing rights or private property rules. If you are fishing on someone else's land or in a tribal area, you still need permission from the landowner or tribe, even with a valid state license.

Timing and When Your License Starts

If you buy a license online or by phone, it becomes valid the moment you receive it by email. You can start fishing that same day. If you buy in person at a store, it is valid when ready when you receive the printed copy.

A one-year license runs for 12 months from the date you buy it, not from January 1. So if you buy on March 15, your license expires on March 14 of the next year. Some people prefer to buy their license on January 1 each year to keep the expiration date straightforward, but you can buy any time.

If your license expires while you are on a fishing trip, you need to buy a new one before you fish again. There is no grace period. The easiest solution is to buy online before your trip and have it ready, or to buy a three-day or 14-day license if you are not sure how long you will be fishing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most common mistake is forgetting to carry your license. Washington requires you to have it with you while you fish—on paper or on your phone. If a fish and wildlife officer stops you and you cannot show it, you can be cited even if you bought one. Keep a photo of it on your phone as a backup.

Another mistake is buying the wrong license type. Make sure you know whether you are a resident or non-resident. Washington defines a resident as someone who has lived in the state for at least 90 consecutive days and intends to stay. If you moved to Washington fewer than 90 days ago, you are a non-resident for licensing purposes, even if you have a Washington driver's license.

Do not assume your license covers shellfish or special species. If you want to fish for salmon during a specific season, check the state's current fishing rules first—some seasons are closed, some have catch limits, and some require a special endorsement. The Department of Fish and Wildlife publishes a fishing pamphlet each year with all the rules by region and species.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish without a license if I am fishing on my own property?

No. Washington requires a license to fish anywhere in the state, including on private land you own. The only exception is Native American tribal members fishing in certain treaty areas or on tribal land, which is governed by tribal law instead.

Do I need a separate license for saltwater and freshwater fishing?

No. One Washington fishing license covers both saltwater and freshwater. You do not need to buy two licenses or pay extra for either type.

What happens if I lose my license or it gets wet?

If you bought online, you can print another copy from your email or read it again from the Department of Fish and Wildlife website. If you bought in person and lost the paper copy, contact the office where you bought it or call 1-866-246-9453 and they can reprint it or email you a copy. There is no extra charge for a replacement.

Can I buy a license for someone else as a gift?

Yes. You can buy online or by phone using someone else's name and address, and the license will be sent to them. You will need their driver's license number and date of birth. Some sporting goods stores also sell gift licenses in person.

Do I need a license if I am fishing with someone else who has one?

Yes. Each person fishing needs their own license, even if they are fishing with a friend or family member. The license is tied to the individual, not the group or the boat.