What You Pay for an Illinois Fishing License

An Illinois fishing license costs $19.99 for a one-year resident license if you buy it in person at a vendor or online through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. A three-year resident license costs $54.99. Non-residents pay $39.99 for a one-year license or $109.99 for a three-year license.

These prices cover freshwater fishing in Illinois lakes, rivers, and ponds. If you want to fish in Lake Michigan or other Great Lakes waters, you need a separate Great Lakes fishing license, which costs $19.99 for residents and $39.99 for non-residents. You cannot use a freshwater license for Great Lakes fishing.

Senior residents (age 65 and older) pay $7.99 for a one-year license. Disabled residents and military veterans may also may have access to for reduced rates — check the Department of Natural Resources website for current pricing and what documentation you need to prove your status.

Key Takeaways

  • A one-year Illinois resident fishing license costs $19.99 online or at a vendor, and a three-year license costs $54.99.
  • Non-residents pay $39.99 for one year or $109.99 for three years.
  • Great Lakes fishing requires a separate license at the same price as freshwater, and you cannot use one license for both.
  • You can buy a license online through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, at sporting goods stores, or at bait and tackle shops.
  • Your license arrives by email when ready if you buy online, or you receive a physical card at the vendor if you buy in person.

Where to Buy Your License

You can buy an Illinois fishing license three ways: online through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website, in person at a licensed vendor, or by phone through the department's customer service line.

Buying online is the fastest option. You pay the license fee plus a $2.50 transaction fee, and the department emails you a temporary license when ready that you can print or show on your phone while fishing. Your permanent license card arrives by mail within two weeks. The online system accepts credit and debit cards.

Licensed vendors include Walmart, Cabela's, Bass Pro Shops, local bait and tackle shops, and some sporting goods stores. Prices are the same as online, but you do not pay the transaction fee. You receive your license card on the spot. Call ahead to confirm the vendor near you carries licenses, because not every location does.

Who Needs a License and Who Does Not

You need a fishing license if you are age 16 or older and you fish in Illinois waters. This applies whether you fish from shore, a boat, or a dock. The license is required for both residents and non-residents.

You do not need a license if you are under 16, if you fish on your own private property with the owner's permission, or if you fish during a designated free fishing day. Illinois holds two free fishing days each year — usually one in June and one in September — when anyone can fish without a license. Check the Department of Natural Resources calendar for exact dates.

Disabled residents and military veterans may be exempt from the license requirement entirely. Contact the Department of Natural Resources directly to learn whether you may have access to and what proof you need to provide.

How Long Your License Lasts

A one-year resident license runs from the date you buy it through the same date the following year. A three-year license runs for three years from the purchase date. Non-resident licenses follow the same calendar — they are valid for one or three years from the date of purchase, not from a fixed date like January 1.

Your license does not expire at the end of the calendar year. If you buy a one-year license on March 15, it expires on March 15 of the next year. This matters if you plan to fish in the fall or winter — you need to renew before your expiration date or you cannot legally fish.

Special Licenses and Add-Ons

Illinois offers a trout stamp for an additional $12.99 if you want to fish for trout in designated trout streams. This is separate from your regular fishing license and covers trout fishing only. You need both the base license and the trout stamp to fish for trout legally.

A salmon and steelhead stamp costs $12.99 and allows you to fish for those species in Lake Michigan and its tributaries. Again, this is in addition to your Great Lakes license, not instead of it.

If you fish in multiple states, you need a separate license for each state. An Illinois license does not cover you in Wisconsin, Iowa, or Indiana. Buy each state's license before you cross the border.

Checking Your License Status

If you bought your license online, check your email for the confirmation message. It contains your license number and a temporary license you can use when ready. Your permanent card arrives by mail, but the temporary version is valid for fishing right away.

If you bought your license in person, the vendor gives you a card on the spot. Write down your license number in case you lose the card — you can show the number to a conservation officer if you are asked to prove you have a valid license.

You can also call the Illinois Department of Natural Resources customer service line to verify your license is active. Have your name, date of birth, and the date you purchased ready when you call.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. If you buy online, you can purchase a license and provide the recipient's name and date of birth. The department will email the license to the email address you provide. If you buy in person at a vendor, you can purchase a license for someone else by providing their name and date of birth, and the vendor will issue the card to you to give as a gift.

What if I lose my fishing license card?

Call the Illinois Department of Natural Resources with your name, date of birth, and the date you purchased your license. They can look up your license number and confirm it is still active. You can show this number to a conservation officer if you are asked to prove you have a valid license. You can also buy a replacement card at a vendor for a small fee.

Do I need a license to fish in private ponds on my own property?

No. You do not need a license to fish in a pond on your own land. If you fish in someone else's private pond with their permission, you still need a license unless the owner has obtained a private pond exemption from the Department of Natural Resources.

Can I use my Illinois license to fish in other states?

No. Each state requires its own fishing license. If you plan to fish in Wisconsin, Iowa, or Indiana, you need to buy a separate license for each state before you fish there. Prices and rules vary by state.

What happens if I fish without a valid license?

Fishing without a license is a violation of Illinois law. A conservation officer can issue a citation, which typically results in a fine. The amount varies depending on whether it is your first offense. It is cheaper and easier to buy a license before you fish than to deal with a citation afterward.