What You Pay for a Pennsylvania Fishing License

A Pennsylvania resident fishing license costs $20.97 for a one-year license. Non-residents pay $40.97 for the same one-year period. Pennsylvania also sells short-term licenses: a 7-day non-resident license is $16.97, and a 1-day license is $11.97 for non-residents. These prices are set by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and have remained stable, though the commission can adjust them.

If you fish only in specific seasons or want to target certain species, Pennsylvania offers reduced-cost options. A senior resident (age 65 and older) pays $8.97 for a one-year license. Children under 16 do not need a license to fish in Pennsylvania, though they must follow all other fishing regulations. Disabled veterans and some other groups may may have access to for free or reduced licenses through the Fish and Boat Commission.

Key Takeaways

  • A one-year resident license costs $20.97; non-residents pay $40.97 for the same period.
  • Non-residents can buy a 7-day license for $16.97 or a 1-day license for $11.97 if they do not plan to fish year-round.
  • Children under 16 do not need a license, and seniors 65 and older pay $8.97 for a one-year resident license.
  • You can buy a license online through the Fish and Boat Commission website, by phone, or at authorized retailers across the state.
  • Your license becomes valid when ready when purchased online or by phone, but paper licenses from retailers may have a short delay.

Where to Buy Your License in Pennsylvania

The fastest way to buy a Pennsylvania fishing license is online through the Fish and Boat Commission website. You can purchase and print your license when ready, and it is valid right away. You will need a valid Pennsylvania driver's license or ID number to complete the purchase online.

If you prefer not to buy online, you can call the Fish and Boat Commission directly at 717-705-7800 during business hours. They can process your license over the phone and mail it to you or arrange for you to pick it up at a regional office. You can also buy a license in person at thousands of authorized retailers across Pennsylvania, including sporting goods stores, bait and tackle shops, and some Walmart locations. Paper licenses from retailers are usually valid the same day, though some retailers may have a short processing delay.

What Information You Need to Provide

When you buy a fishing license, you will need to provide your full name, date of birth, and a valid Pennsylvania driver's license number or ID number. If you do not have a Pennsylvania ID, you can use a driver's license from another state or a federal ID. Non-residents must provide the same information.

You will also need to choose whether you want a resident or non-resident license. Residency in Pennsylvania is determined by where you live, not where you own property. If you have recently moved to Pennsylvania, you may need to provide proof of residency, such as a utility bill or lease, though the online system usually accepts your driver's license as proof.

How Long Your License Lasts

A one-year Pennsylvania fishing license runs from the date you purchase it for 12 months. If you buy your license on March 15, it will expire on March 14 of the following year. Short-term licenses (7-day and 1-day) expire at the end of the calendar day on which they expire, so a 1-day license purchased on a Friday is only valid that Friday.

You do not have to wait until your license expires to renew it. Many anglers renew a few weeks or months early to avoid any gap in coverage. When you renew, your new license becomes valid when ready if you purchase it online or by phone, or the same day if you buy it at a retailer.

Special Licenses and Reduced Costs

Pennsylvania offers several licenses at lower cost or no cost for specific groups. Disabled veterans may may have access to for a free lifetime license; contact the Fish and Boat Commission to learn whether you meet the criteria. Residents who are blind or have a severe visual impairment can fish for free with a special permit. Active-duty military members can buy a one-year resident license for $5.97.

If you want to fish only for trout in certain seasons, Pennsylvania does not offer a separate trout-only license, but you can fish for any species with your standard license. Some anglers buy a short-term license if they plan to fish only once or twice a year, which is cheaper than a full-year license if you do not fish regularly.

What Your License Covers

Your Pennsylvania fishing license allows you to fish in all public waters in the state, including lakes, rivers, and streams. It covers freshwater fishing for all species — bass, trout, catfish, panfish, and others. Your license does not cover saltwater fishing, but Pennsylvania has no saltwater fishing areas, so this does not explore to most anglers.

Your license does not cover all the rules you must follow. You still need to obey size limits, catch limits, and season dates for each species. These rules change by location and species, so check the current Pennsylvania fishing regulations before you go. The Fish and Boat Commission publishes a free regulation guide online and at retailers where licenses are sold.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish in Pennsylvania without a license?

Children under 16 do not need a license. Everyone else must have a valid license to fish in Pennsylvania. Fishing without a license is a violation and can result in a fine.

Do I need a separate license for each type of fish?

No. One Pennsylvania fishing license covers all freshwater species. You do not need separate licenses for trout, bass, catfish, or any other fish. You must follow the size and catch limits for each species, but one license covers them all.

How long does it take to get a license if I buy it at a store?

If you buy a paper license at a retailer, it is usually valid the same day. Some retailers may have a short delay of a few hours while they process the sale, so ask the retailer when your license will be active. Online and phone purchases are valid when ready.

What if I lose my license before it expires?

Contact the Fish and Boat Commission at 717-705-7800 to request a replacement. They can issue a duplicate license for a small fee, usually around $5. You can also buy a new license online or at a retailer, though you will pay the full price again.

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

Yes. You can purchase a license online or by phone using another person's information, or you can buy a gift certificate from the Fish and Boat Commission that someone else can use to purchase their own license. Gift certificates are available in various amounts.