What You Pay for an Illinois Fishing License

An Illinois fishing license costs $19.95 for a one-year resident license if you buy it online or by phone. If you buy it in person at a bait shop or sporting goods store, the price is the same. Non-residents pay $39.95 for a one-year license. Illinois also sells short-term licenses: a 3-day non-resident license costs $19.95, and a one-day non-resident license costs $9.95. Residents do not have the option to buy licenses shorter than one year.

These prices have not changed since 2018. The license is valid from the date you buy it through the same date the following year — not on a calendar year. If you turn 65 or older, you can get a lifetime resident license for $99.95, which is a one-time cost. Disabled veterans and active-duty military members may be exempt from needing a license altogether; you will need to check with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to confirm your status.

Key Takeaways

  • A one-year resident fishing license costs $19.95 online, by phone, or in person at authorized retailers.
  • Non-residents pay $39.95 for a one-year license, or $19.95 for three days, or $9.95 for one day.
  • You can buy a license online through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website, by calling 217-782-6302, or at bait and tackle shops and sporting goods stores.
  • Your license is valid for one year from the date of purchase, not from January 1.
  • Residents age 65 and older can buy a lifetime license for $99.95 instead of renewing every year.

Where to Buy Your License Online

The fastest way to get a license is through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website at www2.illinois.gov/dnr. Look for the "Fishing" section and select "Purchase a License." You will need a valid email address and a credit or debit card. The license is delivered to your email as a PDF that you print at home or show on your phone — you do not have to wait for anything to arrive by mail.

You can also call the Illinois Department of Natural Resources at 217-782-6302 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time) and buy over the phone with a credit card. They will email your license to you the same day or the next business day.

Buying a License at a Physical Location

Most bait and tackle shops, sporting goods stores, and some Walmart locations sell Illinois fishing licenses in person for the same $19.95 price. You will need a valid photo ID and proof of residency if you are buying a resident license — a driver's license counts as both. The staff will print your license on the spot, and you can start fishing when ready.

Call ahead to confirm the store carries licenses and has the type you need. Some smaller shops may not stock non-resident licenses or may not be open every day. If you are buying a license for someone else, that person does not have to be present, but you will need to provide their name and date of birth.

What Information You Need Before You Buy

Have your Social Security number or Illinois ID number ready. If you are a non-resident, you will need to provide your state of residence. You do not need to know which lakes or rivers you plan to fish — the license covers all public waters in Illinois. If you are under 16, you do not need a license at all and can fish for free with an adult who holds a valid license.

If you have bought a license before in Illinois, the system may remember your information, which speeds up the purchase. If you are buying online and the website asks for a previous license number, you can leave it blank and continue.

Special Licenses and Exemptions

Illinois offers a lifetime resident license for $99.95, available only to residents age 65 and older. This is a one-time purchase and never expires. If you are a disabled veteran or on active duty with the U.S. military, you may not need a license at all — contact the Illinois Department of Natural Resources at 217-782-6302 to confirm your status and get documentation if you are exempt.

Children under 16 fish free and do not need their own license. They can fish with a licensed adult or alone, depending on the body of water. Some state parks and public fishing areas have additional rules about age and supervision, so check the specific location before you go.

How Long Your License Lasts and Renewal

Your license is valid for exactly one year from the date you buy it. If you buy a license on March 15, it expires on March 15 the following year. You can renew online, by phone, or in person using the same methods and prices as a new license. The system will let you renew up to 30 days before your current license expires, so you do not have to wait until the last day.

If your license expires and you fish without renewing, you are fishing without a valid license, which carries a fine. You can renew when ready online or by phone if you realize your license has lapsed.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. One fishing license covers all freshwater fish in Illinois — bass, catfish, crappie, and everything else. You do not buy separate licenses by species. Some fish have size and catch limits, but those are rules you follow with one license, not separate licenses you buy.

Can I get a refund if I buy a license and do not use it?

Illinois does not issue refunds for unused licenses. Once you buy a license, it is yours for the full year. If you buy it by mistake or change your mind, contact the Illinois Department of Natural Resources at 217-782-6302 to ask about your options, but a refund is unlikely.

What if I lose my printed license?

If you bought your license online and printed it, you can print another copy from your email or read it again from the Illinois DNR website using your email address and password. If you bought it in person and lost the paper copy, call 217-782-6302 and they can reissue it or email you a digital copy.

Do I need a license if I fish on private property?

Yes. Illinois requires a license for all freshwater fishing, including on private land, unless you own the property yourself. If you own the land, you do not need a license to fish there, but anyone else fishing on your property does.

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

Yes. You can buy a license in person at a bait shop or sporting goods store and give it to someone else — just provide their name and date of birth. Online purchases are tied to the email address you use, so if you buy online, you will receive the license in your email and can forward it to them, or you can buy in person instead.