Fishing license prices vary by state and type of license
A fishing license costs between $15 and $50 for a resident annual license in most states, though some states charge less and a few charge more. Non-residents pay significantly more—typically $40 to $150 per year. The exact price depends on which state you fish in, how long you want the license to last, and whether you fish in freshwater, saltwater, or both.
Most states sell licenses through their fish and wildlife department website, and many let you buy online in minutes. Some states also sell licenses at sporting goods stores, bait shops, and outdoor retailers. A few states offer short-term licenses—three-day or seven-day options—that cost $10 to $25 if you only fish occasionally.
Key Takeaways
- Resident annual licenses typically cost $15 to $50; non-resident licenses cost $40 to $150, depending on your state.
- You can buy a license online through your state's fish and wildlife website, at sporting goods stores, or at bait and tackle shops.
- Short-term licenses (three to seven days) cost $10 to $25 in states that offer them, and are useful if you fish rarely.
- Some states charge extra for saltwater fishing or for licenses that cover both freshwater and saltwater.
- You must carry your license with you while fishing; digital copies on your phone are usually accepted.
How to find your state's exact price
Each state sets its own license fees, so the only way to know the exact cost is to check your state's fish and wildlife agency. Search "[your state] fishing license" and look for the official government website—usually something like "Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources" or "California Department of Fish and Wildlife."
Once you find the site, look for a link labeled "Buy a License" or "Fishing Licenses." The page will list all available license types, their prices, and how long each one lasts. Most states show the price for residents and non-residents side by side so you can compare.
Resident versus non-resident license costs
A resident license is cheaper because you live in the state year-round and pay state taxes there. Resident annual licenses typically run $15 to $35. Some states offer resident licenses for under $20.
A non-resident license costs more because you do not live in the state. Non-resident annual licenses usually range from $50 to $150. If you fish in a neighboring state only once or twice a year, buying a short-term non-resident license (three to seven days) is often cheaper than an annual one—usually $15 to $40 for the short period.
To buy a resident license, you typically need to prove you have lived in the state for at least six months. Non-residents usually just need a valid ID showing an out-of-state address.
Freshwater, saltwater, and combination licenses
Some states charge one flat price for any type of fishing. Others separate freshwater and saltwater licenses, or charge extra if you want to fish both.
If you plan to fish only in lakes and rivers, a freshwater license is usually the cheapest option. If you fish only in the ocean or coastal bays, you need a saltwater license, which may cost the same or slightly more. If you want to fish both freshwater and saltwater, some states let you buy a combination license for a single price, while others charge you to add saltwater to a freshwater license.
Check your state's website to see which waters you plan to fish in and what license covers them. Some states have detailed maps showing which lakes and rivers count as freshwater and which coastal areas count as saltwater.
Where to buy a fishing license
Most states let you buy online through their fish and wildlife website. You pay the fee, print your license or save it to your phone, and you can fish the same day. This is the fastest route and works 24/7.
You can also buy in person at sporting goods stores (like Bass Pro Shops or Cabela's), bait and tackle shops, and some outdoor retailers. Call ahead to confirm they sell licenses for your state, because not every store carries every state's licenses.
A few states still require you to buy in person or by phone, so check your state's website first. If the site says you can buy online, you can skip the store trip.
How long a license lasts
An annual license typically runs for one calendar year (January 1 to December 31) or for 12 months from the date you buy it, depending on your state. Some states start all annual licenses on the same date each year, while others let them run 12 months from purchase.
Short-term licenses last three days, seven days, or sometimes 14 days. These are useful if you fish only on vacation or a few weekends a year. A three-day license might cost $10 to $15, and a seven-day license might cost $15 to $25.
Check your state's website to see when your license expires. Most states let you renew online before it runs out, and some send you a reminder email.
What happens if you fish without a license
Fishing without a valid license is illegal in every state. Penalties vary but typically include a fine of $50 to $500 and possible confiscation of your fishing gear. Some states also charge court costs or require you to take a boating safety course.
A few states have exemptions—for example, children under a certain age (often 16) may not need a license, or you may not need one if you fish on private property with the owner's permission. Check your state's rules to see if you may have access to for an exemption.
The cost of a license is small compared to the fine for fishing without one, so buying a license before you go is always the right choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fish with a digital license on my phone?
Most states accept digital licenses on your phone. When you buy online, you can usually read a PDF or take a screenshot of your license. Bring your phone with you and show it to a game warden if asked. A few states still require a printed copy, so check your state's rules.
Do I need a separate license for each state if I fish in multiple states?
Yes. Each state manages its own waters and requires its own license. If you fish in two states, you need a license for each one. Some states offer reciprocal agreements that lower the non-resident fee, but you still need a separate license for each state.
What if I want to fish but do not know which license I need?
Call your state's fish and wildlife department or use their online chat. Tell them what waters you plan to fish in (a specific lake, river, or coastal area) and they will tell you exactly which license to buy. This takes five minutes and saves you from buying the wrong one.
Are there any discounts on fishing licenses?
Some states offer discounts for seniors, military veterans, or people with disabilities. A few states have free or reduced-cost licenses for youth. Check your state's website under "Special Licenses" or "Discounts" to see what applies to you.
How do I renew my fishing license?
Most states let you renew online through the same website where you bought it. You can usually renew up to 30 days before your license expires. Some states send renewal reminders by email. If you bought in person, you can renew online or go back to the same store.