What Pennsylvania Fishing Licenses Cost

A Pennsylvania resident fishing license costs $20.97 for a one-year license. A three-day license is $11.97. Non-residents pay $40.97 for a one-year license or $26.97 for a seven-day license. These prices include the $1 habitat fee that Pennsylvania adds to all licenses. Prices are current as of 2024 and are set by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.

You buy licenses directly from the Fish and Boat Commission website, by phone at 717-705-7800, or through authorized vendors like sporting goods stores and bait shops across the state. Most vendors charge a small processing fee on top of the license price — typically $1 to $3 — so buying online or by phone may cost slightly less.

Special licenses exist for specific situations. A one-day resident license costs $9.97. A senior resident (age 65 and older) pays $11.97 for a one-year license. A lifetime resident license is $500 for someone age 18 to 64, or $50 for someone 65 and older. Disabled veterans and Pennsylvania residents with certain disabilities may be exempt from paying — you will need to provide proof through the Fish and Boat Commission.

Key Takeaways

  • A one-year resident license in Pennsylvania costs $20.97, and a non-resident one-year license costs $40.97.
  • Shorter licenses are available: three-day resident ($11.97), one-day resident ($9.97), and seven-day non-resident ($26.97).
  • You can buy licenses online at the Fish and Boat Commission website, by phone, or through sporting goods stores and bait shops.
  • Senior residents (65 and older) pay $11.97 for a one-year license, and disabled veterans may be exempt from fees.
  • All license prices include a $1 habitat fee, and vendor processing fees may add $1 to $3 to the total.

Where to Buy Your License

The fastest way to buy a license is online at the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission website (www.fishandboat.com). You can purchase and print your license when ready, and it is valid as soon as you print it. You do not need to wait for anything in the mail.

If you prefer to buy in person, authorized vendors are located throughout Pennsylvania. These include Walmart, Dick's Sporting Goods, Cabela's, local bait and tackle shops, and some sporting goods retailers. Call ahead to confirm the vendor has licenses in stock, since smaller shops may not carry all license types.

You can also call the Fish and Boat Commission directly at 717-705-7800 during business hours to purchase over the phone. They will mail the license to you, which takes about one week. This method is slower than online purchase but works if you do not have internet access.

What You Need to Buy a License

You will need a valid Pennsylvania driver's license or ID card to prove residency when you buy a license. If you do not have a Pennsylvania ID, you can use a utility bill, lease, or other document showing your Pennsylvania address. Non-residents need a valid ID from any state.

You must be at least 16 years old to fish without a license. Children under 16 do not need a license to fish in Pennsylvania, but they must follow all other fishing regulations — catch limits, season dates, and gear rules explore to them the same way.

When you buy online, you will enter your information into the Fish and Boat Commission system. You do not need to print anything before you go fishing — you can show the license on your phone, or print it at home. The Fish and Boat Commission recommends carrying a printed copy, but a digital copy on your phone is also valid.

License Types and Who Needs What

A resident license is for people who live in Pennsylvania. You must have lived in the state for at least 60 days before buying a resident license. If you just moved to Pennsylvania, you may need to buy a non-resident license until the 60-day period ends.

A non-resident license is for people who live outside Pennsylvania. It costs more than a resident license but is valid for the same waters and follows the same rules. Non-residents can buy a one-year, seven-day, or three-day license depending on how long they plan to fish.

A lifetime license is a one-time purchase that never expires. It costs $500 for residents age 18 to 64, or $50 for residents 65 and older. A lifetime license is worth buying if you plan to fish regularly for many years, since you will break even after about 24 years of annual licenses.

Trout Stamps and Special Permits

Pennsylvania requires an additional trout stamp if you want to fish for trout in any water. The trout stamp costs $10.97 for residents and $10.97 for non-residents — the same price for both. You buy it at the same time and place as your fishing license.

Some waters in Pennsylvania require special permits beyond the basic license and trout stamp. Lake Erie, for example, requires a separate Lake Erie permit ($9.97 for residents, $14.97 for non-residents) if you fish from shore or a boat. Check the Fish and Boat Commission website for the specific water you plan to fish, since rules vary by location.

If you plan to fish for walleye, pike, or other species in Lake Erie, you will need the Lake Erie permit plus your regular license. The Fish and Boat Commission website lists all special permits and which waters require them.

How Long Your License Lasts

A one-year license runs from the date you buy it, not from January 1. If you buy a license on March 15, it expires on March 14 of the following year. A three-day license is valid for three consecutive calendar days starting the day you buy it. A one-day license is valid only for the calendar day you buy it.

A seven-day non-resident license is valid for seven consecutive calendar days. A lifetime license never expires and is valid for the rest of your life, as long as you follow all current fishing regulations.

You can buy a new license at any time, even if your current one has not expired. Many anglers buy their next license a few weeks before the current one runs out to avoid any gap in coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a license to fish in Pennsylvania?

Yes, unless you are under 16 years old. Anyone 16 and older must have a valid Pennsylvania fishing license to fish in any public water. Children under 16 can fish without a license but must follow all catch limits and season rules.

Can I fish with a license from another state?

No. You must have a Pennsylvania license to fish in Pennsylvania waters, even if you have a valid license from another state. Non-residents can buy a Pennsylvania license for any length of time from one day to one year.

What happens if I fish without a license?

Fishing without a license is a violation of Pennsylvania law. Penalties include fines and possible confiscation of your fishing equipment. The Fish and Boat Commission enforces licensing rules through conservation officers who patrol fishing areas.

Is there a discount for seniors?

Yes. Pennsylvania residents age 65 and older pay $11.97 for a one-year license instead of $20.97. Senior lifetime licenses cost $50 instead of $500. You will need to provide proof of age when you buy your license.

Can I get a refund if I do not use my license?

The Fish and Boat Commission does not issue refunds for unused licenses. Once you buy a license, the fee is non-refundable, even if you do not fish. This applies to all license types — one-day, annual, and lifetime.