Where to Buy Your Georgia Fishing License

You can buy a Georgia fishing license online through the Georgia Department of Natural Resources website, by phone, by mail, or in person at a retail location. The fastest route is online at GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com, where you can purchase and print your license when ready. By phone, call 770-414-3333 during business hours. If you prefer in-person, visit any authorized retailer — these include most Walmart locations, Bass Pro Shops, local bait and tackle shops, and some sporting goods stores.

The online option is the most common because you get your license the same day without leaving home. You'll need your Social Security number, date of birth, and a valid payment method. If you buy online, print your license right away — that printout is your proof of purchase until your physical license arrives by mail, which typically takes one to two weeks.

Key Takeaways

  • Georgia fishing licenses are sold online at GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com, by phone at 770-414-3333, by mail, or at retail locations like Walmart and tackle shops.
  • A one-year resident license costs around $24, and you can fish when ready after purchase if you buy online and print your license.
  • Non-residents pay more — typically $40 to $50 for a one-year license, with shorter options available.
  • You need a valid Georgia driver's license or ID, your Social Security number, and a payment method to purchase.
  • Some anglers may have access to for free or reduced-cost licenses, including Georgia residents over 64 and active military members.

License Types and Costs in Georgia

Georgia offers several license types depending on how long you plan to fish and where you live. A one-year resident license is the most common choice and costs around $24. If you want to fish for a shorter period, Georgia sells 14-day licenses for about $10 and 3-day licenses for about $7. Non-residents pay more: a one-year non-resident license runs roughly $40 to $50, with 14-day and 3-day options also available at higher prices.

Some people don't need a license at all. Georgia residents over 64 can fish free with proof of age. Active military members and veterans with a valid military ID also fish free. Children under 16 can fish free when supervised by a licensed adult. If you're disabled, Georgia offers a free license — contact the Department of Natural Resources for details on how to register.

Prices can shift year to year, so check GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com for the current cost before you buy. The site also lists any temporary promotions or free fishing days, which Georgia occasionally declares.

What Information You'll Need to Provide

When you purchase a license, have your Georgia driver's license or state ID ready. You'll also need your Social Security number and your date of birth. If you're buying in person at a retail location, bring your ID with you. If you're buying online or by phone, you'll enter this information into the system.

The Department of Natural Resources uses this information to check your record and make sure you don't have any unpaid fines or violations that would prevent you from getting a license. The process is quick — most online purchases take less than five minutes.

Fishing License Restrictions and Rules

Your Georgia fishing license lets you fish in freshwater — lakes, rivers, and streams across the state. It does not cover saltwater fishing in coastal areas. If you want to fish in the ocean or in tidal waters, you need a separate saltwater license.

Your license also does not give you permission to fish on private property. You still need the landowner's permission, even with a valid license. Public waters managed by the state and federal lands open to fishing don't require additional permission beyond your license.

Georgia has specific rules about what you can catch, how many fish you can keep, and what methods you can use. These rules vary by species and by water body. Before you fish, check the current Georgia Fishing Regulations guide on the Department of Natural Resources website — it lists daily catch limits, size restrictions, and closed seasons for each type of fish.

How Long Your License Lasts

A one-year Georgia fishing license runs from January 1 to December 31 of that calendar year, regardless of when you buy it. If you purchase a license on November 15, it expires on December 31 — you don't get a full year from your purchase date. This means buying late in the year is less economical than buying early.

Shorter licenses — 14-day and 3-day options — run from the date of purchase. A 14-day license is valid for exactly 14 consecutive days starting the day you buy it. A 3-day license is valid for 3 consecutive days. These are useful if you're visiting Georgia for a short trip or want to try fishing before committing to a full year.

Replacing a Lost or Damaged License

If your license gets lost, damaged, or stolen, you can get a replacement through GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com or by calling 770-414-3333. You'll need to provide your name, date of birth, and Social Security number so the system can locate your original purchase. There is usually a small replacement fee, typically a few dollars.

If you bought your license online and printed it, keep that printout in a waterproof bag or case. It's your proof of purchase and valid proof of license until your physical card arrives. If your printed copy gets wet or torn, you can print another copy from your account on GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com at any time.

When to Call the Georgia Department of Natural Resources

Contact the Department of Natural Resources at 770-414-3333 if you have questions about which license type you need, if you're unsure whether you may have access to for a free or reduced-cost license, or if you're having trouble with an online purchase. They can also tell you which waters are currently open to fishing and whether any temporary closures are in effect.

If you're buying in person and a retailer tells you they can't process your purchase, call the department to troubleshoot. Sometimes a technical issue or a flag in the system can be cleared with a quick phone call. The department's hours vary, so check their website before calling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish with someone else's license?

No. Your license is tied to your name and Social Security number. Only the person whose name is on the license can fish legally. Each person fishing must have their own valid license, even if they're fishing together as a family.

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

No. You don't need a license to fish in a pond on land you own. However, if you're fishing on someone else's private property, you need both a valid license and the landowner's permission.

What happens if I fish without a license?

Fishing without a valid license in Georgia is a violation. You can receive a citation, a fine, and potentially lose your fishing privileges. The penalty varies depending on the circumstances, so it's worth the small cost of a license to avoid legal trouble.

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

You can purchase a license online and give the printed copy to someone, but they will need to register it with their own name and Social Security number before they can use it. Some retailers also sell gift certificates that the recipient can use to buy a license in their own name.

Is my out-of-state fishing license valid in Georgia?

No. You must have a Georgia fishing license to fish in Georgia waters. Your license from another state is not valid here. If you're visiting from out of state, purchase a non-resident license — the 3-day or 14-day option is often the best choice for short trips.