Where to buy your Pennsylvania fishing license

You can buy a Pennsylvania fishing license in three ways: online through the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission website, in person at a licensed issuing agent, or by phone. The online route is fastest — you can print your license when ready and fish the same day. In-person agents include sporting goods stores, bait and tackle shops, and some Walmart locations; they issue licenses on the spot. Phone orders go through the Fish and Boat Commission directly at 717-705-7800, though you will need to pick up your physical license or have it mailed to you.

The Fish and Boat Commission maintains a searchable list of licensed agents on its website, organized by county. If you live near a major city, you will likely find multiple options within a few miles. Rural areas may have fewer agents, so calling ahead to confirm they have the license type you need saves a trip.

Key Takeaways

  • Pennsylvania residents ages 16 and older need a fishing license to fish in state waters, with limited exceptions for children under 16 and disabled veterans.
  • A one-year resident license costs around $22.97; a three-year license costs around $60.97; prices vary slightly by year and are set by the Fish and Boat Commission.
  • You can buy online when ready and print your license to fish the same day, or buy in person at sporting goods stores and bait shops throughout the state.
  • Non-residents can buy a seven-day license for around $16.97 or a one-year license for around $40.97, with the same purchase options as residents.
  • You must carry your license with you while fishing; a printed copy or digital copy on your phone both count as proof.

License types and costs

Pennsylvania offers resident and non-resident licenses in different time frames. A resident one-year license covers you from the date of purchase through the end of that calendar year and costs around $22.97. A resident three-year license costs around $60.97 and runs for three full years from purchase. Non-residents can buy a seven-day license for around $16.97 or a one-year non-resident license for around $40.97. Exact prices are set annually by the Fish and Boat Commission and may shift slightly year to year.

You do not need a license if you are under 16 years old, a Pennsylvania resident over 67, or a disabled veteran with a valid disability rating from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Disabled veterans must register with the Fish and Boat Commission to receive their free license. If you fall into one of these categories, you still need to carry proof of your status while fishing.

What you need before you buy

To buy a license online or in person, have your Pennsylvania driver's license or ID card ready. The Fish and Boat Commission uses your ID number to issue the license and prevent duplicate purchases. If you do not have a Pennsylvania ID, you can use a valid out-of-state driver's license or passport, though in-person agents may have additional requirements — call ahead to confirm.

Non-residents should have their home state ID or passport. If you are buying for someone else as a gift, you will need their name and date of birth, though some agents may require the person to be present or to sign a form. Online purchases require a valid credit or debit card.

Buying online through the Fish and Boat Commission

Go to the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission website and select "Buy a License" from the homepage. You will be asked whether you are a resident or non-resident, then to choose your license type and duration. Enter your name, date of birth, address, and driver's license or ID number. Review the terms, pay by credit or debit card, and you will receive a confirmation email with your license number.

Print the license when ready or save the email confirmation — both count as proof while you are fishing. You do not need to wait for a physical copy to arrive in the mail. If you prefer a printed card in your wallet, the Fish and Boat Commission will mail one to you at no extra cost, though it takes one to two weeks. You can also display your license on your phone by saving the PDF or taking a screenshot of the confirmation.

Buying in person at a licensed agent

Bring your ID and payment method to any licensed issuing agent. Tell them whether you are a resident or non-resident and which license type you want. They will enter your information into their system, take your payment, and hand you a printed license on the spot. The whole process usually takes five to ten minutes. You can fish when ready after leaving the store.

Agents accept cash, check, and card, though policies vary by location — call ahead if you want to confirm payment methods. Some agents charge a small issuing fee on top of the license price; this fee is set by the individual agent, not the state. If an agent charges a fee that seems high, you can buy online instead and avoid it.

Buying by phone

Call the Fish and Boat Commission at 717-705-7800 during business hours. Have your ID number and payment information ready. A representative will take your information, process your payment, and give you a license number over the phone. You can then either pick up your physical license at a Fish and Boat Commission office or have it mailed to you. Until your physical license arrives, you can fish using the license number alone — write it down or take a photo of the confirmation email.

Phone orders are useful if you are out of state or prefer not to use the website, but they are slower than online or in-person purchases because you have to wait for mail delivery or make a trip to an office. Call during regular business hours, which are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern time.

What to do if you lose your license

If you lose your printed license, you can buy a replacement at any licensed agent or online through the Fish and Boat Commission website for a small fee, usually around $2 to $5. You will need your license number, which the Fish and Boat Commission can look up using your name and date of birth. If you do not have the number, call 717-705-7800 and they will provide it.

While you wait for your replacement, you can fish using your license number alone — the Fish and Boat Commission's system shows you are licensed, and a game warden can verify this by radio. Carry a photo ID and your license number written down or saved on your phone. Avoid fishing without any proof of your license number, as a warden cannot verify your status on the water.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a Pennsylvania fishing license if I live out of state?

Yes. Non-residents can buy a seven-day or one-year license online, by phone, or in person at any licensed agent in Pennsylvania. You will need a valid out-of-state driver's license or passport. Prices are higher than resident licenses — a seven-day non-resident license is around $16.97 and a one-year non-resident license is around $40.97.

Do I need a separate license to fish in Pennsylvania lakes versus rivers?

No. A single Pennsylvania fishing license covers all state waters — lakes, rivers, streams, and ponds. You do not need different licenses for different water types. Some waters have special rules about what you can catch or how you can fish, but those are regulations, not separate licenses.

What happens if I fish without a license?

Fishing without a valid license is a violation of Pennsylvania law. A game warden can issue a citation, which typically results in a fine. The amount depends on whether it is your first offense and other circumstances. Carrying your license with you while fishing prevents this problem entirely.

Can I use my license in other states?

No. Your Pennsylvania license is valid only in Pennsylvania waters. If you want to fish in another state, you must buy that state's license. Each state manages its own fishing licenses and does not recognize licenses from other states.

How long does it take to get a license if I buy in person?

You receive your license when ready — usually within five to ten minutes. You can fish the same day. Online purchases also let you print and fish the same day. Phone orders are slower because you have to pick up your license at an office or wait for mail delivery.