California issues fishing licenses through the Department of Fish and Wildlife, and you can buy one online, by phone, or in person at a license vendor

A California fishing license is a permit that lets you fish in the state's public waters. You buy it from the Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), not from individual lakes or rivers. The license covers both freshwater and saltwater fishing, though some fish species have separate restrictions. Most people buy their license online at wildlife.ca.gov/licensing, which takes about five minutes and prints when ready to your phone or computer.

You do not need a license if you fish from a public pier in certain counties, or if you are under 16 years old. If you are 16 or older and fish anywhere else in California, you need a license before you cast a line. The license year runs January 1 through December 31, so a license bought in November expires at the end of that same year.

Key Takeaways

  • Buy your license online at wildlife.ca.gov/licensing, by phone at 1-888-334-2258, or at a vendor like Walmart, Costco, or a local bait shop.
  • You need a valid California ID or driver's license, your Social Security number, and a payment method (credit card, debit card, or check by mail).
  • A one-year resident fishing license costs a set amount that varies by year; non-residents pay more, and short-term licenses (one day, two days, or ten days) are also sold.
  • Your license prints when ready online or arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days if you order by phone or at a vendor.
  • You must carry your license with you while fishing and show it to a warden if asked.

Buying your license online is fastest and requires no waiting

Go to wildlife.ca.gov/licensing and click "Buy a License." You will see options for resident or non-resident, and for different license lengths: one year, ten days, two days, or one day. Select the type that matches your situation. Resident licenses are cheaper and require you to have lived in California for at least six months; if you have not, buy a non-resident license.

Enter your name, date of birth, California driver's license or ID number, and Social Security number. The site will ask for your address and email. Pay with a credit card or debit card. Your license prints as a PDF to your email and your account on the CDFW website within seconds. You can print it at home, save it to your phone, or both. The PDF is your legal license—you do not need a physical card.

If you do not have a printer or prefer a mailed copy, you can still order online and request a physical license by mail, though it will take 7 to 10 business days to arrive. Most people print from home and fish the same day.

Buying by phone or at a vendor takes longer but works if you cannot go online

Call the CDFW licensing line at 1-888-334-2258 Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Pacific time. Have your driver's license or ID number and Social Security number ready. Tell the representative whether you are a resident or non-resident and what license length you want. They will take your payment by credit card or debit card. Your license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

You can also buy a license in person at a vendor. Common vendors include Walmart, Costco, Kmart, and local bait and tackle shops. Not every location sells licenses, so call ahead or check the vendor locator at wildlife.ca.gov/licensing/vendors. Bring your driver's license or ID and be ready to pay cash or card. The vendor will print your license on the spot or mail it to you within a few days, depending on their system.

What information and documents you need before you start

Have your California driver's license or state ID card with you. If you do not have one, you can use a passport or passport card instead. You will also need your Social Security number. The CDFW uses this to check whether you owe child support or have unpaid fines that would disqualify you from getting a license.

If you are buying online, you need a payment method: a credit card, debit card, or (if ordering by mail) a check. If you are buying at a vendor, cash or card both work. Non-residents should have proof of residency in another state if the vendor asks, though most do not.

Understanding resident versus non-resident licenses and short-term options

A resident license is cheaper and requires that you have lived in California for at least six months before you buy it. If you moved to California less than six months ago, you must buy a non-resident license even if you plan to stay. After six months of residence, you can switch to a resident license the next time you renew.

Non-residents pay a higher price and do not have a residency requirement. If you are visiting California to fish, a non-resident license is what you need. The CDFW also sells short-term licenses: a one-day license, a two-day license, and a ten-day license. These are cheaper than a full year and are meant for visitors or people who fish rarely. A ten-day license, for example, costs less than half the price of a one-year license.

What happens after you buy your license and before you fish

If you bought online, print your license or save the PDF to your phone. Check that your name, license number, and expiration date are correct. If something is wrong, contact the CDFW at 1-888-334-2258 before you go fishing.

If you ordered by phone or at a vendor, your license will arrive by mail. Open the envelope and check the same details. Your license is valid starting the day it is issued, not the day it arrives, so you can fish as soon as you receive it.

Before you fish, also check the California Fishing Regulations booklet, which you can read free from wildlife.ca.gov. It lists which fish you can keep, how many, what size they must be, and which waters are open or closed. Regulations change by season and by location, so checking is important. You are required by law to know the rules for where you plan to fish.

Carrying and showing your license while you fish

You must have your license with you at all times while you are fishing. If you printed it at home, keep the paper in a waterproof pocket or bag. If you saved it to your phone, make sure your phone is charged and the file is straightforward to find. A California Department of Fish and Wildlife warden can stop you and ask to see your license. If you cannot show it, you can be cited and fined.

If you lost your license or your phone died, you can show the warden your receipt or your CDFW account on another device. Having proof that you bought a license is better than having nothing, though a warden may still issue a citation if you cannot produce the actual license. The safest approach is to print a backup copy and keep it separate from your main license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a separate license for saltwater fishing?

No. A single California fishing license covers both freshwater and saltwater fishing. However, some saltwater fish require a special report or tag—for example, white sturgeon and certain sharks. Check the regulations booklet for your target species.

Can I fish from a public pier without a license?

In some counties, you can fish from a public pier without a license. These counties are listed on the CDFW website. If your county is not on the list, you need a license even from a pier. Call 1-888-334-2258 to confirm your county.

What if my license expires while I am on a trip?

Your license is only valid through December 31 of the year you bought it. If you are fishing on January 1, you need a new license. Buy your next year's license before December 31 to avoid any gap.

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

The CDFW does not issue refunds for unused licenses. However, if you bought your license by mistake or it was issued with an error, contact the licensing line at 1-888-334-2258 within 30 days to discuss your options.

What if I cannot remember my Social Security number?

You will need your Social Security number to buy a license online or by phone. If you do not have it memorized, check your tax return, W-2, or Social Security card. If you have lost all records, you can explore for a replacement at ssa.gov or visit a local Social Security office.