A Comprehensive Guide to Getting a Fishing License in Every U.S. State
Fishing is a popular and rewarding pastime that requires proper licensing to ensure sustainable practices and support conservation efforts. Each U.S. state has its own regulations and processes for obtaining a fishing license. This guide provides detailed information on how and where to get a fishing license in each state.
It is a straightforward process in most states, and it’s essential for legal and responsible fishing. Each state offers a variety of options tailored to residents and non-residents, with special discounts for seniors, veterans, and youth. By obtaining the appropriate license, you contribute to conservation efforts and ensure the sustainability of fishing resources for future generations. Before heading out, always check the latest regulations and requirements in your state to stay compliant and enjoy a great fishing experience.
Alabama
How to Get a License:
- Online: Purchase through the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources website.
- In Person: Available at authorized retailers, county probate offices, and marine resources offices.
Requirements:
- Resident and non-resident licenses available.
- Discounts for seniors and disabled individuals.
Alaska
How to Get a License:
- Online: Available on the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website.
- In Person: At local ADFG offices and authorized vendors.
Requirements:
- Different licenses for residents and non-residents.
- Special permits for king salmon and certain regions.
Arizona
How to Get a License:
- Online: Through the Arizona Game and Fish Department website.
- In Person: At license dealers statewide and Game and Fish Department offices.
Requirements:
- Resident and non-resident licenses.
- Youth licenses available for ages 10-17.
Arkansas
How to Get a License:
- Online: Purchase via the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission website.
- In Person: At AGFC regional offices and sporting goods stores.
Requirements:
- Resident and non-resident options.
- Lifetime licenses available for residents.
California
How to Get a License:
- Online: Through the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website.
- In Person: At CDFW offices and licensed agents.
Requirements:
- Variety of licenses for residents and non-residents.
- Additional report cards required for certain species.
Colorado
How to Get a License:
- Online: Via the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website.
- In Person: At CPW offices and over 700 retailers statewide.
Requirements:
- Annual, daily, and multi-day licenses available.
- Special youth and senior licenses.
Connecticut
How to Get a License:
- Online: Purchase through the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection website.
- In Person: At town clerks and some retail stores.
Requirements:
- Resident and non-resident licenses.
- Free licenses for seniors over 65.
Delaware
How to Get a License:
- Online: Via the Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife website.
- In Person: At authorized licensing agents.
Requirements:
- Freshwater and saltwater licenses.
- Special licenses for seniors and veterans.
Florida
How to Get a License:
- Online: Through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website.
- In Person: At tax collectors’ offices and licensed vendors.
Requirements:
- Separate licenses for freshwater and saltwater fishing.
- Discounted rates for residents over 65 and disabled veterans.
Georgia
How to Get a License:
- Online: Via the Georgia Department of Natural Resources website.
- In Person: At authorized retailers and DNR offices.
Requirements:
- Resident and non-resident licenses.
- Short-term, annual, and lifetime options.
Hawaii
How to Get a License:
- Online: Purchase through the Hawaii Division of Aquatic Resources website.
- In Person: At DAR offices and selected agents.
Requirements:
- No license required for marine fishing.
- Freshwater licenses required for certain areas.
Idaho
How to Get a License:
- Online: Via the Idaho Department of Fish and Game website.
- In Person: At IDFG offices and authorized vendors.
Requirements:
- Resident and non-resident options.
- Youth licenses available for ages 14-17.
Illinois
How to Get a License:
- Online: Through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website.
- In Person: At IDNR offices and selected retailers.
Requirements:
- Resident and non-resident licenses.
- Free licenses for seniors over 65.
Indiana
How to Get a License:
- Online: Purchase via the Indiana Department of Natural Resources website.
- In Person: At authorized retailers and DNR offices.
Requirements:
- Resident and non-resident options.
- Special rates for seniors and disabled veterans.
Iowa
How to Get a License:
- Online: Through the Iowa Department of Natural Resources website.
- In Person: At license vendors statewide.
Requirements:
- Resident and non-resident licenses.
- Youth licenses available for ages 16-18.
Kansas
How to Get a License:
- Online: Via the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism website.
- In Person: At KDWPT offices and license agents.
Requirements:
- Resident and non-resident options.
- Lifetime licenses available for residents.
Kentucky
How to Get a License:
- Online: Through the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources website.
- In Person: At KDFWR offices and authorized agents.
Requirements:
- Resident and non-resident licenses.
- Senior licenses available for those over 65.
Louisiana
How to Get a License:
- Online: Via the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries website.
- In Person: At LDWF offices and authorized retailers.
Requirements:
- Resident and non-resident options.
- Special licenses for military and seniors.
Maine
How to Get a License:
- Online: Purchase through the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife website.
- In Person: At MDIFW offices and selected agents.
Requirements:
- Resident and non-resident licenses.
- Lifetime licenses available for residents.
Maryland
How to Get a License:
- Online: Via the Maryland Department of Natural Resources website.
- In Person: At DNR offices and authorized vendors.
Requirements:
- Separate licenses for freshwater and saltwater fishing.
- Free licenses for seniors over 65.
Massachusetts
How to Get a License:
- Online: Through the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife website.
- In Person: At MassWildlife offices and licensed agents.
Requirements:
- Resident and non-resident options.
- Free licenses for residents aged 15-17 and over 70.
Michigan
How to Get a License:
- Online: Purchase via the Michigan Department of Natural Resources website.
- In Person: At DNR offices and license agents.
Requirements:
- Resident and non-resident licenses.
- Senior licenses available at a discounted rate.
Minnesota
How to Get a License:
- Online: Through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website.
- In Person: At DNR offices and authorized retailers.
Requirements:
- Resident and non-resident options.
- Lifetime licenses available for residents.
Mississippi
How to Get a License:
- Online: Via the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks website.
- In Person: At MDWFP offices and selected agents.
Requirements:
- Resident and non-resident licenses.
- Senior licenses available for those over 65.
Missouri
How to Get a License:
- Online: Purchase through the Missouri Department of Conservation website.
- In Person: At MDC offices and authorized retailers.
Requirements:
- Resident and non-resident options.
- Lifetime licenses available for residents.
Montana
How to Get a License:
- Online: Via the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks website.
- In Person: At FWP offices and authorized agents.
Requirements:
- Resident and non-resident licenses.
- Special permits required for certain species.
Nebraska
How to Get a License:
- Online: Through the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission website.
- In Person: At NGPC offices and license agents.
Requirements:
- Resident and non-resident options.
- Youth licenses available for ages 16-17.
Nevada
How to Get a License:
- Online: Purchase via the Nevada Department of Wildlife website.
- In Person: At NDOW offices and authorized vendors.
Requirements:
- Resident and non-resident licenses.
- Special permits for certain waters and species.
New Hampshire
How to Get a License:
- Online: Through the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department website.
- In Person: At NHFG offices and license agents.
Requirements:
- Resident and non-resident options.
- Free licenses for seniors over 68.
New Jersey
How to Get a License:
- Online: Via the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife website.
- In Person: At authorized agents and Division offices.
Requirements:
- Resident and non-resident licenses.
- Free licenses for residents over 70.
New Mexico
How to Get a License:
- Online: Purchase through the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish website.
- In Person: At NMDGF offices and selected retailers.
Requirements:
- Resident and non-resident options.
- Special permits required for certain species.
New York
How to Get a License:
- Online: Via the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation website.
- In Person: At DEC offices and license agents.
Requirements:
- Resident and non-resident licenses.
- Free licenses for active military and veterans.
North Carolina
How to Get a License:
- Online: Through the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission website.
- In Person: At license agents statewide and NCWRC offices.
Requirements:
- Resident and non-resident options.
- Lifetime licenses available for residents.
North Dakota
How to Get a License:
- Online: Via the North Dakota Game and Fish Department website.
- In Person: At NDGF offices and authorized agents.
Requirements:
- Resident and non-resident licenses.
- Special permits for certain species.
Ohio
How to Get a License:
- Online: Through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources website.
- In Person: At authorized agents and ODNR offices.
Requirements:
- Resident and non-resident licenses.
- Discounted rates for seniors and youth.
Oklahoma
How to Get a License:
- Online: Via the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation website.
- In Person: At ODWC offices and selected retailers.
Requirements:
- Resident and non-resident licenses.
- Lifetime licenses available for residents.
Oregon
How to Get a License:
- Online: Through the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife website.
- In Person: At ODFW offices and licensed vendors.
Requirements:
- Resident and non-resident licenses.
- Special tags required for certain species.
Pennsylvania
How to Get a License:
- Online: Via the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission website.
- In Person: At authorized agents and PFBC offices.
Requirements:
- Resident and non-resident licenses.
- Reduced rates for seniors and youth.
Rhode Island
How to Get a License:
- Online: Through the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management website.
- In Person: At DEM offices and selected retailers.
Requirements:
- Resident and non-resident licenses.
- Special permits required for certain species.
South Carolina
How to Get a License:
- Online: Via the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources website.
- In Person: At SCDNR offices and authorized vendors.
Requirements:
- Resident and non-resident licenses.
- Free licenses for seniors over 65.
South Dakota
How to Get a License:
- Online: Through the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks website.
- In Person: At GFP offices and license agents.
Requirements:
- Resident and non-resident licenses.
- Special permits for certain species.
Tennessee
How to Get a License:
- Online: Via the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency website.
- In Person: At TWRA offices and authorized retailers.
Requirements:
- Resident and non-resident licenses.
- Lifetime licenses available for residents.
Texas
How to Get a License:
- Online: Through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website.
- In Person: At TPWD offices and selected retailers.
Requirements:
- Resident and non-resident licenses.
- Special packages available for seniors and veterans.
Utah
How to Get a License:
- Online: Via the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources website.
- In Person: At DWR offices and authorized agents.
Requirements:
- Resident and non-resident licenses.
- Youth licenses available for ages 12-17.
Vermont
How to Get a License:
- Online: Through the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department website.
- In Person: At VFWD offices and license agents.
Requirements:
- Resident and non-resident licenses.
- Free licenses for residents over 70.
Virginia
How to Get a License:
- Online: Via the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources website.
- In Person: At DWR offices and selected retailers.
Requirements:
- Resident and non-resident licenses.
- Lifetime licenses available for residents.
Washington
How to Get a License:
- Online: Through the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife website.
- In Person: At WDFW offices and licensed agents.
Requirements:
- Resident and non-resident licenses.
- Special tags required for certain species.
West Virginia
How to Get a License:
- Online: Via the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources website.
- In Person: At WVDNR offices and authorized vendors.
Requirements:
- Resident and non-resident licenses.
- Lifetime licenses available for residents.
Wisconsin
How to Get a License:
- Online: Through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website.
- In Person: At WDNR offices and license agents.
Requirements:
- Resident and non-resident licenses.
- Special permits for certain species.
Wyoming
How to Get a License:
- Online: Via the Wyoming Game and Fish Department website.
- In Person: At WGFD offices and authorized agents.
Requirements:
- Resident and non-resident licenses.
- Youth licenses available for ages 14-18.
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