How much does a fishing license cost? The median price for a one-year resident fishing license in the United States is $25. The median price for a one-year non-resident fishing license in the United States is $51. The prices vary from state to state with 9 states requiring separate saltwater and freshwater licences.
You can purchase a fishing license in person at a local Walmart or some tackle stores will also sell them. However, you can purchase a fishing license online through the local regulatory bodies. The table below lists each of the governmental bodies we recommend for each state.
Key Facts
- Fishing license costs vary by state, residency, and license type, with the median resident licenses being $25 and median non-resident licenses are $51.
- Additional permits may be needed for specific types of fishing, such as freshwater or saltwater fishing.
- Obtaining the appropriate fishing license and understanding legal fishing requirements promotes responsible and enjoyable angling experiences.
Fishing License Cost Infographic
Fishing License Cost By State
| State | Resident License (Annual) | Non-Resident License (Annual) | Licenses for Short-Term | Purchase Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama (AL) | $14.05 (Freshwater) $24.35 (Saltwater) | $54.20 for Freshwater $52.20 for Saltwater | 1 Day (Resident) – $6.45 7 Days (Non-Resident) – $30.40 | Alabama Fishing License |
| Alaska (AK) | $29 | $145 | Alaska Fishing License | |
| Arizona (AZ) | $37 | $55 | Arizona Fishing License | |
| Arkansas (AR) | $10.50 | $50 | 3 days (Resident) – $6.50 3 days (Non-Resident) – $16 7 days (Non-Resident) – $25 | Arkanasas Fishing License |
| California (CA) | 58.58 | 158.25 | 1 Day – $19.18 2 Day – $29.42 10 Days – $58.58 | California Fishing License |
| Colorado (CO) | $35.17 | $97.97 | 1 Day (Resident) – $13.90 1 Day (Non-Resident) – $16.94 5 Days (Non-Resident) – $32.14 Additional Day – $6.81 | Colorado Fishing License |
| Connecticut (CT) | $32 | $63 | 3 Days (Non-Resident) – $22 | Connecticut Fishing License |
| Delaware (DE) | $11 | $22.50 | 7 Days (Non-Resident) – $15 | Delaware Fishing License |
| Florida (FL) | $17 (Freshwater) $17 (Saltwater) | $47.00 (Freshwater) $47.00 (Saltwater) | 3 Days (Non-Resident) – $17 7 Days (Non-Resident) – $30 | Florida Fishing License |
| Georgia (GA) | $15 | $50 | 1 Day (Non-Resident) – $10 Additional Day – $3.50 | Georgia Fishing License |
| Hawaii (HI) | $6 | $26 | 7 Days (Non-Resident) – $11 30 Days (Non-Resident) – $21 | Hawaii Fishing License |
| Idaho (ID) | $30.50 | $98.25 | 1 Day (Non-Resident) – $15 Additional Day – $7 | Idaho Fishing License |
| Illinois (IL) | $15 | $31.50 | Illinois Fishing License | |
| Indiana (IN) | $17 | $35 | 1 Day – $9 7 Days (Non-Resident) – $20 | Indiana Fishing License |
| Iowa (IA) | $22 | $48 | 1 Day (Resident) – $10.50 7 Days (Resident) – $15.50 1 day (Non-Resident) – $12 3 days (Non-Resident) – $20.50 7 days (Non-Resident) – $37.50 | Iowa Fishing License |
| Kansas (KS) | $27.50 | $52.50 | 1 Day (Resident) – $8.50 1 day (Non-Resident) – $14.50 5 days (Non-Resident) – $27.50 | Kansas |
| Kentucky (KY) | $23 | $55 | 1 Day (Resident) – $7 1 Day (Non-Resident) – $15 | Kentucky Fishing License |
| Louisiana (LA) | $9.50 | $60 | 1 Day (Non-Resident) – $5 | Louisiana Fishing License |
| Maine (ME) | $25 | $64 | 1 Day – $11 Non-Resident 3 Day – $23 Non-Resident 7 Day – $43 Non-Resident 15 Day – $47 | Maine Fishing License |
| Maryland (MD) | $20.50 (Freshwater) $15.00 (Saltwater) | $30.50 (Freshwater) $22.50 (Saltwater) | 7 Days (Resident) – $7.50 3 & 7 days (Non-Resident) – Depends on your home state | Maryland Fishing License |
| Massachusetts (MA) | $27.50 (Freshwater) $10.00 (Saltwater) | $37.50 (Freshwater) $10.00 (Saltwater) | 3 Days (Resident Freshwater) – $12.50 3 Days Non-Resident Freshwater – $23.50 | Massachusetts Fishing License |
| Michigan (MI) | $26 | $76 | 1 Day – $10 3 Days – $30 | Michigan Fishing License |
| Minnesota (MN) | $25 | $51 | 1 Day (Resident) – $12 3 Days (Resident) – $14 1 Day (Non-Resident) – $14 3 Days (Non-Resident) – $36 7 Days (Non-Resident) – $43 | Minnesota Fishing License |
| Mississippi (MS) | $27.29 (Freshwater) $34.29 (Saltwater) | $64.29 (Freshwater) $34.29 (Saltwater) | 3 Days Freshwater (Resident) – $5.29 1 Day Freshwater (Non-Resident) – $10.29 3 Days Freshwater (Non-Resident) – $18.29 3 Days Saltwater (Non-Resident) – $18.29 | Mississippi Fishing License |
| Missouri (MO) | $12 | $49 | 1 Day – $8 | Missouri Fishing License |
| Montana (MT) | $31 | $111 | 2 Days Resident – $15 2 Days Non-Resident – $50 10 Days (Non-Resident) – $81 | Montana Fishing License |
| Nebraska (NE) | $38 | $76 | 1 Day (Resident) – $10 3 Days (Resident) – $31 1 Day (Non-Resident) – $13 3 Days (Non-Resident) – $37 | Nebraska Fishing License |
| Nevada (NV) | $40 | $80 | 1 Day (Resident) – $9 Additional Day – $3 1 Day (Non-Resident) |