A Guide to Seasonal Fishing Licenses, and Other License Matters
By Ken Schultz
Apr 09, 2025
New to fishing? About to purchase a license? Been told you need a seasonal fishing license but don’t know whether that means spring, summer, a whole year, or just a week? Confused about what you need, or how to get a fishing license? If so, the following information will help as you dive into this sport.
Who Needs a License?
No matter what state you live in, you will likely need a license for freshwater and/or saltwater fishing.
License Exceptions
There are a few reasons for license exceptions, including: fishing from a saltwater pier, fishing with a licensed captain, and fishing on a private pond. Check with your state to see if any of these, or others, apply. In Virginia, for example, a person can purchase a “boat” license that serves as the operator’s saltwater fishing license as well as the license for any guests on the boat.
Children under a certain age (often 16) are not required to have a license. Many states offer free or discounted licenses to resident seniors, disabled anglers, active military members, and veterans. Additionally, in some states, a person who is accompanying a child is not required to have a license as long as they do not assist in fishing (like casting or landing a fish).
License Type: Resident or Nonresident
If you recently moved to a new state check to see what constitutes residency there (usually it’s a short period of time) and what proof is needed. If you qualify, you want to purchase as a resident, since nonresident fishing license fees are greater and few exceptions apply to nonresidents.
License Duration
Annual. There is a little confusion in terminology with respect to what a seasonal fishing license means. While you may think of it as applying to a certain time of the year, most states refer to it as an annual fishing license (“seasonal” in this sense meaning a year-long period). Depending on the state, annual may be by calendar year, or 365 days from the date of purchase, or for some other twelve- or thirteen-month period.
Short-term. Short-term fishing licenses are primarily intended for people who are visiting a location and will likely not return during the license year. The duration of these short-term licenses varies among states, but are typically one-day, three-day, and seven days. It’s important to make sure that they begin on the first date that you expect to fish, not necessarily on the date that you arrive at the location. Short-term licenses are cheaper than annual licenses, but can add up if you need to purchase them multiple times.
Freshwater, Saltwater, or Both?
Some states with both freshwater and saltwater fishing opportunities sell combination licenses, at a slightly reduced fee, for both of these opportunities. Otherwise, you’re buying a license that applies only to freshwater fishing, or only to saltwater fishing. Note that a special permit may be required to fish for, or to keep, certain fish species.
Is a License Issued by One State Good in Another?
No. There is no federal fishing license, just state-issued ones. With few exceptions, a state-issued fishing license is only good within the issuing state. Border or boundary waters may be subject to a reciprocal license agreement, but you need to verify that, as well as the regulations that apply there.
License Possession
Generally you’re required to have your fishing license in your possession and to show it to a conservation officer upon request. Check to make sure that a digital copy of your license will suffice, especially if purchased online.
Where To Buy a Fishing License
Many fishing licenses are purchased online from a state wildlife agency. Some government offices (such as town clerk or tax collector) may issue a state fishing license. And some sport shops may issue them, though usually by logging into the state’s online site and assisting you with filling out a form.
Know Before You Go
Don’t take anyone’s word for what you need with respect to a license, or fishing regulations. Go to the appropriate agency’s website, or obtain a state regulations brochure, and make sure.
