Renew Fishing License Online

You can renew your fishing license in just a few minutes to continue making new memories out on the water while supporting conservation. Find out how to renew your fishing license, where to renew, and get helpful license renewal tips in this section.

Renew Fishing License Online

One of the quickest and easiest ways to renew your fishing license is by renewing online or through a mobile app. Many state fish and wildlife agencies provide the option of being able to renew, purchase, and store your fishing licenses on your smart phone or tablet.

Tips to Renew Fishing License Online

Consider these tips on how to renew fishing license requirements or fishing permits online:

  • Since each state may vary, check directly with your state agency to confirm specific options and appropriate steps for fishing license renewal. You can renew a fishing license online by using the state agency pages to help guide you in the right direction.
  • Many state agencies will ask you to set up an online account to help keep track of your license renewal dates. They may also send out an email reminder that alerts you of "when to renew fishing license." Setting up an account is a good idea because it will help you remember to renew your license and prevent it from expiring.
  • You may want to consider a long-term license, such as a 5-year fishing license or lifetime license, if available. These options mean that you won't have to renew your fishing license as often (or ever, in the case of a lifetime fishing license).
  • When renewing, you might wonder how much does a fishing license cost or if the cost has changed since you first purchased your license online. Your state agency's website will have the current fishing license and permit costs specified, or you can call your state agency to check.

If you don't have access to a computer, smart phone, or tablet, there's no need to worry about where to renew fishing licenses because there are other options.

Other License Renewal Options

There are additional ways you can renew your fishing license if the renew fishing license online tips don't apply to you.

  • Many states have a toll-free 800 or 888 number available that you can call to renew your fishing license at any time (some state systems are available 24 hours a day).
  • You can renew your recreational fishing license directly with your state agency or by renewing in person at a local license vendor, such as a tax collector's office or tackle shop.

Whichever way you decide to renew your fishing license, you can do it with the knowledge that your license fees go toward state conservation efforts. Fish surveys, fish stocking and hatchery programs, habitat improvements, educational programs, conservation officer budgets, and outreach programs are just a few examples of how license renewal fees are used for conservation.