Georgia fishing licenses are issued by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GA DNR) Wildlife Resources Division. This guide explains how to buy, renew, or reprint your Georgia fishing license online through the official Go Outdoors Georgia system, what licenses cost, how saltwater licensing works, when a trout license is required, and what Georgia fishing rules require.
Visit the official Georgia fishing license page →
Quick Georgia Fishing License Information
| Category | Georgia Fishing License Details |
|---|---|
| Issued By | Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GA DNR) Wildlife Resources Division |
| Online System | Go Outdoors Georgia (gooutdoorsgeorgia.com) |
| Online Purchase Available? | Yes |
| Digital Licenses Accepted? | Yes |
| Minimum License Age | 16 years old |
| Resident Annual License | $15.00 |
| Nonresident Annual License | $50.00 |
| License Expiration | December 31 each year |
| Combination Licenses Available? | Yes — combo freshwater and saltwater options available |
| Saltwater Permit Required? | Yes — separate Georgia Saltwater Recreational Fishing License |
Always verify current pricing through the official Go Outdoors Georgia website before purchasing. Georgia license fees can change periodically.
How to Buy a Georgia Fishing License Online
Georgia fishing licenses can be purchased online through the official Go Outdoors Georgia system at gooutdoorsgeorgia.com, operated by the Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division. Licenses are typically issued immediately after purchase and can be displayed digitally on your phone.
- Visit Go Outdoors Georgia — Go to gooutdoorsgeorgia.com, the official GA DNR online licensing portal.
- Create or log in to your account — Enter your Georgia ID or driver’s license number and personal information.
- Select your license type — Choose resident, nonresident, annual, short-term, freshwater, saltwater, or combination options.
- Complete payment online — Pay using a debit or credit card.
- Download or display your license — Georgia accepts digital fishing licenses displayed on a mobile device.
Access the official Go Outdoors Georgia licensing system →
What Is Go Outdoors Georgia?
Go Outdoors Georgia (gooutdoorsgeorgia.com) is the official online licensing system operated by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division. It is used to purchase, renew, and manage Georgia fishing licenses, hunting licenses, trout licenses, saltwater licenses, and related outdoor permits.
If you are searching for “GA DNR fishing license,” “georgia dnr fishing license online,” “go outdoors georgia renew,” or “georgia dnr fishing license renewal,” the official portal is gooutdoorsgeorgia.com.
Georgia Fishing License Costs
Georgia fishing license costs vary based on residency, age, and license type. The following prices reflect common Georgia fishing license options issued by the GA DNR.
| License Type | Resident Fee | Nonresident Fee | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Freshwater Fishing License | $15.00 | $50.00 | Expires Dec 31 |
| 1-Day Fishing License | $3.50 | $7.00 | 1 day |
| 7-Day Fishing License | N/A | $24.00 | 7 days |
| Senior Annual License (age 65+) | Free | N/A | Expires Dec 31 |
| Disability License | Free | N/A | Expires Dec 31 |
| Saltwater Recreational Fishing License | $10.00 | $10.00 | Expires Dec 31 |
| Trout License (add-on) | $10.00 | $10.00 | Expires Dec 31 |
License fees can change. Always verify current pricing through the official Go Outdoors Georgia website before purchasing.
See our fishing license cost by state guide for nationwide comparisons.
Georgia Saltwater Fishing License
Georgia requires a separate Georgia Saltwater Recreational Fishing License for fishing in saltwater and tidal waters. A standard freshwater fishing license does not cover saltwater fishing in Georgia.
Anglers fishing Georgia’s coast — including Tybee Island, Brunswick, the Golden Isles, Jekyll Island, Cumberland Island, and other saltwater and tidal areas — need to purchase the saltwater license in addition to or instead of a freshwater license.
The Georgia saltwater recreational fishing license costs $10.00 for both residents and nonresidents and is available through the Go Outdoors Georgia system.
See our saltwater fishing license guide for more on coastal fishing requirements by state.
Georgia Trout License Requirements
Georgia requires a separate trout license for anglers fishing designated trout streams and trout waters. A standard Georgia fishing license alone does not cover trout fishing in regulated trout areas.
The Georgia trout license costs $10.00 for both residents and nonresidents and is available through Go Outdoors Georgia. Popular trout fishing areas include North Georgia mountain streams, Blue Ridge waters, and designated trout sections of rivers and creeks managed by GA DNR.
Anglers fishing stocked trout waters or designated trout streams should always review current Georgia trout regulations before fishing.
Why Buying Online Is the Fastest Option
- Immediate access — Licenses are typically issued instantly after purchase
- No travel required — Skip the trip to a sporting goods store or DNR office
- 24/7 availability — Buy anytime, including the morning of a fishing trip
- Digital convenience — Georgia accepts licenses displayed on a mobile device
- Easy renewals and reprints — Access your Go Outdoors Georgia account anytime
How to Renew a Georgia Fishing License Online
Georgia fishing licenses expire on December 31 each year. Renewal is available online through the Go Outdoors Georgia system. Anglers are encouraged to renew before January 1 to avoid any gap in coverage.
- Visit gooutdoorsgeorgia.com
- Log in to your GA DNR account
- Select your renewal license type
- Complete payment online
- Download or display your renewed license
For additional guidance, see our fishing license renewal guide, renew fishing license online guide, and fishing license expiration guide.
How to Reprint a Georgia Fishing License
If you lose your Georgia fishing license or need another copy, you can usually reprint or redownload it through your Go Outdoors Georgia account.
- Visit gooutdoorsgeorgia.com and log in to your account
- Locate your fishing license in your purchase history
- Select your license
- Download or print a replacement copy
Saving a PDF copy on your phone is recommended for backup access while fishing in areas with poor cell service.
See our reprint fishing license guide and replace lost fishing license guide.
Who Needs a Georgia Fishing License?
Most anglers age 16 and older need a valid Georgia fishing license while fishing public waters.
- Georgia residents age 16+ need a resident fishing license
- Nonresidents age 16+ need a nonresident Georgia fishing license
- Children under 16 do not need a fishing license in Georgia
- Georgia residents age 65+ can obtain a free annual fishing license
- Qualifying disabled residents may obtain a free fishing license — review current GA DNR eligibility rules
- Active military members who are Georgia residents may qualify for reduced-fee or free licenses — check current GA DNR rules
- Saltwater anglers need a separate Georgia saltwater recreational fishing license
- Trout anglers fishing designated trout waters need a separate Georgia trout license
Related guides:
- Do You Need a Fishing License?
- Do Kids Need a Fishing License?
- Fishing License Age Requirements
- Senior Fishing License Guide
Georgia Nonresident Fishing License
Out-of-state anglers fishing in Georgia must purchase a nonresident fishing license through Go Outdoors Georgia. Georgia attracts nonresident anglers for bass fishing, trout fishing in the Blue Ridge Mountains and North Georgia streams, Chattahoochee River fishing, and coastal saltwater fishing.
Nonresident options include an annual freshwater license at $50.00, a 7-day license at $24.00, and a 1-day license at $7.00. A separate saltwater license costs $10.00 for nonresidents fishing coastal Georgia waters.
Fishing across state lines? See our fishing license reciprocity guide.
Georgia Fishing License Expiration
Georgia annual fishing licenses expire on December 31 each year. The new license year begins January 1. Georgia uses a fixed calendar-year licensing system.
Anglers who purchase late in the year — in October, November, or December — receive less than a full year of coverage at the annual price. The 1-day or 7-day license may be more cost-effective for late-year or occasional fishing trips.
Related guides:
Georgia Fishing License Rules and Exemptions
- Carry your license while fishing — Georgia requires proof of licensing when requested by a wildlife officer
- Digital licenses accepted — GA DNR allows fishing licenses displayed on a mobile device
- Saltwater license is separate — freshwater license does not cover tidal or coastal waters
- Trout license required for trout waters — anglers fishing designated trout streams need an additional trout license
- Free Fishing Days — Georgia designates Free Fishing Days when no license is required; see our free fishing days guide
- Follow species regulations — bag limits, size limits, and seasons vary by species and water body
Before fishing, review current regulations through the official Georgia DNR fishing regulations page.
Related guides:
- Fishing Regulations by State
- Free Fishing Days in Every State
- What Happens If You Fish Without a License?
Where to Buy a Georgia Fishing License In Person
Georgia fishing licenses are also available from authorized GA DNR license agents throughout the state.
- Walmart sporting goods counters
- Dick’s Sporting Goods
- Bass Pro Shops
- Cabela’s
- Local bait and tackle shops
- Authorized GA DNR license agents statewide
Vendor participation varies by location. Calling ahead before visiting is recommended.
See our guide on where to buy a fishing license near you.
How This Georgia Fishing License Guide Is Maintained
Georgia fishing license fees, regulations, exemptions, and digital licensing rules can change periodically. This guide is reviewed and updated using official Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GA DNR) Wildlife Resources Division information and current Georgia fishing regulations. BuyFishingLicense.org is an independent informational website and is not affiliated with GA DNR or any government agency. If you notice outdated information, please contact us.
Related Georgia Fishing Guides
- Online Fishing License Directory
- Where to Buy a Fishing License Near Me
- Saltwater Fishing License Guide
- How Much Is a Fishing License?
- Fishing License Cost by State
- Fishing License Renewal
- Reprint Fishing License
- Free Fishing Days in Every State
- Does Walmart Sell Fishing Licenses?
- Senior Fishing License Guide
Visit the official Go Outdoors Georgia fishing license page →
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a Georgia fishing license?
A Georgia resident annual freshwater fishing license costs $15.00. A nonresident annual license costs $50.00. A 1-day license costs $3.50 for residents and $7.00 for nonresidents. Georgia residents age 65 and older can obtain a free annual license. A separate saltwater recreational fishing license costs $10.00 for residents and nonresidents.
Where can I buy a Georgia fishing license online?
Georgia fishing licenses are purchased online through the official Go Outdoors Georgia system at gooutdoorsgeorgia.com, operated by the Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division.
What is Go Outdoors Georgia?
Go Outdoors Georgia is the official online licensing portal for Georgia fishing licenses, hunting licenses, and related outdoor permits, available at gooutdoorsgeorgia.com.
How do I renew my Georgia fishing license online?
Log in to your Go Outdoors Georgia account at gooutdoorsgeorgia.com, select your renewal license type, complete payment, and download your renewed license. Georgia licenses expire December 31 each year.
Do I need a saltwater fishing license in Georgia?
Yes. Georgia requires a separate saltwater recreational fishing license for fishing in tidal and coastal waters. The saltwater license costs $10.00 for both residents and nonresidents.
When does a Georgia fishing license expire?
Georgia annual fishing licenses expire on December 31 each year. The new license year begins January 1.
Do seniors need a fishing license in Georgia?
Georgia residents age 65 and older can obtain a free annual fishing license through Go Outdoors Georgia. Registration is still required even though the license is free.
Do kids need a fishing license in Georgia?
No. Children under age 16 do not need a fishing license in Georgia.
Can nonresidents buy a Georgia fishing license online?
Yes. Out-of-state anglers can purchase Georgia nonresident fishing licenses online through Go Outdoors Georgia.
Do you need a trout license in Georgia?
Yes. Anglers fishing designated trout streams in Georgia need a trout license in addition to a base fishing license. The trout license costs $10.00 for both residents and nonresidents and is available through Go Outdoors Georgia.
Can I show my Georgia fishing license on my phone?
Yes. Georgia accepts fishing licenses displayed on a mobile device while fishing.