Each U.S. state issues fishing licenses through its own wildlife agency. This directory links directly to state-specific guides covering how to buy, renew, or reprint a fishing license online, what licenses cost in 2026, and what each state requires. BuyFishingLicense.org is an independent informational website and is not affiliated with any state agency.
How to Buy a Fishing License Online
Most states allow anglers to purchase a fishing license online in minutes through the state’s official licensing portal. The general process is the same across all states:
- Select your state from the directory below
- Review license requirements and costs for your state
- Follow the link to the official state licensing portal
- Create or log in to your account and select your license type
- Complete payment and download, print, or display your license
Most states now accept digital fishing licenses displayed on a smartphone. Having a printed backup copy is still recommended for remote areas with limited cell service.
Fishing License Directory by State
Select your state to find the official licensing portal, current costs, renewal instructions, and state-specific requirements.
| State | Agency | Resident Annual License | License Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | ADCNR / Outdoor Alabama | $9.10 | Aug 1 – Jul 31 |
| Alaska | Alaska DFG | $29.00 | Jan 1 – Dec 31 |
| Arizona | AZGFD | $37.00 | Jan 1 – Dec 31 |
| Arkansas | AGFC | $10.50 | Jan 1 – Dec 31 |
| California | CDFW | $61.82 | Jan 1 – Dec 31 |
| Colorado | CPW | $35.08 | Jan 1 – Dec 31 |
| Connecticut | CT DEEP | $19.00 | Jan 1 – Dec 31 |
| Delaware | DNREC | $8.50 | Jan 1 – Dec 31 |
| Florida | FWC / GoFishFlorida | $17.00 | 12 months from purchase |
| Georgia | GA DNR / Go Outdoors Georgia | $15.00 | Jan 1 – Dec 31 |
| Hawaii | DLNR | $26.00 | Jul 1 – Jun 30 |
| Idaho | IDFG | $33.75 | Jan 1 – Dec 31 |
| Illinois | IDNR / ExploreMoreIL | $15.00 | Apr 1 – Mar 31 |
| Indiana | Indiana DNR | $17.00 | Jan 1 – Dec 31 |
| Iowa | Iowa DNR | $22.00 | Jan 1 – Dec 31 |
| Kansas | KDWP | $27.50 | Jan 1 – Dec 31 |
| Kentucky | KDFWR | $23.00 | Mar 1 – Feb 28 |
| Louisiana | LDWF | $9.50 | Jun 1 – May 31 |
| Maine | Maine IFW | $26.00 | Jan 1 – Dec 31 |
| Maryland | MD DNR / COMPASS | $20.50 | Jan 1 – Dec 31 |
| Massachusetts | MassWildlife / MassFishHunt | $40.00 | Jan 1 – Dec 31 |
| Michigan | MDNR / mdnr-elicense | $26.00 | Apr 1 – Mar 31 |
| Minnesota | MN DNR | $25.00 | Mar 1 – Feb 28 |
| Mississippi | MDWFP | $10.00 | Jan 1 – Dec 31 |
| Missouri | MDC | $12.00 | Jan 1 – Dec 31 |
| Montana | Montana FWP | $28.00 | Jan 1 – Dec 31 |
| Nebraska | Nebraska Game and Parks | $37.00 | Jan 1 – Dec 31 |
| Nevada | NDOW | $40.00 | Jan 1 – Dec 31 |
| New Hampshire | NH Fish and Game | $23.00 | Jan 1 – Dec 31 |
| New Jersey | NJDEP | $22.50 | Jan 1 – Dec 31 |
| New Mexico | NMDGF | $25.00 | Jan 1 – Dec 31 |
| New York | NY DEC / DECALS | $25.00 | Oct 1 – Sep 30 |
| North Carolina | NCWRC / GoOutdoorsNC | $25.00 | Jan 1 – Dec 31 |
| North Dakota | NDG&F | $20.00 | Jan 1 – Dec 31 |
| Ohio | ODNR / ODNR eLicense | $25.00 | 365 days from purchase |
| Oklahoma | ODWC | $25.00 | Jan 1 – Dec 31 |
| Oregon | ODFW | $44.00 | Jan 1 – Dec 31 |
| Pennsylvania | PFBC | $22.97 | Jan 1 – Dec 31 |
| Rhode Island | RIDEM | $18.00 | Jan 1 – Dec 31 |
| South Carolina | SCDNR | $10.00 | Jan 1 – Dec 31 |
| South Dakota | GFP | $30.00 | Jan 1 – Dec 31 |
| Tennessee | TWRA / Go Outdoors Tennessee | $34.00 | Mar 1 – Feb 28 |
| Texas | TPWD | $30.00 | Sep 1 – Aug 31 |
| Utah | Utah DWR | $34.00 | Jan 1 – Dec 31 |
| Vermont | VTFW | $28.00 | Jan 1 – Dec 31 |
| Virginia | VA DWR / HuntFishVA | $23.00 | Jan 1 – Dec 31 |
| Washington | WDFW | $32.00 | Jan 1 – Dec 31 |
| West Virginia | WVDNR | $19.00 | Jan 1 – Dec 31 |
| Wisconsin | WI DNR / GoWild | $20.00 | Apr 1 – Mar 31 |
| Wyoming | WGFD | $27.00 | Jan 1 – Dec 31 |
Prices shown are approximate resident annual license fees and may not include processing fees. Always verify current pricing through your state’s official licensing portal before purchasing.
Fishing License Costs by State
Resident annual fishing license fees range from under $10 in Alabama and Louisiana to over $60 in California. Nonresident licenses typically cost significantly more than resident licenses in most states.
See our full fishing license cost by state guide for detailed pricing comparisons across all 50 states.
License Year Varies by State
Most states use a calendar year license running January 1 to December 31. However several states use different schedules worth knowing before you buy:
- Florida — 12 months rolling from date of purchase
- Ohio — 365 days from date of purchase
- Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin — April 1 to March 31
- Minnesota, Tennessee, Kentucky — March 1 to February 28
- New York — October 1 to September 30
- Texas — September 1 to August 31
- Louisiana — June 1 to May 31
- Alabama — August 1 to July 31
- Hawaii — July 1 to June 30
Anglers who purchase late in a fixed license year receive less than a full year of coverage. See our fishing license expiration guide for more detail.
Where to Buy a Fishing License In Person
In addition to purchasing online through your state’s licensing portal, fishing licenses are available in person from authorized retailers in most states.
- Walmart — available at sporting goods counters at participating locations
- Dick’s Sporting Goods — available at participating locations
- Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s — available at most locations
- Local bait and tackle shops — authorized agents in most states
- State agency offices and service centers
Vendor participation and license availability vary by location and state. Buying online through the official state portal is the fastest and most reliable option.
See our full guide on where to buy a fishing license near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy a fishing license online in any state?
Yes. All 50 states offer online fishing license purchases through their official state licensing portals. Most licenses are issued immediately after purchase.
How much does a fishing license cost?
Resident annual fishing licenses range from under $10 in states like Alabama and Louisiana to over $60 in California. Nonresident licenses cost more in most states. See our fishing license cost by state guide for full pricing.
Can I use one fishing license in multiple states?
No. Fishing licenses are issued by individual states and are generally valid only in that state. Some border waters have reciprocity agreements between neighboring states. See our fishing license reciprocity guide.
How do I renew my fishing license?
Most states allow online renewal through the same licensing portal where you purchased your license. See our fishing license renewal guide and renew fishing license online guide.
What if I lose my fishing license?
Most states allow you to reprint or redownload your fishing license through your online account. See our reprint fishing license guide and replace lost fishing license guide.
Do kids need a fishing license?
Most states exempt children under age 16 from fishing license requirements, though the exact age varies by state. See our do kids need a fishing license guide and fishing license age requirements guide.
Do seniors get a free fishing license?
Many states offer free or discounted fishing licenses for seniors, typically at age 65 or older, though the qualifying age and eligibility rules vary by state. See our senior fishing license guide.
Related Fishing License Guides
- Fishing License Cost by State
- Where to Buy a Fishing License Near Me
- Fishing License Renewal
- Renew Fishing License Online
- Reprint Fishing License
- Fishing License Expiration
- Saltwater Fishing License Guide
- Do You Need a Fishing License?
- Do Kids Need a Fishing License?
- Senior Fishing License Guide
- Fishing License Age Requirements
- Free Fishing Days in Every State
- Fishing License Reciprocity
- Does Walmart Sell Fishing Licenses?
- Does Dick’s Sporting Goods Sell Fishing Licenses?
- Lifetime Fishing License Guide