Texas fishing licenses are issued by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). This guide explains where to get, renew, or reprint your Texas fishing license through the official TPWD system, what it costs, how saltwater licensing works, and what Texas fishing rules require.
BuyFishingLicense.org is an independent informational guide. Texas fishing licenses are purchased through the official Texas License Connection at txfgsales.com. We are not affiliated with TPWD or any government agency and do not sell licenses directly.
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Quick Texas Fishing License Information
Texas Parks & Wildlife
Which Texas fishing license do you need?
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How long do you need it?
Your recommended license
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Fishing Lake Texoma? A special $12 Lake Texoma License covers both the Texas and Oklahoma sides — no separate state license needed.
Planning tool only. Confirm current fees, endorsements, and tag rules with TPWD before you buy. BuyFishingLicense.org is independent and not affiliated with TPWD.
Can You Get a Texas Fishing License Online?
Yes. Texas fishing licenses are purchased online through the official Texas License Connection at txfgsales.com. A $5.00 administrative fee applies to all online purchases. Most license types are available online 24/7. Select license types are fully digital and available immediately through the Texas Hunt & Fish app — not all purchases are fully digital.
Licenses are also available by phone at (800) 895-4248 (Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM CST; $5.00 admin fee applies) or in person at approximately 1,700 authorized retail locations statewide.
Quick Texas Fishing License Information
| Category | Texas Fishing License Details |
|---|---|
| Issued By | Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) |
| Official Purchase System | txfgsales.com (Texas License Connection) |
| Phone Purchase | (800) 895-4248, Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM CST |
| Online Purchase Available? | Yes — $5.00 admin fee applies |
| Digital Licenses Accepted? | Yes — for select license types via Texas Hunt & Fish app |
| Minimum License Age | 17 years old |
| Resident Freshwater Package | $30.00 |
| Resident All-Water Package | $40.00 |
| Nonresident Freshwater Package | $58.00 |
| Nonresident All-Water Package | $68.00 |
| License Year | Date of sale through August 31 |
| Saltwater Fishing Covered? | Requires saltwater package, all-water package, or saltwater endorsement |
How to Get a Texas Fishing License Online (Step by Step)
Texas fishing licenses are purchased through the official Texas License Connection. Here is how the process works:
- Go to txfgsales.com — the official Texas License Connection operated by TPWD.
- Choose the correct license package — select freshwater, saltwater, all-water, short-term, resident, or nonresident options. Texas has separate freshwater and saltwater endorsements, so choosing the right package matters.
- Enter your identification information — provide the required personal and residency details.
- Complete payment online — a $5.00 administrative fee applies to all online and phone transactions. Licenses are nonrefundable.
- Save, print, or display your license — fully digital license types are available immediately through the Texas Hunt & Fish app; save a digital copy or PDF as backup.
Go to the official Texas License Connection at txfgsales.com →
Texas Fishing License Cost (2026)
Texas fishing license costs vary based on residency, age, license package, and duration. All standard annual packages are valid from the date of sale through August 31. When you purchase a full package, the required endorsements are automatically included. A $5.00 administrative fee applies to all online and phone purchases. All fees are set by TPWD and are nonrefundable.
Freshwater Fishing Packages
| License Package | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Resident Freshwater Package | $30.00 | Valid date of sale through Aug. 31; includes freshwater endorsement |
| Senior Resident Freshwater Package (age 65+) | $12.00 | Must be born on or after Jan. 1, 1931 |
| Nonresident Freshwater Package | $58.00 | Valid date of sale through Aug. 31; includes freshwater endorsement |
Saltwater Fishing Packages
| License Package | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Resident Saltwater Package | $35.00 | Includes saltwater endorsement + Red Drum Tag + Spotted Seatrout Tag |
| Senior Resident Saltwater Package (age 65+) | $17.00 | Must be born on or after Jan. 1, 1931 |
| Nonresident Saltwater Package | $63.00 | Includes saltwater endorsement + Red Drum Tag + Spotted Seatrout Tag |
All-Water Fishing Packages
| License Package | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Resident All-Water Package | $40.00 | Covers freshwater and saltwater; includes Red Drum Tag + Spotted Seatrout Tag |
| Year-from-Purchase All-Water Package | $47.00 | Resident only; valid from purchase date through end of same purchase month next year |
| Senior Resident All-Water Package (age 65+) | $22.00 | Must be born on or after Jan. 1, 1931 |
| Nonresident All-Water Package | $68.00 | Covers freshwater and saltwater; includes Red Drum Tag + Spotted Seatrout Tag |
All-Water Licenses and Other Options
| License | Resident Fee | Nonresident Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Day All-Water License | $11.00 | $16.00 | No endorsement required; includes one Red Drum Tag and one Spotted Seatrout Tag; consecutive days may be purchased |
| Special Resident All-Water (legally blind) | $7.00 | N/A | Available at TPWD law enforcement sales offices or authorized retailers; includes Red Drum Tag and Spotted Seatrout Tag |
| Lake Texoma License | $12.00 | $12.00 | Valid through Dec. 31; covers TX and OK portions of Lake Texoma only; TX residents 65+ do not need this for the OK portion |
License fees are set by TPWD and can change. Always verify current pricing at the official TPWD license page before purchasing.
See our fishing license cost by state guide for nationwide comparisons.
Texas Fishing Endorsements and Tags
Endorsements are required depending on where you fish. When you purchase a full freshwater, saltwater, or all-water package, the required endorsements are automatically included. If you hold only a base fishing license, you must add the appropriate endorsement separately.
- Freshwater Fishing Endorsement — $5.00; required to fish public fresh waters; included in freshwater, all-water, and lifetime packages
- Saltwater Fishing Endorsement — $10.00; required to fish public salt waters; includes one Red Drum Tag and one Spotted Seatrout Tag; included in saltwater, all-water, and lifetime packages
Red Drum and Spotted Seatrout Tags
A Red Drum Tag is required to keep one red drum longer than 28 inches per license year. A Spotted Seatrout Tag is required to keep one spotted seatrout longer than 28 inches per license year. Both tags are included at no additional charge with any package or endorsement that includes the saltwater endorsement.
- Bonus Red Drum Tag — $3.00; allows one additional oversized red drum per license year; limit one per angler
- Exempt Angler Red Drum Tag — $3.00; for anglers exempt from license requirements (e.g., under 17) who want to keep an oversized red drum
- Exempt Angler Spotted Seatrout Tag — $3.00; same for oversized spotted seatrout
Texas Saltwater Fishing License
Texas has separate freshwater and saltwater licensing requirements. A freshwater fishing package alone does not cover saltwater fishing. Anglers fishing the Gulf of Mexico, Texas bays, tidal waters, coastal rivers, Galveston Bay, Corpus Christi, Port Aransas, South Padre Island, or other saltwater areas generally need one of the following:
- Saltwater Fishing Package — $35.00 resident / $63.00 nonresident; includes Red Drum Tag and Spotted Seatrout Tag
- All-Water Fishing Package — $40.00 resident / $68.00 nonresident; covers both freshwater and saltwater; includes Red Drum Tag and Spotted Seatrout Tag
- Freshwater package + Saltwater Endorsement — add $10.00 to an existing freshwater package; includes Red Drum Tag and Spotted Seatrout Tag
See our saltwater fishing license guide for more information.
Texas 1-Day and Short-Term Fishing Licenses
Texas offers 1-day all-water licenses for visitors and occasional anglers. The 1-day license covers both freshwater and saltwater — no separate endorsement is required.
- Resident 1-Day All-Water License — $11.00
- Nonresident 1-Day All-Water License — $16.00
Consecutive days may be purchased at the time of purchase. One Red Drum Tag and one Spotted Seatrout Tag are included at no additional charge.
Traveling to Texas to fish? See our fishing license for visitors guide.
Year-from-Purchase All-Water License
Texas offers a resident Year-from-Purchase All-Water Fishing Package for $47.00. Unlike standard packages that expire August 31, this license is valid from the date of purchase through the end of the same purchase month in the following license year. It includes a freshwater endorsement and a saltwater endorsement with Red Drum and Spotted Seatrout tags. This is typically the best value for Texas residents purchasing late in the license year.
Lake Texoma Fishing License
Texas and Oklahoma share Lake Texoma. A special Lake Texoma License ($12.00) allows a person to fish in both the Texas and Oklahoma portions of Lake Texoma without purchasing a separate Texas or Oklahoma fishing license. It is valid through December 31 following the date of issuance and is available to both residents and nonresidents.
Texas residents age 65 or older do not need this license to fish in the Oklahoma portion of Lake Texoma. The Lake Texoma License is valid only on Lake Texoma.
Who Needs a Texas Fishing License?
Most anglers age 17 and older need a valid Texas fishing license to fish public waters. Texas requires the correct freshwater or saltwater endorsement depending on where you fish. A fishing license is required for fish, mussels, clams, crayfish, and other aquatic life in public waters. Note: turtles and frogs require a hunting license, not a fishing license.
The following do NOT need a Texas fishing license:
- Children under 17 — no license required (Exempt Angler Tags needed to keep oversized red drum or seatrout)
- Texas residents born before January 1, 1931 — exempt from license requirements
- Persons with an intellectual disability fishing under medically approved therapy with required documentation, or under direct supervision of a licensed family member or authorized adult
- Louisiana residents age 65+ who possess a valid Louisiana Recreational Fishing License
- Oklahoma residents age 65+
Related guides:
- Do You Need a Fishing License?
- Do Kids Need a Fishing License?
- Fishing License Age Requirements
- Senior Fishing License Guide
Texas Senior Fishing Licenses
Texas residents age 65 or older who were born on or after January 1, 1931 qualify for reduced-fee senior fishing packages. Senior packages include the same endorsements as standard packages.
- Senior Freshwater Package — $12.00
- Senior Saltwater Package — $17.00
- Senior All-Water Package — $22.00
Texas Nonresident Fishing License
Out-of-state anglers fishing in Texas generally need a nonresident fishing license package. Texas draws visiting anglers for Gulf Coast fishing, Galveston Bay, South Padre Island, major reservoirs, bass, catfish, redfish, and speckled trout across the state.
Nonresident options: freshwater package at $58.00, saltwater package at $63.00, all-water package at $68.00, and a 1-day all-water license at $16.00. All online and phone purchases include a $5.00 administrative fee. A fishing license from another state does not replace a Texas fishing license.
Fishing across state lines? See our fishing license reciprocity guide.
Texas Fishing License Expiration
Most standard Texas annual fishing license packages are valid from the date of sale through August 31 of the same license year. New licenses for the following season typically go on sale August 15.
The resident Year-from-Purchase All-Water Package ($47.00) is valid from the purchase date through the end of the same purchase month in the following license year — a better option for residents buying late in the season.
Related guides:
How to Renew Your Texas Fishing License Online
Texas fishing licenses are renewed through the official Texas License Connection at txfgsales.com. Standard packages expire August 31 and new licenses go on sale around August 15. A $5.00 administrative fee applies.
- Go to txfgsales.com and log in to your Texas licensing account
- Select your renewal license package
- Complete payment online ($5.00 admin fee applies)
- Save, print, or display your renewed license
For additional guidance, see our fishing license renewal guide and renew fishing license online guide.
How to Reprint Your Texas Fishing License
Lost or destroyed Texas fishing licenses, packages, or endorsements can be replaced at any authorized TPWD license sales location by signing an Application for Replacement License affidavit. TPWD replacement fees range from $3.00 to $10.00 depending on the item.
- Visit any authorized TPWD license sales location
- Sign the Application for Replacement License affidavit
- Pay the applicable replacement fee ($3.00–$10.00)
- Receive your replacement license
Note: a physical license is required for any activity involving tags, unless you purchased a fully digital license that specifically authorizes electronic tagging. Saving a digital copy when you purchase online is strongly recommended.
See our reprint fishing license guide and replace lost fishing license guide.
Texas Fishing License Login (txfgsales.com)
To access your Texas fishing license account, go to txfgsales.com and log in with your account credentials. From your account you can view purchase history, access license records, and manage your information. For licensing assistance by phone, call TPWD at (800) 895-4248 (Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM CST).
Texas Hunt & Fish App
TPWD's Texas Hunt & Fish app allows anglers to purchase, store, and display select fishing licenses directly from a smartphone. Not all Texas license types are fully digital — some items may require printed tags or physical documentation. The app is available on iOS and Android.
Texas Free Fishing Day 2026
Texas offers one Free Fishing Day each year — the first Saturday in June. In 2026, Texas Free Fishing Day is June 6, 2026. On that day, anyone can fish recreationally in Texas public waters without a fishing license or endorsements.
Free Fishing Day removes the license requirement only. All other fishing regulations still apply — size limits, bag limits, slot limits, and species-specific rules remain in effect. Exempt angler tags for red drum and spotted seatrout are still required for eligible anglers wishing to keep oversized fish.
See our free fishing days guide for more state-by-state information.
Texas Fishing License Rules and Exemptions
- Carry proof of your license — Texas anglers must provide proof when requested by a game warden
- Use the right package or endorsement — freshwater and saltwater require the correct coverage; full packages are the simplest approach
- Red Drum and Spotted Seatrout tags required — included with saltwater packages; needed to keep oversized fish
- Turtles and frogs require a hunting license — not a fishing license
- Digital licenses for select types only — through the Texas Hunt & Fish app; not all license types are fully digital
- Physical license required for tagging — unless the license specifically authorizes electronic tagging
- Free Fishing Day — June 6, 2026; all other regulations still apply
- Licenses are nonrefundable — fees are not refundable, exchangeable, or transferable
- Follow species and area regulations — daily limits, size limits, slot limits, and seasonal rules vary by species and water body
Before fishing, review current regulations through the official Texas Outdoor Annual fishing regulations published by TPWD.
Related guides:
- Fishing Regulations by State
- Free Fishing Days in Every State
- What Happens If You Fish Without a License?
Where to Get a Texas Fishing License In Person
Texas fishing licenses are available from approximately 1,700 authorized TPWD retail agents statewide. Use the official TPWD retailer locator to find an authorized agent near you.
- Walmart sporting goods counters
- Dick's Sporting Goods
- Bass Pro Shops
- Cabela's
- Local bait and tackle shops
- Authorized TPWD license agents statewide
Vendor participation varies by location. Calling ahead is recommended.
See our guide on where to buy a fishing license near you.
About This Texas Fishing License Guide
Texas fishing license fees, regulations, exemptions, and digital licensing rules can change periodically. This guide is reviewed and updated using official Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) information and current Texas fishing regulations. BuyFishingLicense.org is an independent informational website — we are not affiliated with TPWD or any government agency and do not sell fishing licenses. All purchases are made directly through the official Texas License Connection at txfgsales.com. If you notice outdated information, please contact us.
Related Texas Fishing Guides
- Online Fishing License Directory
- Where to Buy a Fishing License Near Me
- Saltwater Fishing License Guide
- Fishing License for Visitors
- 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