Fishing License Cost by State 2026 | All 50 States Compared

Fishing license costs vary significantly across the United States. Resident annual licenses range from under $10 in Alabama and Louisiana to over $60 in California. Nonresident licenses typically cost two to three times more than resident licenses in most states. This guide compares 2026 fishing license costs for all 50 states, including resident and nonresident annual fees, agency names, and links to official state licensing pages.

2026 Fishing License Costs by State

The following table shows approximate resident and nonresident annual fishing license fees for all 50 states. Prices reflect the base annual license fee and do not include processing fees, stamps, or add-on permits. Always verify current pricing through your state’s official licensing portal before purchasing.

State	Resident Annual	Nonresident Annual	Agency	License Year
Alabama	$9.10	$31.10	ADCNR	Aug 1 – Jul 31
Alaska	$29.00	$145.00	ADF&G	Jan 1 – Dec 31
Arizona	$37.00	$55.00	AZGFD	Jan 1 – Dec 31
Arkansas	$10.50	$50.00	AGFC	Jan 1 – Dec 31
California	$61.82	$142.05	CDFW	Jan 1 – Dec 31
Colorado	$35.08	$98.36	CPW	Jan 1 – Dec 31
Connecticut	$19.00	$40.00	CT DEEP	Jan 1 – Dec 31
Delaware	$8.50	$20.00	DNREC	Jan 1 – Dec 31
Florida	$17.00	$47.00	FWC	12 months from purchase
Georgia	$15.00	$50.00	GA DNR	Jan 1 – Dec 31
Hawaii	$26.00	$55.00	DLNR	Jul 1 – Jun 30
Idaho	$33.75	$103.75	IDFG	Jan 1 – Dec 31
Illinois	$15.00	$31.50	IDNR	Apr 1 – Mar 31
Indiana	$17.00	$35.00	Indiana DNR	Jan 1 – Dec 31
Iowa	$22.00	$48.50	Iowa DNR	Jan 1 – Dec 31
Kansas	$27.50	$52.50	KDWP	Jan 1 – Dec 31
Kentucky	$23.00	$55.00	KDFWR	Mar 1 – Feb 28
Louisiana	$9.50	$60.00	LDWF	Jun 1 – May 31
Maine	$26.00	$64.00	Maine IFW	Jan 1 – Dec 31
Maryland	$20.50	$30.50	MD DNR	Jan 1 – Dec 31
Massachusetts	$40.00	$50.00	MassWildlife	Jan 1 – Dec 31
Michigan	$26.00	$76.00	MDNR	Apr 1 – Mar 31
Minnesota	$25.00	$51.00	MN DNR	Mar 1 – Feb 28
Mississippi	$10.00	$30.00	MDWFP	Jan 1 – Dec 31
Missouri	$12.00	$42.00	MDC	Jan 1 – Dec 31
Montana	$28.00	$86.00	Montana FWP	Jan 1 – Dec 31
Nebraska	$37.00	$74.00	Nebraska Game and Parks	Jan 1 – Dec 31
Nevada	$40.00	$80.00	NDOW	Jan 1 – Dec 31
New Hampshire	$23.00	$48.00	NH Fish and Game	Jan 1 – Dec 31
New Jersey	$22.50	$34.00	NJDEP	Jan 1 – Dec 31
New Mexico	$25.00	$56.00	NMDGF	Jan 1 – Dec 31
New York	$25.00	$50.00	NY DEC	Oct 1 – Sep 30
North Carolina	$25.00	$45.00	NCWRC	Jan 1 – Dec 31
North Dakota	$20.00	$45.00	NDG&F	Jan 1 – Dec 31
Ohio	$25.00	$40.00	ODNR	365 days from purchase
Oklahoma	$25.00	$55.00	ODWC	Jan 1 – Dec 31
Oregon	$44.00	$110.50	ODFW	Jan 1 – Dec 31
Pennsylvania	$22.97	$52.97	PFBC	Jan 1 – Dec 31
Rhode Island	$18.00	$40.50	RIDEM	Jan 1 – Dec 31
South Carolina	$10.00	$35.00	SCDNR	Jan 1 – Dec 31
South Dakota	$30.00	$71.00	GFP	Jan 1 – Dec 31
Tennessee	$34.00	$50.00	TWRA	Mar 1 – Feb 28
Texas	$30.00	$58.00	TPWD	Sep 1 – Aug 31
Utah	$34.00	$73.00	Utah DWR	Jan 1 – Dec 31
Vermont	$28.00	$56.00	VTFW	Jan 1 – Dec 31
Virginia	$23.00	$47.00	VA DWR	Jan 1 – Dec 31
Washington	$32.00	$85.00	WDFW	Jan 1 – Dec 31
West Virginia	$19.00	$38.00	WVDNR	Jan 1 – Dec 31
Wisconsin	$20.00	$50.00	WI DNR	Apr 1 – Mar 31
Wyoming	$27.00	$102.00	WGFD	Jan 1 – Dec 31

Prices shown are approximate base resident and nonresident annual license fees for 2026. Fees do not include processing charges, add-on stamps, or special permits. Always verify current pricing through your state’s official licensing portal before purchasing.

Cheapest Fishing License States

The states with the lowest resident annual fishing license fees in 2026 are Alabama ($9.10), Louisiana ($9.50), South Carolina ($10.00), Arkansas ($10.50), and Mississippi ($10.00). These states offer some of the most affordable freshwater fishing access in the country.

For saltwater fishing, several coastal states require separate licenses or permits in addition to the base freshwater fee. A low base license price does not always mean the total cost of fishing in that state is lowest once add-ons are included.

Most Expensive Fishing License States

California has the highest resident annual fishing license fee at $61.82, followed by Oregon at $44.00, Massachusetts at $40.00, Nevada at $40.00, and Arizona at $37.00. Nonresident license fees are significantly higher in most states, with Alaska, California, Idaho, and Oregon among the most expensive for out-of-state anglers.

Why Fishing License Costs Vary by State

Fishing license fees vary because each state sets its own rates based on the cost of managing its fish and wildlife programs. Key factors that influence pricing include the size and diversity of the state’s fisheries, the scope of fish stocking programs, conservation enforcement costs, habitat restoration funding, and each state’s approach to balancing resident and nonresident access.

License fees are the primary funding source for most state fish and wildlife agencies. In most states, fishing license revenue goes directly to fish stocking, habitat protection, public access improvements, and wildlife law enforcement — not into the general state fund.

Resident vs. Nonresident Fishing License Costs

Nonresident fishing licenses cost more than resident licenses in every state. The difference ranges from modest — Maryland charges residents $20.50 and nonresidents $30.50 — to significant, with Alaska charging residents $29.00 and nonresidents $145.00 for an annual license.

Residency is determined by each state’s own rules, typically requiring proof of domicile for a minimum period. Anglers who split time between states should confirm residency requirements before purchasing a resident license.

See our fishing license reciprocity guide for information on border water agreements between neighboring states.

Short-Term and 1-Day Fishing License Costs

Most states offer short-term fishing licenses for visitors and occasional anglers. Common short-term options include 1-day, 3-day, 7-day, and 14-day licenses. Short-term licenses are typically priced between $5.00 and $20.00 for residents and $10.00 to $35.00 for nonresidents depending on the state.

Short-term licenses are a cost-effective option for anglers visiting a state for a fishing trip, purchasing a license late in the license year when only a few months remain, or testing a new type of fishing before committing to an annual license.

Additional Fishing License Fees and Stamps

The base annual fishing license is not always the total cost of fishing legally in a state. Many states require additional fees for specific types of fishing:

Trout and salmon stamps — required in Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and several other states for fishing designated trout or salmon waters
Saltwater or coastal licenses — required separately in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Connecticut, and others
Lake Erie permits — required in Pennsylvania for fishing Lake Erie waters
Striped bass tags — required in some Atlantic coast states
Combination fishing and hunting licenses — available in most states at a combined price for anglers who also hunt

Always check your specific state’s licensing requirements before fishing to confirm whether add-on permits are required.

Free and Discounted Fishing Licenses

Many states offer free or reduced-fee fishing licenses for qualifying anglers:

Seniors — most states offer free or discounted licenses for residents age 65 and older, though the qualifying age varies (Maine is 70, Arizona is 70, Indiana is 65, Louisiana is 60)
Children — most states exempt children under age 16 from fishing license requirements
Disabled veterans — many states offer free or reduced-fee licenses for qualifying disabled veterans
Qualifying disabilities — most states offer free or reduced-fee licenses for residents with qualifying disabilities
Free Fishing Days — most states designate annual days when no license is required for anyone

See our senior fishing license guide, do kids need a fishing license guide, and free fishing days guide for more detail.

How to Buy a Fishing License Online

All 50 states offer online fishing license purchases through their official state licensing portals. Buying online is the fastest way to get a license — most states issue licenses immediately after purchase and accept digital proof on a mobile device.

See our full fishing license directory by state for links to every state’s official licensing portal, or see our guide on where to buy a fishing license near you for in-person options.

Frequently Asked Questions

What state has the cheapest fishing license?

Alabama has the lowest resident annual fishing license fee in 2026 at $9.10. Louisiana ($9.50), South Carolina ($10.00), Arkansas ($10.50), and Mississippi ($10.00) are also among the least expensive. These prices cover freshwater fishing only — additional fees may apply for saltwater fishing in coastal states.

What state has the most expensive fishing license?

California has the highest resident annual fishing license fee at $61.82. Oregon ($44.00), Massachusetts ($40.00), Nevada ($40.00), and Arizona ($37.00) are also among the more expensive states for resident licenses.

How much does a nonresident fishing license cost?

Nonresident annual fishing license fees range from around $30 in states like Delaware and South Carolina to $145 in Alaska. Most states charge nonresidents between $40 and $80 for an annual license.

Do fishing license prices change every year?

Fishing license fees can change when state legislatures or wildlife agencies adjust pricing. Most states update fees periodically rather than annually. Always verify current pricing through your state’s official licensing portal before purchasing.

Are there free fishing licenses?

Yes. Most states offer free fishing licenses for qualifying seniors, children, disabled veterans, and residents with certain disabilities. Most states also designate annual Free Fishing Days when no license is required.

Do I need a separate saltwater fishing license?

In many coastal states, yes. Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Alabama, Louisiana, and others require a separate saltwater or coastal fishing license in addition to the base freshwater license. See our saltwater fishing license guide for details by state.