Arizona fishing licenses are issued by the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD). This guide explains how to buy, renew, or reprint your Arizona fishing license online, what licenses cost, and what Arizona fishing rules require.
Visit the official AZGFD fishing license page →
Quick Arizona Fishing License Information
| Category | Arizona Fishing License Details |
|---|---|
| Issued By | Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) |
| Online System | AZGFD licensing portal (azgfd.com) |
| Online Purchase Available? | Yes |
| Digital Licenses Accepted? | Yes |
| Minimum License Age | 10 years old |
| Resident Annual License | $37.00 |
| Nonresident Annual License | $55.00 |
| License Year | January 1 – December 31 |
| Youth License Available? | Yes — discounted license for anglers under 14 |
Always verify current pricing through the official AZGFD website before purchasing. Arizona license fees can change periodically.
How to Buy an Arizona Fishing License Online
Arizona fishing licenses can be purchased online through the official AZGFD licensing portal at azgfd.com. Licenses are typically issued immediately after purchase and can be displayed digitally on your phone.
- Visit the official AZGFD licensing portal — Go to azgfd.com, the official Arizona Game and Fish Department website.
- Create or log in to your account — Enter your Arizona ID or driver’s license number and personal information.
- Select your license type — Choose resident, nonresident, annual, short-term, or youth license.
- Complete payment online — Pay using a debit or credit card.
- Download or display your license — Arizona accepts digital fishing licenses displayed on a mobile device.
Access the official AZGFD fishing license system →
What Is AZGFD?
AZGFD stands for the Arizona Game and Fish Department. It is the state agency responsible for issuing Arizona fishing licenses, managing fish and wildlife resources, and enforcing Arizona fishing regulations.
If you are searching for “AZGFD fishing license,” “Arizona Game and Fish fishing license,” “Arizona fish and game license,” or “az game and fish fishing license,” the official portal is azgfd.com.
Note that Arizona’s fishing agency is the Game and Fish Department, not a Department of Natural Resources. References to “Arizona DNR fishing license” typically refer to AZGFD.
Arizona Fishing License Costs
Arizona fishing license costs vary based on residency, age, and license type. The following prices reflect common Arizona fishing license options issued by AZGFD.
| License Type | Resident Fee | Nonresident Fee | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Fishing License | $37.00 | $55.00 | Jan 1 – Dec 31 |
| 1-Day Fishing License | $15.00 | $15.00 | 1 day |
| Youth Annual License (under 14) | $5.00 | $5.00 | Jan 1 – Dec 31 |
| Senior Annual License (age 70+) | Free | N/A | Jan 1 – Dec 31 |
| Combination Fishing and Hunting | $57.00 | N/A | Jan 1 – Dec 31 |
| Lifetime Fishing License | Varies by age | N/A | Lifetime |
License fees can change. Always verify current pricing through the official AZGFD website before purchasing.
See our fishing license cost by state guide for nationwide comparisons.
Arizona Youth Fishing License
Arizona offers a discounted Youth Fishing License for anglers under age 14. The youth annual license costs $5.00 for both residents and nonresidents and covers fishing in all Arizona public waters for the calendar year.
Children under age 10 do not need a fishing license in Arizona. Anglers age 10 to 13 can fish with the discounted youth license rather than paying the full adult license fee.
See our do kids need a fishing license guide for more on youth fishing license requirements by state.
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 AZGFD office
- 24/7 availability — Buy anytime, including the morning of a fishing trip
- Digital convenience — Arizona accepts licenses displayed on a mobile device
- Easy renewals and reprints — Access your AZGFD account anytime
How to Renew an Arizona Fishing License Online
Arizona fishing licenses expire on December 31 each year. Renewal is available online through the AZGFD licensing portal. Renewal is one of the most searched topics for Arizona anglers — the process is the same as purchasing through your existing AZGFD account.
- Visit azgfd.com and log in to your AZGFD 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 an Arizona Fishing License
If you lose your Arizona fishing license or need another copy, you can usually reprint or redownload it through your AZGFD account.
- Visit azgfd.com and log in to your AZGFD account
- Locate your fishing license in your purchase history
- Select your license
- Download or print a replacement copy
See our reprint fishing license guide and replace lost fishing license guide.
Who Needs an Arizona Fishing License?
Most anglers age 10 and older need a valid Arizona fishing license while fishing public waters. Arizona’s minimum license age of 10 is lower than most states which start at 16.
- Arizona residents age 10+ need a resident fishing license
- Nonresidents age 10+ need a nonresident Arizona fishing license
- Children under 10 do not need a fishing license in Arizona
- Anglers age 10–13 can purchase a discounted youth annual license at $5.00
- Arizona residents age 70+ can obtain a free annual fishing license
- Certain disability exemptions may apply — review current AZGFD eligibility rules
Related guides:
- Do You Need a Fishing License?
- Do Kids Need a Fishing License?
- Fishing License Age Requirements
- Senior Fishing License Guide
Arizona Nonresident Fishing License
Out-of-state anglers fishing in Arizona must purchase a nonresident fishing license through AZGFD. Arizona attracts nonresident anglers for trout fishing on the White Mountains streams, bass fishing on Lake Havasu, Lake Powell, Roosevelt Lake, and other reservoirs, catfish fishing throughout the desert lakes, and unique species like Colorado River native fish.
Nonresident options include an annual license at $55.00 and a 1-day license at $15.00. Youth nonresident licenses are available at $5.00.
Fishing across state lines? See our fishing license reciprocity guide.
Arizona Fishing License Expiration
Arizona annual fishing licenses expire on December 31 each year. The new license year begins January 1. Arizona 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. A 1-day license may be more cost-effective for late-year or occasional fishing trips.
Related guides:
Arizona Fishing License Rules and Exemptions
- Carry your license while fishing — Arizona requires proof of licensing when requested by a game ranger
- Digital licenses accepted — AZGFD allows fishing licenses displayed on a mobile device
- Minimum license age is 10 — lower than most other states which start at 16
- Youth license available — anglers age 10–13 qualify for a $5.00 annual youth license
- Free Fishing Days — Arizona 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
- Trout stamp may be required — confirm current AZGFD requirements for designated trout waters
Before fishing, review current regulations through the official AZGFD 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 an Arizona Fishing License In Person
Arizona fishing licenses are also available from authorized AZGFD license agents throughout the state.
- Walmart sporting goods counters
- Dick’s Sporting Goods
- Bass Pro Shops
- Cabela’s
- Local bait and tackle shops
- Authorized AZGFD 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 Arizona Fishing License Guide Is Maintained
Arizona fishing license fees, regulations, exemptions, and digital licensing rules can change periodically. This guide is reviewed and updated using official Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) information and current Arizona fishing regulations. BuyFishingLicense.org is an independent informational website and is not affiliated with AZGFD or any government agency. If you notice outdated information, please contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is an Arizona fishing license?
An Arizona resident annual fishing license costs $37.00. A nonresident annual license costs $55.00. A 1-day license costs $15.00 for residents and nonresidents. A youth annual license for anglers under age 14 costs $5.00. Arizona residents age 70 and older can obtain a free annual license. Always verify current pricing through AZGFD before purchasing.
Where can I buy an Arizona fishing license online?
Arizona fishing licenses are purchased online through the official Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) licensing portal at azgfd.com.
What is AZGFD?
AZGFD stands for the Arizona Game and Fish Department, the state agency that issues Arizona fishing licenses and manages Arizona’s fish and wildlife resources. Arizona’s fishing agency is not called a DNR.
How do I renew my Arizona fishing license online?
Log in to your AZGFD account at azgfd.com, select your renewal license type, complete payment, and download your renewed license. Arizona licenses expire December 31 each year.
How do I reprint my Arizona fishing license?
Log in to your AZGFD account at azgfd.com, locate your license in your purchase history, and download or print a replacement copy. See our reprint fishing license guide.
When does an Arizona fishing license expire?
Arizona annual fishing licenses expire on December 31 each year. The new license year begins January 1.
Do kids need a fishing license in Arizona?
Children under age 10 do not need a fishing license in Arizona. Anglers age 10 to 13 can purchase a discounted youth annual fishing license for $5.00. Arizona’s minimum license age of 10 is lower than most other states.
Can nonresidents buy an Arizona fishing license online?
Yes. Out-of-state anglers can purchase Arizona nonresident fishing licenses online through the AZGFD portal at azgfd.com.
Can I show my Arizona fishing license on my phone?
Yes. Arizona accepts fishing licenses displayed on a mobile device while fishing.
Related Arizona Fishing Guides
- Online Fishing License Directory
- Where to Buy a Fishing License Near Me
- How Much Is a Fishing License?
- Fishing License Cost by State
- Fishing License Renewal
- Reprint Fishing License
- Do Kids Need a Fishing License?
- Free Fishing Days in Every State
- Does Walmart Sell Fishing Licenses?
- Senior Fishing License Guide
- Lifetime Fishing License Guide