Indiana fishing licenses are issued by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (Indiana DNR). This guide explains how to buy, renew, or reprint your Indiana fishing license online, what licenses cost, and what Indiana fishing rules require.
Visit the official Indiana DNR fishing license page →
Quick Indiana Fishing License Information
| Category | Indiana Fishing License Details |
|---|---|
| Issued By | Indiana Department of Natural Resources (Indiana DNR) |
| Online System | Indiana DNR licensing portal (in.gov/dnr) |
| Online Purchase Available? | Yes |
| Digital Licenses Accepted? | Yes |
| Minimum License Age | 18 years old |
| Resident Annual License | $17.00 |
| Nonresident Annual License | $35.00 |
| License Year | January 1 – December 31 |
| Trout/Salmon Stamp Required? | Yes — for designated trout and salmon waters |
Always verify current pricing through the official Indiana DNR website before purchasing. Indiana license fees can change periodically.
How to Buy an Indiana Fishing License Online
Indiana fishing licenses can be purchased online through the official Indiana DNR licensing system at in.gov/dnr. Licenses are typically issued immediately after purchase and can be displayed digitally on your phone.
- Visit the official Indiana DNR licensing portal — Go to in.gov/dnr, the official Indiana Department of Natural Resources website.
- Create or log in to your account — Enter your Indiana ID or driver’s license number and personal information.
- Select your license type — Choose resident or nonresident, annual or short-term, and add a trout/salmon stamp if needed.
- Complete payment online — Pay using a debit or credit card.
- Download or display your license — Indiana accepts digital fishing licenses displayed on a mobile device.
Access the official Indiana DNR fishing license system →
What Is Indiana DNR?
Indiana DNR stands for the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. It is the state agency responsible for issuing Indiana fishing licenses, managing fish and wildlife resources, and enforcing Indiana fishing regulations.
If you are searching for “Indiana DNR fishing license,” “Indiana DNR license online,” “IDNR fishing license,” or “Indiana DNR fishing license online,” the official portal is in.gov/dnr.
Indiana Fishing License Costs
Indiana fishing license costs vary based on residency, age, and license type. The following prices reflect common Indiana fishing license options issued by Indiana DNR.
| License Type | Resident Fee | Nonresident Fee | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Fishing License | $17.00 | $35.00 | Jan 1 – Dec 31 |
| 7-Day Fishing License | N/A | $17.00 | 7 consecutive days |
| 1-Day Fishing License | $9.00 | $9.00 | 1 day |
| Senior Annual License (age 65+) | Free | N/A | Jan 1 – Dec 31 |
| Youth Annual License (age 18–24) | $4.00 | N/A | Jan 1 – Dec 31 |
| Trout/Salmon Stamp (add-on) | $10.00 | $10.00 | Jan 1 – Dec 31 |
| Lifetime Fishing License | Varies by age | N/A | Lifetime |
License fees can change. Always verify current pricing through the official Indiana DNR website before purchasing.
See our fishing license cost by state guide for nationwide comparisons.
Indiana Trout and Salmon Stamp
Indiana requires a separate Trout and Salmon Stamp for anglers fishing designated trout and salmon waters, including Lake Michigan tributaries during trout and salmon runs. A standard Indiana fishing license alone does not cover trout or salmon fishing in these designated waters.
The trout and salmon stamp costs $10.00 for both residents and nonresidents and is available through the Indiana DNR online licensing system.
See our trout stamp cost guide for more on trout stamp 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 DNR office
- 24/7 availability — Buy anytime, including the morning of a fishing trip
- Digital convenience — Indiana accepts licenses displayed on a mobile device
- Easy renewals and reprints — Access your Indiana DNR account anytime
How to Renew an Indiana Fishing License Online
Indiana fishing licenses expire on December 31 each year. Renewal is available online through the Indiana DNR licensing portal. Anglers are encouraged to renew before January 1 to avoid any gap in coverage.
- Visit in.gov/dnr
- Log in to your Indiana 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 an Indiana Fishing License
If you lose your Indiana fishing license or need another copy, you can usually reprint or redownload it through your Indiana DNR account.
- Visit in.gov/dnr and log in to your 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 Indiana Fishing License?
Most anglers age 18 and older need a valid Indiana fishing license while fishing public waters. Indiana’s minimum license age of 18 is higher than most states which start at 16.
- Indiana residents age 18+ need a resident fishing license
- Nonresidents age 18+ need a nonresident Indiana fishing license
- Children under 18 do not need a fishing license in Indiana
- Indiana residents age 18–24 qualify for a discounted youth annual license at $4.00
- Indiana residents age 65+ can obtain a free annual fishing license
- Trout and salmon anglers fishing designated waters need a separate stamp
- Certain disability exemptions may apply — review current Indiana DNR eligibility rules
Related guides:
- Do You Need a Fishing License?
- Do Kids Need a Fishing License?
- Fishing License Age Requirements
- Senior Fishing License Guide
Indiana Nonresident Fishing License
Out-of-state anglers fishing in Indiana must purchase a nonresident fishing license through Indiana DNR. Indiana attracts nonresident anglers for Lake Michigan fishing, the Ohio River, the Wabash River, Patoka Lake, Monroe Lake, and numerous other lakes and rivers throughout the state.
Nonresident options include an annual license at $35.00, a 7-day license at $17.00, and a 1-day license at $9.00.
Fishing across state lines? See our fishing license reciprocity guide.
Indiana Fishing License Expiration
Indiana annual fishing licenses expire on December 31 each year. The new license year begins January 1. Indiana 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 or 7-day license may be more cost-effective for late-year or occasional fishing trips.
Related guides:
Indiana Fishing License Rules and Exemptions
- Carry your license while fishing — Indiana requires proof of licensing when requested by a conservation officer
- Digital licenses accepted — Indiana DNR allows fishing licenses displayed on a mobile device
- Minimum license age is 18 — higher than most other states which start at 16
- Trout and salmon stamp required — for designated trout and salmon waters including Lake Michigan tributaries
- Free Fishing Days — Indiana 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 Indiana 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 an Indiana Fishing License In Person
Indiana fishing licenses are also available from authorized Indiana 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 Indiana 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 Indiana Fishing License Guide Is Maintained
Indiana fishing license fees, regulations, exemptions, and digital licensing rules can change periodically. This guide is reviewed and updated using official Indiana Department of Natural Resources (Indiana DNR) information and current Indiana fishing regulations. BuyFishingLicense.org is an independent informational website and is not affiliated with Indiana DNR or any government agency. If you notice outdated information, please contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is an Indiana fishing license?
An Indiana resident annual fishing license costs $17.00. A nonresident annual license costs $35.00. A 1-day license costs $9.00 for residents and nonresidents. A 7-day nonresident license costs $17.00. A youth resident license for anglers age 18–24 costs $4.00. Indiana residents age 65 and older can obtain a free annual license. A trout and salmon stamp costs $10.00. Always verify current pricing through the Indiana DNR website.
Where can I buy an Indiana fishing license online?
Indiana fishing licenses are purchased online through the official Indiana Department of Natural Resources (Indiana DNR) licensing portal at in.gov/dnr.
What is Indiana DNR?
Indiana DNR stands for the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, the state agency that issues Indiana fishing licenses and manages Indiana’s fish and wildlife resources.
Do I need a trout stamp in Indiana?
Yes, for fishing designated trout and salmon waters including Lake Michigan tributaries. A standard Indiana fishing license does not cover these waters. The trout and salmon stamp costs $10.00 for residents and nonresidents.
How do I renew my Indiana fishing license online?
Log in to your Indiana DNR account at in.gov/dnr, select your renewal license type, complete payment, and download your renewed license. Indiana licenses expire December 31 each year.
When does an Indiana fishing license expire?
Indiana annual fishing licenses expire on December 31 each year. The new license year begins January 1.
Do kids need a fishing license in Indiana?
No. Children under age 18 do not need a fishing license in Indiana. Indiana’s minimum license age of 18 is higher than most other states. Anglers age 18–24 qualify for a discounted youth annual license at $4.00.
Can nonresidents buy an Indiana fishing license online?
Yes. Out-of-state anglers can purchase Indiana nonresident fishing licenses online through the Indiana DNR portal at in.gov/dnr.
Can I show my Indiana fishing license on my phone?
Yes. Indiana accepts fishing licenses displayed on a mobile device while fishing.
Related Indiana 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
- Trout Stamp Cost Guide
- Fishing License Renewal
- Reprint Fishing License
- Free Fishing Days in Every State
- Does Walmart Sell Fishing Licenses?
- Senior Fishing License Guide
- Lifetime Fishing License Guide