Louisiana fishing licenses are issued by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF). This guide explains how to buy, renew, or reprint your Louisiana fishing license online through the official LDWF licensing system, what licenses cost, how saltwater licensing works, and what Louisiana fishing rules require.
Visit the official Louisiana fishing license page →
Quick Louisiana Fishing License Information
| Category | Louisiana Fishing License Details |
|---|---|
| Issued By | Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) |
| Online System | LDWF licensing portal (wlf.louisiana.gov) |
| Online Purchase Available? | Yes |
| Digital Licenses Accepted? | Yes |
| Minimum License Age | 16 years old |
| Resident Annual Basic Fishing License | $9.50 |
| Nonresident Annual Basic Fishing License | $60.00 |
| License Year | June 1 – May 31 |
| Saltwater Privilege Required? | Yes — separate saltwater fishing privilege required |
Always verify current pricing through the official LDWF website before purchasing. Louisiana license fees can change periodically.
How to Buy a Louisiana Fishing License Online
Louisiana fishing licenses can be purchased online through the official LDWF licensing system at wlf.louisiana.gov. Licenses are typically issued immediately after purchase and can be displayed digitally on your phone or printed.
- Visit the official LDWF licensing portal — Go to wlf.louisiana.gov, the official Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries website.
- Create or log in to your account — Enter your Louisiana ID or driver’s license number and personal information.
- Select your license type — Choose resident or nonresident, basic fishing license, and add a saltwater fishing privilege if needed.
- Complete payment online — Pay using a debit or credit card.
- Download, print, or display your license — Louisiana accepts digital fishing licenses displayed on a mobile device.
Access the official LDWF fishing license system →
What Is LDWF?
LDWF stands for the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. It is the state agency responsible for issuing Louisiana fishing licenses, managing fish and wildlife resources, and enforcing Louisiana fishing regulations.
If you are searching for “LDWF fishing license,” “Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries fishing license,” “LDWF portal,” or “Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries license,” the official portal is wlf.louisiana.gov.
Note that Louisiana’s fishing agency is the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, not a Department of Natural Resources. References to “Louisiana DNR fishing license” or “Louisiana parks and wildlife fishing license” typically refer to LDWF.
Louisiana Fishing License Costs
Louisiana fishing license costs vary based on residency, age, and license type. Louisiana uses a basic fishing license structure with add-on privileges for saltwater fishing. The following prices reflect common Louisiana fishing license options issued by LDWF.
| License Type | Resident Fee | Nonresident Fee | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Basic Fishing License | $9.50 | $60.00 | June 1 – May 31 |
| Saltwater Fishing Privilege (add-on) | $13.00 | $30.00 | June 1 – May 31 |
| Freshwater and Saltwater Combined | $22.50 | $90.00 | June 1 – May 31 |
| 3-Day Basic Fishing License | N/A | $17.50 | 3 days |
| 7-Day Basic Fishing License | N/A | $30.00 | 7 days |
| Senior Annual License (age 60+) | Free | N/A | June 1 – May 31 |
| Lifetime Fishing License | Varies by age | N/A | Lifetime |
License fees can change. Always verify current pricing through the official LDWF website before purchasing.
See our fishing license cost by state guide for nationwide comparisons.
Louisiana Saltwater Fishing License
Louisiana requires a separate Saltwater Fishing Privilege for anglers fishing in saltwater and tidal areas. A standard Louisiana basic fishing license alone does not cover saltwater fishing.
Anglers fishing Louisiana’s Gulf Coast — including the Gulf of Mexico, coastal marshes, Lake Pontchartrain, Lake Borgne, Vermilion Bay, and other tidal and saltwater areas — need a saltwater fishing privilege in addition to a basic fishing license.
The most cost-effective option for anglers who fish both freshwater and saltwater in Louisiana is the combined freshwater and saltwater license at $22.50 for residents and $90.00 for nonresidents.
See our saltwater fishing license guide for more on coastal fishing requirements by state.
How to View or Print Your Louisiana Fishing License
Anglers who need to view their current Louisiana fishing license, check their license status, or print a copy can do so through the LDWF licensing portal.
- Visit wlf.louisiana.gov and log in to your account
- Locate your current fishing license in your account
- View your license details and expiration date
- Download or print a copy for use while fishing
See our reprint fishing license guide and replace lost fishing license guide for more detail.
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 LDWF office
- 24/7 availability — Buy anytime, including the morning of a fishing trip
- Digital convenience — Louisiana accepts licenses displayed on a mobile device
- Easy renewals and reprints — Access your LDWF account anytime
How to Renew a Louisiana Fishing License Online
Louisiana fishing licenses follow a license year running from June 1 through May 31. Renewal is available online through the LDWF licensing portal before or after your license expires.
- Visit wlf.louisiana.gov
- Log in to your LDWF account
- Select your renewal license type
- Complete payment online
- Download, print, or display your renewed license
For additional guidance, see our fishing license renewal guide, renew fishing license online guide, and fishing license expiration guide.
Who Needs a Louisiana Fishing License?
Most anglers age 16 and older need a valid Louisiana fishing license while fishing public waters.
- Louisiana residents age 16+ need a resident basic fishing license
- Nonresidents age 16+ need a nonresident Louisiana fishing license
- Children under 16 do not need a fishing license in Louisiana
- Louisiana residents age 60+ can obtain a free annual fishing license
- Saltwater anglers need a separate saltwater fishing privilege in addition to the basic license
- Certain disability exemptions may apply — review current LDWF eligibility rules
Related guides:
- Do You Need a Fishing License?
- Do Kids Need a Fishing License?
- Fishing License Age Requirements
- Senior Fishing License Guide
Louisiana Nonresident Fishing License
Out-of-state anglers fishing in Louisiana must purchase a nonresident fishing license through LDWF. Louisiana attracts nonresident anglers for world-class redfish, speckled trout, and flounder fishing along the Gulf Coast, bass fishing in the Atchafalaya Basin, catfish fishing on the Mississippi River, and saltwater fishing throughout the coastal marshes.
Nonresident options include an annual basic fishing license at $60.00, a combined freshwater and saltwater license at $90.00, a 7-day license at $30.00, and a 3-day license at $17.50.
Fishing across state lines? See our fishing license reciprocity guide.
Louisiana Fishing License Expiration
Louisiana annual fishing licenses follow a license year running from June 1 through May 31. This is different from most states that use a calendar year or other fiscal year schedule.
Anglers who purchase late in the license year — in March, April, or May — receive less than a full year of coverage. A 3-day or 7-day license may be more cost-effective for late-season purchases.
Related guides:
Louisiana Fishing License Rules and Exemptions
- Carry your license while fishing — Louisiana requires proof of licensing when requested by a wildlife agent
- Digital licenses accepted — LDWF allows fishing licenses displayed on a mobile device
- Saltwater privilege required separately — basic fishing license does not cover tidal or coastal waters
- License year runs June 1–May 31 — different from most other states
- Free Fishing Days — Louisiana 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 LDWF 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 a Louisiana Fishing License In Person
Louisiana fishing licenses are also available from authorized LDWF license agents throughout the state.
- Walmart sporting goods counters
- Dick’s Sporting Goods
- Bass Pro Shops
- Cabela’s
- Local bait and tackle shops
- Authorized LDWF 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 Louisiana Fishing License Guide Is Maintained
Louisiana fishing license fees, regulations, exemptions, and digital licensing rules can change periodically. This guide is reviewed and updated using official Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) information and current Louisiana fishing regulations. BuyFishingLicense.org is an independent informational website and is not affiliated with LDWF or any government agency. If you notice outdated information, please contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a Louisiana fishing license?
A Louisiana resident annual basic fishing license costs $9.50. A saltwater fishing privilege costs an additional $13.00 for residents. A combined freshwater and saltwater license costs $22.50 for residents. A nonresident annual basic license costs $60.00 and a combined nonresident license costs $90.00. Louisiana residents age 60 and older can obtain a free annual license. Always verify current pricing through the LDWF website before purchasing.
Where can I buy a Louisiana fishing license online?
Louisiana fishing licenses are purchased online through the official LDWF licensing portal at wlf.louisiana.gov.
What is LDWF?
LDWF stands for the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, the state agency that issues Louisiana fishing licenses and manages the state’s fish and wildlife resources. Louisiana’s fishing agency is not called a DNR.
Do I need a separate saltwater fishing license in Louisiana?
Yes. A standard Louisiana basic fishing license does not cover saltwater or tidal fishing. A separate saltwater fishing privilege is required for fishing the Gulf Coast, coastal marshes, and tidal waters. The combined freshwater and saltwater license is the most convenient option for anglers who fish both.
When does a Louisiana fishing license expire?
Louisiana annual fishing licenses expire on May 31 each year. The new license year begins June 1. This is different from most states which use a calendar year or other schedule.
How do I renew my Louisiana fishing license online?
Log in to your LDWF account at wlf.louisiana.gov, select your renewal license type, complete payment, and download or print your renewed license. Louisiana licenses expire May 31 each year.
How do I print my Louisiana fishing license?
Log in to your LDWF account at wlf.louisiana.gov, locate your current fishing license, and download or print a copy. See our reprint fishing license guide.
Do seniors need a fishing license in Louisiana?
Louisiana residents age 60 and older can obtain a free annual fishing license through LDWF. Registration is still required even though the license is free.
Do kids need a fishing license in Louisiana?
No. Children under age 16 do not need a fishing license in Louisiana.
Can nonresidents buy a Louisiana fishing license online?
Yes. Out-of-state anglers can purchase Louisiana nonresident fishing licenses online through the LDWF portal at wlf.louisiana.gov.
Can I show my Louisiana fishing license on my phone?
Yes. Louisiana accepts fishing licenses displayed on a mobile device while fishing.
Related Louisiana 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
- Lifetime Fishing License Guide