Maine fishing licenses are issued by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (Maine IFW) for freshwater fishing. Saltwater fishing in Maine requires a separate free registration through the Maine Department of Marine Resources (DMR). This guide explains how to buy, renew, or reprint your Maine fishing license online, what licenses cost, how saltwater fishing registration works, and what Maine fishing rules require.
Visit the official Maine IFW fishing license page →
Quick Maine Fishing License Information
| Category | Maine Fishing License Details |
|---|---|
| Freshwater Licenses Issued By | Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (Maine IFW) |
| Saltwater Registration Issued By | Maine Department of Marine Resources (DMR) |
| Online Purchase Available? | Yes |
| Digital Licenses Accepted? | Yes |
| Minimum License Age | 16 years old |
| Resident Annual Freshwater License | $26.00 |
| Nonresident Annual Freshwater License | $64.00 |
| License Year | January 1 – December 31 |
| Saltwater Registration | Free — separate registration required through DMR |
| Senior Exemption | Age 70+ free freshwater license |
Always verify current pricing through the official Maine IFW website before purchasing. Maine license fees can change periodically.
How to Buy a Maine Fishing License Online
Maine freshwater fishing licenses can be purchased online through the official Maine IFW licensing system. Licenses are typically issued immediately after purchase and can be displayed digitally on your phone.
- Visit the official Maine IFW licensing portal — Go to the Maine IFW website at maine.gov/ifw.
- Create or log in to your account — Enter your Maine ID or driver’s license number and personal information.
- Select your license type — Choose resident or nonresident, annual, 15-day, or 3-day license.
- Complete payment online — Pay using a debit or credit card.
- Download or display your license — Maine accepts digital fishing licenses displayed on a mobile device.
Access the official Maine IFW fishing license system →
Maine Saltwater Fishing Registration
Maine handles saltwater fishing separately from freshwater fishing. A standard Maine freshwater fishing license does not cover saltwater fishing. Anglers age 16 and older who fish Maine’s saltwater — including the Atlantic Ocean, coastal bays, tidal rivers, and other marine waters — must register with the Maine Recreational Saltwater Fishing Registry through the Maine Department of Marine Resources (DMR).
The Maine saltwater fishing registration is free but registration is required. It can be completed online through the DMR at maine.gov/dmr.
If you are searching for “maine saltwater fishing license,” “maine saltwater registry,” “saltwater fishing registration maine,” or “www.maine.gov/dmr/recreational-fishing/registry,” the official registration is handled by the Maine Department of Marine Resources.
Anglers who fish both freshwater and saltwater in Maine need both a freshwater fishing license from IFW and a saltwater registration from DMR.
See our saltwater fishing license guide for more on coastal fishing requirements by state.
Maine Fishing License Costs
Maine fishing license costs vary based on residency, age, and license type. The following prices reflect common Maine freshwater fishing license options issued by Maine IFW.
| License Type | Resident Fee | Nonresident Fee | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Freshwater Fishing License | $26.00 | $64.00 | Jan 1 – Dec 31 |
| 15-Day Freshwater License | N/A | $43.00 | 15 days |
| 3-Day Freshwater License | N/A | $23.00 | 3 days |
| Senior Annual License (age 70+) | Free | N/A | Jan 1 – Dec 31 |
| Combination Fishing and Hunting | $43.00 | N/A | Jan 1 – Dec 31 |
| Saltwater Registry | Free | Free | Jan 1 – Dec 31 |
| Lifetime Fishing License | Varies by age | N/A | Lifetime |
License fees can change. Always verify current pricing through the official Maine IFW website before purchasing.
See our fishing license cost by state guide for nationwide comparisons.
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 IFW office
- 24/7 availability — Buy anytime, including the morning of a fishing trip
- Digital convenience — Maine accepts licenses displayed on a mobile device
- Easy renewals and reprints — Access your Maine IFW account anytime
How to Renew a Maine Fishing License Online
Maine fishing licenses expire on December 31 each year. Renewal is available online through the Maine IFW licensing system. Renewal is one of the most searched topics for Maine anglers — the process is the same as purchasing through your existing IFW account.
- Visit the official Maine IFW licensing portal at maine.gov/ifw
- Log in to your Maine IFW account
- Select your renewal license type
- Complete payment online
- Download or display your renewed license
Maine saltwater registrations also expire December 31 and must be renewed each calendar year at maine.gov/dmr, even though the registration is free.
For additional guidance, see our fishing license renewal guide, renew fishing license online guide, and fishing license expiration guide.
How to Reprint a Maine Fishing License
If you lose your Maine fishing license or need another copy, you can usually reprint or redownload it through your Maine IFW account.
- Visit maine.gov/ifw 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 a Maine Fishing License?
Most anglers age 16 and older need a valid Maine fishing license while fishing public freshwater. Saltwater anglers age 16 and older must register with the free Maine Recreational Saltwater Fishing Registry.
- Maine residents age 16+ need a resident freshwater fishing license
- Nonresidents age 16+ need a nonresident Maine fishing license
- Children under 16 do not need a fishing license in Maine
- Maine residents age 70+ can obtain a free annual freshwater fishing license
- Veterans may qualify for reduced-fee or free licenses — review current Maine IFW eligibility rules
- Saltwater anglers age 16+ must complete the free DMR saltwater registry regardless of freshwater license status
- Certain disability exemptions may apply — review current Maine IFW eligibility rules
Related guides:
- Do You Need a Fishing License?
- Do Kids Need a Fishing License?
- Fishing License Age Requirements
- Senior Fishing License Guide
Maine Nonresident Fishing License
Out-of-state anglers fishing Maine freshwater must purchase a nonresident fishing license through Maine IFW. Maine is a premier fishing destination for nonresident anglers seeking landlocked salmon, brook trout, lake trout, bass, and other species across its thousands of pristine lakes, ponds, and rivers.
Nonresident options include an annual license at $64.00, a 15-day license at $43.00, and a 3-day license at $23.00. Nonresidents fishing saltwater also need the free DMR saltwater registration.
Fishing across state lines? See our fishing license reciprocity guide.
Maine Fishing License Expiration
Maine annual fishing licenses expire on December 31 each year. The new license year begins January 1. Maine uses a fixed calendar-year licensing system.
The Maine saltwater registry also expires December 31 and must be renewed annually at maine.gov/dmr, even when the registration is free.
Anglers who purchase late in the year — in October, November, or December — receive less than a full year of coverage. A 3-day or 15-day license may be more cost-effective for late-year or short-trip purchases.
Related guides:
Maine Fishing License Rules and Exemptions
- Carry your license while fishing — Maine requires proof of licensing when requested by a game warden
- Digital licenses accepted — Maine IFW allows fishing licenses displayed on a mobile device
- Saltwater registry separate and free — required for all saltwater fishing, separate from the freshwater license
- Age 70+ free freshwater license — Maine residents qualify for a free annual license at age 70
- Free Fishing Days — Maine 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, lake, and region
- Ice fishing — Maine issues fishing licenses that cover ice fishing; a standard annual fishing license covers both open-water and ice fishing
Before fishing, review current regulations through the official Maine IFW 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 Maine Fishing License In Person
Maine fishing licenses are also available from authorized IFW license agents throughout the state including town offices, sporting goods stores, and bait shops.
- Walmart sporting goods counters
- Dick’s Sporting Goods
- Bass Pro Shops
- Local bait and tackle shops
- Town and city clerk offices
- Authorized Maine IFW 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 Maine Fishing License Guide Is Maintained
Maine fishing license fees, regulations, exemptions, and saltwater registry rules can change periodically. This guide is reviewed and updated using official Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (Maine IFW) and Maine Department of Marine Resources (DMR) information and current Maine fishing regulations. BuyFishingLicense.org is an independent informational website and is not affiliated with Maine IFW, DMR, or any government agency. If you notice outdated information, please contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a Maine fishing license?
A Maine resident annual freshwater fishing license costs $26.00. A nonresident annual freshwater license costs $64.00. A 3-day nonresident license costs $23.00 and a 15-day license costs $43.00. Maine residents age 70 and older can obtain a free annual freshwater license. The Maine saltwater fishing registration is free for all anglers but registration is required. Always verify current pricing through Maine IFW before purchasing.
Where can I buy a Maine fishing license online?
Maine freshwater fishing licenses are purchased online through the official Maine IFW licensing portal at maine.gov/ifw. Saltwater fishing registration is completed separately and for free at maine.gov/dmr.
Do I need a separate saltwater fishing license in Maine?
Maine does not charge a separate fee for saltwater fishing, but anglers fishing Maine saltwater must register with the free Maine Recreational Saltwater Fishing Registry through the Department of Marine Resources at maine.gov/dmr. A freshwater license alone does not cover saltwater fishing.
How do I renew my Maine fishing license online?
Log in to your Maine IFW account at maine.gov/ifw, select your renewal license type, complete payment, and download your renewed license. Maine licenses expire December 31 each year. Saltwater registrations must also be renewed annually at maine.gov/dmr.
When does a Maine fishing license expire?
Maine annual fishing licenses expire on December 31 each year. The new license year begins January 1. The saltwater registry also expires December 31 each year.
Do seniors need a fishing license in Maine?
Maine residents age 70 and older can obtain a free annual freshwater fishing license through Maine IFW. Registration is still required. Saltwater registration is also required and free.
Do kids need a fishing license in Maine?
No. Children under age 16 do not need a fishing license in Maine.
Can nonresidents buy a Maine fishing license online?
Yes. Out-of-state anglers can purchase Maine nonresident freshwater fishing licenses online through the Maine IFW portal. Nonresidents fishing saltwater must also complete the free DMR saltwater registration.
Does a Maine fishing license cover ice fishing?
Yes. A standard Maine annual fishing license covers both open-water and ice fishing. No separate ice fishing license is required.
Can I show my Maine fishing license on my phone?
Yes. Maine accepts fishing licenses displayed on a mobile device while fishing.
Related Maine Fishing Guides
- Online Fishing License Directory
- Where to Buy a Fishing License Near Me
- Saltwater Fishing License Guide
- 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