Maryland fishing licenses are issued by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (MD DNR). This guide explains how to buy, renew, or reprint your Maryland fishing license online through the official DNR COMPASS system, what licenses cost, how tidal and Chesapeake Bay fishing licensing works, and what Maryland fishing rules require.
Visit the official MD DNR COMPASS fishing license page →
Quick Maryland Fishing License Information
| Category | Maryland Fishing License Details |
|---|---|
| Issued By | Maryland Department of Natural Resources (MD DNR) |
| Online System | DNR COMPASS (compass.dnr.maryland.gov) |
| Online Purchase Available? | Yes |
| Digital Licenses Accepted? | Yes |
| Minimum License Age | 16 years old |
| Resident Annual Nontidal License | $20.50 |
| Nonresident Annual Nontidal License | $30.50 |
| License Year | January 1 – December 31 |
| Tidal/Chesapeake Bay License | Separate Chesapeake Bay Sport Fishing License required |
Always verify current pricing through the official MD DNR COMPASS website before purchasing. Maryland license fees can change periodically.
How to Buy a Maryland Fishing License Online
Maryland fishing licenses can be purchased online through the official DNR COMPASS system at compass.dnr.maryland.gov, operated by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Licenses are typically issued immediately after purchase and can be displayed digitally on your phone or printed.
- Visit DNR COMPASS — Go to compass.dnr.maryland.gov, the official MD DNR online licensing portal.
- Create or log in to your account — Enter your Maryland ID or driver’s license number and personal information.
- Select your license type — Choose nontidal, tidal, Chesapeake Bay, resident or nonresident, annual or short-term.
- Complete payment online — Pay using a debit or credit card.
- Download, print, or display your license — Maryland accepts digital fishing licenses displayed on a mobile device.
Access the official MD DNR COMPASS licensing system →
What Is DNR COMPASS?
DNR COMPASS (compass.dnr.maryland.gov) is the official online licensing portal operated by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. It is used to purchase, renew, and manage Maryland fishing licenses, hunting licenses, boat registrations, and related outdoor permits.
If you are searching for “maryland dnr compass,” “compass dnr md,” “dnr compass,” “compass.dnr.maryland.gov,” or “md dnr compass portal,” the official portal is compass.dnr.maryland.gov.
Maryland Fishing License Costs
Maryland fishing license costs vary based on residency, age, and whether you are fishing nontidal (freshwater) or tidal (Chesapeake Bay and coastal) waters. The following prices reflect common Maryland fishing license options issued by MD DNR.
| License Type | Resident Fee | Nonresident Fee | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Nontidal Fishing License | $20.50 | $30.50 | Jan 1 – Dec 31 |
| 7-Day Nontidal License | $7.50 | $7.50 | 7 consecutive days |
| 1-Day Nontidal License | $5.00 | $5.00 | 1 day |
| Chesapeake Bay Sport Fishing License | $15.00 | $22.50 | Jan 1 – Dec 31 |
| Senior Annual License (age 65+) | $5.00 | N/A | Jan 1 – Dec 31 |
| Combination Nontidal + Chesapeake Bay | $35.50 | $53.00 | Jan 1 – Dec 31 |
| Lifetime Fishing License | Varies by age | N/A | Lifetime |
License fees can change. Always verify current pricing through the official MD DNR COMPASS website before purchasing.
See our fishing license cost by state guide for nationwide comparisons.
Maryland Tidal and Chesapeake Bay Fishing License
Maryland has a distinct licensing structure for tidal and Chesapeake Bay fishing. A standard nontidal (freshwater) fishing license does not cover fishing in tidal waters, the Chesapeake Bay, or other coastal and tidal areas.
Anglers fishing the Chesapeake Bay, Maryland’s coastal bays, tidal rivers, and tidal portions of freshwater rivers need a Chesapeake Bay Sport Fishing License in addition to or instead of a nontidal license.
The most cost-effective option for anglers who fish both nontidal and tidal waters is the Combination License covering both at $35.50 for residents and $53.00 for nonresidents.
See our saltwater fishing license guide for more on coastal fishing 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 — Maryland accepts licenses displayed on a mobile device
- Easy renewals and reprints — Access your DNR COMPASS account anytime
How to Renew a Maryland Fishing License Online
Maryland fishing licenses expire on December 31 each year. Renewal is available online through DNR COMPASS. Anglers are encouraged to renew before January 1 to avoid any gap in coverage.
- Visit compass.dnr.maryland.gov
- Log in to your MD DNR COMPASS 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.
How to Reprint a Maryland Fishing License
If you lose your Maryland fishing license or need another copy, you can usually reprint or redownload it through your DNR COMPASS account.
- Visit compass.dnr.maryland.gov 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 Maryland Fishing License?
Most anglers age 16 and older need a valid Maryland fishing license while fishing public waters.
- Maryland residents age 16+ need a resident fishing license
- Nonresidents age 16+ need a nonresident Maryland fishing license
- Children under 16 do not need a fishing license in Maryland
- Maryland residents age 65+ qualify for a discounted senior annual license at $5.00
- Tidal and Chesapeake Bay anglers need a separate Chesapeake Bay Sport Fishing License
- Certain disability exemptions may apply — review current MD 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
Maryland Nonresident Fishing License
Out-of-state anglers fishing in Maryland must purchase a nonresident fishing license through DNR COMPASS. Maryland attracts nonresident anglers for Chesapeake Bay striped bass (rockfish) fishing, Deep Creek Lake fishing, the Susquehanna River, the Potomac River, and coastal bay fishing on the Eastern Shore.
Nonresident options include an annual nontidal license at $30.50, a Chesapeake Bay Sport Fishing License at $22.50, a combination license at $53.00, and short-term 7-day and 1-day licenses at $7.50 and $5.00 respectively.
Fishing across state lines? See our fishing license reciprocity guide.
Maryland Fishing License Expiration
Maryland annual fishing licenses expire on December 31 each year. The new license year begins January 1. Maryland 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 7-day or 1-day license may be more cost-effective for late-year or occasional fishing trips.
Related guides:
Maryland Fishing License Rules and Exemptions
- Carry your license while fishing — Maryland requires proof of licensing when requested by a natural resources police officer
- Digital licenses accepted — MD DNR allows fishing licenses displayed on a mobile device
- Nontidal and tidal licenses are separate — confirm you have the correct license for where you are fishing
- Combination license available — covers both nontidal and Chesapeake Bay fishing
- Free Fishing Days — Maryland 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 MD 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 a Maryland Fishing License In Person
Maryland fishing licenses are also available from authorized MD 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 MD 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 Maryland Fishing License Guide Is Maintained
Maryland fishing license fees, regulations, exemptions, and digital licensing rules can change periodically. This guide is reviewed and updated using official Maryland Department of Natural Resources (MD DNR) information and current Maryland fishing regulations. BuyFishingLicense.org is an independent informational website and is not affiliated with MD DNR or any government agency. If you notice outdated information, please contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a Maryland fishing license?
A Maryland resident annual nontidal fishing license costs $20.50. A nonresident annual nontidal license costs $30.50. A Chesapeake Bay Sport Fishing License costs $15.00 for residents and $22.50 for nonresidents. A combination license covering both costs $35.50 for residents and $53.00 for nonresidents. A senior resident license costs $5.00. Always verify current pricing through DNR COMPASS before purchasing.
Where can I buy a Maryland fishing license online?
Maryland fishing licenses are purchased online through the official MD DNR COMPASS system at compass.dnr.maryland.gov.
What is DNR COMPASS?
DNR COMPASS is the official online licensing portal for Maryland fishing licenses, hunting licenses, boat registrations, and related outdoor permits, available at compass.dnr.maryland.gov. It is operated by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
Do I need a separate license for the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland?
Yes. A standard Maryland nontidal fishing license does not cover Chesapeake Bay or tidal water fishing. A separate Chesapeake Bay Sport Fishing License is required. Anglers fishing both nontidal and tidal waters should consider the combination license.
How do I renew my Maryland fishing license online?
Log in to your DNR COMPASS account at compass.dnr.maryland.gov, select your renewal license type, complete payment, and download your renewed license. Maryland licenses expire December 31 each year.
How do I reprint my Maryland fishing license?
Log in to your DNR COMPASS account at compass.dnr.maryland.gov, locate your license in your purchase history, and download or print a replacement copy. See our reprint fishing license guide.
When does a Maryland fishing license expire?
Maryland annual fishing licenses expire on December 31 each year. The new license year begins January 1.
Do seniors need a fishing license in Maryland?
Maryland residents age 65 and older qualify for a discounted annual fishing license at $5.00. Registration through DNR COMPASS is still required.
Do kids need a fishing license in Maryland?
No. Children under age 16 do not need a fishing license in Maryland.
Can nonresidents buy a Maryland fishing license online?
Yes. Out-of-state anglers can purchase Maryland nonresident fishing licenses online through DNR COMPASS at compass.dnr.maryland.gov.
Can I show my Maryland fishing license on my phone?
Yes. Maryland accepts fishing licenses displayed on a mobile device while fishing.
Related Maryland 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