Michigan fishing licenses are issued by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR). This guide explains how to buy, renew, or reprint your Michigan fishing license online through the official MDNR eLicense system, what it costs, who needs one, and what Michigan fishing rules require.
Visit the official MDNR eLicense system →
Quick Michigan Fishing License Information
| Category | Michigan Fishing License Details |
|---|---|
| Issued By | Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) |
| Online System | MDNR eLicense (mdnr-elicense.com) |
| Online Purchase Available? | Yes |
| Digital Licenses Accepted? | Yes |
| Minimum License Age | 17 years old |
| Resident Annual License | $26.00 (plus $1 surcharge) |
| Nonresident Annual License | $76.00 (plus $1 surcharge) |
| Senior Resident Annual License (65+) | $11.00 (plus $1 surcharge) |
| License Validity | March 1 through March 31 of the following year |
| Lake Michigan Fishing Covered? | Yes |
Always verify current pricing through the official MDNR eLicense website before purchasing. Michigan license fees and rules can change periodically.
How to Buy a Michigan Fishing License Online
Michigan fishing licenses can be purchased online through the official MDNR eLicense system. Licenses are typically issued immediately after purchase and can be saved digitally or printed.
- Visit the official MDNR eLicense portal — Go to mdnr-elicense.com.
- Create or log in to your account — Enter your identification and residency information.
- Select your license type — Choose resident, nonresident, daily, annual, senior, youth, or eligible combination options.
- Complete payment online — Finish your purchase through the MDNR eLicense system.
- Save or print your license — Keep a digital copy on your phone or print a paper copy for backup. Saving the original PDF is recommended to avoid reprint fees later.
Access the official MDNR eLicense system →
Michigan Fishing License Costs
Michigan fishing license costs vary based on residency, age, and license type. The following prices reflect current Michigan fishing license options listed by MDNR. Annual resident, nonresident, and senior licenses each carry an additional $1 surcharge.
| License Type | Resident Fee | Nonresident Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Fishing License | $26.00 + $1 surcharge | $76.00 + $1 surcharge | Valid March 1 through March 31 of the following year |
| Daily Fishing License | $10.00 per day | $10.00 per day | Purchaser sets the date/time to start; valid 24 hours |
| Senior Annual License | $11.00 + $1 surcharge | N/A | Michigan residents age 65+ or legally blind |
| Voluntary Youth Fishing License | $2.00 | $2.00 | Optional for anglers under age 17; not required |
| Underwater Spearfishing License | No cost | No cost | DNR Sportcard ($1) may be needed; see MDNR fishing regulations |
Always confirm current pricing through the official MDNR eLicense system before purchasing.
See our fishing license cost by state guide for nationwide comparisons.
What Is MDNR eLicense?
MDNR eLicense is Michigan’s official online licensing system for fishing licenses, hunting licenses, and related outdoor licenses. It can be used to buy, renew, and reprint Michigan fishing licenses online.
If you are searching for “mdnr-elicense,” “mdnr elicense login,” or “Michigan DNR eLicense,” the official licensing portal is mdnr-elicense.com.
Michigan DNR Hunt Fish App
Michigan also offers the DNR Hunt Fish mobile app, which allows anglers to buy, store, and display licenses from a mobile device. The app can also help users access regulations, view license information, and manage outdoor recreation purchases. It is available for download from the Michigan DNR website.
Why Buying Online Is the Fastest Option
- Immediate access — Licenses are typically available immediately after purchase
- No travel required — Skip the trip to a retail license vendor
- 24/7 availability — Buy online anytime
- Digital convenience — Save your license on your phone via eLicense or the DNR Hunt Fish app
- Easy renewals and reprints — Access your MDNR eLicense account anytime
- Auto-renew option — Online purchases can be set up for automatic renewal so you’re covered for the next license year
How to Renew a Michigan Fishing License Online
Michigan annual fishing licenses are valid through March 31 of the following year. New licenses are available for purchase starting in early spring, and renewal can be completed online through MDNR eLicense. Anglers who purchase online can also enable auto-renew to avoid a gap in coverage.
- Visit the official MDNR eLicense portal at mdnr-elicense.com
- Log in to your Michigan DNR licensing account
- Select your renewal license type
- Complete payment online
- Save or print 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 Michigan Fishing License
If you lose your Michigan fishing license or need another copy, the reprint process depends on where you originally purchased it.
If purchased online:
- Visit mdnr-elicense.com and log in to your account
- Access your purchase history
- Find your current fishing license
- Download or print a replacement copy
If purchased at a license agent: Visit any license agent and have your license reprinted. MDNR charges a $3 fee for non-kill tag replacement. You must provide the identification number used to purchase the original license.
Saving the original PDF when you purchase online is the easiest way to avoid reprint fees and delays.
See our reprint fishing license guide and replace lost fishing license guide.
Who Needs a Michigan Fishing License?
Most anglers age 17 and older need a valid Michigan fishing license to fish public waters. Michigan’s minimum fishing license age is 17, which is higher than many states that start at age 16. The license requirement applies not just to fish, but to amphibians, crustaceans, and reptiles as well.
- Michigan residents age 17+ generally need a resident fishing license
- Nonresidents age 17+ need a nonresident Michigan fishing license
- Children under 17 may fish without a license but must follow all fishing regulations
- Adults actively assisting a minor must have a fishing license
- Michigan residents age 65+ qualify for the reduced-fee senior annual license ($11 + $1 surcharge)
- Michigan residents who are legally blind also qualify for the senior annual license price
Related guides:
- Do You Need a Fishing License?
- Do Kids Need a Fishing License?
- Fishing License Age Requirements
- Senior Fishing License Guide
Free and Reduced-Fee Michigan Fishing Licenses
Certain Michigan residents qualify for free or reduced-fee fishing licenses:
- Active-duty U.S. military with Michigan resident status — fishing license fees are waived; valid military ID and proof of Michigan residency required
- Michigan resident veterans with 100% permanent and total disability — fishing license fees are waived; documentation from the VA required
- Michigan resident veterans rated individually unemployable — fishing license fees are waived; VA documentation required
- Michigan residents age 65+ — reduced-fee senior annual license at $11 + $1 surcharge
- Michigan residents who are legally blind — eligible for the senior annual license price
Verify current eligibility requirements and required documentation through the official MDNR fishing license information page.
Michigan Nonresident Fishing License
Out-of-state anglers age 17 and older need a Michigan nonresident fishing license. Michigan is a major fishing destination because of its Great Lakes access, inland lakes, rivers, trout streams, salmon runs, and charter fishing opportunities.
The current Michigan nonresident annual fishing license costs $76.00 plus a $1 surcharge. Daily licenses are also available at $10.00 per day for both residents and nonresidents. A license from another state does not replace a Michigan fishing license.
Fishing across state lines? See our fishing license reciprocity guide.
Lake Michigan Fishing License
A standard Michigan fishing license covers recreational fishing on Lake Michigan and other Great Lakes waters within Michigan’s jurisdiction. Michigan does not require a separate Lake Michigan-specific fishing license for most recreational anglers.
However, anglers targeting salmon, trout, muskellunge, bass, walleye, perch, and other regulated species should always review current MDNR regulations for seasons, size limits, possession limits, and reporting requirements before fishing. Some species and fishing methods may require additional reporting.
Michigan Fishing License Expiration
Michigan annual fishing licenses are valid from March 1 through March 31 of the following year. This is a fixed license year — not a rolling 365-day period from purchase.
Anglers who buy late in the license year may receive less coverage from an annual license than those who buy near the March 1 start date. A daily license may be more practical for short, late-season trips.
Related guides:
Michigan Free Fishing Weekends 2026
Michigan offers two Free Fishing Weekends each year when residents and nonresidents can fish all inland waters and Great Lakes waters without purchasing a fishing license. During these weekends, the Recreation Passport fee is also waived, giving free vehicle access to all 103 Michigan state parks and more than 1,000 MDNR-managed boating access sites.
2026 Michigan Free Fishing Weekend dates:
- February 14–15, 2026 (Presidents’ Day Weekend — winter/ice fishing focus)
- June 13–14, 2026 (Summer — also Michigan’s “Three Free” Weekend, which additionally waives ORV trail permit fees)
All other fishing regulations still apply during Free Fishing Weekends, including size limits, bag limits, and seasonal rules. Free Fishing Weekends have been a Michigan tradition since 1986.
See our free fishing days guide for current dates and programs in every state.
Michigan Fishing License Rules and Exemptions
- Carry proof of your license — Michigan anglers must provide license proof when requested by a Conservation Officer
- Age 17+ requirement — Most anglers age 17 and older need a fishing license
- License covers all species — Michigan annual fishing licenses cover all species, though some species and methods may require additional reporting
- License covers more than fish — Required when targeting fish, amphibians, crustaceans, and reptiles in public waters
- Children under 17 — May fish without a license but must follow all regulations
- Assisting a minor — Adults actively helping a minor fish must hold a valid fishing license
- Free Fishing Weekends — Michigan offers two annual license-free weekends; all other regulations still apply
- Follow species regulations — Seasons, daily limits, size limits, and possession limits vary by species and water body
Before fishing, review current regulations through the official Michigan fishing regulations page published by MDNR.
Related guides:
- Fishing Regulations by State
- Free Fishing Days in Every State
- What Happens If You Fish Without a License?
Where to Buy a Michigan Fishing License In Person
Michigan fishing licenses are also available from authorized retail license agents throughout the state.
- Walmart sporting goods counters
- Dick’s Sporting Goods
- Bass Pro Shops
- Cabela’s
- Local bait and tackle shops
- Authorized MDNR license agents statewide
Vendor participation varies by location, so calling ahead before visiting is recommended. You can use the official MDNR retail agent locator to find an authorized agent near you.
See our guide on where to buy a fishing license near you.
How This Michigan Fishing License Guide Is Maintained
Michigan fishing license fees, regulations, exemptions, and digital licensing rules can change periodically. This guide is reviewed and updated using official Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) information and current Michigan fishing regulations. BuyFishingLicense.org is an independent informational website and is not affiliated with MDNR or any government agency. If you notice outdated information, please contact us.