Minnesota fishing licenses are issued by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MN DNR). This guide explains how to buy, renew, or reprint your Minnesota fishing license online, what licenses cost, who needs one, and what Minnesota fishing rules require.
Visit the official MN DNR fishing license page →
Quick Minnesota Fishing License Information
| Category | Minnesota Fishing License Details |
|---|---|
| Issued By | Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MN DNR) |
| Online System | license.dnr.state.mn.us |
| Online Purchase Available? | Yes |
| Digital Licenses Accepted? | Yes |
| Minimum License Age | 16 years old |
| Resident Annual License | $25.00 |
| Nonresident Annual License | $51.00 |
| License Year | March 1 – last day of February |
| Trout Stamp Required? | Yes — for designated trout streams and lakes |
Always verify current pricing through the official MN DNR website before purchasing. Minnesota license fees can change periodically.
How to Buy a Minnesota Fishing License Online
Minnesota fishing licenses can be purchased online through the official MN DNR licensing system at license.dnr.state.mn.us. Licenses are typically issued immediately after purchase and can be displayed digitally on your phone.
- Visit the official MN DNR licensing portal — Go to license.dnr.state.mn.us.
- Create or log in to your account — Enter your Minnesota ID or driver’s license number and personal information.
- Select your license type — Choose resident, nonresident, annual, short-term, or combination license. Add a trout stamp if needed.
- Complete payment online — Pay using a debit or credit card.
- Download or display your license — Minnesota accepts digital fishing licenses displayed on a mobile device.
Access the official MN DNR fishing license system →
Minnesota Fishing License Costs
Minnesota fishing license costs vary based on residency, age, and license type. The following prices reflect common Minnesota fishing license options issued by the MN DNR.
| License Type | Resident Fee | Nonresident Fee | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Fishing License | $25.00 | $51.00 | March 1 – last day of Feb |
| 24-Hour Fishing License | $10.00 | $10.00 | 24 hours |
| 72-Hour Fishing License | N/A | $26.00 | 72 hours |
| 7-Day Fishing License | N/A | $37.00 | 7 consecutive days |
| Senior Annual License (age 65+) | $12.50 | N/A | March 1 – last day of Feb |
| Trout Stamp (add-on) | $10.00 | $10.00 | With license year |
| Lifetime Fishing License | Varies by age | N/A | Lifetime |
License fees can change. Always verify current pricing through the official MN DNR website before purchasing.
See our fishing license cost by state guide for nationwide comparisons.
Minnesota Trout and Salmon Stamp
Minnesota requires a separate Trout and Salmon Stamp for anglers fishing designated trout streams, trout lakes, and Lake Superior tributaries. A standard Minnesota fishing license alone does not cover trout or salmon fishing in these waters.
The trout stamp costs $10.00 for both residents and nonresidents and is available through the MN DNR online licensing system.
Minnesota is well known for its stream trout fishing in the Driftless Area of southeastern Minnesota, Lake Superior steelhead and salmon fishing, and lake trout fishing in the northern lakes. Anglers targeting these species should confirm whether a trout stamp is required for the specific waters they plan to fish.
See our trout stamp cost guide for more information on trout stamp requirements by state.
Minnesota Short-Term and 24-Hour Fishing Licenses
Minnesota offers short-term fishing licenses for visitors and occasional anglers. These are popular with anglers visiting Minnesota’s lakes for walleye, bass, northern pike, muskie, and panfish trips.
- 24-Hour License — $10.00 for residents and nonresidents
- 72-Hour License — $26.00 for nonresidents
- 7-Day License — $37.00 for nonresidents
Short-term licenses can be purchased online the same day you plan to fish.
Visiting Minnesota to fish? See our fishing license for visitors guide.
Why Buying Online Is the Fastest Option
- Immediate access — Licenses are typically issued instantly after purchase
- No travel required — Skip the trip to a bait shop or DNR office
- 24/7 availability — Buy anytime, including the morning of a fishing trip
- Digital convenience — Minnesota accepts licenses displayed on a mobile device
- Easy renewals and reprints — Access your MN DNR account anytime
How to Renew a Minnesota Fishing License Online
Minnesota fishing licenses expire on the last day of February each year. The new license year begins March 1. Renewal is available online through the MN DNR licensing system.
- Visit license.dnr.state.mn.us
- Log in to your MN 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 a Minnesota Fishing License
If you lose your Minnesota fishing license or need another copy, you can usually reprint or redownload it through your MN DNR account.
- Visit license.dnr.state.mn.us and log in to your account
- Locate your fishing license in your purchase history
- Select your license
- Download or print a replacement copy
Saving a PDF copy on your phone is recommended for backup access while fishing in remote areas or the Boundary Waters.
See our reprint fishing license guide and replace lost fishing license guide.
Who Needs a Minnesota Fishing License?
Most anglers age 16 and older need a valid Minnesota fishing license while fishing public waters.
- Minnesota residents age 16+ need a resident fishing license
- Nonresidents age 16+ need a nonresident Minnesota fishing license
- Children under 16 do not need a fishing license in Minnesota
- Minnesota residents age 65+ qualify for a discounted senior annual fishing license
- Trout anglers fishing designated trout waters need a separate trout stamp
- Certain disability exemptions may apply — review current MN 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
Minnesota Nonresident Fishing License
Out-of-state anglers fishing in Minnesota must purchase a nonresident fishing license through the MN DNR. Minnesota is one of the premier fishing destinations in North America, attracting nonresident anglers for walleye, northern pike, muskie, bass, lake trout, and panfish fishing across its more than 10,000 lakes.
Popular destinations for nonresident anglers include Leech Lake, Mille Lacs Lake, Lake Vermilion, Lake of the Woods, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), and thousands of other lakes throughout the state.
Nonresident options include an annual license at $51.00, a 7-day license at $37.00, a 72-hour license at $26.00, and a 24-hour license at $10.00.
Note that fishing in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness also requires a separate BWCAW entry permit from the U.S. Forest Service, in addition to a Minnesota fishing license.
Fishing across state lines? See our fishing license reciprocity guide.
Minnesota Fishing License Expiration
Minnesota annual fishing licenses expire on the last day of February each year. The new license year begins March 1. Minnesota uses a fixed annual licensing year rather than a rolling 365-day period.
Anglers who purchase late in the license year — in December, January, or February — receive less than a full year of coverage. A 24-hour or short-term license may be more cost-effective for late-season purchases.
Related guides:
Minnesota Fishing License Rules and Exemptions
- Carry your license while fishing — Minnesota requires proof of licensing when requested by a conservation officer
- Digital licenses accepted — MN DNR allows fishing licenses displayed on a mobile device
- Trout stamp required for designated trout waters — confirm requirements before fishing trout streams or Lake Superior tributaries
- BWCAW entry permit separate — Boundary Waters fishing requires both a Minnesota fishing license and a federal BWCAW entry permit
- Free Fishing Weekend — Minnesota offers annual Free Fishing Weekend 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
Before fishing, review current regulations through the official MN 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 Minnesota Fishing License In Person
Minnesota fishing licenses are also available from authorized MN 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 MN 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 Minnesota Fishing License Guide Is Maintained
Minnesota fishing license fees, regulations, exemptions, and digital licensing rules can change periodically. This guide is reviewed and updated using official Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MN DNR) information and current Minnesota fishing regulations. BuyFishingLicense.org is an independent informational website and is not affiliated with the MN DNR or any government agency. If you notice outdated information, please contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a Minnesota fishing license?
A Minnesota resident annual fishing license costs $25.00. A nonresident annual license costs $51.00. A 24-hour license costs $10.00 for residents and nonresidents. A 7-day nonresident license costs $37.00. A senior resident license for anglers age 65 and older costs $12.50. A trout stamp costs $10.00 for residents and nonresidents. Always verify current pricing through the MN DNR website.
Where can I buy a Minnesota fishing license online?
Minnesota fishing licenses are purchased online through the official MN DNR licensing system at license.dnr.state.mn.us.
Do I need a trout stamp in Minnesota?
Yes, for fishing designated trout streams, trout lakes, and Lake Superior tributaries. A standard Minnesota fishing license does not cover trout or salmon fishing in these waters. The trout stamp costs $10.00 for residents and nonresidents.
When does a Minnesota fishing license expire?
Minnesota annual fishing licenses expire on the last day of February each year. The new license year begins March 1.
How do I renew my Minnesota fishing license online?
Log in to your MN DNR account at license.dnr.state.mn.us, select your renewal license type, complete payment, and download your renewed license.
Do I need a separate permit for the Boundary Waters in Minnesota?
Yes. Fishing in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness requires both a valid Minnesota fishing license and a separate BWCAW entry permit from the U.S. Forest Service. The fishing license and entry permit are obtained through different systems.
Do kids need a fishing license in Minnesota?
No. Children under age 16 do not need a fishing license in Minnesota.
Can nonresidents buy a Minnesota fishing license online?
Yes. Out-of-state anglers can purchase Minnesota nonresident fishing licenses online through the MN DNR licensing system.
Can I show my Minnesota fishing license on my phone?
Yes. Minnesota accepts fishing licenses displayed on a mobile device while fishing.
Does Minnesota have free fishing days?
Yes. Minnesota offers annual Free Fishing Weekend days when no fishing license is required. All other fishing regulations still apply during free fishing days. See our free fishing days guide for current dates.
Related Minnesota 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
- Fishing License for Visitors
- Free Fishing Days in Every State
- Does Walmart Sell Fishing Licenses?
- Lifetime Fishing License Guide
- Senior Fishing License Guide