South Carolina fishing licenses are issued by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR). This guide explains how to buy, renew, or reprint your South Carolina fishing license online, what licenses cost, how saltwater licensing works, and what South Carolina fishing rules require.
Visit the official SCDNR fishing license page →
Quick South Carolina Fishing License Information
| Category | South Carolina Fishing License Details |
|---|---|
| Issued By | South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) |
| Online System | SCDNR licensing portal (dnr.sc.gov) |
| Online Purchase Available? | Yes |
| Digital Licenses Accepted? | Yes |
| Minimum License Age | 16 years old |
| Resident Annual Freshwater License | $10.00 |
| Nonresident Annual Freshwater License | $35.00 |
| License Year | January 1 – December 31 |
| Saltwater License Required? | Yes — separate saltwater recreational fishing license |
Always verify current pricing through the official SCDNR website before purchasing. South Carolina license fees can change periodically.
How to Buy a South Carolina Fishing License Online
South Carolina fishing licenses can be purchased online through the official SCDNR licensing portal at dnr.sc.gov. Licenses are typically issued immediately after purchase and can be displayed digitally on your phone or printed.
- Visit the official SCDNR licensing portal — Go to dnr.sc.gov, the official South Carolina DNR website.
- Create or log in to your account — Enter your South Carolina ID or driver’s license number and personal information.
- Select your license type — Choose resident or nonresident, freshwater, saltwater, or combination, annual or short-term.
- Complete payment online — Pay using a debit or credit card.
- Download, print, or display your license — South Carolina accepts digital fishing licenses displayed on a mobile device.
Access the official SCDNR fishing license system →
What Is SCDNR?
SCDNR stands for the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. It is the state agency responsible for issuing South Carolina fishing licenses, managing fish and wildlife resources, and enforcing South Carolina fishing regulations.
If you are searching for “SCDNR fishing license,” “SCDNR license online,” “SCDNR fishing license renewal,” or “South Carolina DNR fishing license,” the official portal is dnr.sc.gov.
South Carolina Fishing License Costs
South Carolina fishing license costs vary based on residency, age, and license type. The following prices reflect common South Carolina fishing license options issued by SCDNR.
| License Type | Resident Fee | Nonresident Fee | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Freshwater Fishing License | $10.00 | $35.00 | Jan 1 – Dec 31 |
| Annual Saltwater Fishing License | $10.00 | $35.00 | Jan 1 – Dec 31 |
| Annual Combination (Fresh + Salt) | $20.00 | $70.00 | Jan 1 – Dec 31 |
| 14-Day Nonresident Saltwater License | N/A | $11.00 | 14 days |
| 3-Day Nonresident License | N/A | $11.00 | 3 days |
| Senior Annual License (age 65+) | Free | N/A | Jan 1 – Dec 31 |
| Lifetime Fishing License | Varies by age | N/A | Lifetime |
License fees can change. Always verify current pricing through the official SCDNR website before purchasing.
See our fishing license cost by state guide for nationwide comparisons.
South Carolina Saltwater Fishing License
South Carolina requires a separate saltwater recreational fishing license for fishing in saltwater and tidal waters. A standard freshwater fishing license does not cover saltwater fishing in South Carolina.
Anglers fishing South Carolina’s coast — including Myrtle Beach, Charleston Harbor, Hilton Head, Pawleys Island, surf fishing along the Grand Strand, and other coastal and tidal waters — need either a separate saltwater license or the annual combination license covering both freshwater and saltwater.
The most cost-effective option for anglers who fish both freshwater and saltwater in South Carolina is the Annual Combination License at $20.00 for residents and $70.00 for nonresidents.
A 14-day nonresident saltwater license is also available at $11.00 for visiting anglers who only need short-term coastal access.
See our saltwater fishing license guide for more on coastal fishing requirements by state.
South Carolina Lifetime Fishing License
South Carolina offers lifetime fishing licenses for residents, available at a one-time fee that varies by age at the time of purchase. Lifetime licenses cover freshwater fishing for life and eliminate the need for annual renewal.
If you have lost your South Carolina lifetime fishing license, replacements can typically be obtained through the SCDNR licensing system. See our replace lost fishing license guide for more detail.
See our lifetime fishing license guide for more on lifetime license options 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 SCDNR office
- 24/7 availability — Buy anytime, including the morning of a fishing trip
- Print or display digitally — South Carolina accepts licenses displayed on a mobile device or printed
- Easy renewals and reprints — Access your SCDNR account anytime
How to Renew a South Carolina Fishing License Online
South Carolina fishing licenses expire on December 31 each year. Renewal is available online through the SCDNR licensing portal. Anglers are encouraged to renew before January 1 to avoid any gap in coverage.
- Visit dnr.sc.gov
- Log in to your SCDNR 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 South Carolina Fishing License
If you lose your South Carolina fishing license or need another printed copy, you can usually reprint or redownload it through your SCDNR account.
- Visit dnr.sc.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 South Carolina Fishing License?
Most anglers age 16 and older need a valid South Carolina fishing license while fishing public waters.
- South Carolina residents age 16+ need a resident fishing license
- Nonresidents age 16+ need a nonresident South Carolina fishing license
- Children under 16 do not need a fishing license in South Carolina
- South Carolina residents age 65+ can obtain a free annual fishing license
- Saltwater anglers need a separate saltwater or combination fishing license
- Certain disability exemptions may apply — review current SCDNR eligibility rules
Related guides:
- Do You Need a Fishing License?
- Do Kids Need a Fishing License?
- Fishing License Age Requirements
- Senior Fishing License Guide
South Carolina Nonresident Fishing License
Out-of-state anglers fishing in South Carolina must purchase a nonresident fishing license through SCDNR. South Carolina attracts nonresident anglers for Myrtle Beach and Grand Strand surf fishing, Charleston area inshore fishing, Hilton Head saltwater fishing, Lake Murray bass fishing, Santee Cooper catfish and striped bass fishing, and coastal fishing throughout the state.
Nonresident options include an annual freshwater license at $35.00, an annual saltwater license at $35.00, an annual combination license at $70.00, a 3-day license at $11.00, and a 14-day saltwater license at $11.00.
Fishing across state lines? See our fishing license reciprocity guide.
South Carolina Fishing License Expiration
South Carolina annual fishing licenses expire on December 31 each year. The new license year begins January 1. South Carolina 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 3-day or 14-day license may be more cost-effective for late-year or occasional fishing trips.
Related guides:
South Carolina Fishing License Rules and Exemptions
- Carry your license while fishing — South Carolina requires proof of licensing when requested by a conservation officer
- Digital licenses accepted — SCDNR allows fishing licenses displayed on a mobile device
- Saltwater requires separate license — freshwater license does not cover coastal or tidal waters
- Combination license available — covers both freshwater and saltwater in one license
- Free Fishing Days — South Carolina 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 SCDNR 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 South Carolina Fishing License In Person
South Carolina fishing licenses are also available from authorized SCDNR license agents throughout the state.
- Walmart sporting goods counters
- Dick’s Sporting Goods
- Bass Pro Shops
- Cabela’s
- Local bait and tackle shops
- Authorized SCDNR 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 South Carolina Fishing License Guide Is Maintained
South Carolina fishing license fees, regulations, exemptions, and digital licensing rules can change periodically. This guide is reviewed and updated using official South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) information and current South Carolina fishing regulations. BuyFishingLicense.org is an independent informational website and is not affiliated with SCDNR or any government agency. If you notice outdated information, please contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a South Carolina fishing license?
A South Carolina resident annual freshwater or saltwater fishing license costs $10.00 each. An annual combination license covering both freshwater and saltwater costs $20.00 for residents and $70.00 for nonresidents. A nonresident annual freshwater or saltwater license costs $35.00 each. A 3-day nonresident license and a 14-day nonresident saltwater license each cost $11.00. South Carolina residents age 65 and older can obtain a free annual license. Always verify current pricing through SCDNR before purchasing.
Where can I buy a South Carolina fishing license online?
South Carolina fishing licenses are purchased online through the official SCDNR licensing portal at dnr.sc.gov.
What is SCDNR?
SCDNR stands for the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, the state agency that issues South Carolina fishing licenses and manages the state’s fish and wildlife resources.
Do I need a separate saltwater fishing license in South Carolina?
Yes. A standard South Carolina freshwater fishing license does not cover saltwater or coastal fishing. Anglers fishing Myrtle Beach, Charleston, Hilton Head, or other saltwater areas need either a separate saltwater license or the annual combination license.
How do I renew my South Carolina fishing license online?
Log in to your SCDNR account at dnr.sc.gov, select your renewal license type, complete payment, and download or print your renewed license. South Carolina licenses expire December 31 each year.
How do I reprint my South Carolina fishing license?
Log in to your SCDNR account at dnr.sc.gov, locate your license in your purchase history, and download or print a replacement copy. See our reprint fishing license guide.
When does a South Carolina fishing license expire?
South Carolina annual fishing licenses expire on December 31 each year. The new license year begins January 1.
Do seniors need a fishing license in South Carolina?
South Carolina residents age 65 and older can obtain a free annual fishing license through SCDNR. Registration is still required.
Do kids need a fishing license in South Carolina?
No. Children under age 16 do not need a fishing license in South Carolina.
Can nonresidents buy a South Carolina fishing license online?
Yes. Out-of-state anglers can purchase South Carolina nonresident fishing licenses online through the SCDNR portal at dnr.sc.gov.
Does South Carolina have lifetime fishing licenses?
Yes. South Carolina offers lifetime fishing licenses for residents at a one-time fee that varies by age at purchase. Lifetime licenses cover freshwater fishing for life with no annual renewal required.
Can I show my South Carolina fishing license on my phone?
Yes. South Carolina accepts fishing licenses displayed on a mobile device while fishing.
Related South Carolina 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