Tennessee fishing licenses are issued by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA). This guide explains how to buy, renew, or reprint your Tennessee fishing license online through the official Go Outdoors Tennessee system, what licenses cost, and what Tennessee fishing rules require.
Visit the official Tennessee fishing license page →
Quick Tennessee Fishing License Information
| Category | Tennessee Fishing License Details |
|---|---|
| Issued By | Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) |
| Online System | Go Outdoors Tennessee (gooutdoorstennessee.com) |
| Online Purchase Available? | Yes |
| Digital Licenses Accepted? | Yes |
| Minimum License Age | 13 years old |
| Resident Annual License | $34.00 |
| Nonresident Annual License | $50.00 |
| License Year | March 1 – last day of February |
| Trout License Required? | Yes — for designated trout waters |
Always verify current pricing through the official TWRA Go Outdoors Tennessee website before purchasing. Tennessee license fees can change periodically.
How to Buy a Tennessee Fishing License Online
Tennessee fishing licenses can be purchased online through the official Go Outdoors Tennessee system at gooutdoorstennessee.com, operated by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. Licenses are typically issued immediately after purchase and can be displayed digitally on your phone.
- Visit Go Outdoors Tennessee — Go to gooutdoorstennessee.com, the official TWRA online licensing portal.
- Create or log in to your account — Enter your Tennessee ID or driver’s license number and personal information.
- Select your license type — Choose resident or nonresident, annual or short-term, and add a trout license if needed.
- Complete payment online — Pay using a debit or credit card.
- Download or display your license — Tennessee accepts digital fishing licenses displayed on a mobile device.
Access the official Go Outdoors Tennessee licensing system →
What Is Go Outdoors Tennessee and TWRA?
Go Outdoors Tennessee (gooutdoorstennessee.com) is the official online licensing portal operated by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA). It is used to purchase, renew, and manage Tennessee fishing licenses, hunting licenses, and related outdoor permits.
If you are searching for “TWRA fishing license,” “TWRA fishing license online,” “Go Outdoors Tennessee,” “Go Outdoors TN,” or “Tennessee DNR fishing license,” the official portal is gooutdoorstennessee.com.
Note that Tennessee’s fishing agency is the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA), not a Department of Natural Resources. References to “Tennessee DNR fishing license” typically refer to TWRA.
Tennessee Fishing License Costs
Tennessee fishing license costs vary based on residency, age, and license type. The following prices reflect common Tennessee fishing license options issued by TWRA.
| License Type | Resident Fee | Nonresident Fee | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Fishing License | $34.00 | $50.00 | March 1 – last day of Feb |
| 3-Day Fishing License | $11.00 | $20.50 | 3 consecutive days |
| 1-Day Fishing License | $6.50 | $10.50 | 1 day |
| Senior Annual License (age 65+) | $10.00 | N/A | March 1 – last day of Feb |
| Youth License (age 13–15) | $11.00 | $11.00 | March 1 – last day of Feb |
| Trout License (add-on) | $10.00 | $20.50 | March 1 – last day of Feb |
| Sportsman License (fishing + hunting combo) | $99.00 | N/A | March 1 – last day of Feb |
| Lifetime Fishing License | Varies by age | N/A | Lifetime |
License fees can change. Always verify current pricing through the official TWRA Go Outdoors Tennessee website before purchasing.
See our fishing license cost by state guide for nationwide comparisons.
Tennessee Trout License
Tennessee requires a separate Trout License for anglers fishing designated trout waters. A standard Tennessee fishing license alone does not cover trout fishing in these waters.
The trout license costs $10.00 for residents and $20.50 for nonresidents and is available through Go Outdoors Tennessee. A 1-day trout license is also available for anglers making a single trip to designated trout waters.
Popular trout fishing destinations in Tennessee include the Great Smoky Mountains area streams, the Clinch River, the Hiwassee River, the Caney Fork River, and numerous stocked trout waters throughout East Tennessee and Middle Tennessee.
See our trout stamp cost guide for more on trout license requirements by state.
Tennessee Sportsman License
Tennessee offers a Sportsman License — a combination fishing and hunting license available to residents at $99.00. This covers both annual fishing and hunting privileges and is a cost-effective option for Tennessee residents who both fish and hunt regularly.
The Sportsman License is available through Go Outdoors Tennessee.
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 TWRA office
- 24/7 availability — Buy anytime, including the morning of a fishing trip
- Digital convenience — Tennessee accepts licenses displayed on a mobile device
- Easy renewals and reprints — Access your Go Outdoors Tennessee account anytime
How to Renew a Tennessee Fishing License Online
Tennessee fishing licenses expire on the last day of February each year. The new license year begins March 1. Renewal is available online through Go Outdoors Tennessee.
- Visit gooutdoorstennessee.com
- Log in to your TWRA 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 Tennessee Fishing License
If you lose your Tennessee fishing license or need another copy, you can usually reprint or redownload it through your Go Outdoors Tennessee account.
- Visit gooutdoorstennessee.com 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 Tennessee Fishing License?
Most anglers age 13 and older need a valid Tennessee fishing license while fishing public waters. Tennessee’s minimum license age of 13 is lower than most states which start at 16.
- Tennessee residents age 13+ generally need a resident fishing license
- Nonresidents age 13+ need a nonresident Tennessee fishing license
- Children under 13 do not need a fishing license in Tennessee
- Anglers age 13–15 can purchase a discounted youth fishing license
- Tennessee residents age 65+ qualify for a discounted senior annual fishing license
- Trout anglers fishing designated trout waters need a separate trout license
- Certain disability exemptions may apply — review current TWRA eligibility rules
Related guides:
- Do You Need a Fishing License?
- Do Kids Need a Fishing License?
- Fishing License Age Requirements
- Senior Fishing License Guide
Tennessee Nonresident Fishing License
Out-of-state anglers fishing in Tennessee must purchase a nonresident fishing license through Go Outdoors Tennessee. Tennessee attracts nonresident anglers for Great Smoky Mountains trout fishing, Tennessee River system fishing, Dale Hollow Lake striper and smallmouth bass fishing, Percy Priest Lake, and numerous other lakes and rivers throughout the state.
Nonresident options include an annual license at $50.00, a 3-day license at $20.50, and a 1-day license at $10.50. Nonresidents fishing designated trout waters also need the trout license at $20.50.
Fishing across state lines? See our fishing license reciprocity guide.
Tennessee Fishing License Expiration
Tennessee annual fishing licenses expire on the last day of February each year. The new license year begins March 1. Tennessee 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 1-day or 3-day license may be more cost-effective for late-season purchases.
Related guides:
Tennessee Fishing License Rules and Exemptions
- Carry your license while fishing — Tennessee requires proof of licensing when requested by a wildlife officer
- Digital licenses accepted — TWRA allows fishing licenses displayed on a mobile device
- Trout license required — for designated trout waters throughout the state
- Minimum license age is 13 — lower than most other states which start at 16
- Free Fishing Days — Tennessee 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 TWRA 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 Tennessee Fishing License In Person
Tennessee fishing licenses are also available from authorized TWRA license agents throughout the state.
- Walmart sporting goods counters
- Dick’s Sporting Goods
- Bass Pro Shops
- Cabela’s
- Local bait and tackle shops
- Authorized TWRA 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 Tennessee Fishing License Guide Is Maintained
Tennessee fishing license fees, regulations, exemptions, and digital licensing rules can change periodically. This guide is reviewed and updated using official Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) information and current Tennessee fishing regulations. BuyFishingLicense.org is an independent informational website and is not affiliated with TWRA or any government agency. If you notice outdated information, please contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a Tennessee fishing license?
A Tennessee resident annual fishing license costs $34.00. A nonresident annual license costs $50.00. A 1-day license costs $6.50 for residents and $10.50 for nonresidents. A senior resident license costs $10.00. A trout license costs $10.00 for residents and $20.50 for nonresidents. Always verify current pricing through Go Outdoors Tennessee before purchasing.
Where can I buy a Tennessee fishing license online?
Tennessee fishing licenses are purchased online through the official TWRA licensing system at gooutdoorstennessee.com.
What is TWRA?
TWRA stands for the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, the state agency that issues Tennessee fishing licenses and manages Tennessee’s fish and wildlife resources. Tennessee’s fishing agency is not called a DNR — it is the Wildlife Resources Agency.
What is Go Outdoors Tennessee?
Go Outdoors Tennessee is the official online licensing portal for Tennessee fishing licenses, hunting licenses, and related outdoor permits, available at gooutdoorstennessee.com. It is operated by TWRA.
Do I need a trout license in Tennessee?
Yes, for fishing designated trout waters. A standard Tennessee fishing license does not cover trout fishing in these waters. The trout license costs $10.00 for residents and $20.50 for nonresidents.
How do I renew my Tennessee fishing license online?
Log in to your Go Outdoors Tennessee account at gooutdoorstennessee.com, select your renewal license type, complete payment, and download your renewed license. Tennessee licenses expire the last day of February each year.
When does a Tennessee fishing license expire?
Tennessee annual fishing licenses expire on the last day of February each year. The new license year begins March 1.
Do kids need a fishing license in Tennessee?
Children under age 13 do not need a fishing license in Tennessee. Anglers age 13 to 15 can purchase a discounted youth fishing license. Tennessee’s minimum license age of 13 is lower than most other states.
Can nonresidents buy a Tennessee fishing license online?
Yes. Out-of-state anglers can purchase Tennessee nonresident fishing licenses online through Go Outdoors Tennessee.
Can I show my Tennessee fishing license on my phone?
Yes. Tennessee accepts fishing licenses displayed on a mobile device while fishing.
What is the Tennessee Sportsman License?
The Tennessee Sportsman License is a combined fishing and hunting license for residents costing $99.00. It covers both annual fishing and hunting privileges and is available through Go Outdoors Tennessee.
Related Tennessee 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
- Free Fishing Days in Every State
- Does Walmart Sell Fishing Licenses?
- Senior Fishing License Guide
- Lifetime Fishing License Guide
Visit the official Go Outdoors Tennessee fishing license page →