Can You Buy a Fishing License Online? [Quick Guide]


If you are preparing for an upcoming fishing trip or your current fishing license has expired, you might be wondering if you can purchase a fishing license online?

Fishing licenses can be purchased online by visiting each state’s Division of Natural Resource or Game and Fish Department websites. You can purchase your license with a debit or credit card and can immediately print your licenses. Fishing licenses and permits can also be purchased in-person by visiting a license vendor or dealer across each state.

Oftentimes it can be challenging navigating the internet and finding the right place to purchase your fishing licenses and permits.

For this reason, I have put together the following online fishing license guide. In this guide you will learn exactly where you can buy an online fishing license in each state as well as all the information you’ll need to be able to complete your purchase. 

Let’s get started.

Can You Buy a Fishing License Online [Each State Covered]

Alabama

You can buy an Alabama fishing license online by visiting the Alabama Department of Conservation of Natural Resources website. An Alabama fishing license can also be purchased in person at varies license retailers.

Alaska

An Alaska fishing license can be purchased online by visiting the Alaska Department of

Fish and Game website. As well as king salmon stamps, guided licenses, big game tags and other licenses. An Alaskan fishing license can also be purchased at a licensed vendor.

Arizona

You can buy an Arizona fishing license online by going to the Arizona Game and Fish Department website. They are also available for purchase at all Arizona Game and Fish Department offices or at more than 200 licenses dealers statewide.

Arkansas

An Arkansas fishing license can be purchased online by visiting the Arkansas Game and Fish Commissions website. You will also find detailed fishing license information such as what type you’ll need, cost and in person locations where you can also purchase license.

California

You can purchase a California fishing license online by going to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website. This website also shares with anglers all of the important fishing regulations, laws and guidelines to follow.

Colorado

A Colorado fishing license can be purchased online by visiting the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website. A Colorado fishing license can also be purchased in person at hundreds of licensed retailers or at one of the Colorado Parks and Wildlife offices.

Connecticut

A fishing license in Connecticut can be purchased online by visiting the Connecticut’s Official Sate website. This includes freshwater, saltwater, and commercial licenses as well as permits.

Delaware

Delaware fishing license are available to be purchased online via the Delaware Fish and Wildlife website or in-person at an authorized license agent. Other fishing and hunting licenses and regulations can also be found on their site as well.

Florida

You can purchase a Florida fishing license online by visiting the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. On this website all fishing license information and regulations can found as well.

Georgia

Georgia fishing licenses can be purchased online by visiting the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. You can also purchase a Georgia fishing license by calling 800-366-2661. If you wish to purchase you fishing license in person there are many authorized retailers.

Hawaii

Hawaii fishing licenses can be purchased online by going to the Hawaii’s Division of Aquatic Resources Department of Land & Natural Resources website. Other fishing license information and regulations can also be found by visiting this site.

Idaho

An Idaho fishing license can be purchased online by visiting the Idaho Official Government Website Idaho fishing licenses can also be purchased in person at hundreds of licensed retailers or at one of the Idaho’s Parks and Wildlife offices.

Illinois

You can purchase an Illinois fishing license online by going to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website. This website also shares with anglers all of the important fishing regulations, laws and guidelines to follow. An in person Illinois fishing license can also be purchased through authorized vendors.

Indiana

You can buy Indiana fishing licenses online by going to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources website. They are also available for purchase at Indiana Game and Fish Department offices or at more than 200 licenses vendors statewide.

Iowa

In the state of Iowa fishing licenses can be purchased online by visiting the Iowa Department of Natural Resources website. If you wish to purchase an Iowa fishing license in-person you can through a licensed vendor.

Kansas

You can buy Kansas fishing licenses online by visiting the Kansas Department of Conservation of Natural Resources website. A Kansas fishing license can also be purchased in person at varies license retailers.

Kentucky

Are you looking to purchase a Kentucky fishing license online? You can get a fishing licenses online by going to the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife website. You’ll also learn about all the rules, regulations and permits needed to fish water in Kentucky.

Louisiana

In the state of Louisiana fishing licenses and permits can be purchased online by visiting the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries website. Fishing licenses and permits are also available to be purchased in-person at an authorized vendor.

Maine

You can purchase a Maine fishing license online by going to the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife website. This website also shares with anglers all of the important fishing regulations, laws and guidelines to follow. An in-person Maine fishing license can also be purchased through authorized vendors.

Maryland

In Maryland anglers can purchase a fishing license online by going to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources website. Here they can use a software tool called compass to make an license purchases. Anglers can also find helpful fishing resources and rule and regulations. 

Massachusetts

You can purchase a Massachusetts fishing license online by going to the Massachusetts MassFishHunt website. This website also shares with anglers all of the important fishing regulations, laws and guidelines to follow. An in-person Massachusetts fishing license can also be purchased through authorized vendors.

Michigan

In Michigan anglers can purchase fishing licenses and permits online by visiting Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources website. An in-person Michigan fishing license can also be purchased through authorized vendors across the state.

Minnesota

You can purchase a Minnesota fishing license online by going to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website. This website also shares with anglers all of the important fishing regulations, laws and guidelines to follow. An in-person Minnesota fishing license can also be purchased through authorized vendors across the state.

Mississippi

In the state of Mississippi anglers can purchase fishing license and permits online by visiting the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks website. Other fishing license information and regulations can also be found by visiting this site.

Missouri

Anglers can purchase Missouri fishing licenses and permits by visiting the Missouri Department of Conservation website. An in-person Missouri fishing license can also be purchased through authorized vendors found across the state.

Montana

Montana fishing licenses and permits can be purchased by going to the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks website. Fishing licenses and permits are also available to be purchased in-person at an authorized vendor.

Nebraska

Anglers can purchase Nebraska fishing licenses and permits through the Nebraska Game and Parks website. If you wish to purchase fishing licenses and permits in-person you can through a licensed vendor found throughout the state of Nebraska. 

Nevada

You can purchase an Illinois fishing license online by going to the Nevada Department of Wildlife website. This website also shares with anglers all of the important fishing regulations, laws and guidelines to follow. An in-person Nevada fishing license can also be purchased through authorized vendors.

New Hampshire

Anglers can purchase New Hampshire fishing licenses and permits by visiting the New Hampshire Fish and Game website. You will also find detailed fishing license information such as what type you’ll need, cost and in person locations where you can also purchase a license.

New Jersey

A New Jersey fishing license and permits can be bought through the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection website. An in-person New Jersey fishing license can also be purchased through authorized vendors.

New Mexico

You can purchase fishing licenses and permits in New Mexico online by visiting the New Mexico Department of Game & Fish website. This website also shares with anglers all of the important fishing regulations, laws and guidelines to follow. An in-person New Mexico fishing license can also be purchased through authorized vendors.

New York

You can purchase an Illinois fishing license online by going to the New York Department of Environmental Conservation website. This website also shares with anglers all of the important fishing regulations, laws and guidelines to follow. An in person New York fishing license can also be purchased through authorized vendors.

North Carolina

Anglers can purchase North Carolina fishing licenses and permits by visiting the North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission website. In-person fishing license can also be purchased through authorized vendors found throughout the state.

North Dakota

North Dakota fishing licenses and permits can be purchased online by going to the North Dakota’s Game and Fish website. Other fishing license information and regulations can also be found by visiting this site.

Ohio

Anglers can purchase fishing licenses and permits by visiting Ohio Department of Natural Resources website. Other fishing license information and regulations can also be found by visiting this site.

Oklahoma

Anglers can purchase Oklahoma fishing licenses and permits by visiting the Oklahoma Department of Conservation website. An in-person Oklahoma fishing license can also be purchased through authorized vendors found across the state.

Oregon

A fishing license and or permit can be purchased online in Oregon by visiting the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife website. In-person fishing licenses can also be purchased through authorized vendors found throughout the state.

Pennsylvania

In the state of Pennsylvania fishing licenses and permits can be purchased online by visiting the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat website. Fishing licenses and permits are also available to be purchased in-person at an authorized vendor.

Rhode Island

You can buy Rhode Island fishing licenses and permits online by visiting the Rhode Island Department of Conservation of Natural Resources website. A Rhode Island fishing license can also be purchased in person at varies license retailers.

South Carolina

Anglers have the option to purchase South Carolina fishing licenses and permits online by visiting the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources site. Other important fishing and hunting information can also be found on this site as well.

South Dakota

If you are looking to purchase a South Dakota fishing license or permit online you can do this by visiting the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks website. Here you will find all the information you need to know to be able to purchase a fishing license online.

Tennessee

You can purchase Tennessee fishing licenses and permits online by going to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency website. This website also shares with anglers all of the important fishing regulations, laws and guidelines to follow. An in-person Tennessee fishing license can also be purchased through authorized vendors across the state.

Texas

Anglers looking to purchase and online fishing license in Texas can do so by going to the Texas Parks and Wildlife website. This website also shares with anglers all of the important fishing regulations, laws and guidelines to follow. An in-person Texas fishing license can also be purchased through authorized vendors across the state.

Utah

Anglers can purchase a Utah fishing license online by visiting Utah’s Division of Wildlife Resources website. An in-person Utah fishing license can also be purchased through authorized vendors found across the state.

Vermont

In Vermont anglers can purchase a fishing license online by going to the Vermont Department of Natural Resources website. An in-person Vermont fishing license can also be purchased through authorized vendors.

Virginia

Anglers can purchase Virginia fishing licenses and permits by visiting Virginia’s DWR website. An in-person Virginia fishing license can also be purchased through authorized vendors found across the state.

Washington

Anglers can purchase Washington fishing licenses and permits by visiting the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife website. In-person fishing license can also be purchased through authorized vendors found throughout the state.

West Virginia

You can purchase a West Virginia fishing license online by going to the West Virginia DNR website. This website also shares with anglers all of the important fishing regulations, laws and guidelines to follow. An in-person West Virginia fishing license can also be purchased through authorized vendors.

Wisconsin

Wisconsin fishing licenses and permits can be bought through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website. An in-person Wisconsin fishing license can also be purchased through authorized vendors.

Wyoming

Anglers can purchase Wyoming fishing licenses and permits by visiting the Wyoming Game and Fish website. In-person fishing license can also be purchased through authorized vendors found throughout the state.

What Do You Need to Purchase an Online Fishing License

When purchasing a fishing license online it’s important to be prepared and have things like your driver’s license ready as you’ll need it purchase a license and or permit.

Here are the most common things you’ll need to be able to purchase a fishing license online:

  • Driver’s License
  • Personal Information (date of birth, home address etc.)
  • Credit Card or Debit Card

Where You Can Buy Fishing Licenses

If you are looking to purchase a fishing license you have a few different options depending on which state, you need the license for. All states have Division of Wildlife website where you can purchase your fishing licenses or permits online.

Most states also have a phone number listed on their website where you can purchase you license via the phone. You can also purchase a fishing license or permit in-person by visiting an authorized vendor. Walmart and sporting goods stores are authorized vendors in most states.

Here is where you can purchase a fishing license in most states

  • Authorized Vendor (Walmart, sporting goods stores are most common)
  • Online via your states DWR website
  • By Phone

Make sure to check out this article for more insight on where you can pick up a fishing license: Need a Fishing License? Here is Where You Can Buy One!

Aaron Warner

Aaron Warner is an avid angler with over 15 years of experience. He has participated and won fishing tournaments all over the country and enjoys fishing for bass, trout, walleye and other species.

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