ByAre You Looking for the Perfect Fishing License App? Learn How to Get Your Fishing License Quickly in Any State!
Fishing, whether in freshwater or saltwater, is a hobby for many. Whether you're looking to fish in a small local lake, do some Great Lakes fishing, or enjoy fishing along the Atlantic Ocean or the Pacific Ocean, you're going to need a fishing license.
While a can be helpful, you must understand who needs a fishing license for which fishing activities and how to get them. This is one of what DoNotPay offers, a convenient and hassle-free process of getting a fishing license wherever state you are in.
Who Needs a Fishing License?
The laws regarding fishing licenses vary from state to state, but they are required in all 50 states and Washington D.C. The average required age for a fishing license is 16 years old, but some states have lower or higher age requirements. It is important to make sure you obtain the proper type of fishing license for your fishing activity to avoid fines and potential action.
What Are the Different Types of Fishing Licenses?
Each state has different categories of fishing licenses and regulations for when and how they are issued. Regardless of whether you want a fishing license in your home state for lake fishing, or in another state while on vacation at the beach, it is important that you understand what type of license you are required to have.
Resident or Nonresident License
Residents typically pay less than non-residents, but everyone is required to have a fishing license. Residents must prove they are a resident of the state.
Short-Term, Annual, or Lifetime License
| Annual licenses | Typically valid for a 12-month period from the date of purchase. |
| Short-term licenses | May have different names, depending on the state. They may be issued for one day, three days, one week, a 10-day period, or another period of time. A short-term license works well for someone who doesn't fish often or is just visiting the state for a short period of time. |
| Lifetime licenses | Valid for the named individual's lifetime. They are an investment for fishing enthusiasts, and will typically save you money in the long run compared to repeatedly purchasing an annual license. |
Freshwater vs. Saltwater License
Freshwater licenses are valid for fishing in bodies of fresh water like lakes, streams, ponds, and rivers.
Saltwater licenses are issued by states that have access to bodies of saltwater. They are typically required whether you are fishing from the shore, a pier, or a boat, and some states may require additional permits for specific species.
It is possible that the names of the licenses may vary slightly from state to state, and some states offer combined or joint freshwater/saltwater fishing licenses that allow fishing in any bodies of water that are covered by individual licenses.
Additional Licensing Categories
Often, states will offer additional categories of licenses, which may have different pricing structures or allow for waivers/exemptions for a traditional fishing license. These categories may include:
- Seniors
- Veterans and/or Active Duty Military
- Disabled Individuals
- Group Homes
- Residents who receive Food Stamps, Medicaid or other forms of assistance
- Reciprocity with border states in certain bodies of water
How Do You Get Your Fishing License With a Fishing License App?
Many individual states have hunting and that allow you to apply and/or store your state license in the app. This may allow you to access them quickly if you do not have your physical license available.
- Check with the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) where you need a fishing license. If they have an app, it should be listed prominently alongside the other ways to apply for a fishing license.
- Download the appropriate app from the Apple or Google Play store.
- You will need to create an account.
- Input all required information, submit any documents/ID and pay the fees.
- If you already have a fishing license, you may be able to put in your information to store the license in the app.
If your state does not have an app, or it is not user-friendly, you may try a general hunting/fishing licensing app. Two apps that allow you to purchase and store your licenses are:
While it might sound helpful to store your licenses in an app, be sure to read reviews regarding ease of navigation or technical use. Just because an app exists doesn't mean it is easy to use. Also, remember that you'll be inputting and storing personal and financial information in these apps. You also have to consider what happens if the app experiences technical difficulties, you lose your phone, or the battery dies while you're out fishing and you have no way to prove that you are fishing lawfully. Having a physical fishing license is still beneficial.
What if You Are Unsuccessful at Using the Fishing License App?
If you are having trouble finding the right app or using it efficiently, you may be wondering if you have other options. If you've applied through an app and have been denied for some reason, you can try ways to apply for a fishing license as outlined by the state's DNR. You may be able to apply online, by phone, by mail, or in person, depending on the state. Figuring out the most efficient and easiest way to apply for a fishing license can be frustrating. Fortunately, DoNotPay has an alternative solution.
DoNotPay Is an Excellent Alternative to a Fishing License App
While fishing license apps can be helpful, you may still be worried about taking up space on your phone with multiple apps, the security features of these apps, or even technical issues that don't allow you to show your fishing license in a timely manner. Instead of stressing, let DoNotPay help. DoNotPay understands it can be frustrating to get a fishing license quickly, so we offer a quick process right here.
How to get your fishing license using DoNotPay:
If you want to get your fishing license but don't know where to start, DoNotPay has you covered in 3 easy steps:
- Search "fishing license" on DoNotPay and select the state you would like a fishing license for.
- Indicate whether you are a resident or non-resident, and choose the type of license you want. For example, saltwater vs. freshwater license, three-day only pass, and more.
- Provide your contact information, a copy of your government-issued ID, and pay the fee required by the state.
Why Should You Use DoNotPay Instead of a Fishing License App?
DoNotPay makes the entire process of obtaining a fishing license fast, easy and successful. You don't have to do research, worry about putting your financial information on more websites or apps, or worry about technical issues. You only need to give us a few important pieces of information, and we will walk you through the process quickly and efficiently.
It is that easy!
DoNotPay Can Help With Any Fishing License
Whether you need a freshwater fishing license in your home state for local fishing, a saltwater fishing license for your beach vacation, or want to obtain temporary licenses in multiple states as you travel, we can help. DoNotPay helps you quickly apply for any type of fishing license in any state without hassle.
What Else Can DoNotPay Do?
Helping people obtain the proper fishing licenses is just one of the many things that DoNotPay does. We also help resolve other issues, such as:
- Neighbor Complaints
- Government Test Preparation
- Tourist Visas
- Passport Photos
DoNotPay has the experience to solve your problems, so let us help you today!