Fishing Licenses

Most people fishing in New York need a New York State Fishing License. There are three ways to get a fishing license in New York. You can visit an official License Issuing Agent, order over the phone, or order online through the link below.

Purchase Your Fishing License

• At a License Issuing Agent Location
• Online or by Phone

Types and Fees

License Issuing Agents (LIAs) have the option to charge a $1 print fee for all printed transactions carried out in DECALS to help cover the cost of supplies. Transactions made online or over the phone are subject to a $2 printing/mailing fee if those items are printed and mailed. These additional fees can be avoided by choosing to have your item emailed to you so you can print it at home.

General Fishing Licenses (View residency qualifications)

TypeResident FeeNonresident FeeAnnual valid one full year (365 days) from the date of purchase or renewal$25 (ages 16-69)$50$5 (ages 70+)7-day$12$281-day$5$10

Free/Reduced Fee and Lifetime Licenses

• Free/Reduced Fee Licenses: You may qualify for a free/reduced fee annual fishing license if you are: (For information on required documents and qualifications click the links below. In most instances, you must be a New York resident):
  • Active duty military
  • Military veteran with 40% or greater disability
  • Senior citizen (70 years or older)
  • Legally blind
  • Non-resident student attending a New York State college or university full-time
• Lifetime Licenses: Fish for life with a lifetime license! Available to residents only.

License Requirements

You need a fishing license if you are 16 years and older and fishing for:

• Freshwater fish species by angling, spearing, hooking, longbow, and tip-ups.
• Frog species by spearing, catching with the hands or by use of a club or hook.
• Freshwater baitfish for personal use.

Note: You need a marine fishing registration if fishing for migratory fish of the sea and saltwater fish species.

You do not need a fishing license if you are:

• Fishing on a licensed fishing preserve
• Fishing during designated Free Fishing Days
• Fishing at a free learn to fish clinic
• A resident landowner primarily engaged in farming (including lessees and members of their immediate families) when fishing on farm lands they are occupying and cultivating.
• A farm fish pond license holder (including members of their immediate families) fishing on waters covered by the license.
• A Native American living and fishing on reservation land.
• A patient residing at a qualifying U.S. Veterans Administration hospital or facility in New York State.

License Requirements for Border Waters

Can I fish the non-NY portion of border waters with a New York State Fishing License?

WaterState or Province BorderingYes/NoLake OntarioOntarioNoLake ErieOntario, PennsylvaniaNoSt. Lawrence RiverOntario, QuebecNoNiagara RiverOntarioNoLake ChamplainQuebec, VermontView information and map on reciprocal Fishing License for Lake ChamplainDelaware River & West Branch Delaware River (along boundary)PennsylvaniaYesGreenwood LakeNew JerseyYes, from boat or ice onlyIndian LakeConnecticutYes, from boat or ice only

General License Information

• Replacing lost licenses
• Changing your address
• License holder responsibilities
• Licenses as gifts

Other Helpful Links/Resources

• Freshwater Fishing Regulations
• Boat Registration (Issued by NYS Dept. of Motor Vehicles)
• Access Permits: Some state and municipal lands require a special access permit for fishing, hunting and trapping. Details on how to get the permit can be found in the links below: New York City Watershed Recreation Access Permit (Issued by NYC DEP) Long Island State Land Access Permit (Issued by DEC)

More about fishing in New York State