How To Get A Fishing License In Ny

New York State Fishing License Info

Anyone who wishes to fish in New York State (with a few exemptions) is required to have a fishing license. New York State fishing licenses can be purchased for the entire year, a week, just a day, or an entire lifetime. Licenses are available to everyone, whether they live in the state or not.

part of a fishign license

Getting Started:

Acquiring a License
Regular Fishing Licenses
Free/Reduced Fishing Licenses
Exemptions

How to Acquire a Fishing License

New York State fishing licenses can be acquired online, by phone, or in-person at an official license issuing agent.

Online Purchase

Sporting licenses, including New York State fishing licenses, are obtained online here.

Note: There are fraudlent websites claiming to sell NYS freshwater fishing licenses. The above link is the only legitimate way to purchase a New York State fishing license online.

Phone Purchase

The phone number to call to purchase a New York State fishing license is 1.866.933.2257. The DEC call center is accessible from 8am to 7pm Monday through Friday, and from 9am to 5pm Saturdays from August 10 - October 1, 2020; regular call center weekday hours will resume October 2.

In-Person Purchase

Find a list of License Issuing Agents in Warren County here.

See the full list of License Issuing Agents in New York State here.

Fish Responsibly

Regardless of how you purchase your license you are responsible for adhering to the rules and regulations of the New York Freshwater Fishing Guide. And, please adhere to social distancing guidelines during the pandemic.

If You Lose Your License

Licenses can be replaced at a license issuing agent location. For fishing licenses the fee is $5.

Regular Fishing Licenses

Residents of New York State

Annual Senior Fishing License (70+ / Military Disabled): $5.00
Annual Fishing License (Ages 16-69): $25.00
7 Day Fishing License: $12.00
1 Day Fishing License: $5.00
Lifetime Fishing License (up to 70 years old): $460
Lifetime Fishing License (70+): $65

In order to obtain a Lifetime Fishing License you must have permanent residency in New York State for one full year.

Non-Residents of New York State

Annual Fishing License: $50.00
7 Day Fishing License: $28.00
1 Day Fishing License: $10.00

Free/Reduced Fishing Licenses

Resident military members of NYS Organized Militia or U.S. Reserve Forces - free fishing license is available
Resident active military members of U.S. Armed Forces stationed outside New York State who are home on leave for 30 days or less - free fishing license is available
Nonresident military members stationed in New York State (»30 days) - New York State resident license price is available
Citizens who are legally blind and residents of New York State - free fishing license is available
Nonresident students attending a New York State college or university full-time - New York State resident fishing license price is available

Exemptions

The following exemptions apply throughout New York State:

Juniors 15 years old and younger do not need a license to fish
Anyone can fish during the annual free fishing weekend
Anyone who is at a free fishing clinic
Anyone fishing on licensed fishing preserves
Citizens that are occupying and cultivating farmland, when fishing on their own land
Anyone holding farm fish pond licenses and members of their immediate families, when fishing waters that are covered by license
A Native American living and fishing on reservation land
A patient residing at a qualifying U.S. Veterans Administration hospital/facility in New York State

A final note: If you're planning to work with a fishing guide or boat charter you can sometimes procure your license from them as well.

Browse fishing guides and boat charters »

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