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of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

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    Buy a Fishing License/Permit

    Fishing fun can begin as soon as you have a fishing license and, if needed, a permit for trout fishing or fishing on Lake Erie. Getting a license is simple and as convenient as logging on or going to a licensing agent near you. 

    Buy a Fishing License
    Buy a Fishing Permit

    Who Needs a Fishing License/Permit

    A valid Pennsylvania fishing license is required of persons age 16 and over. Anglers do not need to display licenses, but must be able to provide them either in print or on their digital device upon request of an officer. 

    Give the Gift of Fishing

    Share your love of the outdoors with someone special and gift a Annual Fishing License Voucher. 

    Buy a Gift Voucher

    Fishing License Options

    Whether you are a Pennsylvania resident or visit Pennsylvania to fish, there are lots of license options to choose from.  Buy an annual or multi-year license. Senior citizens enjoy discounted licenses, and are eligible for a lifetime license. In addition, special licenses are available for disabled veterans. 

    Add on to a License with Fishing Permits

    When fishing for trout and the waters of Lake Erie, Presque Isle Bay and their tributaries, including waters that flow into those tributaries, anglers need a valid Trout Permit, Lake Erie Permit or Combination Trout/Lake Erie Permit.

    Buy a Fishing Permit

    2024 Annual Fishing License Pricing

    Type of Fishing License or PermitAgeCost*
    Resident (Annual)16-64$27.97
    Senior Resident (Annual)65 & up$14.47
    Senior Resident (Lifetime)65 & up$86.97
    1-Day Resident (not valid March 15-April 30)16 & up$14.47
    Disabled Veterans Reduced Resident License**16 & up$2.97
    Disabled Veterans Resident Annual License**16-64$60.97
    POW Resident Annual License **16-64$27.97
    Non-Resident (Annual)16 & up$60.97
    Non-Resident PA Student (Annual)16 & up$27.97
    1-Day Tourist *** (not valid March 15-April 30)16 & up$31.97
    3-Day Tourist16 & up$31.97
    7-Day Tourist16 & up$39.47
    Voluntary Youth Fishing License (Annual)Less than 16$2.97
    Mentored Youth PermitLess than 16$0.00
    Trout Permit16 & up$14.97
    Lake Erie Permit16 & up$9.97
    Senior Lifetime Lake Erie Permit65 & up$9.97
    Combination Trout Lake Erie Permit16 & up$20.97

    2024 Multi-Year Fishing License Pricing

    Type of Fishing License or PermitAgeCost*
    3-Year Resident16-64$79.97
    3-Year Non-Resident16 & up$178.97
    3-Year Senior Resident65 & up$39.47
    3-Year Senior Lifetime Trout Permit65 & up$40.97
    3-Year Trout Permit16 & up$40.97
    3-Year Lake Erie Permit16 & up$25.97
    3-Year Combo Trout Lake Erie Permit16-64$58.97
    5-Year Resident16-64$131.97
    5-Year Non-Resident16 & up$296.97
    5-Year Senior Resident16 & up$64.47
    5-Year Senior Lifetime Trout Permit65 & up$66.97
    5-Year Trout Permit16 & up$66.97
    5-Year Lake Erie Permit16 & up$41.97
    5-Year Combo Trout Lake Erie Permit16 & up$96.97
    10-Year Resident16-64$261.97
    10-Year Non-Resident16 & up$591.97
    10-Year Trout Permit16 & up$131.97
    10-Year Senior Lifetime Trout Permit65 & up$131.97
    10-Year Lake Erie Permit16 & up$81.97
    10-Year Combo Trout Lake Erie Permit16 & up$191.97

    Special Permits

    In addition to fishing licenses, permits are required for commercial fishing, and some recreational fishing like fishing derbies and cast net fishing.

    Fishing License Exemptions

    Some anglers may qualify for exemptions, discounts or free licenses and permits. 

    Learn more about exemptions and discounts

    Fishing License Discounts