FishKillFlea· Guides · 4 min read
How Long Does a Fishing License Last? (2026) — Expiration Dates for Every State
Find out when your fishing license expires. Calendar year vs 365-day vs fiscal year systems explained for all 50 states, plus renewal timing tips.
How long does a fishing license last? It depends on your state. Some licenses expire December 31 regardless of when you buy them, others last a full 365 days from purchase. This guide covers every state’s system so you know exactly when your license expires — and when to buy for maximum value.
Three License Duration Systems
US states use one of three systems for fishing license validity:
1. Calendar Year (Jan 1 – Dec 31)
Your license expires on December 31 no matter when you purchased it. If you buy on November 1, you only get 2 months of value.
States using this system:
| State | Expires | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan | Dec 31 | All licenses |
| Wisconsin | Mar 31 | April–March cycle |
| Minnesota | Feb 28 | March–February cycle |
| Ohio | Feb 28 | March–February cycle |
| Pennsylvania | Dec 31 | All licenses |
| New York | Sep 30 | Oct–Sep cycle |
| Illinois | Mar 31 | April–March cycle |
| Virginia | Dec 31 | All licenses |
| North Carolina | Jun 30 | July–June cycle |
| Georgia | Mar 31 | April–March cycle |
| Tennessee | Feb 28 | March–February cycle |
| Indiana | Dec 31 | All licenses |
| South Carolina | Jun 30 | July–June cycle |
| Arkansas | Jun 30 | July–June cycle |
| Alabama | Aug 31 | Sep–Aug cycle |
| Montana | Feb 28 | March–February cycle |
| Wyoming | Dec 31 | All licenses |
| Idaho | Dec 31 | All licenses |
| West Virginia | Dec 31 | All licenses |
| California | Dec 31 | All licenses |
| Oregon | Dec 31 | All licenses |
⚠️ Buying strategy: In calendar-year states, buy on the first day of the cycle for maximum value. Buying late in the cycle wastes your money.
2. 365 Days From Purchase
Your license is valid for exactly one year from the date you buy it. This is the fairest system — you always get a full year of value.
| State | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas | 365 days | Valid from purchase date |
| Oklahoma | 365 days | Valid from purchase date |
| Colorado | 365 days or Mar 31 | Annual = Apr–Mar; short-term = from purchase |
| Arizona | 365 days | Valid from purchase date |
| Utah | 365 days | Valid from purchase date |
| New Mexico | 365 days | Apr–Mar cycle |
| Hawaii | 365 days | Valid from purchase date |
| Florida | 12 months | From purchase date |
| Nevada | 365 days | Valid from purchase date |
✅ Best system: Buy any day and get a full year. No timing strategy needed.
3. Fiscal Year / Custom
Some states use fiscal year periods that don’t match the calendar year:
| State | License Period | Renewal Date |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | Sep 1 – Aug 31 | Renew September 1 |
| Washington | Apr 1 – Mar 31 | Renew April 1 |
| Louisiana | Jun 1 – May 31 | Renew June 1 |
| Missouri | Mar 1 – Feb 28 | Renew March 1 |
| Nebraska | Jan 1 – Dec 31 | Calendar year |
| Maryland | Jan 1 – Dec 31 | Calendar year |
Best Time to Buy a Fishing License
| System | Best Time to Buy | Worst Time to Buy |
|---|---|---|
| Calendar year (Jan–Dec) | January 1 | November–December |
| Calendar year (Apr–Mar) | April 1 | February–March |
| 365 days from purchase | Any time | N/A — always full year |
| Fiscal year (Sep–Aug) | September 1 | July–August |
Do Short-Term Licenses Expire Differently?
| License Type | Duration | Valid From |
|---|---|---|
| 1-day license | 1 calendar day | Date of purchase (midnight to midnight) |
| 3-day license | 3 consecutive days | Date of purchase |
| 7-day license | 7 consecutive days | Date of purchase |
| Annual license | Varies by state system | Purchase date OR fixed period |
| Lifetime license | Never expires | Valid for life |
Daily licenses always run from purchase date — they are never affected by the calendar-year system.
What Happens When Your License Expires?
| Scenario | Result |
|---|---|
| Fishing with expired license | Same as no license — fines of $50–$500 |
| Expired yesterday | No grace period — you need a new license today |
| Lost your license | Most states offer free replacement online |
| Forgot to renew | Buy a new license — same process as initial purchase |
There is no grace period in any US state. If your license expired, you must purchase a new one before fishing.
How to Check Your Expiration Date
- Check your printed license — the expiration date is printed on the receipt
- Log into your state’s portal — your account shows all active licenses and dates
- Check your phone — if you have a digital license, the app shows expiration
- Call your state — fish & wildlife hotlines can look up your license status
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do fishing licenses last? Most annual licenses last one calendar year (Jan 1 – Dec 31) or 365 days from purchase, depending on the state.
When do fishing licenses expire in Texas? Texas fishing licenses expire on August 31 every year, regardless of when you purchased. New licenses go on sale September 1.
Do fishing licenses expire at midnight? Annual licenses expire at the end of the last day. Daily licenses expire at midnight on the date of purchase in most states.
Can I fish the day my license expires? Yes — your license is valid through the end of the expiration date (typically midnight).
Is there a grace period after my fishing license expires? No — there is no grace period in any US state. Fishing with an expired license is the same violation as fishing without one.
How do I know when my fishing license was issued? Check your printed receipt, your state’s online portal, or the fishing app for your state. The issue date and expiration date are both listed.
Ready to renew? See our Fishing License Renewal Guide, or buy a new license at Walmart or online.