FishKillFlea· Guides · 5 min read
Fishing License Renewal Guide (2026) — How, When & Where to Renew
How to renew your fishing license in any US state. Expiration dates, online renewal, auto-renewal options, and what happens if your license lapses.
When does your fishing license expire? And how do you renew it? This guide covers everything you need to know about fishing license renewal — from expiration dates to online renewal portals, so you never fish with an expired license.
When Do Fishing Licenses Expire?
Fishing license expiration dates vary by state. Here are the three main systems:
Calendar Year (Jan 1 – Dec 31)
The most common system — your license expires on December 31 regardless of when you purchased it:
Michigan · Wisconsin · Minnesota · Ohio · Pennsylvania · New York · Illinois · Virginia · North Carolina · Georgia · Tennessee · Indiana · South Carolina · Arkansas · Alabama · Nebraska · South Dakota · Montana · Wyoming · Idaho · West Virginia · New Hampshire · Vermont · Maine · North Dakota · Rhode Island
⚠️ Don’t buy a calendar-year license in November or December — you’ll only get 1–2 months of use for the full annual price. Wait until January.
365 Days From Purchase
Your license is valid for exactly one year from the date of purchase:
Kansas · Oklahoma · Colorado · Arizona · Utah · New Mexico · Hawaii · Alaska · Nevada
✅ Best system for buyers — you get a full year of value no matter when you purchase.
Fiscal Year / Other
A few states use non-standard periods:
| State | License Period | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Florida | 12 months from purchase | Similar to 365-day system |
| Texas | Sep 1 – Aug 31 | Fiscal year, regardless of purchase date |
| California | Jan 1 – Dec 31 | Calendar year |
| Oregon | Jan 1 – Dec 31 | Calendar year |
| Washington | Apr 1 – Mar 31 | Fiscal year |
| Louisiana | Jun 1 – May 31 | Fiscal year |
| Massachusetts | Jan 1 – Dec 31 | Calendar year |
| Maryland | Jan 1 – Dec 31 | Calendar year |
| Missouri | Mar 1 – Feb 28 | Fiscal year |
How to Renew Your Fishing License
Online Renewal (Recommended)
The fastest and most convenient way to renew:
- Visit your state’s fish & wildlife website — same portal where you originally purchased
- Log in with your existing account (email, customer ID, or SSN/DL number)
- Select “Renew” or simply purchase a new license for the current year
- Pay with credit/debit card
- Download or print your new license immediately
Most state portals remember your information — renewal takes under 5 minutes.
At Retail Locations
Renew at the same places where licenses are sold:
- Walmart sporting goods counter — walk in, ask to renew
- Bass Pro Shops / Cabela’s — any location
- Local bait and tackle shops — authorized agents
- State wildlife office — full-service, expert help
See our where to buy guides for retailers by state.
By Phone
Most states offer phone renewal:
- Call your state’s fish & wildlife hotline
- Provide your customer ID or license number
- Pay by credit/debit card
- Receive a confirmation number (carry it while fishing until your printed license arrives)
By Mail
Some states still accept mailed renewal forms, but this is the slowest option — expect 2–4 weeks processing time. Not recommended if you plan to fish soon.
Auto-Renewal Programs
A growing number of states offer automatic license renewal so you never forget:
| State | Auto-Renewal? | How It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Florida | Yes | Opt-in through GoOutdoorsFlorida.com |
| Texas | Yes | Set up through TPWD online portal |
| Georgia | Yes | Via GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com |
| Tennessee | Yes | Through GoOutdoorsTennessee.com |
| Most other states | Not yet | Manual renewal required each year |
Auto-renewal charges your card on file before your license expires and sends a digital copy. You can cancel any time.
What Happens If Your License Expires?
| Scenario | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Fishing with expired license | Same penalties as fishing with no license — fines of $50–$500 |
| Expired by a few days | No grace period in most states — you’re unprotected |
| Forgot to print new license | Digital copy on phone is accepted in most states |
| License lost/damaged | Most states offer free replacement through online portal |
There is no grace period in most states. If your license expired yesterday, you need a new one today before you fish.
Renewal Reminders & Tips
1. Set a Calendar Reminder
Mark your license expiration date and set a reminder 2 weeks before. For calendar-year states, set a reminder for mid-December.
2. Buy on Day One
In calendar-year states, renew January 1 to get the maximum value. In 365-day states, renew on your expiration date.
3. Check for Price Changes
States occasionally raise license fees. Your renewal price may be different from last year’s.
4. Update Your Information
If you’ve moved, changed your name, or changed your phone number since last year, update your profile during renewal.
5. Verify Your License Type
Make sure you’re renewing the correct license type. If you’ve turned 65 since your last purchase, you may qualify for senior rates.
6. Consider Upgrading
Renewal time is a good moment to evaluate whether a combo license or lifetime license would save you money long-term.
How Much Does Renewal Cost?
Renewal costs the same as purchasing a new license — states do not offer a renewal discount. See our Fishing License Cost Guide for current rates.
| License Type | Typical Renewal Cost |
|---|---|
| Resident annual freshwater | $15 – $55 |
| Non-resident annual | $40 – $150 |
| Combination (hunt + fish) | $25 – $75 |
| Senior license | $0 – $15 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to renew a fishing license online? Under 5 minutes. Log into your state’s portal, select your license type, pay, and your digital license is available immediately.
Can I renew my fishing license at Walmart? Yes — the process is identical to buying a new license at the Walmart sporting goods counter. Bring your ID.
Is there a late fee for renewing an expired fishing license? No — there’s no late fee. But if you fish without a valid license (even if it just expired), you can be cited and fined.
Can I renew someone else’s fishing license? In most states, the license holder must be present with their ID. Some online portals allow you to manage family members’ licenses from one account.
When should I renew my Texas fishing license? Texas licenses expire August 31 each year. Renew in early September for a full year of coverage (Sep 1 – Aug 31).
Do I keep the same license number when I renew? Yes — your customer ID or account number remains the same across renewals.
Check your state’s specific renewal portal on our state pages, or buy a new license online in minutes.