FishKillFlea· Guides · 4 min read
Fishing License Without ID (2026) — What You Need & Alternatives
Can you get a fishing license without an ID? What documents work? Guide to ID requirements, alternatives, and how to buy when you've lost your identification.
Can you get a fishing license without an ID? It’s a common question — especially when you’ve lost your wallet, are traveling light, or simply don’t have a driver’s license. The answer depends on your state, but there are usually workarounds. Here’s what you need to know.
What ID Do You Need for a Fishing License?
Most states require government-issued photo identification to purchase a fishing license. Accepted forms typically include:
| ID Type | Accepted? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Driver’s license | ✅ Yes | Most common and preferred |
| State-issued ID card | ✅ Yes | Available from your state DMV |
| US Passport | ✅ Yes | Accepted everywhere |
| US Passport Card | ✅ Yes | Convenient wallet-sized option |
| Military ID (CAC) | ✅ Yes | Also qualifies for military discounts |
| Tribal ID | ✅ Usually | Accepted in most states |
| Green card / Permanent Resident Card | ✅ Yes | Proves legal residency |
| Foreign passport | ✅ Yes | For non-resident purchases |
| Birth certificate | ⚠️ Sometimes | Not a photo ID — may need supplemental proof |
| Social Security card | ⚠️ Limited | Not sufficient alone, but SSN is required in many states |
| Student ID | ❌ Usually no | Not government-issued |
Can You Buy a Fishing License Without Any ID?
Online — Sometimes
Many state online portals let you purchase a license using:
- Social Security Number + Date of Birth — some systems verify identity without a photo ID upload
- Previous customer number — if you’ve had a license before, your info is in the system
- Driver’s license number (typed, not scanned) — you don’t need the physical card
This is your best option if you’ve lost your physical ID — the online system may already have your information from a previous purchase.
At Walmart / Retail — Difficult
At Walmart and other retail locations:
- The cashier will ask to scan your ID or manually enter your information
- Without any form of ID, most locations cannot sell you a license
- They need your name, date of birth, and often SSN to register the license
At a State Wildlife Office — Most Flexible
State fish and wildlife offices have the most flexibility:
- Staff may accept alternative identification
- They can look you up in the system if you’ve had a previous license
- They may accept a combination of non-photo documents
What If You Lost Your ID?
| Situation | Solution |
|---|---|
| Lost wallet while on trip | Buy online using SSN + DOB through your state’s website on your phone |
| Don’t have a driver’s license | Get a state ID card from your DMV ($10–$25), or use a passport |
| Expired ID | Many states accept recently expired IDs for license purchase |
| Minor without ID | Children under 16 usually don’t need a license anyway |
| Undocumented resident | Some states offer Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) as alternative |
Social Security Number Requirements
Many states require your Social Security Number (SSN) as part of the fishing license application:
| SSN Requirement | States |
|---|---|
| SSN required | Most states (federal mandate for child support enforcement) |
| SSN optional / not required | A few states allow waiver |
| ITIN accepted | Some states accept Individual Taxpayer ID Number |
The SSN requirement comes from a federal mandate (42 U.S.C. § 666) related to child support enforcement, not fishing specifically. States must collect SSNs for any recreational license.
Do You Need ID to Fish (After Purchase)?
Once you have your license, what do you need to carry while fishing?
| What to Carry | Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fishing license (physical or digital) | ✅ Yes | Must be on your person while fishing |
| Photo ID | ⚠️ Recommended | Game wardens may ask for ID to verify the license is yours |
| Driver’s license | Not required | Unless driving a boat |
Game wardens can look you up in their system using your name and date of birth, but carrying your license and ID makes encounters much faster and smoother.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you get a fishing license without a Social Security number? In most states, an SSN is required by federal law. However, some states accept an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) as an alternative. Contact your state’s wildlife agency.
Can you buy a fishing license with an expired ID? Many states accept recently expired IDs — the information on the ID is still valid for identification purposes. Contact your state or try purchasing online.
Do you need a photo ID to fish? You do not need to carry a photo ID to fish, but you must carry your fishing license. If a game warden checks you, they can verify your license through their system, but having ID speeds up the process.
Can a minor buy their own fishing license without ID? In most states, children under 16 don’t need a fishing license at all. Teens 16+ typically need a parent or guardian’s help to purchase if they don’t have their own ID.
Can I get a fishing license with a passport instead of a driver’s license? Yes — a US passport is accepted as valid identification for fishing license purchases in all 50 states.
Check if you even need a license for your situation, or buy online through your state’s portal.