Exemptions

Who qualifies for free or discounted fishing licenses — seniors, veterans, disabled, and youth.

50 guides · Page 1 of 3

AL Fishing License Exemptions (2026) — Under 16 & Seniors 65+

AL fishing license: Under 16 is completely FREE! Seniors 65+ do not need a license (must carry AL ID). Disabled get a massive $3.50 discount.

Alabama

AK Fishing License Exemptions (2026) — 60+ FREE, Under 18 FREE, DAV FREE

Alaska fishing license: resident 60+ FREE, under 18 FREE, DAV FREE, low-income $5. Yukon Territory reciprocity.

Alaska

AZ Fishing License Exemptions (2026) — Under 10 FREE, Youth 10-17 Just $5

AZ fishing license: under 10 completely FREE! Youth 10-17 incredibly cheap at $5 combo. Blind res free. Vet 100% free.

Arizona

AR Fishing License Exemptions (2026) — Under 16 FREE, Seniors 65+ $3.50, Landowners

AR fishing license age: under 16 free, seniors 65+ $3.50 annual or $10.50 lifetime! Trout permit still needed.

Arkansas

California Fishing License Exemptions (2026) — Who Doesn't Need One

Who is exempt from needing a California fishing license? Age exemptions, military benefits, disability discounts, pier fishing rules, and more.

California

CO Fishing License Exemptions (2026) — Under 16 & Disabled Vets

CO fishing license: Under 16 is completely FREE (no stamp required)! 60%+ disabled veterans get free lifetime licenses. Seniors 65+ get massive discounts.

Colorado

CT Fishing License Exemptions (2026) — Seniors FREE, Youth $14, Age & Military

CT fishing license age: under 16 free, youth 16-17 $14 inland, seniors 65+ FREE all waters. Disabled and military free.

Connecticut

DE Fishing License Exemptions (2026) — Seniors FREE, Saltwater FREE, Age & Military

Delaware fishing license age: under 16 free, seniors 65+ FREE, saltwater FREE all ages. FIN required 16+.

Delaware

FL Fishing License Exemptions (2026) — FREE Shore-Based Saltwater!

FL fishing license: Seniors 65+ completely FREE! Uniquely, Florida residents fishing saltwater from shore/piers are totally FREE! Under 16 free.

Florida

GA Fishing License Exemptions (2026) — Under 16 & Private Ponds

GA fishing license: Under 16 is completely FREE! Landowners fish private ponds for free. Seniors born before July 1, 1952 receive a free lifetime pass.

Georgia

HI Fishing License Exemptions (2026) — Residents Ocean FREE, Senior 65+ FW FREE

Hawaii fishing license: residents saltwater FREE, senior 65+ freshwater FREE, military stationed HI exempt.

Hawaii

ID Fishing License Exemptions (2026) — Under 14 FREE, Seniors $15.75, DAV $7.75

Idaho fishing license age: under 14 free (NR catch counts toward adult!), seniors $15.75, DAV $7.75.

Idaho

IL Fishing License Exemptions (2026) — Seniors FREE & Veterans

Illinois fishing license exemptions: seniors 65+ fish FREE, disabled veterans free, youth under 16 free.

Illinois

IN Fishing License Exemptions (2026) — Seniors $3, Veterans & Youth

Indiana exemptions: seniors 64+ $3, disabled vets free, youth under 18 free, military.

Indiana

IA Fishing License Exemptions (2026) — Under 16 FREE (Trout Fee Still Required!)

Iowa fishing license: under 16 free BUT trout fee $14.50 still required! Senior 65+ lifetime $61.50.

Iowa

KS Fishing License Exemptions (2026) — Under 16 FREE, 75+ FREE, Veterans

Fishing license Kansas age: under 16 free, youth 16-17 $5, senior 65-74 $15, 75+ FREE. Disabled vets, National Guard free.

Kansas

KY Fishing License Exemptions (2026) — Seniors 65+ FREE!

KY fishing license: Under 16 completely FREE! Seniors 65+ do NOT need a license—just carry a KY ID. 50%+ disabled vets get discounts.

Kentucky

LA Fishing License Exemptions (2026) — Under 18 & Senior Pre-1940

LA fishing license: Under 18 is completely FREE! Seniors born before June 1, 1940 are exempt. Private enclosed ponds do not require licenses.

Louisiana

ME Fishing License Exemptions (2026) — Under 16 FREE, Senior 70+ Lifetime $8

Maine fishing license age: under 16 free, senior 70+ lifetime $8 forever. Saltwater included free.

Maine

MD Fishing License Exemptions (2026) — Under 16 FREE, Senior $12 Consolidated

MD fishing license: under 16 free, senior 65+ $12 consolidated (covers both!), blind FREE, 100% vet FREE.

Maryland

MA Fishing License Exemptions (2026) — 70+ FREE, Minor 15-17 FREE, Saltwater 60+ FREE

Massachusetts fishing license age: under 15 free, 15-17 free freshwater, 65-69 $20, 70+ FREE. Saltwater 60+ FREE.

Massachusetts

MI Fishing License Exemptions (2026) — Under 17 FREE, 100% Disabled Vet

MI fishing license: Under 17 completely FREE (or $2 voluntary). 100% disabled vets free. Seniors 65+ get $11 discounted license.

Michigan

MN Fishing License Exemptions (2026) — Seniors, Veterans & Youth

MN fishing license exemptions: seniors $6.50, 90+ free, disabled veterans, youth under 16 free, military.

Minnesota

MS Fishing License Exemptions (2026) — Under 16 & Seniors 65+

MS fishing license: Under 16 is completely FREE! Seniors 65+ are totally exempt—just carry your state ID. Disabled veterans are also exempt.

Mississippi