FishKillFlea The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) manages the AL fishing license. Because Alabama splits its renowned bass fishing and its thriving Gulf Coast, freshwater and saltwater are entirely separated. A resident Freshwater license costs $16.15 annually.
2025 AL Fishing License Cost — Resident
| License | Price | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freshwater Annual | $16.15 | Exp Aug 31 | Bass, crappie, catfish |
| Saltwater Annual | $28.50 | Exp Aug 31 | Inshore and offshore |
| FW/SW Combo | $54.65 | Exp Aug 31 | Both licenses on one permit |
| 7-Day Saltwater Trip | $11.80 | 7 Days | Popular for vacationers |
| Gulf Reef Fish | $10.00 | Exp Aug 31 | Required for snapper/grouper! |
| Wildlife Heritage | $13.30 | Exp Aug 31 | Bank fishing only / public lakes |
| Senior (65+) | FREE | Lifetime | Automatic upon turning 65 |
| All Access Sportsman | $138.05 | Exp Aug 31 | Complete hunting/fishing |
AL Non-Resident Fishing License
| License | Price | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| NR FW Annual | $62.60 | Exp Aug 31 (Exceptions apply for MS/LA) |
| NR SW Annual | $61.35 | Exp Aug 31 |
| NR 7-Day FW | $35.00 | 7 Days |
| NR 7-Day SW | $33.75 | 7 Days |
| Gulf Reef Endorsement | $10.00 | Required for reef fish |
The August 31st Expiration
Every single annual Alabama recreational hunting and fishing license expires at the exact same time: August 31st of each year. Do not buy an annual license in July unless you know it will expire in one month!
Compare AL With Neighboring States
| State | Res FW | NR FW | Res Coastal | NR Coastal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | $17.00 | $47.00 | $17.00 | $47.00 |
| Georgia | $15.00 | $50.00 | Included w/ SIP | Included w/ SIP |
| Mississippi | $10.00 | $60.00 | $10.00 | $12.00 (3-Day) |
| Tennessee | $34.00 | $50.00 | N/A | N/A |
Alabama's freshwater fee ($16.15) is right in line with the Southeast standard (similar to Florida and Georgia). However, its saltwater pass ($28.50) is noticeably higher than its neighbors. To fish for red snapper offshore out of Gulf Shores, a resident will effectively pay $38.50 ($28.50 SW + $10 Reef Endorsement).
FAQ
How much is a disabled license?
Residents who are 100% totally disabled (via VA or Social Security statement) can purchase an Annual Freshwater and/or Annual Saltwater disabled license for just $3.50 each. See AL exemptions.