Georgia Fishing License Guide (2026)

Georgia requires a fishing license for residents age 16-64 and all non-residents 16+. The GA DNR manages licenses through GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com. Georgia offers world-class bass fishing on Lakes Lanier, Oconee, and Seminole, mountain trout streams in the Blue Ridge, plus 100 miles of Atlantic coastline for saltwater fishing.

Official GA Website →
16+
Min Age
Yes
Free Days
$15
Resident/yr
$50
Non-Res/yr

💰 License Costs (2026)

Resident Licenses

License Type Price
Annual Resident Fishing
 $15
Annual Resident Sportsman (Hunt + Fish)
Covers all state hunting and fishing privileges
 $65
1-Day Resident
Additional days $1 each
 $5
7-Day Short-Term Resident
 $10
Lifetime Sportsman License
$800 — covers all licenses and stamps for life
 $800

Non-Resident Licenses

License Type Price
Annual Non-Resident
 $50
7-Day Non-Resident
 $20
3-Day Non-Resident
 $10
1-Day Non-Resident
Additional days $3.50 each
 $10

Senior & Special Licenses

License Type Price
Senior (65+ Resident)
FREE — no license needed, carry valid ID
 $0

Additional Stamps & Permits

Stamp Price Required?
Resident Trout Stamp
Required for trout fishing in designated mountain trout waters
 $10 Required
Non-Resident Trout Stamp
Required for NR trout fishing in designated waters
 $25 Required
Saltwater Information Permit (SIP)
Free but required for all saltwater fishing — valid 365 days
 Free Required
See the complete Georgia cost breakdown →

📍 Where to Buy

🌐

GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com ↗

Official GA DNR portal — instant digital license. $3 transaction fee.
📞

Phone Purchase

📞 1-800-366-2661
GA DNR license sales. $5 transaction fee.
🏪

Retail Locations

Walmart, Bass Pro Shops, Academy Sports, local bait shops. $3 transaction fee.
Explore all Georgia purchase options →

📅 Timing & Free Fishing Days

Free Fishing Days 2026

Jun
6
Free Fishing Day (Summer)
All waters · No license required for anyone. All regulations apply.
Sep
26
Free Fishing Day (Fall)
All waters · Fall free fishing event. All regulations apply.

License Validity

Georgia fishing licenses are valid from April 1 through March 31 each year.

Full Georgia free fishing days schedule →

👤 Age Requirements & Exemptions

👶

Under 16 Exemption

Children under 16 do not need a fishing license in Georgia. See our age requirements guide.

👴

FREE for Seniors (65+)

Georgia residents 65 and older do not need any fishing license — freshwater or saltwater. Just carry valid proof of age. Learn more in our senior fishing license guide.

🎖️

Military & Veterans

Active duty military stationed in GA qualify for resident rates. Disabled veterans with 50%+ VA disability get a free honorary license. See our military veterans guide.

♿

Disabled Veterans (50%+)

Veterans with 50%+ service-connected disability get a free honorary license from GA DNR. Apply through GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com.

✅

Private Pond Exemption

Fishing in private ponds on your own property does not require a license.

Full Georgia exemptions guide →

⚖️ Penalties for Fishing Without a License

$150–$ 1000
Fine Range
misdemeanor
Offense Type

Misdemeanor. Fines $150-$1,000 for first offense. Repeat offenders face license revocation and possible jail time.

Learn more about Georgia fishing penalties →

🔧 How to Get Your License

  1. 1

    Visit the Official Portal

    Go to GA DNR Online Licensing ↗

  2. 2

    Select Your License Type

    Choose between resident/non-resident, duration, and water type based on your needs.

  3. 3

    Complete Payment & Download

    Pay online and receive your digital license instantly. You may also print a physical copy.