Georgia Fishing License Cost (2025) — $15 Annual, FREE SIP Permit

GA fishing license cost: $15 Resident, $50 NR. Trout requires a $10 addition. Saltwater fishing requires a FREE SIP permit. Valid 365 days!

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (WRD) manages the GA fishing license. A resident annual fishing license is extremely affordable at just $15.00, and uniquely, it covers both freshwater and saltwater (provided you obtain the free SIP permit).

Georgia Fishing License Cost (2025) — WRDFreshwater fishing is $15. Saltwater fishing adds a REQUIRED (but FREE) SIP Permit!ResidentAnnual Fishing: $15.00Annual Trout: $10.00Hunt/Fish Combo: $30.00SIP Permit (Saltwater): FREE!Seniors 65+: $4.00 (or $0 if pre-1952)Non-ResidentAnnual Fishing: $50.00Annual Trout: $25.001-Day Fishing: $10.00⚠️ Basic licenses are valid for 365 Days from the exact date and time of purchase!🎣 Lake Sidney Lanier Stripers • Blue Ridge Trout • Savannah River BassThe Required "SIP" Permit (Saltwater)Saltwater Information Program (SIP) PermitIt costs $0.00 (FREE), but if you fish in GA saltwater, you MUST add it to your license!It allows the DNR to track coastal fishing effort data accurately.💡 You must renew your free SIP permit every 365 days.

2025 GA Fishing License Cost — Resident

LicensePriceDurationNotes
Annual Fishing$15.00365 DaysBase license (FW & SW)
Annual Trout$10.00365 DaysRequired for mountain trout
SIP Permit (Saltwater)FREE365 Days100% REQUIRED for coast!
Combo (Hunt/Fish)$30.00365 DaysBase hunting + fishing
1-Day Fishing$5.001 DayAdd extra days for $1 each
Senior (65+) Annual$4.00365 DaysAmazing value for locals
Senior Lifetime (Pre-1952)FREELifetimeLegacy free license
Sportsman's$65.00365 DaysAll-inclusive hunt/fish passes

GA Non-Resident Fishing License

LicensePriceDuration
NR Annual Fishing$50.00365 Days
NR 1-Day Fishing$10.001 Day (+$3.50/extra day)
NR Annual Trout$25.00365 Days
NR 1-Day Trout$10.001 Day
NR SIP PermitFREE365 Days (Required for SW)

The 365-Day Promise

In Georgia, annual licenses are valid for a full 365 days from the exact date of purchase. If you buy your license at 2:00 PM on July 4th, it expires exactly one year later on July 4th.

Compare GA With Neighboring States

StateRes AnnualNR AnnualTrout AdditionCoastal (Saltwater)
Florida$17.00$47.00N/A$17 (Separate)
Alabama$16.15$62.60N/A$28.50 (Separate)
South Carolina$10.00$35.00N/A$15 (Separate)
Tennessee$34.00$50.00+$22.00N/A

Georgia's $15 resident fishing license is incredibly well-priced compared to the region. The true value shines in its saltwater structure. Unlike Florida or Alabama where you must buy a completely separate saltwater license, the $15 GA base license covers EVERYTHING—you simply add the free SIP permit to your cart to be legal on the coast!

FAQ

How much are transaction fees?

Online purchases carry a small $2.75 transaction fee. Buying over the phone adds a $3.00 fee. See Where to buy.

Buy your GA fishing license →