FishKillFlea New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJ DEP) Fish & Wildlife manages the NJ fishing license. The NJ fishing license cost is $22.50 annually for freshwater residents. The best news? Saltwater fishing in New Jersey is completely FREE — you just need to complete a free online registry!
2025 NJ Freshwater License Cost — Resident
| License | Price | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Freshwater | $22.50 | Calendar year | Ages 16-64 |
| Trout Stamp | +$10.50 | Calendar year | Required for trout |
| Senior 65-69 | $12.50 | Calendar year | Discounted rate |
| Buddy Fishing | Discounted | Calendar year | Bring a friend savings! |
| Senior 70+ | FREE | — | No license or stamp needed! |
| Under 16 | FREE | — | No license needed |
NJ Non-Resident Freshwater License
| License | Price | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| NR Annual | $34.00 | Calendar year |
| NR 7-Day Vacation | $19.50 | 7 consecutive days |
| NR 2-Day Vacation | $9.00 | 2 consecutive days |
| NR Trout Stamp | $20.00 | Calendar year |
The Buddy License Program
NJ offers a unique Buddy Fishing License: if a current angler brings a "new" angler (someone who hasn't bought a license since 2011), both get roughly 50% off their licenses! Two new anglers can also use the program.
Compare NJ With Neighboring States
| State | FW Annual | NR FW | Saltwater | Trout Stamp |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York | $25.00 | $50.00 | FREE (Reg) | N/A |
| Pennsylvania | $22.97 | $52.97 | — | $9.97 |
| Delaware | — | — | $11 (Covers both) | $6.20 |
New Jersey's freshwater license at $22.50 is slightly cheaper than New York ($25) and on par with Pennsylvania ($22.97). Like NY, New Jersey's saltwater fishing is totally FREE (marine registry only), making the Jersey Shore an incredible destination for stripers and fluke without buying a license!
FAQ
Do seniors need a license in NJ?
Residents ages 65-69 need a discounted $12.50 license. Residents 70 and older fish completely FREE — no license or trout stamp required! Just carry proof of age (like a driver's license). See exemptions.