To legally fish in Minnesota, all residents of Minnesota, age 16 to 89, must have a current Minnesota fishing license unless an exemption applies (see ‘Who doesn’t need a fishing license?’). You must carry your license when traveling from an area where you were fishing. All non-residents need a license except those age 15 and younger do not need a license if a parent or guardian is licensed.
Who doesn't need a fishing license?
ID number required:
Electronic License System (ELS) requires that Minnesota residents 21 years of age and older furnish a driver's license number, public safety identification number as proof of residency. Minnesota residents who do not have one of these identification numbers would be considered a non resident and must obtain one before purchasing a hunting, fishing or other license from the MN Dept. of Natural Resources (DNR).
Minnesota Residents are:
Stamps and Licenses:
The actual pictorial stamp is not required for waterfowl and pheasant hunting, trout and salmon fishing or for turkey hunting. Anglers or hunters are required to purchase the terminal-issued stamp endorsement. Pictorial stamp may be purchased for an additional $0.75.
See 2024 Minnesota Fishing Regulations
Contact the MN Dept. of Natural Resources Information Center at 651-296-6157 or 888-646-6367 or refer to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources information Fish Minnesota
See requirements or refer to Fishing licenses
Fishing licenses are effective from March 1 to the last day of February of the following year. A fishing license for the current 2024-25 license year is effective until Feb. 28, 2025.
Popular licenses
Important notes
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will collect your social security number when you apply for a non-commercial hunting or fishing license.
License prices listed do not include any additional fees or the $1 agent fee.
Commercial licenses applications require a Federal Employer Identification number,
Minnesota Tax Identification number or Social Security Number. Commercial licenses
are issued at the DNR license center.
Resident Licenses |
Fee |
$12 |
|
$71 |
|
$14 |
|
$40 |
|
$30 |
|
$15 |
|
$25 |
|
None |
|
$10 |
|
$6 |
|
$87 |
|
$42 |
|
$5 |
|
$27 |
|
$17 |
|
None |
|
Disability permit - angling/spearing special annual (r) - Code 107 |
None |
Varies |
|
None |
|
Varies |
|
$57 |
|
$41 |
|
$10.75 |
|
$10 |
|
$5.75 |
|
$5 |
|
Varies |
|
$5 |
|
$126 |
|
$100 |
|
$25 |
Non-Resident Licenses |
Fee |
$54 |
|
$14 |
|
$43 |
|
$36 |
|
$68 |
|
$51 |
|
$37 |
|
$21 |
|
$17 |
|
Angling - Youth Ages16 to 17 or Youth own limit (nr) - Code 205 |
$5 |
None |
|
Varies |
|
$10.75 |
|
$10 |
|
$5.75 |
|
$5 |
|
Varies |
|
$5 |
Fishing licenses are effective from March 1 to the last day of February of the following year. A fishing license for the current 2024-25 license year is effective until Feb. 28, 2025.
PHONE:
Call 888-665-4236 (1-MN-LICENse), 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
IN PERSON:
License agent searches, by county, may be made at Where to buy a license, then scroll down to Agents.
MAIL-IN applications:
Some licenses may be obtained by mail.
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
License Center/Angling License
500 Lafayette Rd
St. Paul, MN 55155-4026