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Title: Fishing Licenses
Alternate Title:
Description:

All residents of Minnesota, age 16 to 89, must have a current Minnesota fishing license unless an exemption applies. All non-residents need a license except those age 15 and younger do not need a license if a parent or guardian is licensed. Licenses are issued by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Subject: Fish
Fishing
Creation Date: 9/11/2008 2:13:17 PM
Modification Date: 5/18/2025 12:21:46 PM

Agency Name: Natural Resources (DNR), Minnesota Department of
Agency URL: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us
Agency Description: The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) manages the state's natural resources, hunting, fishing, state forests, state parks, lakes, rivers, streams, boating and water safety, trails, snowmobiling, skiing, education, enforcement, wildlife management, lands and minerals.
Agency Phone: 651-296-6157
888-646-6367
Agency Fax: Agency URL: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us

Agency Address: Natural Resources (DNR), Minnesota Dept. of
500 Lafayette Rd.

St. Paul
MN 55155

Unit Name: Licensing Center
Unit URL:
Unit Description:
Unit Phone: Unit Fax: Contact person(s): info.dnr@state.mn.us
Unit URL:

Audience: Recreation Application URL: https://jc.activeoutdoorsolutions.com/mn_customer/app/customerSearch.do?method=init
Renewal URL:
Versa URL:
Requirements:

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?

Residents younger than 16
Residents 90 and older
Minnesota residents enlisted in the U.S. Armed Forces, stationed outside the state, and home on leave (you must carry leave or furlough papers while fishing or transporting fish)
A Minnesota resident who has served in federal active service outside the U.S. during the preceding 24 months and is now discharged from overseas duty (you must carry discharge papers while fishing or transporting fish)
An in-patient of a U.S. Veterans Administration hospital (form needed to filled out)
A resident of a Minnesota licensed nursing or boarding care home

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:

People who maintain a legal residence in Minnesota for at least 60 consecutive days prior to purchasing a license and if older than 21 must present a current Minnesota Driver’s License or ID card
A person younger than 21 who is a child of a resident.

Non-residents: Non-residents include anyone who does not meet the definition of a resident.

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.

Review:

Fishing licenses

Fish Minnesota

See 2025 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

Rules:
Statutes:
Forms:

See requirements or refer to Fishing licenses

Fees:

Fishing licenses

Note: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will collect a social security number when a person applies for a non-commercial hunting or fishing license.

Commercial licenses applications require a Federal Employer Identification number, MN Tax Identification number or Social Security Number. Commercial licenses are issued at the DNR license center.

Price does not include any additional fees charged ($1.00 agent fee).

Hunting and fishing licenses are valid from March 1 through February 28 of the following year.

	License Name	Type	Fee
	Angling - 14-day couple	Non-Residents	$54
Description: Valid for a nonresident(legally married as recognized by MN law) for 14 days, Trout stamp required for trout fishing. (Spouse may fish with this license, but must purchase a trout stamp separately to fish for trout.) See Fishing Regulations.
	Angling - 24-hour	Non-Residents	$14
Description: Valid for non-residents to fish for a 24 hour period. Trout stamp not required to fish for trout.
	Angling - 24-hour	Residents	$12
Description: Valid for residents to fish for a 24 hour period. Trout stamp not required to fish for trout.
	Angling - 3 year Individual	Residents	$71
Description: Resident 3 Year Angling license.
	Angling - 7-day	Non-Residents	$43
Description: Valid for a non-resident fishing for 7 consecutive days. Trout stamp may be required for trout fishing. See Fishing Regulations.
	Angling - 72 Hour	Residents	$14
Description: Angling for residents for 72 consecutive hours.
	Angling - 72-hour	Non-Residents	$36
Description: Valid for a non-resident for 72 continuous hours. Trout stamp not required to fish for trout. See Fishing Regulations.
	Angling - combination (Married Couple)	Residents	$40
Description: Valid for residents legally as recognized by MN state law. Each angler needs a separate trout stamp to fish for trout. (Spouse may fish with this license, but must purchase a trout stamp separately to fish for trout.)
	Angling - dark house rental	Residents	$30
Description: Dark houses, fish houses, and shelters placed on the ice for shelter while fishing must have a license except for portable shelters. The license tag attached to the exterior must be in a visible location. See fishing regulations book for display requirements Fishing House or Dark House.
	Angling - dark house shelter	Residents	$15
Description: Dark houses, fish houses, and shelters placed on the ice for shelter while fishing must have a license except for portable shelters. The license tag attached to the exterior must be in a visible location. See fishing regulations book for display requirements Fishing House or Dark House.
	Angling - family	Non-Residents	$68
Description: Valid for nonresidents(legally married as recognized by MN law) and children under age 16. Allows children under age 16 to possess their own limit of fish. (Single parents may also choose this license to include children under 16). See Fishing Regulations.
	Angling - individual	Residents	$25
Description: Valid for residents age 18 and older. See fishing regulations for exemptions & residency requirements.
	Angling - individual	Non-Residents	$51
Description: Valid for Nonresidents age 18 and older. Nonresidents under age 16 do not need a license if the parent or guardian is licensed. However, the child's fish are included in adult's limit. See Fishing Regulations.
	Angling - military	Residents	Free
Description: A Resident that is in the armed forces of the United States, stationed outside the state, and home on leave are exempt from having a fishing license however must have proof of MN residency and official leave and/or discharge papers must be carried while fishing.
	Angling - Netting white tulibee herring	Residents	$10
Description: Valid for Residents age 16 and older. The purchase of an angling license is also required, unless specifically exempted. See regulations for more information.
	Angling - shelter	Non-Residents	$37
Description: Dark houses, fish houses, and shelters placed on the ice for shelter while fishing must have a license except for portable shelters. The license tag attached to the exterior must be in a visible location. See fishing regulations book for display requirements Fishing House or Dark House.
	Angling - shelter 7-day	Non-Residents	$21
Description: Valid for a 7-day period. Dark houses, fish houses, and portable shelters placed on the ice for shelter while fishing do not need a license unless the house will be left unattended overnight. See fishing regulations book for display requirements.
	Angling - spearing from dark house	Residents	$6
Description: Valid for residents age 18 through 89 to spear from a dark house. Must have a dark house spearing license and an angling license. See Fishing Regulations-Dark House Spearing.
	Angling - spearing from dark house	Non-Residents	$17
Description: All nonresidents must have a dark house spearing license and an angling license.
	Angling - Youth Ages16 to 17 or Youth own limit	Non-Residents	$5
Description: Valid for youth ages 16 to 17. Youth under the age of 16 who wish to possess their own limit must purchase this license.
	Angling Dark House 3 Year Rental	Residents	$87
Description: Dark houses, fish houses, and shelters placed on the ice for shelter while fishing must have a license except for portable shelters. The license tag attached to the exterior must be in a visible location. See fishing regulations book for display requirements Fishing House or Dark House.
	Angling Dark House 3 Year	Residents	$42
Description: Dark houses, fish houses, and shelters placed on the ice for shelter while fishing must have a license except for portable shelters. The license tag attached to the exterior must be in a visible location. See fishing regulations book for display requirements Fishing House or Dark House.
	Angling Youth Ages 16 to 17	Residents	$5
Description: Resident Angling for youth 16 and 17.
	Conservation combo angling	Residents	$27
Description: Valid for residents legally married as recognized by MN state law. Each angler needs a separate trout stamp to fish for trout. (Spouse may fish with this license, but must purchase a trout stamp separately to fish for trout.) The limit is half of a regular license.
	Conservation individual angling	Residents	$17
Description: Valid for residents 18 and older. Need trout stamp to trout fish. The limit is half of a regular license.
	Disability permit - angling/spearing permanent	Residents	Free
Description: Available to any Minnesota resident age 16 or older who is developmentally disabled or a veteran with 100 percent service-connected disability. This license is only available from the DNR License Center.
	Disability permit - angling/spearing special annual	Residents	Free
Description: Annual angling and/or spearing license may be issued to Minnesota residents who are legally blind, disabled, and receiving a supplemental income (SSI, SSDI), receiving worker's compensation for total and permanent disability, ward of the Commissioner of Human Services, a resident of a state institution that has an approved application. In addition a resident receiving aid under the federal Railroad Retirement Act of 1974, United States Code, title 45, section 231a(a)(1)(v); or a former employee of the United States Postal Service receiving disability pay under United States Code, title 5, section 8337 are eligible for a no-fee annual special angling license (code 107). SSI or SSDI benefit verification is available online at www.socialsecurity.gov, by calling 1-800-772-1213 or at your local Social Security office. Must have current letter from Social Security stating disability or SSI benefits. See Regulations for more information.
	Fishing tournament license	Residents	Varies
Description: A person may conduct a contest without a permit provided any one of the following five criteria apply: 1. There are 25 boats or less (or 150 participants or less for ice fishing contests or 100 participants for shore-based contests), and the entry fee is $25 or less, and the contest is not limited to trout; OR 2. The contest is not limited to specifically named waters, and the contest is not limited to trout; OR 3. All the participants are 18 or younger; OR 4. The contest is limited to rough fish; OR, 5. The total prize value is $500 or less. Detailed fishing tournament regulations Fishing tournament application Fee: Permit fees for open-water contests are: for open-water contests without off-site weigh-ins (weigh-in is located on contest waters) - small contests (50 or fewer boats or shore-based contests), $60; for large contests (more than 50 boats): $200. Fee for open-water contests with off-site weigh-ins - small contests, $250 - large contests, $500. The fee for ice contests (more than 150 participants) is $120. More information: Fishing tournaments
	Lifetime angling renewal	Residents	Free
Description: Free annual angling renewal for lifetime fishing license holder. Trout stamp may be required to trout fish. See Fishing Regulations and Lifetime License Information. More information: Lifetime license information Resident Lifetime License Application
	Lifetime angling renewal	Non-Residents	Free
Description: Free annual angling renewal for lifetime fishing license holder. Trout stamp may be required to trout fish. See Fishing Regulations and Lifetime License Information. More information: Nonresident Lifetime License Application
	Lifetime NR Angling/Small Game	Non-Residents	Varies
Description: Lifetime license are available for certain hunting and fishing activities and must initially be applied for through the DNR. You may purchase a lifetime license yourself or as a gift for someone else. More information: Nonresident lifetime licenses
	Lifetime Resident Angling/Deer/Small Game/Sports/Spearing	Residents	Varies
Description: Lifetime license are available for certain hunting and fishing activities and must initially be applied for through the DNR. You may purchase a lifetime license yourself or as a gift for someone else. More information: Minnesota resident lifetime licenses
	Sports - combination	Residents	$57
Description: Valid for a legally married resident couple age 18 and older, provided fishing license for both and small game hunting for primary customer. Each angler needs a separate trout stamp to fish for trout. (Spouse may fish with this license, but must purchase a trout stamp separately to fish for trout.) See Fishing and Hunting Regulations.
	Sports - individual	Residents	$41
Description: Valid for residents age 18 and older for angling and small game hunting. Stamps may be required to take trout, pheasant and waterfowl. See Fishing and Hunting Regulations.
	Stamp - trout (validation & pictorial)	Both	$10.75
Description: Trout stamp validation and actual pictorial stamp.
	Stamp - trout validation	Both	$10
Description: Valid for residents and non-residents over age 18 and under age 65 to fish designated trout streams, trout lakes and Lake Superior and when in possession of trout or salmon. Requires fishing license. This stamp validation does not include an actual pictorial stamp. See Fishing Regulations.
	Stamp - walleye pictorial- voluntary	Both	$5.75
Description: The stamp will add $5.75 to the cost of fishing licenses for those who choose to purchase it, although it is not required to legally catch walleyes. The revenue from stamp sales will be dedicated to walleye stocking and other directly related activities.
	Stamp - walleye validation- voluntary	Both	$5
Description: The stamp will add $5.00 to the cost of fishing licenses for those who choose to purchase it, although it is not required to legally catch walleyes. The revenue from stamp sales will be dedicated to walleye stocking and other directly related activities.
	Stamps (collectable)	Both	Varies
Description: These stamps are not valid for hunting or fishing in Minnesota. These stamps are for collectable purposes only. The trout stamp is $10.75. The walleye stamp is $5.75. More information: Minnesota Wildlife Collectable Stamps
	Sturgeon tag	Non-Residents	$5
Description: Required for anyone, including those otherwise exempt from angling license requirements, who wish to harvest and possess a lake sturgeon. Requires the purchase of an angling license, unless specifically exempted.
	Sturgeon tag	Residents	$5
Description: Required for anyone, including those otherwise exempt from angling license requirements, who wish to harvest and possess a lake sturgeon. Requires the purchase of an angling license, unless specifically exempted.
	Super Sports Combination	Residents	$126
Description: Combination Super sports license includes married couple fishing only (as recognized by MN state law), small game for primary buyer, 2 state trout stamps, a state waterfowl stamp and a state pheasant stamp for primary buyer. Choice of firearm, archery or muzzleloader deer license after August 1.
	Super Sports Individual	Residents	$100
Description: Super sports license includes fishing, small game, state trout, waterfowl and pheasant stamps. Choice of firearm, archery or muzzleloader deer license after August 1.
	Turtle - Recreational	Residents	$25
Description: Resident only. A person may not take, possess, or transport turtles without a resident angling license and a recreational turtle license. Ages 16-89. More information: Recreational Turtle License

Period of Issuance:

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.

Length of Determination:

Immediate for most licenses.

Other Info:
Activity: Fishing
Recreation
License Detail URL:

Fish Minnesota

DNR License Agents

Online License Sales

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

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