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New Mexico Fishing License: Cost and Where to Buy
A resident annual New Mexico fishing license costs $35 and a nonresident annual license $90, with a 1-day nonresident option at $12, according to the New Mexico Department of Wildlife (formerly Department of Game and Fish). Here is who needs one, every license type and price, and where to buy it.
Prices
New Mexico fishing license prices
| License | Who | Covers | Length | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Fishing (resident) | Resident | freshwater | annual (Apr 1 – Mar 31) | $35 |
| Annual Fishing (nonresident) | Nonresident | freshwater | annual (Apr 1 – Mar 31) | $90 |
| One-Day Fishing | Resident/nonresident | freshwater | 1-day | $12 |
| Five-Day Fishing | Resident/nonresident | freshwater | 5-day | $30 |
| Junior Annual Fishing (12-17, resident) | Resident | freshwater | annual | $5 |
| Junior Annual Fishing (12-17, nonresident) | Nonresident | freshwater | annual | $20 |
| Senior Annual Fishing (65-69) | Resident | freshwater | annual | $8 |
| Annual Fishing, 70 and older | Resident | freshwater | annual | Free |
| Disabled Annual Fishing | Resident | freshwater | annual | $8 |
| Game-Hunting and Fishing | Resident | fishing + small game | annual | $42 |
| Habitat Management and Access Validation (HMAV, 18+) | Resident/nonresident | required add-on | annual | $4 |
| Habitat Stamp (USFS/BLM lands) | Resident/nonresident | required add-on on federal lands | annual | $10 |
| Second Rod Validation | Resident/nonresident | two-rod fishing | annual | $10 |
Prices from the New Mexico Department of Wildlife (formerly Department of Game and Fish), checked October 2026. Some vendors add a small processing or agent fee. Prices change – confirm on the official license site before you buy.
Rules
Who needs a New Mexico fishing license
- Who needs one: Anglers 12 and older need a fishing (or Game-Hunting and Fishing) license; those 18+ also need a $4 Habitat Management and Access Validation once per license year.
- Kids: Under 12 need no license; Junior Annual (ages 12-17) is $5 resident, $20 nonresident.
- Seniors: Residents 65-69: $8 annual; residents 70 and older: free annual license (nonresidents not eligible).
- Saltwater: Landlocked – no saltwater
- Free fishing days: June 6-7 (New Mexico Free Fishing Day) and September 26-27 (National Hunting and Fishing Day) in 2026.
Fish with a local
Fishing charters in New Mexico
Charter captains and guides we list in New Mexico, A to Z on each town page.
Questions
New Mexico fishing license questions
How much is a fishing license in New Mexico?
A resident annual license is $35 and a nonresident annual license is $90, and a 1-day nonresident license is $12. Full list above, from the New Mexico Department of Wildlife (formerly Department of Game and Fish).
Who needs a fishing license in New Mexico?
Anglers 12 and older need a fishing (or Game-Hunting and Fishing) license; those 18+ also need a $4 Habitat Management and Access Validation once per license year.
Do I need a fishing license on a charter in New Mexico?
The agency fee pages we checked do not say. In many coastal states a licensed charter boat covers its paying passengers, but not everywhere – ask the captain when you book.
Where do I buy a New Mexico fishing license?
Online from the New Mexico Department of Wildlife (formerly Department of Game and Fish) at onlinesales.wildlife.state.nm.us, or from licensed sporting-goods and bait shops.
Sources:
For captains and guides
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