Home/Fishing licenses/New York
Fishing license
New York Fishing License: Cost and Where to Buy
A resident annual New York fishing license costs $25 and a nonresident annual license $50, with a 1-day nonresident option at $10, according to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Here is who needs one, every license type and price, and where to buy it.
Prices
New York fishing license prices
| License | Who | Covers | Length | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Freshwater Fishing License (resident, 16-69) | Resident | freshwater | annual | $25 |
| Annual Senior Freshwater Fishing License (resident, 70+) | Resident | freshwater | annual | $5 |
| Annual Freshwater Fishing License (nonresident) | Nonresident | freshwater | annual | $50 |
| 1-Day Freshwater Fishing License (resident) | Resident | freshwater | 1-day | $5 |
| 1-Day Freshwater Fishing License (nonresident) | Nonresident | freshwater | 1-day | $10 |
| 7-Day Freshwater Fishing License (resident) | Resident | freshwater | 7-day | $12 |
| 7-Day Freshwater Fishing License (nonresident) | Nonresident | freshwater | 7-day | $28 |
Prices from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, 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 York fishing license
- Who needs one: Anyone 16 or older fishing for freshwater fish, frogs or freshwater baitfish needs a freshwater fishing license.
- Kids: Under 16 do not need a freshwater fishing license.
- Seniors: Residents 70 and older: annual senior freshwater license $5.
- Saltwater: Saltwater anglers need New York's Recreational Marine Fishing Registry registration, not the freshwater license; the registry fee was not stated on the page checked.
- Free fishing days: DEC designates several Free Fishing Days each year when no freshwater license is needed (dates not listed on the license page).
Fish with a local
Fishing charters in New York
Charter captains and guides we list in New York, A to Z on each town page.
Questions
New York fishing license questions
How much is a fishing license in New York?
A resident annual license is $25 and a nonresident annual license is $50, and a 1-day nonresident license is $10. Full list above, from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
Who needs a fishing license in New York?
Anyone 16 or older fishing for freshwater fish, frogs or freshwater baitfish needs a freshwater fishing license.
Do I need a fishing license on a charter in New York?
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 York fishing license?
Online from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation at decals.east.licensing.app, or from licensed sporting-goods and bait shops.
Sources:
For captains and guides
Your boat, listed free. No commission, ever.
Anglers call you or book on your own website, and you keep 100% of every trip. Want more detail or the one Featured spot in your town? Enhanced is $19/month and City Spotlight $49/month.