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Delaware Fishing License: Cost and Where to Buy
A resident annual Delaware fishing license costs $8.50 and a nonresident annual license $20, with a 7-day nonresident option at $12.50, according to the Delaware DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife. Here is who needs one, every license type and price, and where to buy it.
Prices
Delaware fishing license prices
| License | Who | Covers | Length | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Fishing License (resident 16-64) | Resident | all | calendar year | $8.50 |
| Annual Fishing License (nonresident 16+) | Nonresident | all | calendar year | $20 |
| 7-Day Nonresident Fishing License (16+) | Nonresident | all | 7-day | $12.50 |
| Trout Stamp (resident 16-64) | Resident | trout | calendar year | $4.20 |
| Trout Stamp (young angler 12-15) | Resident | trout | calendar year | $2.10 |
| Trout Stamp (nonresident 12+) | Nonresident | trout | calendar year | $6.20 |
| Boat Fishing License (20 ft or less) | Resident/nonresident | everyone aboard | calendar year | $40 |
| Boat Fishing License (over 20 ft) | Resident/nonresident | everyone aboard | calendar year | $50 |
| Fisherman Information Network (FIN) number | Resident/nonresident | all | annual | Free |
Prices from the Delaware DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife, 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 Delaware fishing license
- Who needs one: Anglers 16 and older need a license (resident license is sold for ages 16-64) plus a free annual Fisherman Information Network (FIN) number.
- Kids: Under 16 need no license or FIN number (license and FIN required from 16); trout stamp required from age 12.
- Seniors: Resident license is listed for ages 16-64, implying residents 65+ do not buy one (exemption details not stated); residents 65+ need no trout stamp; exempt anglers 16+ still need a free FIN number.
- Saltwater: One license covers fishing, crabbing and clamming in all Delaware waters (fresh and tidal). A free FIN number is required each year for anglers 16+ (issued automatically with a license; exempt anglers apply via Digital DNREC).
- On a charter: Head boat and charter boat licenses cover paying passengers, captain and crew while fishing aboard; a boat fishing license also covers everyone aboard.
Fish with a local
Fishing charters in Delaware
Charter captains and guides we list in Delaware, A to Z on each town page.
Questions
Delaware fishing license questions
How much is a fishing license in Delaware?
A resident annual license is $8.50 and a nonresident annual license is $20, and a 7-day nonresident license is $12.50. Full list above, from the Delaware DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife.
Who needs a fishing license in Delaware?
Anglers 16 and older need a license (resident license is sold for ages 16-64) plus a free annual Fisherman Information Network (FIN) number.
Do I need a fishing license on a charter in Delaware?
Head boat and charter boat licenses cover paying passengers, captain and crew while fishing aboard; a boat fishing license also covers everyone aboard.
Where do I buy a Delaware fishing license?
Online from the Delaware DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife at epermitting.dnrec.delaware.gov, or from licensed sporting-goods and bait shops.
Sources:
For captains and guides
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