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Minnesota Fishing License: Cost and Where to Buy
A resident annual Minnesota fishing license costs $25 and a nonresident annual license $51, with a 1-day nonresident option at $14, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Here is who needs one, every license type and price, and where to buy it.
Prices
Minnesota fishing license prices
| License | Who | Covers | Length | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resident Individual Angling | Resident | freshwater | annual | $25 |
| Resident Combination (married couple) Angling | Resident | freshwater | annual | $40 |
| Resident Individual Conservation Angling (half limits) | Resident | freshwater | annual | $17 |
| Resident Combination Conservation Angling | Resident | freshwater | annual | $27 |
| Resident 24-Hour Angling | Resident | freshwater | 24-hour | $12 |
| Resident 72-Hour Angling | Resident | freshwater | 72-hour | $14 |
| Resident 3-Year Angling | Resident | freshwater | 3-year | $71 |
| Youth Angling (16-17) | Resident/nonresident | freshwater | annual | $5 |
| Resident Individual Sports (hunt + fish) | Resident | fishing + small game | annual | $41 |
| Nonresident Individual Angling | Nonresident | freshwater | annual | $51 |
| Nonresident Family Angling | Nonresident | freshwater | annual | $68 |
| Nonresident 14-Day Married Couple Angling | Nonresident | freshwater | 14-day | $54 |
| Nonresident 7-Day Angling | Nonresident | freshwater | 7-day | $43 |
| Nonresident 72-Hour Angling | Nonresident | freshwater | 72-hour | $36 |
| Nonresident 24-Hour Angling | Nonresident | freshwater | 24-hour | $14 |
| Trout Stamp Validation | Resident/nonresident | trout/salmon add-on | annual | $10 |
Prices from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, 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 Minnesota fishing license
- Who needs one: Residents 16 to 89 and nonresidents 16 and older need a license; residents under 16 or 90+ are exempt, and nonresident children 15 or younger are exempt if a parent or guardian is licensed.
- Kids: Residents under 16 exempt; ages 16-17 (resident or nonresident) youth license $5.
- Seniors: Residents 90 and older are exempt; no separate senior angling discount listed.
- Saltwater: Landlocked – no saltwater (Lake Superior is freshwater; covered by the standard angling license).
Fish with a local
Fishing charters in Minnesota
Charter captains and guides we list in Minnesota, A to Z on each town page.
Questions
Minnesota fishing license questions
How much is a fishing license in Minnesota?
A resident annual license is $25 and a nonresident annual license is $51, and a 1-day nonresident license is $14. Full list above, from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
Who needs a fishing license in Minnesota?
Residents 16 to 89 and nonresidents 16 and older need a license; residents under 16 or 90+ are exempt, and nonresident children 15 or younger are exempt if a parent or guardian is licensed.
Do I need a fishing license on a charter in Minnesota?
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 Minnesota fishing license?
Online from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources at dnr.state.mn.us, or from licensed sporting-goods and bait shops.
Sources:
For captains and guides
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