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Missouri Fishing License: Cost and Where to Buy
A resident annual Missouri fishing license costs $14 and a nonresident annual license $57, with a 1-day nonresident option at $9, according to the Missouri Department of Conservation. Here is who needs one, every license type and price, and where to buy it.
Prices
Missouri fishing license prices
| License | Who | Covers | Length | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fishing Permit | Resident | freshwater | annual (validity not stated on page) | $14 |
| Fishing Permit | Nonresident | freshwater | annual (validity not stated on page) | $57 |
| Daily Fishing Permit | Resident/nonresident | freshwater | 1-day (can buy multiple days) | $9 |
| Military Reduced Cost Permit (resident active duty) | Resident | freshwater | annual | $5.50 |
| Lifetime Fishing Permit, Youth 0-15 | Resident | freshwater | lifetime | $320 |
| Lifetime Fishing Permit, 16-29 | Resident | freshwater | lifetime | $465.50 |
| Lifetime Fishing Permit, 30-39 | Resident | freshwater | lifetime | $407 |
| Lifetime Fishing Permit, 40-59 | Resident | freshwater | lifetime | $349 |
| Lifetime Fishing Permit, 60-64 | Resident | freshwater | lifetime | $40.50 |
Prices from the Missouri Department of 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 Missouri fishing license
- Who needs one: Anyone taking fish, frogs, mussels, clams, turtles, crayfish or live bait needs a fishing permit unless exempt; Missouri residents 65 and older are exempt (youth age exemption not confirmed on the pages read).
- Kids: Youth exemption age not confirmed on the MDC pages read; resident youth (0-15) lifetime fishing permit $320.
- Seniors: Missouri residents 65 and older are exempt from the fishing permit (a trout permit is still needed where required; they may buy a lifetime trout permit).
- Saltwater: Landlocked – no saltwater
Fish with a local
Fishing charters in Missouri
Charter captains and guides we list in Missouri, A to Z on each town page.
Questions
Missouri fishing license questions
How much is a fishing license in Missouri?
A resident annual license is $14 and a nonresident annual license is $57, and a 1-day nonresident license is $9. Full list above, from the Missouri Department of Conservation.
Who needs a fishing license in Missouri?
Anyone taking fish, frogs, mussels, clams, turtles, crayfish or live bait needs a fishing permit unless exempt; Missouri residents 65 and older are exempt (youth age exemption not confirmed on the pages read).
Do I need a fishing license on a charter in Missouri?
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 Missouri fishing license?
Online from the Missouri Department of Conservation at mdc-web.s3licensing.com, or from licensed sporting-goods and bait shops.
Sources:
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