Where do you get a fishing license

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CDFW's License and Revenue Branch (LRB) relocated to the newly constructed California Natural Resources Agency building in downtown Sacramento in October 2021. The new location does not have a public license sales counter. However, LRB still serves as the hub for CDFW license sales operations and license agent support, and continues to be available by phone, email, fax, the internet, and various mail carrier services Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. (excluding state holidays).

Additionally, various licenses, permits, tags, and other entitlements continue to be available for purchase using the following sales channels:

• In person, through independent license sales agents (such as a local sporting goods store, large discount store, or a bait and tackle shop). Search for a license sales agent near you(opens in new tab).
• Online, through CDFW’s Online License Sales and Services website(opens in new tab). See the variety of items that can be purchased online.
• Over the telephone, through CDFW’s authorized telephone sales agent at (800) 565-1458.

Online License Sales and Services(opens in new tab)

• Buy or renew a license, tag, report card, lands pass, warden stamp, and more!
• Enter drawings or check draw results
• Pay your Lake or Streambed Alteration Agreement or Cannabis Remediation Fee
• Update your CDFW customer profile or add an email address 
• Opt-in/out for License Reminders and CDFW News!
• Report fishing or hunting harvest reports(opens in new tab)

Additional Info & FAQs

Where to Buy

Online -or- Find a Local Sales Agent

Learn More About

• Sport Fishing Licenses, Validations, Report Cards Harvest Reporting
• Hunting Licenses, Validations, Tags Harvest Reporting
• Lifetime Licenses

Permits and Business Licenses

Directory of Licenses, Permits and Certificates Game Breeders, Aquaculture, Fur Dealers, Guides, Hunt Clubs, Scientific Collecting, Trappers, Restricted Species, and more

Buying a fishing license is quick, easy and directly contributes toward conservation efforts. In most states, licenses can be purchased online, by phone or at retail establishments.

Fishing funds conservation

One hundred percent of license fees go directly toward conservation and restoration, but licenses aren’t the only source of conservation funds. Each year, our Sport Fish Restoration Program distributes millions of dollars to state fish and wildlife resource agencies dedicated to restoration and enhancement projects across the country. This user-pay user-benefit reimbursement program relies on an excise tax paid by manufacturers, producers, and importers of sport fishing equipment as well as small engine and motorboat fuel taxes paid by recreational boaters. Since 1952, more than $8 billion in Sport Fish Restoration Program grant funds have been distributed to state agencies for approved grants, reimbursing them up to 75% of project costs. This includes fish management, species and habitat restoration, habitat protection, land acquisition, research, education, and public access for fishing and boating. Thank you to all anglers, boaters, manufacturers and importers for supporting conservation while keeping our outdoor tradition alive!

You can now use a mobile device to show proof of hunting and fishing licenses for activities that do not require tagging or physical stamps. Just enter your license information in the Outdoor Annual mobile app “Licenses” section of the app.

Physical license and tags are required for hunting and fishing activities that require tags, such as deer and turkey.

For all recreational license sales placed online, handling fees of $2.25 or $1.75 + 2.5% surcharge of total sale are added.

For all recreational license sales placed by phone, handling fees of $4.25 + 2.5% surcharge of total sale per person are added.

Please Note:  all sales are final.  License and permit fees and charges are nonrefundable.

All individuals employed or engaged in any activity on a fishing vessel need to be registered. The registration of fishermen/crew employed or engaged in any activity on a fishing vessel prefixed with the letters “SMF” is renewable annually. The fee payable is S$14 per registration.

To register a person employed or engaged in any activity on a fishing vessel, please submit an application here. Click here for detailed information.

For renewals of fishing licence, if there are no changes to the existing Fisherman/Crew employed or engaged in any activity on a Fishing Vessel prefixed with the letters “SF”,  please submit a one-off declaration here.

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