Where to buy a mn fishing license

You can get your Minnesota fishing license (if you're 16 or older, you'll need one) at any license vendor, at a Department of Natural Resources Office, including some state parks, or online at the DNR website. Some species, such as trout and sturgeon, require a stamp or tag before you can fish for them.

Fishing licenses in Minnesota can be purchased anytime online at the Department of Natural Resources website. Licenses can also be purchased by phone at 1-888-665-4236 (1-MN-LICENSE).

Online License Sales Fishing licenses are effective from March 1 to the last day of February. The Minnesota DNR has received a limited number of reports from people who attempted to purchase fishing or hunting licenses online and came away from the transaction without a license, or having been charged in excess of the cost of a license.

Can I buy my fishing licence online? Offences and penalties related to recreational fishing are outlined in the Fisheries Act 1995. Can I buy my licence in person, instead of online? Yes, you can buy paper licences in person at a recreational fishing outlets. However, if you want a 1- or 3-year plastic licence, you must buy it online.

Where can I buy a Minnesota fishing license? A Minnesota fishing license can be purchased online from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, by phone, or from a state-approved fishing license agent such as a tackle shop or sporting goods store.

Can you fish on your own in Minnesota? With a Minnesota fishing license, you can fish in all of the state’s freshwater lakes and streams, be it on a charter or on your own. But if you want to catch either Trout, Walleye, or Sturgeon, you’ll need an additional stamp or tag.

When to buy fishing license in Minnesota? The other person can only fish. Non-resident individual angling: Use code 121 to buy a license that allows a non-resident to fish anytime during the license year in Minnesota. Fishing licenses are valid March 1 through Feb. 28 of the following year.

Table of Contents

  • Related Questions
    • Is Walmart still issuing fishing license?
    • What do I need to get a MN fishing license?
    • Can you get a fishing license at Walmart anytime?
    • Do senior citizens need a fishing license in Minnesota?
    • At what age do you no longer need a fishing license in Minnesota?
    • How do I reprint my Minnesota fishing license?
    • What is the penalty for fishing without a license in Minnesota?
    • Can I go fishing in Minnesota right now?
    • Can I get fishing license at Canadian Tire?
    • How much is a Minnesota fishing license?
    • How much does a South Carolina fishing license cost?
    • Can you buy a MN fishing license online?
    • How do I get a Minnesota fishing license?
    • Can I buy a fishing license online at Walmart?
    • Can you get MN fishing license online?
    • Where can I get a fishing license in SC?
    • Do I have to print my MN fishing license?
    • Can you fish without a license in Minnesota?
    • How much is a fishing license in South Carolina?
    • Can I get a replacement fishing license at Walmart?
    • Related posts:

Is Walmart still issuing fishing license?

Yep, you can easily obtain a fishing license from a Walmart store, as long as it’s one that has a Sports & Outdoors section. A Walmart fishing license is the same kind that’s issued by the state.

What do I need to get a MN fishing license?

Anyone 21 years of age or older, must possess a current Minnesota Driver’s License, a Minnesota Public Safety ID or have a receipt for an application for a Minnesota driver’s license or Minnesota state ID that is at least 60-days or older.

Can you get a fishing license at Walmart anytime?

The answer to this question is a big yes. You can get a fishing license at Walmart anytime. If you intend to visit a store to get the license, remember to check the timings as a local Walmart will accept applications and issue licenses only during regular business hours.

Do senior citizens need a fishing license in Minnesota?

Who needs a fishing license in Minnesota? Any Minnesota resident aged 16–90 is required to carry a license when fishing. Children under 16 and seniors over 90 who live in Minnesota can fish without a license.

At what age do you no longer need a fishing license in Minnesota?

All residents of Minnesota, age 16 to 89, must have a current Minnesota fishing license unless an exemption applies. All non-residents need a license except those age 15 and younger do not need a license if a parent or guardian is licensed. Licenses are issued by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Minnesota has its share of lakes richly populated by various fish species. Jessie Lake teems with walleyes, crappie, jumbo perch and smallmouth and largemouth bass. Cass Lake is famous for its muskies. Cutfoot Sioux Lake is the most popular fishing spot in the areas as it is the spawning area for big, great walleyes. Fishing is an enjoyable outdoor sports recreation but before planning a fishing trip, it is best to get a Minnesota fishing license first and read up on current fishing laws.

Purchasing a Minnesota fishing license is easy and convenient through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources' website or by phone. For those who wish to but their personally, there are legitimate fishing license agents by way of sporting goods store and tackle shop all over Minnesota.

It is highly advised that a responsible angler read the current fishing rules and regulations before settling for a short or extended fishing trip. These laws and rules are strictly observed so as to protect the interest of the fish population. Fishing rules and regulations may be updated from time to time based on current assessment of the general fish populations.

The waterways of Minnesota are richly populated with fish through the efforts of state biologists and scientists of the fisheries department. They plan and execute the preservation and conservation of the many varieties of fish in the lakes, ponds, rivers and streams in Minnesota. As concerned citizens, everyone must do his part in the conservation of the natural resources.


Minnesota is blessed with bountiful lakes, and that is the reason why it is one of the most popular destinations when it comes to ice fishing. Known as the “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” Minnesota will not run out of a fishing site for those who want to enjoy the fun and excitement of catching trout and salmon. Graced by Lake Superior on its northeastern border, it’s really not surprising that at least one in every four state residents holds a Minnesota license. 

However, fishing can only be eternally fun if we fish responsibly. Hence, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has designed rules and regulations to make sure that anglers will not exploit its water resources. The first and one of the most important of these regulations are requiring anglers to secure a fishing license before they can legally fish in the rich waters across the entire state.

Learn about the different types of licenses in Minnesota, how to purchase them, and other fishing regulations observed in the state, and you are good to go to harvest the catch of your dream in the Land of 10,000 Lakes!

Who is required to purchase a Minnesota Fishing License?

As earlier mentioned, most anglers, with the exemption of some, are required to possess a Minnesota Fishing License before they are allowed to fish in its waters. In particular, a Minnesota resident between the age of 16 years old and 90 years old is required to purchase a fishing license. Children under 16 and seniors over 90 are exempted. It is important to understand that a “resident” is defined as someone who has resided in the state of Minnesota, officially, for the past 16 days or longer. Proof of residency may be required when purchasing a license like any state-issued ID card, including a driver’s license. A person under 21 years old is only considered a Minnesota resident if he or she is a child of a Minnesota resident. 

Meanwhile, all non-resident anglers beyond the age of 16 years old are required to purchase a non-resident Minnesota Fishing License before they are allowed to go to the waters and catch fish. 

Who is exempted from purchasing a Minnesota Fishing Licenses? 

Several exemptions are adopted by the state of Minnesota in implementing its license requirements. If you qualify in any of these cases, then you are allowed to fish in the waters of the state without a license legally:

  • A Minnesota resident in the US Armed Forces on leave. You must carry your leave papers with you at all times when fishing.
  • A Minnesota resident who has been on active duty in the US Armed forces in the last 24 months and his discharge papers.
  • In-patients of US Veterans’ Administrative Hospitals.
  • Residing in a Minnesota nursing home or care home.

If you meet any of these qualifications, then you must obtain a FREE license before fishing in the lakes of Minnesota. 

Where to buy a Minnesota Fishing License?

There are different ways of procuring a fishing license in Minnesota. You can try any of these methods, whichever is more convenient for you: 

  • Online: Get your license in the comfort of your own home with only a few clicks of your finger. Just log in to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website to purchase a fishing license online. 
  • By Phone: You can also call the MN DNR through the toll-free number 1-888-MN-LICEN (665-4236). Trained operators will be able to assist you 24/7 and process your fishing license orders through the phone. 
  • In Person: You also can visit any DNR office or licensed retailers such as Walmart, hardware store, or bait and tackle store by the water and get your license there and then. 

Different Types of Fishing Licenses in Minnesota

As already laid out in this article, residents and non-residents are required to purchase a fishing license before they are allowed to catch fish in any of the fishing locations in Minnesota. These licenses vary depending on the purpose, and their prices are graded on a sliding scale depending on the length of the license. Here’s a summary of the different fishing licenses you can procure from the state of Minnesota and how much they cost: 

License

Residents

Non-Residents

24-Hour License

$12

$14

72-Hour License

$14

$32

7-Day License

N/A

$43

14-Day Married License

N/A

$54

Annual License

$25

$51

Married Annual License

$40

N/A

Family Annual License

N/A

$68

3-Year License

$71

N/A

Annual Conservation License

$17

N/A

Married Conservation License

$27

N/A

Annual Sports License

$41

N/A

Married Sports License

$57

N/A

Annual Super Sports License

$100

N/A

Married Super Sports License

$126

N/A

Both residents and non-residents can purchase an annual Fishing License, which would allow them to fish in the waters of Minnesota. The cost of the Annual Fishing License is $25.00 (residents) and $51.00 (non-residents). A 72-hour license is also available for $14 (residents) and $43.00 (non-residents). Furthermore, residents who are married can also purchase a Married Annual License for only $40.00 for both spouses to enjoy fishing in its waters. Conversely, non-residents can opt to purchase an annual Family License, which grants both spouses as well as all their children under the age of 16 the right to fish in the state. This license costs $68.00. If you and your family are not planning on fishing in Minnesota the whole year round, you also have the option to purchase a 14-Day Married License for $54.00. Other special licenses include the Annual Conservation License, Married Conservation License, Sports License, and Super Sports License. 

Lifetime Licenses

Minnesota also offers the chance for anyone to procure a lifetime license. This license will guarantee a lifetime’s fishing from the day you were born, with a sliding price scale once again. The good news is that this is not only available to residents as non-residents can also avail of some of the Lifetime Licenses package offered by the state. Below is a matrix of the different fishing licenses that a resident or non-resident can avail for a lifetime. Please note that a Lifetime License needs to be renewed every fishing season that starts from March 1 to February 28/29 the following year. 

Residents

Non-Residents

Age

Fishing License

+Spearfishing

Sports License

Age

Price

⫹3

$344

$432

$522

⫹3

$821

4-15

$469

$579

$710

4-15

$1046

16-50

$574

$678

$927

16-50

$1191

51+

$379

$439

$603

51+

$794

Daily Fishing Limits and other important fishing regulations 

Much like any other state, Minnesota imposes certain limits on fishing and catching in its waters. These limits are imposed in order to make sure that the state maintains a healthy fish population. It is important to read and understand about the different fishing limits and possession limits imposed by the state in order to avoid violating local laws. Please download the updated  Minnesota Fishing Regulation Guidebook to learn more about the different regulations, rules, and laws observed within the state. A download link is provided below: 

Minnesota Fishing Regulations Guidebook 2019

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q: What are conservation licenses? 

Conservation licenses are special types of licenses that are only available to residents. This license grants licensee access to fish in the waters of Minnesota but the daily and possession limits are half of what can be taken with a standard angling license.

Fractions are rounded down to the next whole number. • People bowfishing, spearing, or using other approved harvest methods under a Conservation License are limited to one half of the daily and possession limit for that method.

Q: Do I need a license to fish in Minnesota State Parks?

Minnesota residents may fish without a license for any species except trout when:

  • Shore fishing or wading on state-owned land within a state park.
  • Fishing from a boat or on the ice on water bodies that are completely inside the boundaries of a state park.
  • People who want to keep trout, or fish in waters specifically managed for trout, must have a fishing license and trout stamp validation.

Q: Do I need a license when I assist a child/minor in fishing? How about a disabled person?

If an adult is showing a child younger than 16 how to bait, cast, and remove fish, no license is needed. The child must hold the rod, set the hook and reel in the fish. Meanwhile, you also don’t need  a license to assist a disabled person, who must have a valid license unless an exemption applies. You may only fish with the number of lines allowed for all licensed or exempt anglers fishing.

Does Walmart sell Minnesota fishing license?

Yes, you can buy a perfectly legal fishing license from any US-based Walmart by speaking to the staff in the Sports & Outdoors section. Expect to pay between $11 and $40, depending on the state, your age, and how long the license will be valid for.

How do you get a fishing license in Minnesota?

You can purchase licenses by phone: 1-888-665-4236 (1-MN-LICENSE). Call any time of day or night, seven days a week. This toll-free call provides immediate licensing by way of a license identification number, which will be issued at the time of the call.

What is the cost of a Minnesota fishing license?

Popular licenses.

Can I have my fishing license on my phone in Minnesota?

Licenses purchased on a mobile device are issued in electronic format, and you can choose to receive an email and/or text message that serves as your license. In that case, you must carry your mobile device or a printed copy of this email or text message to show proof of license.