In the state of New York, most people who enjoy fishing need to have a valid New York State Fishing License. Fortunately, obtaining a fishing license has become more convenient than ever before. In 2024, anglers have three main options to get their fishing license: visiting an official License Issuing Agent, ordering over the phone, or purchasing online through the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) website.
Visiting an Official License Issuing Agent
One of the traditional ways to get a fishing license in New York is by visiting an official License Issuing Agent. These agents are typically located at various sporting goods stores, bait and tackle shops, town halls, and county clerk offices throughout the state. By visiting an agent in person, anglers can complete the application process and receive their license on the spot.
Ordering Over the Phone
For those who prefer the convenience of ordering from the comfort of their own home, New York offers the option to purchase a fishing license over the phone. By calling the DEC’s toll-free number at 1-866-933-2257, anglers can speak with a customer service representative and complete the transaction using a credit or debit card.
Ordering Online
The most popular method for obtaining a fishing license in New York is through the DEC’s online portal. Anglers can visit the DEC’s website and follow the prompts to purchase their license electronically. Once the transaction is complete, anglers will receive a confirmation number that serves as a temporary license until their permanent license arrives in the mail.
Fishing License Requirements
In New York, anyone 16 years of age or older who wishes to fish for freshwater fish species, frogs, or freshwater baitfish must possess a valid fishing license. This includes methods such as angling, spearing, hooking, longbow, nets, traps, and tip-ups.
However, there are some exceptions to the fishing license requirement. Individuals who are fishing on a licensed fishing preserve, during designated Free Fishing Days, or at a free learn to fish clinic do not need a license. Additionally, resident landowners primarily engaged in farming, farm fish pond license holders, Native Americans living and fishing on reservation land, and patients residing at certain U.S. Veterans Administration hospitals or facilities in New York State are also exempt from the licensing requirement.
Fishing License Fees
The cost of a fishing license in New York varies depending on the type of license and the angler’s residency status. For New York residents, an annual fishing license valid for one full year (365 days) from the date of purchase or renewal costs $25 for ages 16-69 and $5 for ages 70 and older. Residents can also purchase a 7-day license for $12 or a 1-day license for $5.
Non-residents have the option to purchase an annual fishing license for $50, a 7-day license for $28, or a 1-day license for $10.
In addition to the standard fishing licenses, New York also offers free or reduced-fee licenses for certain individuals, such as legally blind residents, active service members of the New York State Organized Militia or U.S. Reserve Forces, and resident patients at U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs hospitals or state-funded facilities.
Fishing License Validity and Proof
Once an angler has obtained their fishing license, it is important to keep it with them while fishing and be prepared to show it to any police or peace officer or anyone in control of the waters where they are fishing if asked.
Anglers can use various forms of proof to demonstrate their valid fishing license, including the license on official license paper (Valeron), the Hunt Fish NY App, an online printable license, a 12-digit DEC ID number, a plastic lifetime card, or an Adventure license.
Fishing License for Border Waters
Anglers should be aware that a New York State fishing license does not always entitle the holder to fish the out-of-state portion of certain border waters. For example, a New York license is not valid for fishing in the Ontario portion of Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, the St. Lawrence River, or the Niagara River.
However, a New York license is valid for fishing in the Vermont portion of Lake Champlain, the Pennsylvania portion of the Delaware River and West Branch Delaware River, the New Jersey portion of Greenwood Lake (from boat or ice only), and the Connecticut portion of Indian Lake (from boat or ice only).
Recreational Marine Fishing Registry
In addition to the freshwater fishing license, anglers 16 years of age and older who fish in the Marine and Coastal District of New York or for migratory marine species, such as striped bass, hickory shad, and river herring from all waters of the state, including the Hudson River and Delaware River, must enroll in the Recreational Marine Fishing Registry.
The Recreational Marine Fishing Registry is free of charge and can be obtained wherever fishing licenses are sold.