If you’ve misplaced your Pennsylvania fishing license, don’t worry – you can easily replace it. In 2024, the total cost to replace a lost fishing license and any previously purchased permits or privileges that were printed on the base license is $6.97.
Obtaining a Replacement License
You have a few options when it comes to replacing your lost fishing license in Pennsylvania:
- Visit any license-issuing agent and pay the $6.97 replacement fee
- Reprint your license online for free at HuntFishPA.com
When you replace your license, it will include any permits or privileges you had previously purchased that were printed on the base license, such as a trout permit or Lake Erie permit.
Fishing License Requirements in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, a valid fishing license is required for anyone age 16 or older who wants to fish or angle for any species of fish, or take fishbait, baitfish, amphibians, and reptiles from Commonwealth waters.
To qualify for a resident fishing license, you must be a bona fide resident of Pennsylvania. When purchasing a resident license, you’ll need to show proof of residency by presenting one of the following:
- Valid Pennsylvania driver’s license
- Valid non-driver photo ID card
- Previous year’s Pennsylvania state income tax return showing proof of payment of personal income tax as a resident
- Previous year’s local earned income tax return showing tax paid to a Pennsylvania municipality
- Current Pennsylvania voter registration card
Certain individuals may be exempt from needing a fishing license, including:
- Landowners and their family members who reside on their land year-round and fish on that land
- People who are totally blind or have severe physical or mental impairments that prevent them from casting, retrieving a line, or removing fish, as long as they are within 10 feet of the device being used and are assisted by someone who also doesn’t need a license
Other Fishing Licenses and Permits
In addition to the basic fishing license, Pennsylvania offers several other licenses and permits:
- Trout Permit – Required to fish for trout. Senior Resident Lifetime License holders must purchase a new trout permit each year, while Lake Erie Permit holders only need to purchase one permit valid for their lifetime.
- Lake Erie Permit – Required to fish in Lake Erie or its tributaries. Senior Resident Lifetime License holders can purchase a lifetime permit.
- Combination Trout/Lake Erie Permit – Combines the trout and Lake Erie permits into one.
- Voluntary Youth Fishing License – For anglers under 16. Costs $2.97 and provides federal reimbursement funding for youth outreach and education programs.
The cost to replace a lost permit depends on the type of permit. For example, the cost to replace a lost Bobcat Permit is $6.97.
Fishing License Fees
The cost of a Pennsylvania fishing license varies depending on your age and residency status:
- Adult Resident – $21.97 for a 1-year license
- Adult Non-Resident – $52.97 for a 1-year license
- Senior Resident (65 ) – $11.97 for a 1-year license or $106.97 for a lifetime license
- Junior Resident (16-17) – $11.97 for a 1-year license
- Disabled Veteran Resident – Free for those with a disability incurred in war or armed conflict, or who are 100% disabled as certified by the VA. Reduced fee licenses are available for those with a 60-99% disability rating.
You can purchase fishing licenses and permits at more than 700 issuing agents across Pennsylvania, at county treasurers’ offices, at Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission offices, or online at HuntFishPA.com.
So in summary, if you’ve lost your Pennsylvania fishing license, you can easily replace it for $6.97 by visiting an issuing agent or reprinting it online. Just be sure to carry your valid license with you whenever you go fishing in the Keystone State.