If you’re a Texas resident who loves fishing, investing in a lifetime fishing license might be the perfect option for you. Lifetime licenses are available to eligible Texas residents only and provide fishing privileges for the lifetime of the license holder. In this article, we’ll explore the cost of lifetime fishing licenses in Texas and the benefits they offer.
Lifetime Fishing License Packages
Texas offers three main lifetime fishing license packages for residents:
Lifetime Resident Combination Hunting & Fishing Package: $1,800
Lifetime Resident Hunting Package: $1,000
Lifetime Resident Fishing Package: $1,000
The Lifetime Resident Combination Hunting & Fishing Package includes a Resident Hunting License, a Resident Fishing License, and five state endorsements (archery, freshwater fishing, saltwater fishing with a red drum tag, upland game bird, and migratory game bird).
The Lifetime Resident Hunting Package includes a Resident Hunting License and three state endorsements (archery, upland game bird, and migratory game bird).
The Lifetime Resident Fishing Package includes a Resident Fishing License and two state endorsements (freshwater fishing and saltwater fishing with a red drum tag).
Texas residents can also upgrade their Lifetime Resident Hunting License to a Combination Package for an additional $800, or upgrade their Lifetime Resident Fishing License to a Combination Package for an additional $800.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for a lifetime fishing license in Texas, you must meet the following requirements:
Be a Texas resident
Have resided continuously in Texas for more than six months immediately preceding the application for a lifetime license
Be 17 years of age or older (applicants 17 and older must attach a copy of their valid Texas driver’s license issued at least six months prior to application by the Texas Department of Public Safety)
If you hold a current year physical license for the type you are applying for, you must surrender the original current year license to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) along with your application. If you are a digital license holder, your tag usage will be verified by TPWD.
Benefits of a Lifetime Fishing License
Purchasing a lifetime fishing license in Texas offers several benefits:
Fishing privileges for life: Once you have a lifetime fishing license, you can fish in Texas for the rest of your life, without having to renew it annually
Cost savings: While the upfront cost of a lifetime license may seem high, it can save you money in the long run compared to purchasing annual licenses each year
Support for conservation efforts: The fees collected from lifetime fishing license sales support conservation efforts that help maintain Texas’s incredible fishing opportunities for future generations
It’s important to note that lifetime licenses are not valid for commercial fishing or hunting uses, and lifetime license holders are not exempt from the Federal Duck Stamp requirement.
How to Apply for a Lifetime Fishing License
To apply for a lifetime fishing license in Texas, you can:
Download a PDF application from the TPWD website
Call TPWD at (800) 792-1112
Apply in person at a TPWD Law Enforcement office or TPWD Austin Headquarters
Once you have your lifetime license, you can obtain your current year tags each year at no additional fee by:
Visiting any TPWD license agent located across the state
Downloading and submitting the Request for Lifetime License Tags PDF to Austin HQ (no digital tags)
Purchasing online for either paper or digital tags
Digital lifetime license tags are only available online at no additional fee.
In conclusion, a lifetime fishing license in Texas is a great investment for avid anglers who want to enjoy fishing in the Lone Star State for the rest of their lives. With a one-time fee, you can fish anywhere in Texas without worrying about renewing your license annually. Plus, your purchase supports conservation efforts that help maintain Texas’s incredible fishing opportunities for future generations.