Fishing is a popular pastime for many married couples in Minnesota, and the state offers a convenient option for them to purchase a combination fishing license. However, there are specific requirements and procedures that couples must follow to obtain this license, especially if both spouses are not present at the time of purchase.
Combination Fishing Licenses for Married Couples
Minnesota offers combination fishing licenses for married couples, both residents and non-residents. These licenses allow both spouses to fish individually or together during the license year, which runs from March 1, 2024, to February 28, 2025.
The combination angling license (code 112) is one of the most popular fishing licenses in Minnesota. It allows a married couple to fish anytime during the license year. The combination sports license (code 217) is another option, which allows one spouse to hunt small game and fish, while the other spouse can only fish.
Requirements for Purchasing a Combination License
To purchase a combination fishing license in Minnesota, both spouses must be present and provide their customer records on file with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). If either spouse does not have a record, they can create one at the time of purchase by providing their full name, birth date, social security number, and, if a Minnesota resident over age 21, a current Minnesota driver’s license or identification card.
New for the 2021 license year, both spouses must be present to purchase a combination license in person. This change was made to bring the DNR into compliance with both state and federal law, which require collecting social security numbers for all applicants and checking for violations, unpaid fines, and child support revocation.
Purchasing a Combination License When Both Spouses Are Not Present
If both spouses are not present at the time of purchase, the spouse who is present may purchase their part of the license. Their spouse can then obtain their license at a later date at no additional charge. The spouse who is present will receive a spouse voucher number, which their spouse can use to obtain their license at a later date.
Combination licenses may also be purchased online, including via mobile device, but both spouses must have complete customer records on file with the DNR. New resident customer records for those age 21 and over cannot be created online. To create a record, couples must visit a license sales location or call the DNR License Center.
Purchasing a Combination License by Phone
Couples can also purchase combination licenses by phone if both spouses have complete customer records on file with the DNR. They can call 1-888-665-4236 (1-MN-LICENSE) any time of day or night, seven days a week, to purchase licenses by credit card. There is a 3% convenience fee for each phone transaction, and for licenses that require mailing, an additional $1.50 fee is charged.
If a spouse does not have a record on file, they can create one by calling the DNR License Center at 1-877-348-0498 or 651-297-1230, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. They will need to provide their full name, birth date, social security number, and, if a Minnesota resident over age 21, a current Minnesota driver’s license or identification card.
Comparison with Other States
While Minnesota offers combination fishing licenses for married couples, other states have similar options. For example, Wisconsin offers a Spousal Annual Fishing License, where the primary spouse pays $31, and the secondary spouse can get their license for free. However, if both spouses are over 65 or are new buyers, it may be cheaper for them to purchase individual licenses.
In Wisconsin, only one spouse needs to be present to purchase the combination license, but they will need the customer information for both parties. If the customer does not have their spouse’s information, they can still purchase the license and pay the full fee, and the secondary spouse can get their license later for free.
In summary, married couples in Minnesota can purchase combination fishing licenses, but both spouses must be present at the time of purchase or have complete customer records on file with the DNR. If both spouses are not present, the spouse who is present can purchase their part of the license, and their spouse can obtain their license at a later date at no additional charge. Couples can purchase licenses in person, online, or by phone, depending on their preference and the availability of their customer records.