In 2024, many states offer special fishing licenses for married couples, often referred to as “spousal” or “family” fishing licenses. These licenses allow married couples to fish together at a discounted rate compared to purchasing two individual licenses. However, the specific requirements and purchasing process can vary between states.
Spousal Fishing Licenses in Wisconsin
Wisconsin offers a Spousal Annual Fishing License for resident married couples. The primary license holder pays $31, and the secondary spouse can be added for free. However, if either spouse is 65 or older, or is a new buyer who hasn’t purchased a Wisconsin fishing license in the last 10 years, it may be cheaper for them to purchase individual licenses instead. In that case, the Spousal Fishing License option will not be available.
To purchase the Spousal Fishing License in Wisconsin, only one spouse needs to be present, 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 obtain their license later for free.
The purchasing process involves logging into a Go Wild account, selecting the Spousal Annual Fishing License (Primary), and adding the Secondary spouse. The system will automatically check the box to add the secondary spouse. If the customer does not have their spouse’s information, they can uncheck the box and purchase the secondary license later. The customer will need to enter the secondary spouse’s date of birth and either their DNR customer number, Social Security number, or driver’s license number to link the two licenses together.
Spousal Fishing Licenses in Minnesota
Minnesota also offers combination fishing and hunting licenses for resident married couples. Non-resident married couples and non-resident parents with children younger than 16 can purchase a family fishing license as well.
Starting in the 2021 license year, both spouses must be present to purchase a combination license in person. Both spouses must provide and verify their customer records on file with the Minnesota DNR. If only one spouse is present, they can purchase their part of the license, and their spouse can obtain their license at a later date at no additional charge. The spouse that is present will receive a spouse voucher number, which their spouse can use to obtain their license later.
Combination licenses can also be purchased by telephone or online, but both spouses must have complete customer records on file with the Minnesota DNR. New resident customer records for those age 21 and over cannot be created online.
Important Considerations
Even though spousal and family fishing licenses are sold as a “package,” each spouse must have a completed fishing license in their name to legally fish. It’s crucial to ask if both parties have purchased DNR licenses before, as you cannot create an account while in the transaction. If one person does not have a DNR account, start with that person so you can create their account and then easily enter the second person in a single transaction.
Regarding add-ons for these licenses, while in the screen for the primary customer, you can select to add a Go Wild Conservation Card or the Inland Waters Trout Stamp or the Great Lake Salmon/Trout Stamp. If the secondary customer wants the Conservation Card, you will have to be in their screen when you select it.