How Much Does a South Carolina Fishing License Cost in 2024?

If you’re an angler looking to fish in the beautiful waters of South Carolina, you’ll need to obtain a valid fishing license. The cost of a South Carolina fishing license varies depending on your residency status, the type of license you need, and the duration of the license. In this article, we’ll explore the different types of fishing licenses available in South Carolina and their respective prices for both residents and non-residents in 2024.

Resident Fishing License Prices in South Carolina

If you’re a South Carolina resident, you can purchase a fishing license for a discounted price compared to non-residents. Here are the current prices for resident fishing licenses in 2024:

3-Year Freshwater Fishing License: $30.00
Annual Freshwater Fishing License: $10.00
14-Day Freshwater Fishing License: $5.00
3-Year Saltwater Fishing License: $45.00
Annual Saltwater Fishing License: $15.00
14-Day Saltwater Fishing License: $10.00

To qualify as a resident, you must be domiciled in South Carolina for 30 days and show proof of residency when obtaining your license. Military personnel and dependents stationed in South Carolina for 30 days or longer or who are domiciled in the state are also eligible for resident privileges. Additionally, students who are enrolled full-time in a South Carolina educational institution can obtain a resident fishing license with a valid student ID.

Non-Resident Fishing License Prices in South Carolina

Non-residents, which include anyone who doesn’t meet the definition of a resident, can also enjoy fishing in South Carolina by purchasing a non-resident fishing license. The prices for non-resident fishing licenses in 2024 are as follows:

3-Year Freshwater Fishing License: $105.00
Annual Freshwater Fishing License: $35.00
14-Day Freshwater Fishing License: $11.00
Annual Commercial Freshwater License: $1,000.00
1-Day Saltwater Fishing License: $10.00
7-Day Saltwater Fishing License: $35.00
Annual Saltwater Fishing License: $75.00
3-Year Saltwater Fishing License: $105.00

Non-residents are not eligible for lifetime fishing licenses in South Carolina. Additionally, fishing and hunting licenses need to be purchased separately for non-residents, unlike residents who can purchase combination licenses.

Where to Purchase a South Carolina Fishing License

There are several convenient ways to purchase a South Carolina fishing license in 2024:

Online: You can buy a fishing license online through the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources website. After purchasing, you can print your license instantly.
By Phone: If you prefer to speak with someone, you can call 803-734-3833 to purchase your fishing license over the phone.
In Person: South Carolina has over 500 license vendors statewide where you can buy your fishing license in person. You can find a list of vendors on the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources website.
Mail: You can also purchase a fishing license by mail by filling out an application and sending it to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources along with the required fees and proof of residency (if applicable).

Remember, all anglers 16 and older are required to have a valid fishing license in their possession while fishing in South Carolina. Failure to have a license can result in fines and penalties.

In conclusion, the cost of a South Carolina fishing license varies depending on your residency status, the type of license you need, and the duration of the license. Residents enjoy discounted prices compared to non-residents, and there are several convenient ways to purchase a license in 2024. Whether you’re a local angler or a visitor to South Carolina, make sure to obtain a valid fishing license before casting your line in the state’s beautiful waters.