If you’re a New York State resident who loves fishing, investing in a lifetime fishing license can be a great way to enjoy your favorite pastime for years to come. In 2024, the cost of a lifetime fishing license in New York varies depending on your age. Here’s a breakdown of the available options and their corresponding fees:
Lifetime Fishing License Fees for New York Residents
License Name Resident Fee & (Age Group)
Lifetime (Hunting & Fishing) $380 (under 5)
$535 (5-11)
$765 (12-69)
$65 (70 )
To qualify for a lifetime fishing license in New York, you must be a resident of the state and have proof of residency for at least one year prior to the application date.
Benefits of a Lifetime Fishing License
Purchasing a lifetime fishing license in New York offers several advantages:
Convenience: Once you have your lifetime license, you won’t need to worry about renewing it every year. You can enjoy fishing in New York’s waters for the rest of your life.
Cost Savings: While the initial cost of a lifetime license may seem high, it can save you money in the long run compared to purchasing annual licenses year after year.
Transferability: In the event of the license holder’s passing, a lifetime fishing license may be transferred to a qualifying relative who is a New York State resident, such as a parent, sibling, child, or spouse.
How to Purchase a Lifetime Fishing License in New York
You can purchase a lifetime fishing license in New York through the following methods:
Online: Visit the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s online sporting license sales system to purchase your license.
In Person: Visit any license issuing agent location in New York to purchase your lifetime fishing license.
By Phone: You can also purchase a lifetime fishing license by phone, but keep in mind that it may take at least two weeks for processing, especially during peak fishing seasons.
After purchasing your lifetime license, you will receive appropriate tags and any special applications annually in the mail.
Other Fishing License Options in New York
In addition to lifetime fishing licenses, New York offers several other options for residents and non-residents:
License Type Resident Fee Non-Resident Fee
Annual (16-69) $25 $50
Annual (70 ) $5 N/A
7-day $12 $28
1-day $5 $10
New York also offers free or reduced-fee fishing licenses for certain individuals, such as those with disabilities, military personnel, and Native Americans living on reservation land.
Remember, you need a fishing license if you are 16 years or older and fishing for freshwater fish species, frogs, or freshwater baitfish in New York. There are some exceptions, such as fishing on a licensed fishing preserve, during designated Free Fishing Days, or at a free learn-to-fish clinic.
Fishing Regulations and Resources
Before heading out to fish in New York, be sure to familiarize yourself with the state’s fishing regulations. You can find detailed information on species, seasons, size limits, and more in the New York Freshwater Fishing Regulations Guide.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation also offers a variety of resources for anglers, including information on fishing types, license fees, and where to buy your license online.
Remember, responsible fishing practices, such as catch-and-release and following regulations, are essential for protecting New York’s aquatic resources for generations to come.