Losing your Iowa fishing license can be a frustrating experience, but don’t worry – the state makes it easy to replace your permit. Whether you misplaced your license or it was damaged, you have a couple of options to get back on the water in no time.
Replacing Your License Online
The quickest and most convenient way to replace your Iowa fishing license is through the Go Outdoors Iowa online system. Here’s how to do it:
- Visit the Go Outdoors Iowa website and log in to your account.
- Select the “Licenses” tab and choose “Replace License.”
- Follow the prompts to complete the replacement process.
The best part? Replacing your license online is completely free of charge.
Replacing Your License In-Person
If you prefer to handle things in person, you can visit an authorized local agent to have your license reprinted. Here’s what you need to know:
- Find a local agent using the “Locate Agent” tool on the Go Outdoors Iowa website.
- There is a $2.50 fee for in-person license replacement.
- The agent will reprint your current licenses and permits on a durable hard card for a small additional fee.
This is a great option if you want a more permanent solution for your license and don’t mind paying a small fee.
Upgrading to a Hard Card License
While you’re replacing your license, you might want to consider upgrading to a hard card. Here are the benefits:
- Hard cards are made of durable plastic, making them more resistant to wear and tear than paper licenses.
- You can customize your hard card with artwork from Iowa artists for just $6.
- Hard cards are a great way to keep your licenses organized and easily accessible.
To upgrade to a hard card, simply select the option when replacing your license online or in person.
Renewing Your License
If your license is about to expire, you might want to consider renewing it instead of replacing it. Here’s how:
- Enroll in Auto Renewal when you buy your license through the Go Outdoors Iowa system.
- Your license will automatically renew when it’s about to expire, using your stored payment method.
- You’ll receive an email notifying you of your license renewal 10 days before it expires.
Auto Renewal is a great way to ensure that you never forget to renew your license and always have a valid permit.
Choosing the Right License for You
Iowa offers a variety of fishing licenses to suit every angler’s needs. Here are some of the most popular options:
- Annual Fishing License – perfect for those who love to fish year-round.
- Angler’s 3-Year Special – a practical choice for anglers who want to plan ahead.
- Let’s Go Fishing Package – includes an annual fishing license, trout fee, bonus third line, and a collectible hard card.
- 65 Lifetime License Package – a special package for seniors who want to fish for life.
Non-residents can also enjoy Iowa’s fishing opportunities with a variety of licenses, including 1-day, 3-day, 7-day, and annual options.
Where to Buy Your Iowa Fishing License
You can purchase your Iowa fishing license in a couple of different ways:
- Online – visit the Iowa DNR website to buy your license online.
- In-person – visit a licensed retailer or one of the 700 local vendors across the state.
Whichever method you choose, make sure to have your license with you whenever you go fishing, as it’s required by law.
Losing your Iowa fishing license can be a hassle, but with the state’s convenient replacement options, you can get back on the water in no time. Whether you choose to replace your license online or in person, you’ll be ready to cast your line and enjoy the thrill of Iowa’s abundant fishing opportunities.