If you’re an angler looking to fish in the beautiful waters of Pennsylvania in 2024, you’ll need to obtain a valid fishing license. But before you can get your hands on that coveted permit, you’ll need to provide proof of residency if you’re applying for a resident license. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the documents you’ll need to present when purchasing a Pennsylvania fishing license in 2024.
Resident Fishing Licenses in Pennsylvania
To qualify for a resident fishing license in Pennsylvania, you must be a bona fide resident of the state. This means you have a permanent place of abode in Pennsylvania and intend to return to the state when you leave it. When purchasing a resident fishing license in 2024, you’ll need to show positive proof of your permanent residency by presenting one of the following documents:
A valid Pennsylvania driver’s license
A valid non-driver photo identification card issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
A previous year’s Pennsylvania state income tax return showing proof of payment of personal income tax as a resident of Pennsylvania
A previous year’s local earned income tax return showing tax paid to a Pennsylvania municipality
A current Pennsylvania voter registration card
It’s important to note that all issued resident fishing licenses will remain valid for the year or years for which they are issued, regardless of whether the license holder is no longer a bona fide Pennsylvania resident.
Non-Resident and Tourist Fishing Licenses
If you’re not a Pennsylvania resident, you’ll need to obtain a non-resident or tourist fishing license to fish in the state’s waters. This applies to anglers who are not considered bona fide residents, such as out-of-state students attending Pennsylvania universities and colleges.
Military Personnel and Fishing Licenses
The rules for military personnel when it comes to Pennsylvania fishing licenses can be a bit tricky. Here’s what you need to know:
Military personnel who are stationed in Pennsylvania under permanent change of station (PCS) orders for a duration of 6 months or more, and can produce documentation proving the same, qualify for a resident fishing license.
Certain active duty military personnel who are bona fide Pennsylvania residents, on active duty, stationed outside Pennsylvania, and here on authorized leave are exempt from Pennsylvania’s fishing license requirement. While fishing, they must carry proof of residency, military ID, and valid military orders showing their place of assignment and leave status.
Under the law, qualifying active duty military personnel do not receive a free Pennsylvania fishing license. Instead, they can legally fish without a license under the limited circumstances outlined above.
It’s important to note that the law does not exempt military personnel on leave from any other requirements of fishing or boating laws and regulations in Pennsylvania.
Obtaining Your Pennsylvania Fishing License
Once you have the necessary documents to prove your residency or eligibility, you can obtain your Pennsylvania fishing license in several ways:
At more than 700 license-issuing agents throughout the state
At county treasurer offices
At Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission offices
Online at the official HuntFish.PA.gov website
If you lose your fishing license, you can replace it at cost through a licensing agent or reprint it online at HuntFish.PA.gov for free.
In addition to a regular fishing license, you may need additional permits or stamps depending on your fishing activities. For example, you’ll need a trout permit to fish for trout in Pennsylvania waters. Anglers fishing the Pennsylvania waters of Lake Erie, Presque Isle Bay, and their tributaries must possess a valid Lake Erie Permit or Combination Trout/Lake Erie Permit.
Remember, a valid fishing license is required for anyone age 16 and over to fish or angle for any species of fish in Pennsylvania waters. Casting and retrieving, whether by rod, reel and line, or by handline, for oneself or for others, requires a current license, unless specifically exempted by law.
With this information, you should be well-equipped to navigate the process of obtaining a Pennsylvania fishing license in 2024. Whether you’re a resident or non-resident, active duty military, or just visiting the state, make sure you have the proper documentation and permits before casting your line into Pennsylvania’s abundant waters.