Alaska Fishing License: Requirements, Costs & How to Buy

In Alaska, a sport fishing license is required for residents aged 18 and older, and non-residents aged 16 and older. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game manages all sport fishing licenses, stamps, and permits throughout the state. Licenses can be purchased online through the state’s official store, at Alaska Department of Fish and Game offices, or through approximately 1,000 authorized vendors statewide including outdoor stores, Walmart, Fred Meyer’s, and Carr’s/Safeway. Additionally, many fishing guides, lodges, and outfitters can sell licenses directly to their clients.

Quick Reference: Alaska Fishing License

Who Needs a Alaska Fishing License?

Resident Requirements

Alaska residents under the age of 18 do not need a sport fishing license. However, when sport fishing for a species with an annual limit, resident anglers of all ages are required to record their harvest on a Sport Fishing Harvest Record Card. The harvest record card is available online, at some license vendors, or at Fish and Game offices. Species with an annual limit are listed in the general regulations section in area sport fish regulations summary books.

Residents aged 18 and older must purchase a sport fishing license before fishing anywhere in Alaska. Resident seniors who are 60 years of age or older and meet the Fish and Game residency definition may obtain a senior permanent identification card without charge once an application has been completed and approved through the online store or a Fish and Game office.

Non-Resident Requirements

Non-residents under the age of 16 do not need a sport fishing license. However, when sport fishing for a species with an annual limit, non-resident anglers of all ages are required to record their harvest on a Sport Fishing Harvest Record Card.

Non-residents aged 16 and older must purchase a sport fishing license to fish anywhere in Alaska. Non-resident military personnel on active duty and stationed in Alaska qualify for special military license pricing that matches resident rates. Non-resident aliens (foreign nationals) have the same licensing requirements as other non-residents but may qualify for special reciprocal agreements, such as the Yukon Territory Reciprocal Sport Fishing License.

Alaska Fishing License Types and Prices

Resident Licenses

Non-Resident Licenses

Non-Resident Military Licenses

Non-resident military personnel on active duty and stationed in Alaska qualify for special reduced-rate licenses that match resident pricing:

Who Is Exempt from Needing a Fishing License?

Age Exemptions

Residents under the age of 18 do not need a sport fishing license. Non-residents under the age of 16 do not need a sport fishing license. However, both exempt groups must obtain a Sport Fishing Harvest Record Card when fishing for species with annual limits, and they must record their harvest on this card. The harvest record card is available online, at some license vendors, or at Fish and Game offices.

Other Exemptions

Resident seniors who are 60 years of age or older and meet the Fish and Game residency definition may obtain a senior permanent identification card (PID) without charge. This card serves as their fishing license. Resident disabled veterans who meet the Fish and Game residency definition may obtain a disabled veteran’s license without charge. Both the identification card and disabled veteran’s license are issued once an application has been completed and approved through the online store or a Fish and Game office.

Individuals with a resident blind fishing license ($0.50), resident low-income license ($5.00), resident senior permanent identification card, or resident disabled veteran’s license are also exempt from needing to purchase king salmon stamps when fishing for king salmon.

Special Permits and Endorsements

King Salmon Stamps

King salmon stamps are required for anglers who fish for king salmon, except king salmon in stocked lakes. The following individuals are exempt from needing a king salmon stamp: residents under the age of 18, non-residents under the age of 16, and persons who have a resident blind fishing license, resident low-income license, resident senior permanent identification card (PID), or resident disabled veteran’s license. These exempt individuals require a Harvest Record card to fish for king salmon.

Resident King Salmon Stamps:

Non-Resident King Salmon Stamps:

Non-Resident Military King Salmon Stamps:

Alaska Duck Stamps

A state duck stamp is required for anyone who hunts waterfowl, except for residents under the age of 18 and persons who have a resident low-income license, resident senior permanent identification card (PID), or resident disabled veteran’s license.

How to Buy Your Alaska Fishing License

Online Purchase

You can buy your Alaska fishing license online through the Alaska Department of Fish and Game’s official online store. When you purchase your license online and receive it immediately after your purchase, you can shop for multiple people in the same transaction, which is convenient for families, lodges, and processors. At time of purchase you will receive a copy of your license in PDF format.

There are three ways to carry a printed or electronic license purchased online. You may print a copy of your license, physically sign it, and carry it on your person. You may download an electronic version to your phone and sign the license by utilizing tools available through your mobile device. You may also carry a digital version by taking a picture of your signed license with your mobile device.

If you purchase a license for yourself through your ADF&G account on the online store, you will automatically receive an eSigned license. This license can be stored and viewed on your electronic device. You may also print this license version and carry the physical copy on your person.

In-Person Purchase

Licenses are available at Alaska Department of Fish and Game offices throughout the state. You can also purchase licenses at most license vendors, including approximately 1,000 businesses statewide such as outdoor stores, Walmart, Fred Meyer’s, Carr’s/Safeway, and many other retailers. Mountain View Sports Center in Anchorage is a popular fishing store that specializes in fishing gear and advice, in addition to selling licenses.

Some vendors still offer carbon copy licenses, which are handwritten and the licensee receives a carbon copy. This format is being reduced and is only available at select vendors and some ADF&G offices. If this license is lost, a duplicate must be issued at a cost of $5.00.

Purchase Through Guides and Lodges

Licenses are usually available from your fishing guide, air taxi, lodge, or outfitter, whether included in a package or for sale at their office. Many lodges, such as Doc Warner’s Fishing Lodge in Southeast Alaska, assist guests in obtaining the correct license, with the price often included in the stay. It’s recommended to ask beforehand to confirm availability and whether the license cost is included in your package.

License Validity and Expiration

Most Alaska fishing licenses are valid from the date of purchase through December 31st of each calendar year. The exceptions are short-term non-resident fishing licenses, which are valid for only 1, 3, 7, or 14 days from the date of purchase. Trapping licenses are valid from the start date through September 30th of the following year.

King salmon stamps follow the same validity period as their corresponding fishing licenses. Annual king salmon stamps are valid through December 31st of the calendar year, while short-term non-resident king salmon stamps are valid for 1, 3, 7, or 14 days.

License Formats

Alaska offers three types of license formats: printed/electronic licenses, eSigned licenses, and carbon copy licenses. Printed/electronic licenses are available at ADF&G offices, most license vendors, and the online store. eSigned licenses are only available through your ADF&G account on the online store when purchasing a license for yourself. Carbon copy licenses are being phased out and are only available at select vendors and some ADF&G offices.

Replacement Licenses

If your license is lost or damaged, you can obtain a duplicate replacement license. Resident duplicate licenses cost $5.00, except for resident low-income license duplicates which cost $2.00. Non-resident duplicate licenses cost $5.00. Duplicate king salmon stamps cost $5.00 for all license types.

Refund Policy

Refunds are processed at the Juneau Headquarters Licensing office only. A refund of a license fee will be granted only if the licensee or the licensee’s representative demonstrates that the licensee was unable to make any use of the license as a result of: the death or serious disabling illness or injury of the licensee that occurred after purchase and before the opening of any season; the permanent cancellation of the opening of all seasons to which the license applied; or a catastrophic event that the department determines justifies a refund. Refunds will not be made to licensees who are unsuccessful in their efforts to take fish, unable to conduct the licensed activity due to scheduling difficulties, transportation problems, or other circumstances that prevent the licensee from undertaking the activity at a planned time but which do not prevent the licensee from undertaking licensed activities at either an earlier or later time.

Reciprocal Agreements with Neighboring States

Alaska offers a special Yukon Territory Reciprocal Sport Fishing License for non-resident aliens. This annual license costs $20.00 and is valid through December 31st of the calendar year. A corresponding Yukon Territory Reciprocal King Salmon Stamp is also available for $10.00 annually. These reciprocal licenses are designed for residents of Canada’s Yukon Territory who fish in Alaska.

Frequently Asked Questions

For the most current information and to purchase your license, visit the official Alaska Department of Fish and Game website. Your purchase directly supports ADF&G’s management and research of Alaska’s fish and wildlife resources.