Anyone age 16 or older must have a valid fishing license to fish in Illinois waters. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources manages all fishing licenses and permits in the Prairie State. Licenses are available for both residents and non-residents, with various options including annual, daily, and combination hunting and fishing licenses. Illinois residents must have lived in the state for 30 days before purchasing a resident license. All licenses purchased before March 1, 2026 are valid for the 2025 license year and expire March 31, 2026.
Quick Reference: Illinois Fishing License
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Resident Annual | $15.00 |
| Non-Resident Annual | $31.50 |
| License Required Age | 16 and older |
| Youth Exempt | Under 16 |
| Senior Exempt | No general senior exemption |
| License Expiration | March 31 following purchase year |
| Buy Online | Illinois Department of Natural Resources |
Who Needs a Illinois Fishing License?
Resident Requirements
Any Illinois resident age 16 or older must possess a valid fishing license to fish in Illinois waters. To qualify as a resident, you must have lived in Illinois for at least 30 days before purchasing your license. You must carry either a physical license or an electronic copy with you each time you go fishing. Illinois residents who qualify for specific exemptions may fish without a license, including persons declared legally disabled or blind who can show proof of disability, owners or tenants fishing in water on their own lands except for club and organizational lakes or lake developments, and persons on active duty in the Armed Forces who entered the service from Illinois and are Illinois residents fishing while on leave.
Non-Resident Requirements
Non-residents age 16 or older must have a valid Illinois fishing license to fish in the state’s waters. Non-residents can purchase annual or daily licenses depending on the duration of their fishing trip. There is a limited exemption for non-residents: anglers holding licenses from states bordering Illinois may fish without an Illinois license when fishing on the Illinois side of rivers adjoining the licensing state. Non-residents must present their previous IDNR license, other state driver’s license, social security card, and date of birth when purchasing a license for the first time.
Illinois Fishing License Types and Prices
Resident Licenses
| License Type | Price | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fishing License | $15.00 | March 1 through March 31 following year |
| 1-Day Fishing License | $5.50 | One consecutive day |
| Sportsmen’s License (combined fishing and hunting) | $26.25 | March 1 through March 31 following year |
The annual license and sportsmen’s license are available at half price for qualifying resident veterans. First-time purchasers need to bring an Illinois driver’s license or ID, social security card, and date of birth. For renewals, your previous IDNR license is adequate. A social security number is required of all US citizens for the purposes of obtaining an Illinois license.
Non-Resident Licenses
| License Type | Price | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fishing License | $31.50 | March 1 through March 31 following year |
| 1-Day Fishing License | $10.50 | One consecutive day |
Non-resident license fees are higher than resident fees to reflect the different levels of contribution to the state’s fisheries programs. The fees collected through license sales are used to help fund three state fish hatcheries and support vital fisheries programs including research, fisheries management, hatchery operations, invasive species prevention, and outreach initiatives.
Who Is Exempt from Needing a Fishing License?
Age Exemptions
Children under the age of 16 do not need a fishing license to fish in Illinois waters. This exemption applies to both residents and non-residents. Once an angler turns 16, they must obtain the appropriate fishing license before fishing.
Other Exemptions
Several categories of Illinois residents can fish without a license. Persons declared legally disabled or blind who can show proof of disability are exempt from license requirements. Owners or tenants fishing in water on their own lands are exempt, except for club and organizational lakes or lake developments. Persons on active duty in the Armed Forces who entered the service from Illinois and are Illinois residents may fish without a license while on leave.
Those fishing at fee fishing areas licensed by the Department of Natural Resources do not need a separate fishing license. Additionally, all anglers can fish without a license on designated Free Fishing Days. Each year, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources announces these special days when no license is required.
For non-residents, the only exemption is for anglers holding licenses from states bordering Illinois when fishing on the Illinois side of rivers adjoining the licensing state.
How to Buy Your Illinois Fishing License
Online Purchase
The most convenient way to purchase an Illinois fishing license is online through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website. Online purchasing allows you to obtain your license immediately and begin fishing right away. Any license purchased online can be reprinted at no charge if you lose your copy or need an additional printed version. The electronic copy is valid and can be displayed on your mobile device while fishing.
In-Person Purchase
Illinois fishing licenses are available for purchase from approved Department of Natural Resources license and permit vendor locations throughout the state. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources maintains a list of these authorized vendors on its website. These vendors can issue new licenses and also provide replacement licenses for a $3 replacement fee per item plus a small transaction fee. Some public libraries, such as the Six Mile Regional Library District in Granite City, also sell licenses at their customer service desks during regular business hours.
When purchasing in person for the first time, Illinois residents need to bring their Illinois driver’s license or ID, social security card, and date of birth. For renewals, your previous IDNR license is adequate. Non-residents purchasing for the first time need to bring their previous IDNR license (if applicable), other state driver’s license, social security card, and date of birth.
License Validity and Expiration
Illinois fishing licenses operate on a unique license year that runs from March 1 through March 31 of the following year. The 2026 license year begins March 1, 2026. Any licenses purchased prior to March 1, 2026 are for the 2025 license year and will expire March 31, 2026. No refunds are issued for licenses purchased before the new license year begins.
This means that regardless of when you purchase your annual license during the license year, it will expire on March 31 of the following year. For example, whether you buy your license on March 1, 2026 or February 15, 2027, it will expire on March 31, 2027. One-day licenses are valid for one consecutive day from the date of purchase.
If you need to replace a lost or damaged license, authorized vendors can issue replacement licenses for a $3 replacement fee per item plus a small transaction fee. Licenses purchased online can be reprinted at no charge through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website.
Understanding Illinois Fishing Regulations
Having a valid fishing license is just the first step to legal fishing in Illinois. The state has its own set of fishing laws and regulations that must be followed to protect fish populations and ensure sustainable fishing for future generations. These regulations cover topics such as size limits, bag limits, seasonal restrictions, and approved fishing methods.
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources Division of Fisheries is supported entirely by the sale of fishing licenses and associated stamps. General revenue from Illinois tax dollars does not fund vital fisheries programs. This means that your license purchase directly supports research, fisheries management, hatchery operations, invasive species prevention, outreach, and other initiatives that enhance the outdoor experience for everyone.
Illinois offers diverse fishing opportunities from riverbanks and reservoirs to large lakes, providing something for every angler. The state manages these resources carefully to ensure that future generations can enjoy Illinois’ vast aquatic resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a fishing license in Illinois?
A resident annual fishing license costs $15.00, while a non-resident annual license costs $31.50. One-day licenses are available for $5.50 for residents and $10.50 for non-residents. A resident Sportsmen’s License, which combines fishing and hunting privileges, costs $26.25. Qualifying resident veterans can purchase annual and sportsmen’s licenses at half price.
Can I fish without a license in Illinois?
Yes, in certain situations. All anglers under age 16 can fish without a license. Illinois residents who are legally disabled or blind with proof of disability, owners or tenants fishing on their own land (except club or organizational lakes), and Illinois residents on active military duty while on leave are exempt. Non-residents with licenses from bordering states can fish without an Illinois license on the Illinois side of rivers adjoining their state. Everyone can fish without a license on designated Free Fishing Days announced annually by the Department of Natural Resources.
What age do you no longer need a fishing license in Illinois?
Illinois does not have a general senior age exemption for fishing licenses. All residents and non-residents age 16 and older must have a valid fishing license to fish in Illinois waters, regardless of age. However, qualifying resident veterans can purchase annual licenses at half price.
How do I get a fishing license in Illinois?
You can purchase an Illinois fishing license online through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website or in person at approved license and permit vendor locations throughout the state. First-time resident purchasers need an Illinois driver’s license or ID, social security card, and date of birth. Non-residents need their other state driver’s license, social security card, and date of birth. For renewals, your previous IDNR license is adequate.
For the most current information and to purchase your license, visit the official Illinois Department of Natural Resources website.