In Minnesota, anglers age 16 and older are required to have a valid fishing license to fish in public waters. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources manages all fishing licenses and regulations in the state. Licenses are valid from March 1 through February 28 of the following year. Residents can purchase an individual angling license for $25, while non-residents pay $51 for an individual license. Youth under age 16 do not need a license when fishing with a licensed adult, though their catch counts toward the adult’s limit unless the youth purchases their own license.
Quick Reference: Minnesota Fishing License
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Resident Annual | $25.00 |
| Non-Resident Annual | $51.00 |
| License Required Age | 16 and older |
| Youth Exempt | Under 16 |
| Senior Exempt | Age 90 and older |
| License Expiration | March 1 through February 28 |
| Buy Online | Minnesota DNR Website |
Who Needs a Minnesota Fishing License?
Resident Requirements
Minnesota residents age 18 and older must have a valid angling license to fish in state waters. Residents age 16 and 17 need a youth angling license. The state requires residents to meet specific residency requirements as outlined in fishing regulations. All resident licenses are valid from March 1 through February 28 of the following year.
Non-Resident Requirements
Non-residents age 18 and older must purchase a non-resident angling license to fish in Minnesota waters. Non-residents age 16 and 17 need a youth non-resident license. Children under age 16 do not need a license if their parent or guardian is licensed, but the child’s fish are included in the adult’s limit. If a child under 16 wants to possess their own limit of fish, they must purchase a youth license for $5.00.
Minnesota Fishing License Types and Prices
Resident Licenses
| License Type | Price | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Individual Angling | $25.00 | March 1 – February 28 |
| Youth Ages 16-17 | $5.00 | March 1 – February 28 |
| Combination (Married Couple) | $40.00 | March 1 – February 28 |
| 3-Year Individual | $71.00 | 3 years from March 1 |
| 24-Hour | $12.00 | 24 consecutive hours |
| 72-Hour | $14.00 | 72 consecutive hours |
| Conservation Individual | $17.00 | March 1 – February 28 |
| Conservation Combo | $27.00 | March 1 – February 28 |
| Sports Individual | $41.00 | March 1 – February 28 |
| Sports Combination | $57.00 | March 1 – February 28 |
| Super Sports Individual | $100.00 | March 1 – February 28 |
| Super Sports Combination | $126.00 | March 1 – February 28 |
Non-Resident Licenses
| License Type | Price | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Individual Angling | $51.00 | March 1 – February 28 |
| Youth Ages 16-17 | $5.00 | March 1 – February 28 |
| Youth Own Limit (Under 16) | $5.00 | March 1 – February 28 |
| Family | $68.00 | March 1 – February 28 |
| 14-Day Couple | $54.00 | 14 consecutive days |
| 7-Day | $43.00 | 7 consecutive days |
| 72-Hour | $36.00 | 72 consecutive hours |
| 24-Hour | $14.00 | 24 consecutive hours |
Special Fishing Licenses
| License Type | Residency | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Dark House Spearing | Resident | $6.00 |
| Dark House Spearing | Non-Resident | $17.00 |
| Dark House Shelter | Resident | $15.00 |
| Dark House Rental | Resident | $30.00 |
| Dark House 3-Year | Resident | $42.00 |
| Dark House 3-Year Rental | Resident | $87.00 |
| Dark House Shelter | Non-Resident | $37.00 |
| Dark House Shelter 7-Day | Non-Resident | $21.00 |
| Netting White Tulibee Herring | Resident | $10.00 |
| Recreational Turtle | Resident | $25.00 |
| Sturgeon Tag | Resident | $5.00 |
| Sturgeon Tag | Non-Resident | $5.00 |
Lifetime Licenses
Minnesota offers lifetime fishing licenses for both residents and non-residents. Lifetime licenses are available for certain hunting and fishing activities and must initially be applied for through the Minnesota DNR. You may purchase a lifetime license for yourself or as a gift for someone else. Lifetime license holders receive a free annual renewal. Prices vary based on age and license type. Residents can obtain lifetime licenses for angling, deer hunting, small game, sports licenses, and spearing. Non-residents can purchase lifetime licenses for angling and small game.
Who Is Exempt from Needing a Fishing License?
Age Exemptions
Children under age 16 do not need a fishing license in Minnesota. However, their catch is included in the accompanying licensed adult’s limit unless the child purchases their own youth license to possess their own limit. Minnesota residents age 90 and older are exempt from the dark house spearing license requirement but must still have a regular angling license unless otherwise exempt.
Military Exemptions
Minnesota residents in the armed forces of the United States who are stationed outside the state and home on leave are exempt from needing a fishing license. However, they must carry proof of Minnesota residency and official leave and/or discharge papers while fishing.
Disability Exemptions
Minnesota offers free disability permits for angling and spearing to eligible residents. A permanent disability permit is available to any Minnesota resident age 16 or older who is developmentally disabled or a veteran with 100 percent service-connected disability. This license is only available from the DNR License Center.
An annual special disability permit is available to Minnesota residents who are legally blind, disabled and receiving supplemental income (SSI or SSDI), receiving worker’s compensation for total and permanent disability, a ward of the Commissioner of Human Services, or a resident of a state institution with an approved application. Residents receiving aid under the federal Railroad Retirement Act or former United States Postal Service employees receiving disability pay are also eligible. Applicants must have a current letter from Social Security stating disability or SSI benefits.
Special Permits and Endorsements
Trout Stamp
A trout stamp is required for residents and non-residents over age 18 and under age 65 to fish designated trout streams, trout lakes, and Lake Superior, or when in possession of trout or salmon. The trout stamp validation costs $10.00 and does not include an actual pictorial stamp. If you want both the validation and the pictorial stamp, the cost is $10.75. The trout stamp requires a valid fishing license.
Walleye Stamp (Voluntary)
Minnesota offers a voluntary walleye stamp that anglers can choose to purchase, though it is not required to legally catch walleyes. The walleye validation costs $5.00, or $5.75 if you want the pictorial stamp included. Revenue from stamp sales is dedicated to walleye stocking and other directly related activities.
Sturgeon Tag
A sturgeon tag is required for anyone, including those otherwise exempt from angling license requirements, who wishes to harvest and possess a lake sturgeon. The tag costs $5.00 for both residents and non-residents and requires the purchase of an angling license unless specifically exempted.
Dark House Licenses
Dark houses, fish houses, and shelters placed on the ice for shelter while fishing must have a license except for portable shelters. The license tag must be attached to the exterior in a visible location. Residents can purchase a dark house shelter license for $15.00 or a dark house rental license for $30.00. Three-year options are also available. Non-residents can purchase a shelter license for $37.00 or a 7-day shelter license for $21.00. Dark houses left unattended overnight require a license even if portable.
To spear from a dark house, anglers must have both a dark house spearing license and a regular angling license. The dark house spearing license costs $6.00 for residents and $17.00 for non-residents.
Fishing Tournament License
A fishing tournament license is required for certain contests. A person may conduct a contest without a permit if any of the following criteria apply: 25 boats or less (or 150 participants or less for ice fishing contests or 100 participants for shore-based contests) with an entry fee of $25 or less and the contest is not limited to trout; the contest is not limited to specifically named waters and not limited to trout; all participants are 18 or younger; the contest is limited to rough fish; or the total prize value is $500 or less.
Permit fees for open-water contests without off-site weigh-ins are $60 for small contests (50 or fewer boats or shore-based contests) and $200 for large contests (more than 50 boats). For open-water contests with off-site weigh-ins, fees are $250 for small contests and $500 for large contests. The fee for ice contests with more than 150 participants is $120.
How to Buy Your Minnesota Fishing License
Online Purchase
The easiest way to purchase your Minnesota fishing license is through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website. The online system allows you to purchase licenses immediately and print them at home. You will need to provide your social security number when applying for a non-commercial hunting or fishing license, as required by the Minnesota DNR. Commercial licenses require a Federal Employer Identification number, Minnesota Tax Identification number, or Social Security Number and must be issued at the DNR license center.
In-Person Purchase
Minnesota fishing licenses can be purchased from state-approved fishing license agents throughout the state, including tackle shops, sporting goods stores, and other retail locations. When purchasing in person, note that agents may charge an additional $1.00 agent fee on top of the license price. Bring valid identification and be prepared to provide your social security number.
Phone Purchase
Anglers can also purchase licenses by phone through the Minnesota DNR. Contact the DNR for phone purchase options and requirements.
Mobile Application
Minnesota offers the Fish MN mobile application, which provides access to the latest fishing regulations, specific information searches, fish species data, and lake maps. The app is a convenient tool for anglers to stay informed while on the water.
License Validity and Expiration
All Minnesota hunting and fishing licenses are valid from March 1 through February 28 of the following year. This applies to annual resident and non-resident licenses. When you purchase an annual license at any point during the license year, it remains valid only until February 28, not for a full 12 months from the purchase date.
Short-term licenses have different validity periods. The 24-hour license is valid for 24 consecutive hours from the time of purchase. The 72-hour license is valid for 72 consecutive hours. The 7-day non-resident license is valid for seven consecutive days, and the 14-day couple license is valid for 14 consecutive days.
Three-year licenses are valid for three years from March 1 of the year of purchase. Lifetime license holders must obtain a free annual renewal each year, though the trout stamp may still be required for trout fishing.
Conservation licenses follow the same March 1 through February 28 validity period as regular annual licenses. These licenses allow anglers to fish with reduced bag limits (half of a regular license) and cost less than standard licenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of a Minnesota fishing license?
A resident individual angling license costs $25.00, while a non-resident individual angling license costs $51.00. Youth ages 16-17 pay $5.00 for both resident and non-resident licenses. Short-term options include a 24-hour license for $12.00 (residents) or $14.00 (non-residents), and a 72-hour license for $14.00 (residents) or $36.00 (non-residents). Prices do not include the optional $1.00 agent fee charged by retail vendors.
At what age do you no longer need a fishing license in MN?
Minnesota residents age 90 and older are exempt from dark house spearing license requirements but still need a regular angling license unless they qualify for other exemptions such as disability permits. Children under age 16 do not need a fishing license, though their catch counts toward the licensed adult’s limit unless the youth purchases their own license.
Can I get a MN fishing license online?
Yes, Minnesota fishing licenses can be purchased online through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website. The online system allows you to buy your license immediately and print it at home. You will need to provide your social security number as required by the DNR when applying for a non-commercial hunting or fishing license.
Can I fish in MN without a license?
You can fish without a license in Minnesota only if you meet specific exemption criteria. Children under age 16 do not need a license when fishing with a licensed adult, though their fish count toward the adult’s limit. Residents in the armed forces stationed outside Minnesota and home on leave are exempt if they carry proof of residency and official leave papers. Certain disability exemptions are also available for eligible residents.
Do I need a trout stamp to fish in Minnesota?
A trout stamp is required for anglers over age 18 and under age 65 who fish designated trout streams, trout lakes, or Lake Superior, or when in possession of trout or salmon. The trout stamp validation costs $10.00 and requires a valid fishing license. The 24-hour licenses (both resident and non-resident) and the 72-hour non-resident license do not require a separate trout stamp to fish for trout, as trout fishing is included.
For the most current information, detailed regulations, and to purchase your license, visit the official Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website.