An Oklahoma fishing license is required for all residents and non-residents age 18 and older who fish in the Sooner State. The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation manages all fishing licenses and regulations. Residents can purchase an annual fishing license for $31, while non-residents pay $81. Youth under 18 are exempt from needing a license. Oklahoma offers convenient online purchasing, multiple license durations including 1-day and lifetime options, and special provisions for seniors and disabled veterans.
Quick Reference: Oklahoma Fishing License
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Resident Annual | $31.00 |
| Non-Resident Annual | $81.00 |
| License Required Age | 18 and older |
| Youth Exempt | Under 18 |
| Senior Exempt | Varies by exemption type |
| License Expiration | 365 days from date of purchase (annual) |
| Buy Online | Go Outdoors Oklahoma |
Who Needs an Oklahoma Fishing License?
Resident Requirements
An Oklahoma resident fishing license is required of all persons 18 or older who take, attempt to take, or possess fish or other aquatic dwelling organisms by any method in Oklahoma. Residents must carry their fishing license or written evidence of exemption and identification on their person while fishing. Electronic licenses displayed on a phone are allowed and qualify as personal possession of your license.
Persons fishing the Red River must have a valid Oklahoma fishing license unless exempt. Additionally, unless exempt, a Land Access Permit is required to hunt, fish, or otherwise use Honobia Wildlife Management Area, Three Rivers Wildlife Management Area, and OLAP properties.
Persons residing in another state who own land in Oklahoma but do not live on that land must purchase a non-resident fishing license if fishing on that land. All licenses and permits must be carried on your person at all times while afield.
Non-Resident Requirements
Non-residents age 18 or older must purchase a non-resident fishing license to fish in Oklahoma waters. Non-residents under 14 years old are exempt from needing a fishing license. Additional exemptions apply to non-residents from specific states under age 16, and to Texas residents age 65 and older with valid identification.
Non-residents must carry their fishing license or written evidence of exemption and identification while fishing. Electronic licenses on smartphones are acceptable. All non-residents are required to purchase an annual Land Access Permit to access certain wildlife management areas, with no exemptions available.
Oklahoma Fishing License Types and Prices
Resident Licenses
| License Type | Price | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fishing | $31.00 | 365 days from date of purchase |
| 1-Day Fishing | $11.00 | One day of choice (expires at midnight) |
| Lake Texoma | $12.00 | January 1 – December 31 |
| Annual Combination Fishing & Hunting | $53.00 | 365 days from date of purchase |
| 3-Year Combination Fishing & Hunting | $121.00 | Three years from date of issue |
| Disability 5-Year Combination Fishing & Hunting | $20.00 | Five years from date of issue |
The Lake Texoma license allows fishing in both Oklahoma and Texas portions of Lake Texoma but is not valid below the Texoma Dam. The Disability 5-year Combination license is available for persons who have resided in Oklahoma for at least six months and who are receiving disability benefits.
Non-Resident Licenses
| License Type | Price | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Nonresident Annual Fishing | $81.00 | 365 days from date of purchase |
| Nonresident 1-Day Fishing | $26.00 | One day of choice (expires at midnight) |
| Lake Texoma | $12.00 | January 1 – December 31 |
The Lake Texoma license for non-residents provides the same access as the resident version, allowing fishing on both Oklahoma and Texas portions of Lake Texoma but not below the Texoma Dam.
Lifetime Licenses
| License Type | Price | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Lifetime Fishing | $375.00 | Lifetime |
| Lifetime Combination Fishing & Hunting | $1,024.00 | Lifetime |
| Senior Citizen Lifetime Fishing | $30.00 | Lifetime |
| Senior Citizen Lifetime Combination Fishing & Hunting | $60.00 | Lifetime |
| Disabled Veteran Lifetime Combination (under 60% disability) | $200.00 | Lifetime |
| Disabled Veteran Lifetime Combination (60% or more disability) | $25.00 | Lifetime |
Only legal residents of Oklahoma for six months preceding application who intend to remain Oklahoma residents may obtain a lifetime license. Seniors may apply in the calendar year in which they are turning 65 or older. Legal residents of Oklahoma who have resided in this state for at least six months and are disabled as certified by the Veteran’s Administration are eligible for disabled veteran lifetime licenses.
Lifetime fishing license holders are exempt from purchasing an annual fishing license. However, the lifetime fishing license does not exempt holders from purchasing a Lake Texoma license if fishing on the Texas side of Lake Texoma (unless age 65 or over), a Land Access Permit for designated areas, or a Paddlefish Permit.
A lifetime license holder will not lose the benefits of the license by a change of address, even if he or she ceases to be an Oklahoma resident by moving out of the state. Lifetime licenses are non-transferable and must be obtained by mail or in person from the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.
Who Is Exempt from Needing a Fishing License?
Age Exemptions
Residents under 18 years old are exempt from needing a fishing license in Oklahoma. Non-residents under 14 years old are also exempt from the fishing license requirement.
Additional age-based exemptions apply to non-residents under 16 years old who reside in Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Texas, or Wisconsin.
Non-residents 65 and older who are residents of Texas are exempt from needing a fishing license when fishing in Oklahoma, provided they carry valid identification.
Other Exemptions
Resident owners or tenants, their spouses, parents, grandparents, children and their spouses, and grandchildren and their spouses are exempt when fishing in private ponds on land owned or leased by such owner or tenant.
Any person who fishes with pole and line, trotline, or throw line in streams, natural ponds, and mine pits in or forming the boundary of the county in which he is a bona fide resident is exempt when using any bait other than commercial or artificial bait, blood, stink bait, cut fish, and shrimp.
Residents having a proven disability rendering them nonambulatory and confined to wheelchairs as certified by a duly qualified physician are exempt from needing a fishing license.
Any person legally blind or physically impaired who is unable to properly use fishing apparatus and one accompanying companion while the blind or physically impaired person is fishing are exempt.
Persons under 18 who are in legal and physical custody of the State of Oklahoma or its agencies by court order, or in the custody of a child care facility as defined by Title 10 O.S., Section 402, are exempt.
Persons fishing during Oklahoma’s Free Fishing Days are exempt from needing a license.
Any patient of a state institution in Oklahoma established for the care and treatment of mental illness or alcohol or drug dependency, or any person developmentally disabled residing in any group home or other institution, or persons developmentally disabled when accompanied by an attendant of such institution or legal guardian or when fishing on institutional property are exempt.
Job Corps trainees of this state with proper identification cards and any person participating in an aquatic education event or clinic sanctioned by the Wildlife Department are also exempt.
Land Access Permit Exemptions
The following persons are exempt from the purchase of the Land Access Permit for Honobia Creek and Three Rivers Wildlife Management Areas: Any Oklahoma resident who on the first day of the current calendar year was younger than 18, or anyone 64 or older. All non-residents are required to purchase an annual Land Access Permit with no exemptions available.
Special Permits and Endorsements
Paddlefish Permit
A Paddlefish Permit is required for all persons who fish for paddlefish, regardless of age or residency, including lifetime license holders. This permit is free and valid from January 1 to December 31.
Land Access Permit
A Land Access Permit is required for residents ages 18 to 63, and non-residents of any age, including lifetime license holders, to access certain Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation managed properties. The permit costs $100 for residents and $200 for non-residents and is valid from January 1 to December 31.
Fishing Guide License
A Fishing Guide License is required for all persons who assist, accompany, transport, guide, or aid persons in the taking of fish for monetary compensation or other consideration. The license costs $90 and is valid from January 1 to December 31. The cost is reduced to $20 for those with Coast Guard Mariner credentials.
How to Buy Your Oklahoma Fishing License
Online Purchase
Oklahoma fishing licenses can be purchased online through the Go Outdoors Oklahoma website. The online system allows you to purchase and view or print your licenses and permits, access e-check and apply for controlled hunts, and view and manage your customer account. A $3 handling fee will be applied to online purchases.
Paper licenses will not be mailed by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. To obtain a paper copy of your license, you can print the license at no cost from the comfort of your own home or locate a dealer location that will print the license for a cost of $1.50.
You can also download the free Go Outdoors OK mobile app to renew, purchase, and store your licenses on your smartphone or tablet. Simply search for GoOutdoorsOK in your app store to download the Fish|Hunt App. This method qualifies as personal possession of your license.
In-Person Purchase
Fishing licenses can be purchased in person at authorized license dealers throughout Oklahoma. When purchasing in person, bring a valid form of identification such as a driver’s license or state ID. Dealers can print your license on-site for $1.50.
Lifetime License Applications
For resident lifetime licenses, you must submit an application. The process can be completed online, by mail, or in person at the Oklahoma City Headquarters office located at 1801 N. Lincoln, Oklahoma City, OK 73105. If mailing your application, the county game warden or an authorized Department employee must approve your application prior to submitting it.
If processing your application in person, bring the following documents: Oklahoma Driver’s License (license must be at least six months old) and Hunter Education card (if you are 30 years of age or under).
If a person does not hold a valid driver’s license, the Department may consider other reliable documentation for establishing proof of residency including property tax receipts, resident income tax returns, voter registration, motor vehicle or vessel registrations, and other public records documenting residence.
For applicants under sixteen years of age, a parent’s Oklahoma tax return showing the applicant as a dependent or a report card from an Oklahoma school will provide the required proof of residency.
Payment for lifetime licenses can be made by cashier’s check, money order, VISA, or MasterCard. Personal checks for lifetime licenses will be accepted; however, the lifetime license will be held for three weeks.
License Validity and Expiration
Unless otherwise noted, most Oklahoma fishing licenses are valid for specific periods. Annual fishing licenses for both residents and non-residents are valid for 365 days from the date of purchase. One-day fishing licenses are valid for one day of choice and expire at midnight.
The Lake Texoma license operates on a calendar-year basis and is valid from January 1 to December 31. The 3-Year Combination Fishing & Hunting license is valid for three years from the date of issue, while the Disability 5-Year Combination Fishing & Hunting license is valid for five years from the date of issue.
Lifetime licenses are valid for the lifetime of the holder and do not expire. A lifetime license holder will not lose the benefits of the license by a change of address, even if moving out of state. If you move, you should report your new address to the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation office.
Lost or Stolen Licenses
If a lifetime license is lost or you need a replacement, a duplicate license will be issued for a fee of $6. A lost or stolen hard card can be replaced for $5 for annual and five-year licenses or for a lifetime license card.
Electronic replacement options are available through the ODWC Fish|Hunt App on Apple or Android smartphones or tablets. This method qualifies as personal possession of your license.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a fishing license in Oklahoma?
A resident annual fishing license costs $31.00 and is valid for 365 days from the date of purchase. A resident 1-day fishing license costs $11.00. Non-resident annual fishing licenses cost $81.00 for 365 days, while non-resident 1-day licenses cost $26.00. The Lake Texoma license costs $12.00 for both residents and non-residents.
Who is exempt from fishing license in Oklahoma?
Residents under 18 years old are exempt from needing a fishing license. Non-residents under 14 years old are also exempt. Texas residents age 65 and older with valid ID are exempt. Additional exemptions include resident landowners fishing on their own property, residents with disabilities rendering them nonambulatory and confined to wheelchairs, legally blind or physically impaired persons and one companion, and persons fishing during Free Fishing Days.
Can I buy an Oklahoma fishing license online?
Yes, Oklahoma fishing licenses can be purchased online through the Go Outdoors Oklahoma website at license.gooutdoorsoklahoma.com. A $3 handling fee applies to online purchases. You can also download the free Go Outdoors OK mobile app to purchase, renew, and store your licenses on your smartphone or tablet. Paper licenses will not be mailed, but you can print them at home for free or have them printed at a dealer location for $1.50.
Do people over 65 need a fishing license in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma residents age 65 and older are eligible for a Senior Citizen Lifetime Fishing license for $30.00 or a Senior Citizen Lifetime Combination Fishing & Hunting license for $60.00. These lifetime licenses can be purchased in the calendar year in which they turn 65 or older. Non-residents age 65 and older who are residents of Texas are exempt from needing a fishing license when fishing in Oklahoma with valid identification, but other non-residents age 65 and older must purchase a regular non-resident fishing license.
Do I need a special permit to fish for paddlefish in Oklahoma?
Yes, a Paddlefish Permit is required for all persons who fish for paddlefish, regardless of age or residency, including lifetime license holders. The Paddlefish Permit is free and valid from January 1 to December 31.
For the most current information and to purchase your license, visit the official Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation website.