Skip to main content
Georgia

Fishing

Fishing

License Requirements

Buying Licenses

You can purchase a Georgia fishing license:

  • Online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at GoFishGeorgia.com or GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com.
  • Using the Go Outdoors GA App, see Contact Information & Offices.
  • In person at license dealers statewide including most WRD/CRD regional offices; state parks; marinas; major retailers; and sporting goods, bait and tackle, and hardware stores. A complete list of license agents can be found at GoFishGeorgia.com.
  • By telephone at 800-366-2661, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. M–F, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. S–S.

Notes: Social Security Number is required for the purchase of all licenses to meet requirements for Georgia Code 19-11-9.1(a.).

Who Needs a Fishing License

Anglers age 16 and older must have a current Georgia fishing license in their possession while fishing in fresh or salt water in Georgia. Additionally, a free SIP is required to fish in saltwater. A temporary authorization number obtained by telephone or internet sale may be used for seven days until the paper copy is received or printed. Game Wardens may require photo identification when checking fishing licenses. Exception: A fishing license is not required to fish in private ponds (does not include ponds owned by governments—city, county, state, or federal) nor by a resident and their immediate family when fishing on their land. See definition of immediate family on Definitions.

Residents (see Definitions)

  • Proof of residency is a Georgia driver’s license or official State of Georgia ID card and is required to purchase a resident fishing license.
  • Georgia resident military veterans that were on active duty for 90 or more consecutive days and who were honorably discharged on or after July 1, 2005 may obtain one annual Honorary Hunting and Fishing License free of charge. Such veterans may obtain this license by providing a copy of their DD Form 214 and a completed DNR application.
  • Senior Citizens: Georgia residents born on or before June 30, 1952 may obtain a Lifetime Sportsman’s License free of charge. An optional Lifetime Sportsman’s Plastic Card may be purchased for $10. Reduced cost licenses are available for residents age 65 and older born after June 30, 1952 (see Recreational Fishing License Fees).
  • Discount Disability License: Georgia residents who are permanently and totally disabled may obtain a discounted Disability License. A qualifying disability is an impairment of a permanent and total nature and is certified as such by the Department of Veterans Affairs, Social Security Administration, Medicaid, Medicare or Railroad Retirement System.
  • Any resident who is totally blind may apply for a Lifetime Honorary Fishing License and must provide a Physician’s Certification of Blindness with the application.

Nonresidents

  • Nonresidents 16 or older, regardless of physical condition, must have a valid nonresident Georgia fishing license to fish in Georgia freshwater and saltwater, except in private ponds. See also Agreements for Bordering States on Agreements with Bordering States.
  • Nonresidents under 16 do not require a fishing license or trout license.

Lands Pass

Any person age 16 and older, entering a WMA or PFA must have a valid license that allows fishing or hunting or a Lands Pass (exclusions apply, visit GeorgiaWildlife.com/LandAccess). A Lands Pass is available as an alternative and allows access only, but is the more expensive option. Designated fee areas are marked with a sign at the site or area entrance.

Reciprocal Agreements for Bordering States

Georgia DNR has Agreements with Alabama, Florida, North Carolina, and South Carolina allowing holders of Georgia fishing licenses to fish in the waters covered without obtaining a fishing license from the bordering state. See Agreements with Bordering States.

Trout Licenses

  • Landowners and their immediate families (see Definitions) may fish on their premises without a trout license.
  • All resident anglers ages 16 and older must have a trout license and Georgia fishing license to fish in designated trout waters and to fish for or to possess trout. See Trout Fishing for special trout regulations.
  • All nonresident anglers, 16 or older, regardless of physical condition, must possess a nonresident fishing license and nonresident trout license to fish for or possess trout or to fish in designated trout waters.
  • Lifetime Sportsman’s, Sportsman’s, Honorary (free), and Discount Disability licenses include the trout fishing privilege.
  • State park visitors are not required to have a trout license to fish in the impounded waters of the Park. However, those visitors wishing to harvest trout will need to have a trout license in their possession.