Do I need a fishing license in the United States?

In most US states, anyone over 15-16 years old needs a fishing license. Common exemptions: children under 16 (most states), seniors 65+ (many states are free), disabled veterans, and licensed landowners fishing their own property. Use our checker above for your specific state.

Which states offer free fishing licenses for seniors?

Many states offer free fishing licenses for resident seniors: Alabama (65+), Arkansas (65+), Connecticut (65+), Delaware (65+), Florida (65+), Georgia (65+), Illinois (65+), Iowa (65+), Louisiana (60+), Maryland (65+), Mississippi (65+), Missouri (65+), New Hampshire (68+), New Jersey (70+), New York (70+), Ohio (66+), Oklahoma (64+), Rhode Island (65+), South Carolina (65+), Tennessee (65+), Vermont (66+), Virginia (65+), and West Virginia (65+).

How do I compare fishing license costs between two states?

Use the Compare States tab above. Select two states and click Compare to see resident costs, non-resident costs, senior rates, free age limits, and expiration type side by side.

When does a US fishing license expire?

Most state fishing licenses expire December 31 of the calendar year purchased. Some states including California, Texas, Florida, and Alaska offer 365-day licenses that expire one year from the purchase date. Use the Expiration tab above to check your exact date.

Which US state has the cheapest fishing license?

Hawaii ($7 resident), Mississippi ($9 resident), Delaware ($8.50 resident), and Louisiana ($9.50 resident) have the cheapest annual resident fishing licenses. Use the Compare tab to see costs side by side.

Utah Fishing License Cost: Resident & Nonresident Fees (2026)

Utah DWR 2026 Fishing Fee Planner

Utah Fishing License Cost: Resident & Nonresident Fees

Utah fishing license cost depends on age, residency, license duration, and whether you need an extra permit such as a setline permit or Flaming Gorge reciprocal permit. Utah uses 365-day, 3-day, 7-day and multi-year license choices, so the cheapest option is not always the best option. This guide breaks down 2026 Utah resident and nonresident fishing license fees, youth and senior prices, disabled veteran licensing, short-term visitor choices, online buying, mobile app proof, Free Fishing Day, and the most common mistakes that cause anglers to buy the wrong product.

Buy from Utah DWR Check Official Fees Compare Costs

Resident Adult $40 Nonresident Adult $120 3-Day / 7-Day Age 12+ Needs License Free Fishing Day

Fast answer: In 2026, a Utah resident 365-day fishing license costs $40 for ages 18–64, $31 for age 65+, $16 for ages 14–17, and $5 for ages 12–13. A Utah nonresident 365-day fishing license costs $120 for age 18+, $44 for ages 14–17, and $18 for ages 12–13. Short-term licenses cost $19 resident / $44 nonresident for 3 days and $30 resident / $91 nonresident for 7 days. Children under 12 can fish free, while anyone 12 or older generally needs a license.

Watch Before You Buy: Utah Free Fishing Day and License Basics

This Utah fishing video topic is useful because it reminds beginners and visitors that Free Fishing Day removes the license requirement for one day only, while all other state rules still apply. Use it as a quick orientation, then verify license products and prices on Utah DWR’s official fee page.

Open Video

Video availability may change. Always use Utah DWR’s official website, licensing portal and current guidebook for final license decisions.

Utah Fishing License Cost in 2026

Utah fishing license pricing is based on age, residency and duration. Utah’s standard fishing license is a 365-day license, which means it is valid for a full year from the start date rather than only to the end of a calendar year. This can make the annual-style license a better value if you buy before a spring or summer trip and may return within the next 12 months.

Resident$4018–64

Resident 365-Day Fishing License

Standard Utah resident adult fishing license for anglers ages 18–64.

Best resident annual option.

Resident$3165+

Resident 365-Day Senior Fishing License

Discounted annual-style license for qualifying Utah residents age 65 and older.

Best senior resident option.

Resident$1614–17

Resident Youth Fishing License

Lower youth pricing for Utah resident anglers ages 14–17.

Youth resident rate.

Resident$512–13

Resident Young Youth Fishing License

Low-cost license for Utah resident anglers ages 12–13.

Age 12+ needs license.

Nonresident$12018+

Nonresident 365-Day Fishing License

Standard nonresident annual-style license for visiting anglers age 18 or older.

Best repeat visitor option.

Nonresident$4414–17

Nonresident Youth Fishing License

Nonresident youth fishing license for visitors ages 14–17.

Teen visitor rate.

Nonresident$1812–13

Nonresident Young Youth Fishing License

Nonresident fishing license for visiting anglers ages 12–13.

Age 12+ visitor rule.

Disabled Veteran$12Resident

Resident Disabled Veteran Fishing License

Discounted 365-day fishing license for eligible Utah resident disabled veterans.

Verify eligibility before buying.

Cost note: Some older guides and third-party fee tables still show previous Utah nonresident prices. Use Utah DWR’s current fee page before publishing or paying because several nonresident fees changed.

Utah Resident Fishing License Fees

Utah residents have affordable annual, short-term and multi-year choices. Most regular resident anglers ages 18–64 should compare the $40 365-day license first because the short-term prices are close enough that one extra trip can change the value calculation.

$40

Resident 365-Day Adult

Best for residents ages 18–64 who fish more than a short trip or weekend.

$39

Resident Multi-Year

Residents ages 18–64 can buy multi-year fishing licenses at $39 per year, up to five years.

$19

Resident 3-Day

Useful for a short trip if you are certain you will not fish again soon.

Resident math: A resident 7-day license is $30, while the standard adult 365-day resident license is $40. If you may fish another day later in the year, compare the 365-day license before buying short-term.

Utah Nonresident Fishing License Fees

Nonresidents should compare short-term and 365-day options carefully. The adult nonresident 365-day license is much higher than a weekend license, but it can make sense if you will fish Utah more than once within the next year.

Weekend

3-Day Nonresident

Choose the $44 3-day license for a short Utah fishing trip.

Vacation

7-Day Nonresident

Choose the $91 7-day license for a weeklong Utah vacation.

Repeat Visitor

365-Day Nonresident

Choose the $120 adult license if you will fish Utah multiple times during the year.

Visitor shortcut: 1–3 fishing days = compare the 3-day license. 4–7 days = compare the 7-day license. Multiple Utah trips within 365 days = compare the 365-day nonresident license.

Utah 3-Day and 7-Day Fishing License Costs

Short-term Utah fishing licenses are useful for visitors, road trips, national park side trips, mountain lake weekends, family vacations and quick reservoir outings. They are also available to residents who only need a few days.

Trip Plan	Best License to Compare	Why
Resident fishing one weekend	Resident 3-Day – $19	Lower cost than annual if you truly fish once.
Resident weeklong trip	Resident 7-Day – $30	Useful for one short vacation, but compare $40 annual.
Nonresident weekend	Nonresident 3-Day – $44	Best short visitor option.
Nonresident weeklong trip	Nonresident 7-Day – $91	Best if the trip fits within seven consecutive days.
Nonresident returning later	Nonresident 365-Day – $120	Better if you may fish Utah again within the license year.

Utah Fishing License Age Rules: Who Pays?

Utah DWR says everyone under age 12 can fish for free. If you are 12 or older, a license is required. Youth pricing is lower than adult pricing, but the youth still needs the correct resident or nonresident license once they reach age 12.

U12

Under 12

Children under age 12 can fish free in Utah, but they must still follow fishing rules.

12-13

Ages 12–13

Resident license is $5. Nonresident license is $18.

14-17

Ages 14–17

Resident license is $16. Nonresident license is $44.

18+

Adults

Resident adult is $40 ages 18–64. Nonresident adult is $120 age 18+.

Family trip tip: Check every angler’s age and residency before checkout. A mixed family trip may need adult, youth and under-12 handling in the same group.

Utah Senior and Disabled Veteran Fishing License Costs

Utah has lower-cost resident options for seniors and eligible disabled veterans. These are resident-specific benefits, so visitors should not use these prices unless Utah DWR says they qualify.

$31

Resident Age 65+

Utah resident anglers age 65 and older can buy a 365-day fishing license for $31.

$12

Resident Disabled Veteran

Eligible Utah resident disabled veterans can buy a discounted 365-day fishing license for $12.

Proof Matters

Carry license proof and meet Utah DWR eligibility requirements for discounted products.

Senior tip: Seniors who also hunt small game may want to compare the resident senior combination license, not just fishing-only.

Utah Combination License Costs for Anglers Who Also Hunt

A Utah combination license allows you to fish, hunt small game and apply for hunting permits. It is not necessary for fishing-only anglers, but it can be useful if you also hunt small game or plan to apply for Utah hunts.

$44

Resident Adult Combination

Resident 365-day combination license for ages 18–64 costs $44.

$190

Nonresident Adult Combination

Nonresident 365-day combination license for age 18+ costs $190.

H+F

When It Makes Sense

Compare combination only if you need fishing plus small game hunting or hunting application privileges.

Package tip: Fishing-only visitors should usually buy a fishing license, not a combination license. Hunters should compare the combination license before buying products separately.

Utah Setline and Flaming Gorge Permit Costs

Some anglers need more than a basic fishing license. Utah DWR lists setline permits and a Flaming Gorge reciprocal permit. These are special-use products, not a substitute for understanding the rules of the water you are fishing.

$22

Resident Setline Permit

Resident setline permit costs $22 and is valid only when used with a current fishing license.

$48

Nonresident Setline Permit

Nonresident setline permit costs $48 and is valid only when used with a current fishing license.

$59

Flaming Gorge Reciprocal

Wyoming residents can check the 365-day Flaming Gorge Utah reciprocal permit listed at $59.

Special permit warning: Setline permits, reciprocal permits and water-specific rules are not automatic. Read the current Utah Fishing Guidebook before using special methods or fishing border waters.

How to Buy a Utah Fishing License Online

Utah fishing licenses can be bought online through Utah DWR’s licensing system. Online purchase is usually the fastest route because you can select the exact license type, start date and duration, then store or print proof before your trip.

Start at Utah DWR

Use Utah DWR’s official licensing portal linked from wildlife.utah.gov. Avoid unofficial lookalike pages before entering payment details.

Choose resident or nonresident

Resident and nonresident prices are very different, so choose the correct status before checkout.

Select age category

Pick the right product for ages 12–13, 14–17, adult, senior or disabled veteran eligibility.

Choose duration

Compare 3-day, 7-day, 365-day or multi-year options based on how often you will fish.

Add special permits if needed

Add setline or reciprocal permits only if your method or water requires them.

Save proof before fishing

Print proof, save a digital copy, or use the Utah DWR mobile app to store your license.

Utah DWR Mobile App: Store Your Fishing License

Utah DWR says its mobile app can store fishing, hunting or combination licenses on your mobile device. This is useful for anglers heading to reservoirs, streams and mountain lakes where printed proof may get wet or lost.

APP

Download Your License

Use the app to store your fishing, hunting or combination license on your mobile device.

BOOK

Download Guidebooks

The app can download hunting and fishing guidebooks for easier access.

BACK

Keep Backup Proof

Save a screenshot or print a backup if fishing remote water with poor service.

Proof habit: Download your license before leaving home. Canyon reservoirs, mountain lakes and rural streams may have weak signal.

Utah Free Fishing Day 2026

Utah Free Fishing Day is Saturday, June 6, 2026. Utah DWR says anyone can fish at any public waterbody in Utah without a license on Free Fishing Day. It is a strong opportunity for beginners, families and visitors to try fishing before buying a license.

JUN 6

Saturday, June 6, 2026

Utah’s 2026 Free Fishing Day lets anyone fish public water without a license.

RULE

Rules Still Apply

Daily limits, size limits, tackle restrictions, closed waters and species rules still apply.

FAM

Best for Beginners

Good day to introduce kids, neighbors, visitors or new anglers to Utah fishing.

Free-day caution: Free Fishing Day removes the license requirement for that day, but it does not remove all fishing laws, access rules, private property rules or water-specific restrictions.

Utah Fishing License Cost Mistakes That Waste Money

Most Utah license mistakes happen when anglers choose the wrong residency, buy short-term when annual is better, rely on old nonresident fees, forget the age-12 rule, or assume a special permit is included.

Before Buying

Do not use old third-party fee tables for nonresident prices.
Do not buy nonresident annual if a 3-day or 7-day license covers your trip.
Do not buy repeated resident short-term licenses if the 365-day license is cheaper.
Do not forget that anglers age 12 and older generally need a license.
Do not choose resident pricing unless you qualify as a Utah resident.
Do not assume setline or reciprocal privileges are included with the base license.

Before Fishing

Save or print license proof.
Download the Utah DWR mobile app before leaving home.
Check the current Utah Fishing Guidebook.
Review water-specific rules before fishing Flaming Gorge, Bear Lake or special waters.
Check daily limits, slot limits, closed waters and bait restrictions.
Respect private property and access rules.

Most common mistake: Buying based only on price without checking age, residency, duration and water-specific rules.

Official Utah Fishing License Cost Links

Use these official Utah DWR pages for final decisions. This guide explains costs and choices, but Utah DWR controls license products, prices, app proof, Free Fishing Day, special permits and current fishing regulations.

BUYUtah DWR Licensing PortalOfficial online system to buy Utah fishing, hunting and combination licenses. FEEUtah DWR FeesOfficial current resident and nonresident fishing license, permit and reciprocal fee table. LICLicenses and PermitsOfficial DWR license and permit information hub. FISHFishing in UtahOfficial fishing hub for license, stocking, records and rules resources. REGUtah Fishing GuidebookOfficial guidebook for general rules, limits, water-specific rules and permits. APPUtah DWR Mobile AppOfficial app page for storing licenses, permits and guidebooks. FREEUtah Free Fishing Day 2026Official Utah DWR announcement for Saturday, June 6, 2026. RULEWildlife License Rule R657-45Official license term and renewal rule language.

Independent guide note: FishingLicenseInfo.org is an independent educational guide. It is not Utah DWR, not Utah.gov, not a government agency and not a license seller. Always verify final license, fee, permit and regulation requirements through official Utah sources before buying or fishing.

Utah Fishing License Cost FAQ

How much is a Utah resident fishing license in 2026?

A Utah resident 365-day fishing license costs $40 for ages 18–64, $31 for age 65 and older, $16 for ages 14–17, and $5 for ages 12–13.

How much is a Utah nonresident fishing license?

A Utah nonresident 365-day fishing license costs $120 for age 18 and older, $44 for ages 14–17, and $18 for ages 12–13.

How much is a 3-day Utah fishing license?

The Utah 3-day fishing license costs $19 for residents and $44 for nonresidents.

How much is a 7-day Utah fishing license?

The Utah 7-day fishing license costs $30 for residents and $91 for nonresidents.

Do children need a fishing license in Utah?

Children under age 12 can fish free in Utah. Anglers age 12 or older generally need a fishing license.

How much is a Utah senior fishing license?

A Utah resident 365-day fishing license for age 65 and older costs $31.

How much is a Utah disabled veteran fishing license?

Utah lists the resident 365-day disabled veteran fishing license at $12. Verify eligibility with Utah DWR before buying.

How much is the Utah nonresident 365-day adult fishing license?

Utah DWR’s current fee table lists the nonresident 1-year fishing license for age 18 and older at $120.

What is Utah Free Fishing Day in 2026?

Utah Free Fishing Day is Saturday, June 6, 2026. Utah DWR says anyone can fish at any public waterbody in Utah without a license that day, but all other rules still apply.

Can I store my Utah fishing license on my phone?

Yes. Utah DWR says its mobile app can store fishing, hunting and combination licenses on a mobile device.

How much is a Utah setline permit?

Utah lists the resident setline permit at $22 and the nonresident setline permit at $48. A setline permit is valid only when used with a current fishing license.

Where should I verify Utah fishing license costs?

Verify through Utah DWR’s official fees page, licensing portal, current Fishing Guidebook, mobile app page and Free Fishing Day announcement before buying or fishing.

Final Take: Utah Fishing License Cost Depends on Age, Residency and Trip Length

The basic Utah fishing license cost answer is $40 for a resident adult 365-day license and $120 for a nonresident adult 365-day license. But the best value depends on how many days you will fish, whether you are a resident or visitor, and whether you qualify for youth, senior or disabled veteran pricing.

Before buying, compare 3-day, 7-day, 365-day and multi-year options, check whether Free Fishing Day covers your exact date, and review special permits for setlines or reciprocal border waters. Save proof through the Utah DWR mobile app or print a backup, and use Utah DWR’s current fee page and Fishing Guidebook as the final authority.

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