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.

Maine Hunting and Fishing License: Cost & Combo Rules

Maine IFW + MOSES License Planner

Maine Hunting and Fishing License Cost & Combo Rules

Compare Maine fishing, hunting, combination, short-term, senior, military and permit rules before buying through MOSES or a local agent.

Buy Through MOSES Fishing Fees Find My License

$48 Resident Combo $169 Nonresident Combo MOSES Online Hunter Safety May Be Required

Fast Answer: What Is a Maine Hunting and Fishing License?

A Maine hunting and fishing license usually means a combination license that bundles Maine’s base hunting privilege with inland fishing for the same license year. In 2026, Maine lists the resident Combination Fishing and Hunting license at $48 and the nonresident Combination Fishing and Hunting license at $169. A combo license can save money if you truly plan to both hunt and fish, but it does not automatically include every special permit, tag, lottery permit, migratory bird requirement, saltwater registration situation, or species-specific add-on.

$48

Resident Combo

For eligible Maine residents age 16+ who need both hunting and inland fishing privileges.

$169

Nonresident Combo

For out-of-state sportsmen who want Maine hunting and fishing privileges in one purchase.

MOSES

Buy Online

Maine’s official online licensing system is MOSES, operated through Maine.gov and IFW.

EDU

Hunter Safety

Hunting buyers generally need prior hunting license proof or hunter safety course proof.

Watch Before You Buy: Maine Fishing Laws and License Planning Video

This video is included because users searching for “Maine hunting and fishing license” usually need practical rule context before buying. It helps explain why Maine anglers should check laws, water rules and license details instead of only looking at the fee table. Use it for planning, but use Maine IFW and MOSES as the final source for current license fees, hunting requirements and permit rules.

Open Video on YouTube Confirm on Maine IFW

Video note: If a video, forum, store clerk or old town page disagrees with Maine IFW, follow Maine IFW.

Official Source Verification

Publish-ready as of May 27, 2026: Maine IFW license fee pages, Maine.gov MOSES, Maine IFW hunting license requirements, Maine IFW apprentice hunting rules, Maine fishing license requirements and Maine Department of Marine Resources saltwater registry information were checked for this guide.

Official online buying

MOSES is Maine’s official online hunting, fishing and trapping licensing system.

Fishing fees and rules

Maine IFW fishing license requirements list 2026 inland fishing and combination license fees.

Hunting license rules

Maine IFW hunting license information explains proof and safety requirements for hunting license buyers.

Hunting Licenses & Permits Saltwater Registry Maine IFW Home

Independent resource note: FishingLicenseInfo.org is not Maine IFW, not Maine.gov and not a license seller. This page helps readers plan, but official Maine agencies control final license rules, prices and requirements.

Maine License Match Tool: Which Option Should You Buy?

Use this first if you are deciding between fishing-only, hunting-only, combination, short-term, senior or special license options.

Maine resident who fishes onlyStart with the resident season fishing license. It is cheaper than a combo if you will not hunt.

Maine resident who hunts and fishesCompare the $48 Combination Fishing and Hunting license against separate resident fishing and hunting licenses.

Nonresident visiting for a fishing trip onlyCompare 1-day, 3-day, 7-day, 15-day and season fishing options before buying annual.

Nonresident hunting and fishingThe $169 nonresident Combination Fishing and Hunting license may be the cleanest base option, but species permits can still be separate.

First-time adult hunterDo not start with the fee table only. Maine generally requires prior license proof or hunter safety proof, or an apprentice route if eligible.

Saltwater-only anglerCheck Maine DMR saltwater registry rules. A valid Maine freshwater fishing license can exempt many anglers from separate registry, but lifetime-license holders need special attention.

Resident seniorCheck Maine senior lifetime options before buying a normal annual license.

Maine Hunting and Fishing License Cost in 2026

Maine license fees changed recently, so old town pages and older guides can be outdated. Use Maine IFW’s current fee table and confirm the final cart inside MOSES before paying.

License or permit	Maine resident	Nonresident	Best for
Season Fishing, age 16+	$30	$83	Anglers who fish inland waters during the license year.
Combination Fishing and Hunting, age 16+	$48	$169	People who need both base hunting and inland fishing privileges.
Combination Fishing and Archery, age 16+	$48	Check official options	Resident anglers who also need archery hunting privileges.
Resident Big Game Hunting, age 16+	$26	$115	Base hunting license for many big game hunting situations.
Resident Small Game Hunting, age 16+	$15	$75	Small game hunting only, not the same as full big game privileges.
Nonresident 3-Day Small Game Hunting	Not the main resident option	$50	Short nonresident small-game hunting trip.
1-Day Fishing	$18	$18	Single-day inland fishing trip.
3-Day Fishing	Check resident cart options	$30	Short nonresident fishing trip.
7-Day Fishing	Check resident cart options	$62	One-week vacation fishing.
15-Day Fishing	Check resident cart options	$66	Long vacation or camp trip without needing full season.
Duplicate License	$2	$2	Replacement copy when needed.
Coyote Night Hunting Permit	$4	$56	Separate permit for coyote night hunting where applicable.
State Migratory Waterfowl Permit	$7.50	$7.50	Waterfowl hunters should also check federal duck stamp and HIP needs.
Wild Turkey Permit	$20	$20	Turkey hunters should verify current season and permit details.

Cost warning: A combo license is not a “covers everything outdoors” license. Bear, turkey, moose, antlerless deer, migratory birds, muzzleloader, expanded archery and other activities can still involve separate permits or requirements.

Maine Combination Hunting and Fishing License Rules

A Maine combination hunting and fishing license is useful when the same person plans to both hunt and fish. It is not always the cheapest or correct choice for everyone. If you only fish, buy fishing-only. If you only hunt, buy hunting-only. If you do both, the combo may simplify the base license purchase.

YES

What it helps with

Base inland fishing plus base hunting privileges for eligible buyers, depending on license type and legal requirements.

What it may not cover

Special permits, lottery permits, species tags, migratory bird requirements, registration fees and some expanded privileges.

ASK

Before buying

Decide whether you will hunt deer, bear, moose, turkey, waterfowl, small game, archery, muzzleloader or only fish.

Simple decision: If you are an adult Maine resident and plan to buy both resident season fishing and resident big game hunting separately, compare those separate prices to the resident combination license before checkout.

How to Buy a Maine Hunting and Fishing License Online Through MOSES

MOSES is Maine’s official online sportsman licensing system. It is available for many resident and nonresident buyers, but not every special license can be handled online.

Open the official MOSES page.
Use the Maine.gov MOSES licensing page, not a random ad or unofficial checkout page.

Choose the correct person.
The license must be issued to the hunter or angler, even if someone else is paying.

Enter personal information accurately.
Have legal name, date of birth, address and contact details ready.

Confirm residency.
Maine resident and nonresident prices are very different. Do not guess.

Prepare hunting proof if buying hunting privileges.
MOSES says hunting license buyers need hunter safety or previous hunting license information.

Select fishing-only, hunting-only or combination.
Compare the price and your actual activity. Do not buy combo only because it sounds more complete.

Add special permits if needed.
Check bear, turkey, waterfowl, antlerless deer, muzzleloader, expanded archery or other permits.

Print or save your license.
MOSES allows buyers to print or save license proof. Carry it with required ID and permits.

Maine Hunter Safety, Previous License Proof and Apprentice Rules

Buying a hunting or combination license is not only about paying the fee. Maine generally requires proof that you previously held the correct adult hunting license or completed an approved hunter safety course. The exact proof depends on the type of hunting license, such as firearms or archery.

CARD

Hunter safety

First-time adult hunters commonly need approved hunter safety education before buying an adult hunting license.

OLD

Prior license proof

Some buyers can qualify by showing they held the required hunting license in a prior year.

APP

Apprentice route

Maine has apprentice hunter rules for eligible people age 16+ who have not held an adult license or completed hunter safety.

Apprentice warning: An apprentice license has supervision rules. Do not treat it like a normal solo hunting license. Confirm Maine IFW apprentice requirements before hunting.

Maine Inland Fishing License and Saltwater Registry Notes

Maine’s inland fishing license applies to inland waters. Maine IFW says a valid Maine fishing license is required for anyone age 16 or older to fish in inland waters or transport fish taken from inland waters. Saltwater is handled differently through Maine Department of Marine Resources registry rules.

Inland fishing

Age 16+ generally needs a Maine inland fishing license.
Short-term nonresident fishing options can be cheaper for vacations.
Lake, river, brook and ice fishing rules can vary by waterbody.
Carry license proof while fishing.

Saltwater registry

Maine DMR has a saltwater recreational fishing registry.
Anglers under 16 are exempt from registering.
A valid Maine freshwater fishing license can exempt many anglers, but lifetime license holders should check the special note.
Charter, tribal, commercial and holiday-weekend exemptions can be specific.

Important: If your trip includes both inland fishing and saltwater fishing, check both Maine IFW and Maine DMR rules before assuming one license covers every situation.

Permits and Activities a Maine Combo License May Not Fully Cover

Many users buy a combo license and think they are finished. That can be wrong. A combo license can be the base, but some species and methods require extra permits, lottery participation, registration or separate federal requirements.

Moose

Moose hunting is tied to Maine’s permit process. A combo license alone does not guarantee a moose hunting opportunity.

Bear

Bear hunting can require separate bear permit rules depending on season and method.

Wild turkey

Maine lists a wild turkey permit fee. Turkey hunters should confirm current permit and season details.

Antlerless deer

Antlerless deer permit rules are separate from simply holding a base hunting license.

Waterfowl

Waterfowl hunters should check state migratory waterfowl permit, federal duck stamp and HIP requirements.

Muzzleloader / expanded archery

Muzzleloader and expanded archery can involve extra permits or special rules.

Maine Youth, Senior, Military and Disability License Notes

Before buying a normal adult combination license, check whether a special license category applies. Maine has junior hunting, senior lifetime, military, servicemember dependent and disability-related license categories. Eligibility can be specific, so verify with Maine IFW before checkout.

Youth and junior hunters

Maine’s hunting fee page lists a Junior Hunting license for ages 0 to 15. Young hunters and supervising adults must follow junior-hunting supervision and season rules, not just license-fee rules.

Resident seniors

Maine resident seniors should check senior lifetime license options before buying annual licenses. Some older residents may qualify for broad lifetime privileges at reduced cost.

Servicemembers and dependents

Maine lists resident serviceman and dependent combination/fishing options. Confirm residency and military eligibility before selecting these low-cost options.

Disabled war veterans

Maine IFW lists Disabled War Veteran license options. These should be handled through the official eligibility process, not guessed in the MOSES cart.

Can You Buy a Maine Hunting and Fishing License at a Town Office, Store or Local Agent?

Maine licenses can often be purchased online through MOSES or in person through local agents such as town offices and some outdoor-related sellers. Local availability varies, and hunting license purchases may require documentation such as hunter safety or prior license proof.

Before buying in person

Call the office or store before driving.
Ask if they issue hunting, fishing and combination licenses.
Ask whether they can process nonresident licenses.
Bring photo ID and residency proof if claiming resident pricing.
Bring hunter safety or previous hunting license proof for hunting privileges.
Know which permits you need before reaching the counter.

When MOSES is easier

You need to buy after office hours.
You want to print from home.
You already have your MOSES information.
You are comparing several license options.
You need quick access before a weekend trip.
You want to save digital proof immediately.

Maine License Buyer Checklist Before Checkout

Decide your activity

Fishing only, hunting only, or both?
Resident or nonresident?
Inland fishing, saltwater fishing, or both?
Big game, small game, archery, waterfowl, turkey, bear or moose?
Annual license or short-term fishing trip?
Normal adult license or youth/senior/military/disability category?

Have ready

Legal name and date of birth.
Address and contact information.
Photo ID and residency proof.
Hunter safety card or prior hunting license proof if needed.
Credit or debit card for online purchase.
Printer or mobile device to save license proof.

Map: Maine Hunting and Fishing License Agent Near Me

Use this map as a starting point for local license agents, town offices or outdoor shops. Call before going because agent hours, payment methods and hunting-document requirements can vary.

Helpful Related Fishing License Guides

These related pages can help readers compare age rules, Maine fishing-only details and broader license cost questions.

Maine Fishing License Guide: Online, Cost & Rules What Age Do You Need a Fishing License? State Rules How Much Is a Fishing License? State Cost Guide

Maine Hunting and Fishing License FAQs

How much is a Maine hunting and fishing combination license in 2026?

In 2026, Maine lists the resident Combination Fishing and Hunting license at $48 and the nonresident Combination Fishing and Hunting license at $169. Extra permits, tags or special privileges can still cost more.

Where can I buy a Maine hunting and fishing license online?

You can buy many Maine hunting, fishing and trapping licenses online through MOSES, the official Maine.gov licensing system operated with the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

Does a Maine combo license include every hunting permit?

No. A Maine combo license can cover base hunting and inland fishing privileges, but bear, turkey, moose, antlerless deer, migratory waterfowl, muzzleloader, expanded archery and other activities can require separate permits or steps.

Do I need hunter safety to buy a Maine hunting license?

In general, Maine hunting license buyers must show they held the required hunting license in a prior year or completed an approved hunter safety course. License-specific rules and exceptions apply.

Can a first-time adult hunter buy a Maine hunting license?

A first-time adult hunter may need hunter safety education or may need to use the apprentice hunter route if eligible. Apprentice hunters must follow supervision rules and should confirm requirements with Maine IFW.

How much is a Maine resident fishing license in 2026?

Maine lists the resident Season Fishing license for age 16 and older at $30 in 2026. The resident one-day fishing license is listed at $18.

How much is a Maine nonresident fishing license in 2026?

Maine lists the nonresident Season Fishing license for age 16 and older at $83 in 2026. Short-term nonresident fishing options include one-day, three-day, seven-day and fifteen-day options.

Does a Maine freshwater fishing license cover saltwater fishing?

Maine DMR says many anglers with a valid Maine freshwater fishing license are exempt from separate saltwater recreational registry, but lifetime license holders and some special situations should check the Maine DMR registry rules carefully.

Can I buy a Maine hunting and fishing license at a town office?

Many Maine town offices and local agents can issue licenses, but availability varies. Call first and bring ID, residency proof and hunter safety or prior license proof if buying hunting privileges.

Is the Maine combination license worth it?

The combination license can be worth it if the same person will both hunt and fish. If you only fish or only hunt, a single-purpose license may be cheaper and simpler.

Final Take: Combo Is Useful, but Only If You Truly Need Both Privileges

A Maine hunting and fishing combination license is best for people who plan to do both activities in the same license year. It can simplify the base purchase, but it does not replace hunter safety requirements, saltwater registry checks, species permits, lottery permits, special season rules or proof requirements.

Before buying, decide your residency, age, activity, species, method, season and water type. Then use MOSES or a local agent to buy the exact license and permits that match your trip.

Select a state from the panel on the left, or use the search bar above.

Your age Residency

Fishing type

Select a state from the left panel to see all license costs.

Residency type

Tip: Click any state on the left to see its costs instantly. Select "Show All" to see every license type at once.

Select a state from the left, then enter your purchase date.

When did you buy your license? License type

State A State B

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Select a state on the left + fill in the form + click the button to see your result here.