How to Buy a Minnesota Fishing License

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Last Updated on August 5, 2025 by Paul Clayton

How to Buy a Minnesota Fishing License

Key Takeaways

• • How to Purchase: Minnesota fishing licenses can be purchased online through the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website, by phone at 1-888-665-4236, or in person at approved vendors throughout the state.
  • Who Needs a License: Minnesota residents aged 16 to 89, as well as all non-residents (with some age exceptions for those under 16 fishing with a licensed adult), must have a valid fishing license.
  • License Types & Costs: A variety of licenses are available, including individual, combination (fishing and hunting), and lifetime options. There are different prices for residents, non-residents, and senior citizens (65+ residents receive a discount).
  • Catch and Release: A fishing license is required for catch-and-release fishing, just as it is for keeping your catch.
  • Penalties: Fishing without a license is a misdemeanor offense, with fines ranging from $50 to $250 for a first-time violation, and potential confiscation of equipment.
  • Regulations: Specific fishing seasons, size limits, and other regulations vary by fish species and location. Anglers should always consult the Minnesota DNR for the latest information.

Fishing licenses in Minnesota can be purchased anytime online at the Department of Natural Resources website. 

People should keep the following in mind when purchasing a license: Online license purchases should be made only on this DNR website. Licenses also may be purchased by phone at 1-888-665-4236 (1-MN-LICENSE), or at approved vendors throughout the state.

How do you buy a license in Minnesota?

People should keep the following in mind when purchasing a license: Online license purchases should be made only on this DNR website. Licenses also may be purchased at approved vendors throughout the state. A list is available here: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/licenses/agents.html

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How do you buy a fishing license?

Combination angling: Use code 112 to buy a license that allows a married couple to fish individually or together. Individual sports: Use code 216 to buy a license for one person to hunt small game and fish. Combination sports: Use code 217 to buy a license that allows one person to hunt small game and fish. The other person can only fish.

Can you buy paper licenses online?

Yes, you can buy paper licenses in person at a recreational fishing outlet. However, if you want a 1- or 3-year plastic licence, you must buy it online. Your licence will be emailed to you immediately if you buy it online.

How old do you have to be to get a fishing license in MN? To legally fish in Minnesota, all residents of Minnesota, age 16 to 89, must have a current Minnesota fishing license unless an exemption applies.

Related Questions

What fish are in season in MN?

The fishing season in Minnesota varies by species and location, but here are some of the most common fish species and their general fishing seasons:

1. Walleye: Generally open from mid-May to mid-February, with some restrictions in specific waters.
2. Northern Pike: Generally open year-round, with some size and possession limits.
3. Muskie: Generally open from the first Saturday in June to the first Sunday in December.
4. Bass (largemouth and smallmouth): Generally open from late May to late September, with some exceptions.
5. Crappie: Generally open year-round, with some size and possession limits.
6. Sunfish: Generally open year-round, with some size and possession limits.

It’s important to note that these fishing seasons can vary by lake and region, and there may also be specific regulations and restrictions in place. It’s always a good idea to check with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for the latest information on fishing seasons and regulations.

Can you fish in MN right now?

In Minnesota, the fishing season is generally open year-round for some species, with some size and possession limits in place. However, it’s important to note that specific regulations and restrictions can vary by lake, river, or stream. Therefore, it’s always best to check the current regulations and restrictions for the area where you plan to fish.

You can find the latest information on fishing regulations and restrictions from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Can you get a fishing MN license at Walmart anytime?

No, you cannot get a Minnesota fishing license at Walmart anytime. While some Walmart stores in Minnesota do sell fishing licenses, the availability of licenses may vary by location and time of year. Additionally, some Walmart stores may not sell licenses during certain times or may have limited hours for license sales.

It’s always a good idea to check with your local Walmart store before heading out to purchase a fishing license to ensure that they are available and that the store is open. Alternatively, you can also purchase a Minnesota fishing license online through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website or by visiting one of their authorized license agents.

Do senior citizens need a fishing license in Minnesota?

Yes, senior citizens who are residents of Minnesota still need to obtain a fishing license to legally fish in the state’s waters, unless they meet certain exemptions.

However, Minnesota offers discounted fishing licenses to senior citizens who are 65 years of age or older. These licenses are available for both individual and combination licenses (fishing and hunting). The discounted prices may vary depending on the type of license and the length of the license period.

It’s important to note that non-resident seniors are not eligible for the discounted license and must purchase a regular non-resident fishing license to legally fish in Minnesota’s waters. Additionally, all anglers, including senior citizens, must follow Minnesota’s fishing regulations and restrictions.

At what age do you no longer need a fishing license in Minnesota?

In Minnesota, children under the age of 16 do not need a fishing license to fish in the state’s waters. However, anyone aged 16 and older is required to have a valid fishing license to legally fish in Minnesota’s waters, except in cases of disabled military veterans, who may be eligible for a free fishing license.

It’s important to note that while children under 16 do not need a fishing license, they are still required to follow Minnesota’s fishing regulations and restrictions, including size and possession limits, gear restrictions, and any specific regulations for the body of water they are fishing in.

How much is a Minnesota fishing license?

The cost of a Minnesota fishing license varies depending on several factors, such as whether you are a resident or non-resident, the length of the license period, and whether you are purchasing a combination license (fishing and hunting) or an individual fishing license. Here are the general pricing guidelines for Minnesota fishing licenses:

Resident:

• Individual angling license (valid for the calendar year): $25
• Individual angling license (valid for 3 years): $71
• Combination angling/hunting license (valid for the calendar year): $52
• Combination angling/hunting license (valid for 3 years): $149

Non-resident:

• Individual angling license (valid for 24 hours): $14
• Individual angling license (valid for 7 days): $43
• Individual angling license (valid for the calendar year): $51
• Family angling license (valid for the calendar year): $76
• Combination angling/hunting license (valid for 3 days): $51
• Combination angling/hunting license (valid for the calendar year): $105

It’s important to note that some additional fees, such as issuing fees, may apply when purchasing a fishing license. The prices listed above are current as of my knowledge cutoff of September 2021, so it’s always a good idea to check with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for the most up-to-date pricing information.

How much is a lifetime fishing license in MN?

Minnesota offers lifetime fishing licenses for residents, which allow individuals to fish in the state’s waters for the duration of their lifetime. The cost of a lifetime fishing license in Minnesota varies depending on the age of the individual at the time of purchase. Here are the current prices for lifetime fishing licenses in Minnesota as of my knowledge cutoff of September 2021:

• Age 0-2: $373
• Age 3-5: $436
• Age 6-15: $525
• Age 16-50: $710
• Age 51 and older: $522

It’s important to note that these prices are subject to change, and some additional fees, such as issuing fees, may apply when purchasing a lifetime fishing license. Also, lifetime licenses do not include any special permits, such as trout stamps or lake trout tags, which must be purchased separately. It’s always a good idea to check with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for the most up-to-date pricing and license information.

What is the fine for fishing without a license in Minnesota?

Yes, in Minnesota, you are still required to have a valid fishing license even if you plan to practice catch-and-release fishing. The state’s fishing regulations require all anglers aged 16 and older to have a valid fishing license to legally fish in the state’s waters, regardless of whether they plan to keep or release their catch.

It’s important to note that even when practicing catch-and-release fishing, anglers are still required to follow all applicable fishing regulations and restrictions, including size and possession limits, gear restrictions, and any specific regulations for the body of water they are fishing in. Additionally, anglers should handle their catch gently and release them as quickly and safely as possible to minimize stress on the fish and increase their chances of survival after being released.

Can you fish without a license in Minnesota?

All residents of Minnesota, age 16 to 89, must have a current Minnesota fishing license unless an exemption applies. All non-residents need a license, except those age 15 and younger do not need a license if a parent or guardian is licensed. Licenses are issued by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Final Thoughts

Minnesota is known for its abundant lakes and waterways, making it a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts. The state offers a wide variety of fish species to target, including walleye, northern pike, bass, panfish, muskellunge, and trout.

To fish in Minnesota, anglers aged 16 and older must have a valid fishing license, which can be obtained online, in-person at a license agent, or by mail. The cost of a fishing license varies depending on several factors, such as whether you are a resident or non-resident, the length of the license period, and whether you are purchasing a combination license or an individual fishing license.

Minnesota has a number of fishing regulations and restrictions in place to help protect fish populations and maintain healthy ecosystems. These regulations may include size and possession limits, gear restrictions, and specific regulations for different bodies of water. It’s important for anglers to familiarize themselves with these regulations before heading out to fish.

Minnesota also has a number of programs in place to help promote fishing and outdoor recreation, including youth fishing programs, special fishing events, and opportunities for disabled anglers. In addition to fishing, Minnesota offers a wide variety of other outdoor recreational opportunities, such as camping, hiking, boating, and wildlife viewing.

Overall, fishing in Minnesota offers anglers the opportunity to experience some of the best fishing in the country, surrounded by beautiful natural scenery and abundant wildlife.

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