Minnesota Fishing License Guide: 2026–27 Costs, Exemptions and How to Buy
Most people age 16 or older need a Minnesota fishing license to fish in the state’s lakes, rivers and streams. For the 2026–27 season, an annual fishing license costs $25 for Minnesota residents and $51 for nonresidents. Residents can also buy a 24-hour license for $12 or a 72-hour license for $14. Resident children under 16 and residents age 90 or older are exempt, while nonresident children have special licensing rules.
Fishing licenses are issued by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Eligible anglers can buy licenses through the state’s official online Electronic Licensing System, the MN DNR Licensing mobile app or authorized license agents.
This guide explains current license prices, age and residency requirements, senior exemptions, military and disability-related benefits, trout and salmon stamps, nonresident family licenses, lifetime licenses, ice fishing, state park fishing, expiration dates and practical purchase steps.
- Resident annual license: $25.
- Nonresident annual license: $51.
- Resident 24-hour license: $12.
- Nonresident 24-hour license: $14.
- Resident 72-hour license: $14.
- Nonresident 72-hour license: $36.
- Nonresident seven-day license: $43.
- Resident youth ages 16–17: $5 annually.
- Resident married couple annual license: $40.
- License requirement: Generally begins at age 16.
- License year: March 1 through the last day of February.
- Official purchasing website: Minnesota DNR online licensing.
Reviewed November 7, 2026. Prices reflect Minnesota DNR’s 2026–27 fishing regulations. Additional issuing or online convenience fees may apply.
Fishing-licenses.info is an independent informational website. It does not issue fishing licenses, collect government license payments or represent Minnesota DNR.
1. Minnesota Fishing License Costs in 2026–27
Minnesota offers annual, short-term, multiyear, family and lifetime fishing licenses. Resident and nonresident prices differ, and additional stamps or endorsements may be necessary for certain fishing activities.
Minnesota resident fishing license prices
| Resident license | Price | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Individual annual angling | $25 | Standard annual license for ages 18–89. |
| Youth annual angling | $5 | Resident ages 16–17. |
| 24-hour angling | $12 | 24 consecutive hours. |
| 72-hour angling | $14 | 72 consecutive hours. |
| Three-year angling | $71 | Three consecutive license years. |
| Conservation angling | $17 | Half the normal bag and possession limits. |
| Married combination annual | $40 | Both qualifying spouses. |
| Married conservation combination | $27 | Both spouses with half bag limits. |
| Individual sports combination | $41 | Fishing and small game hunting. |
| Married sports combination | $57 | Two angling privileges and one small game privilege. |
| Individual Super Sports | $100 | Fishing, included trout/salmon stamp and specified hunting privileges. |
| Married Super Sports | $126 | Two fishing privileges, two trout/salmon stamps and specified hunting privileges. |
Minnesota nonresident fishing license prices
| Nonresident license | Price | Duration or eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Individual annual angling | $51 | Annual license for ages 18 and older. |
| Youth annual angling | $5 | Ages 16–17; also available to eligible younger children who need their own possession limit. |
| 24-hour angling | $14 | 24 consecutive hours. |
| 72-hour angling | $36 | 72 consecutive hours. |
| Seven-day angling | $43 | Seven consecutive days. |
| Annual family angling | $68 | Qualifying married couple and dependent children under 16. |
| Fourteen-day married combination | $54 | Qualifying married couple. |
The nonresident fishing license prices already include the state’s $5 nonresident surcharge. Additional transaction or issuing fees may still apply.
Fishing stamps and additional approvals
| Additional approval | Price | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Trout and salmon stamp validation | $10 | Required for certain trout and salmon activities, subject to exemptions. |
| Voluntary walleye stamp | $5 | Optional contribution to walleye stocking. |
| Pictorial stamp mailing | $0.75 extra | Optional physical stamp. |
| Lake sturgeon harvest tag | $5 | Required for legal sturgeon harvest where permitted. |
| Dark house spearing license | $17 | Annual spearing approval for eligible adults; angling license also required. |
| Nonresident fish house or shelter annual | $37 | Qualifying shelters requiring licensing. |
| Nonresident fish house or shelter seven-day | $21 | Qualifying short-term shelter licensing. |
| Nonresident fish house or shelter three-year | $111 | Three-year shelter approval. |
Additional license fees
Minnesota DNR’s published 2026 regulations generally list a $1 issuing fee for original licenses and 50 cents for duplicate licenses, with exceptions for designated products.
Online purchases may also include a convenience fee. Check the actual amount shown before completing payment.
For current license descriptions and purchasing options, visit Minnesota DNR’s fishing license catalog.
2. Which Minnesota Fishing License Should You Buy?
The right license depends on your residency, trip duration, age, family situation and the type of fishing you plan to do.
| Fishing situation | Suggested license | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Resident fishing regularly | Individual annual | $25 |
| Resident fishing one day | 24-hour | $12 |
| Resident fishing two or three days | 72-hour | $14 |
| Resident age 16–17 | Youth annual | $5 |
| Two qualifying married residents | Married combination | $40 |
| Resident planning multiple years | Three-year license | $71 |
| Nonresident fishing one day | 24-hour | $14 |
| Nonresident fishing up to three days | 72-hour | $36 |
| Nonresident fishing one week | Seven-day | $43 |
| Nonresident making several visits | Annual | $51 |
| Nonresident married couple fishing together | Family or married combination | $54–$68 |
Is a short-term license better than an annual license?
For residents, a $14 72-hour license is cheaper than a $25 annual license for a single weekend. However, two separate 72-hour licenses cost $28, making the annual product less expensive for repeated trips.
For nonresidents, a seven-day license costs $43, only $8 less than the $51 annual license. If you expect to return to Minnesota later during the same license year, the annual option may be more practical.
Conservation fishing license
Wisconsin and Minnesota both offer some specialized conservation-oriented fishing products, but Minnesota’s resident conservation angling license has particularly important harvest restrictions.
The Minnesota conservation license costs $17 and permits only half the normal daily and possession limits.
When a standard bag limit is an odd number, the conservation limit is rounded down.
| Normal bag limit | Conservation license limit |
|---|---|
| 1 fish | Catch-and-release only. |
| 3 fish | 1 fish. |
| 5 fish | 2 fish. |
| 6 fish | 3 fish. |
| 10 fish | 5 fish. |
| 20 fish | 10 fish. |
Conservation licenses do not change size restrictions. Conservation license holders also cannot keep walleye over 20 inches and cannot use a sturgeon harvest endorsement.
3. How to Buy a Minnesota Fishing License
Minnesota uses an Electronic Licensing System for recreational fishing licenses, stamps and related approvals.
The state launched a modernized licensing system in 2026. Eligible anglers can purchase licenses online, through the new MN DNR Licensing mobile app or from authorized license agents.
Buy online: Step-by-step instructions
- Open the official purchasing page. Visit Minnesota DNR online license sales and follow the official licensing link.
- Access your customer account. Sign in or create a record using the requested personal information.
- Verify identity. Provide identification information requested by the state, including Social Security information where required.
- Confirm residency. Select the correct resident or nonresident status.
- Choose a license. Select an annual, 24-hour, 72-hour, seven-day, family or other eligible fishing license.
- Add fishing approvals. Include a trout/salmon stamp or sturgeon endorsement when required.
- Review the effective date. Confirm the license will cover your intended fishing period.
- Review the total. Check the license fee, issuing charge and any online convenience fee.
- Complete payment. Follow the official checkout instructions.
- Save your license. Download your license or store it through the official mobile licensing system.
Buy through the MN DNR Licensing mobile app
The new MN DNR Licensing app supports license purchases and digital license storage.
Once a license is stored on the device, DNR states that an internet connection is not required simply to display it during a field check.
An internet connection is needed to download the application, sign in and purchase a license.
Buy at a license agent
Minnesota DNR licenses are available through authorized license agents, including participating retail stores and other approved sales locations.
Agents can assist customers with standard licenses and some products requiring identification or documentation.
Before visiting, confirm the location is currently issuing licenses and can provide the specific product you need.
Contact Minnesota DNR for assistance
DNR Information Center: 888-646-6367
Local telephone: 651-296-6157
For current purchasing instructions, account help and system updates, see Minnesota’s Electronic Licensing System information.
4. Minnesota Fishing License Age Requirements
Age determines whether someone needs an individual license, qualifies for a youth product or can fish without buying a license.
Minnesota residents under 16
Resident children younger than 16 do not need an individual fishing license.
They must still comply with applicable fishing seasons, bag limits, size limits and methods.
Resident anglers ages 16–17
Residents age 16 or 17 must generally hold an appropriate fishing license. The youth annual angling license costs $5.
This product includes exemptions from the trout/salmon stamp and spearing license requirements specified by DNR.
Resident anglers ages 18–89
Most resident adults in this age group need an appropriate fishing license unless they qualify for another exemption or free-license program.
The standard annual license costs $25.
Residents age 90 or older
Minnesota residents age 90 or older are exempt from the ordinary fishing license requirement.
They should carry suitable proof of age and residency if relying on the exemption.
Do Minnesota residents age 65 or older fish free?
No, not automatically. Minnesota does not provide a general free fishing license solely because someone turns 65.
However, anglers age 65 or older are exempt from the trout/salmon stamp requirement. Other license exemptions or no-cost license programs may also apply to eligible individuals.
5. Minnesota Resident vs. Nonresident Requirements
Minnesota DNR generally requires someone to have maintained a legal Minnesota residence for at least 60 consecutive days before purchasing a resident fishing license.
Proof of Minnesota residency
Residents age 21 or older generally must provide a current Minnesota driver license, Minnesota public safety identification card, or a qualifying receipt for an ID application at least 60 days old.
Owning a vacation home or temporarily staying in Minnesota does not automatically establish legal residency.
Children of Minnesota residents
A nonresident younger than 21 whose parent is a Minnesota resident may qualify as a resident for fishing license purposes under DNR’s residency rules.
Tribal identification
Minnesota DNR recognizes a specific residency qualification for tribal members with an unexpired tribal identification card showing a Minnesota address, when the additional identification and out-of-state license conditions are met.
These rules concern residency eligibility and should not be confused with treaty-based fishing rights.
Nonresident full-time students
A nonresident attending a Minnesota school, college or university full-time may qualify to purchase a fishing license at the resident rate if the student lives in Minnesota and provides the required enrollment documentation.
DNR identifies a fee statement showing full-time enrollment as acceptable supporting evidence.
Military personnel stationed in Minnesota
Qualifying nonresident members of the U.S. Armed Forces stationed in Minnesota may purchase fishing licenses at resident prices when appropriate proof is presented.
Special provisions also apply to the spouse of a Minnesota resident serving on active military duty.
For unusual residency circumstances, confirm eligibility with Minnesota DNR before purchasing.
6. Who Is Exempt From a Minnesota Fishing License?
Minnesota provides several licensing exemptions. Some are based on age or military service; others apply only in particular institutions, programs or fishing locations.
Age-based exemptions
- Minnesota residents younger than 16.
- Minnesota residents age 90 or older.
- Qualifying nonresident children younger than 16 fishing under a licensed parent or guardian, subject to special possession-limit rules.
Military members on leave
Minnesota residents serving in the U.S. Armed Forces who are stationed outside Minnesota may fish without purchasing a license while home on qualifying leave or furlough.
They must carry leave or furlough documents while fishing or transporting fish.
Recently discharged military personnel
Minnesota residents who served on federal active military duty outside the United States during the preceding 24 months and have been discharged from overseas duty may qualify for a fishing license exemption.
Appropriate discharge documentation must be carried.
Residents of qualifying institutions
Special exemptions apply to certain people in qualifying care or institutional settings, including:
- Patients of state hospitals or Veterans Administration hospitals.
- Residents of qualifying licensed nursing or boarding care homes.
- Participants in qualifying adult day care programs.
- Residents of approved state institutions.
- Certain residents of correctional facilities.
- Wards of the Commissioner of Human Services.
- Qualifying residents under age 20 in residential drug or alcohol treatment programs.
These exemptions have specific eligibility conditions and may require written authorization from the institution.
Helping a child fish
An adult showing a child younger than 16 how to bait a hook, cast or remove a fish does not necessarily need a license for that limited assistance.
To qualify under the DNR guidance, the child must hold the rod, set the hook and reel in the fish.
If the adult is independently fishing, the ordinary licensing requirement generally applies.
Assisting an angler with a disability
An unlicensed person may assist a qualifying disabled angler who has the appropriate fishing license or exemption.
However, the total number of fishing lines in use cannot exceed the number lawfully permitted for the licensed or exempt anglers.
7. Free Minnesota Fishing Licenses for Qualifying Individuals
Some Minnesota residents qualify for an officially issued fishing license at no cost. A free license is different from an exemption that requires no license.
Who may qualify?
- Residents age 16 or older with qualifying developmental disabilities.
- Veterans with a qualifying 100% service-connected disability.
- Residents who are legally blind.
- Residents receiving qualifying SSI or SSDI benefits.
- Residents receiving workers’ compensation for total and permanent disability.
- Residents receiving disability benefits through the Federal Railroad Retirement Act or U.S. Postal Service.
- Eligible foreign exchange students with proof of their program status.
- Qualifying residents of licensed care facilities or institutions.
How to apply for a free license
- Identify the applicable no-cost fishing license category.
- Check the documentation required by DNR.
- Obtain disability, veteran, student or institutional records where applicable.
- Contact the appropriate DNR office or authorized license agent.
- Submit the required documents and application.
- Confirm the free license has been issued before relying on it.
For residents with developmental disabilities and veterans with a qualifying 100% service-connected disability, Minnesota DNR identifies a special application process through 877-348-0498.
Other applicants may be able to obtain free licenses through authorized license agents upon presenting proper documentation.
8. Minnesota Family Fishing Licenses and Nonresident Youth Rules
Family licenses are particularly useful for visiting parents who want to fish with children. Minnesota’s rules for nonresident children are more specific than a general under-16 exemption.
Resident married couple license
The annual resident married combination fishing license costs $40.
Each spouse must have a complete customer record, and each person may possess their own lawful fish limit.
Two separate resident annual licenses would cost $50, so the married combination saves $10 before any applicable issuing fees.
Nonresident annual family license
The nonresident annual family fishing license costs $68.
It covers a qualifying married couple and their dependent children under age 16 under the applicable license terms.
Nonresident fourteen-day married license
The fourteen-day married combination license costs $54 and covers the qualifying married couple for fourteen consecutive days.
Nonresident children under 16
Nonresident children younger than 16 have three practical options:
- Fish under a licensed parent or guardian. No separate youth license is required, but fish kept by the child count toward the parent or guardian’s possession limit.
- Purchase a $5 nonresident youth license. The child may possess their own lawful limit.
- Be covered by a qualifying nonresident family license. The child may possess their own limit under the family license terms.
Nonresident children ages 16–17 generally need the $5 nonresident youth annual license.
A nonresident parent has an individual fishing license and takes a 13-year-old child fishing. The child can fish under the parent’s license, but the child’s kept fish count toward the parent’s possession limit. Purchasing the child’s own youth license or using an eligible family license changes that possession-limit arrangement.
For the legal youth provisions, see Minnesota Statutes Section 97A.451.
9. Minnesota Trout, Salmon, Walleye and Sturgeon Requirements
Minnesota anglers should check whether the species and waterbody require a stamp, endorsement or additional license.
Trout and salmon stamp
The Minnesota trout and salmon stamp validation costs $10.
It is generally required when fishing designated trout streams or trout lakes, fishing applicable Lake Superior waters, or possessing trout, unless an exemption applies.
The stamp requirement generally applies to anglers ages 18–64.
Who is exempt from the trout/salmon stamp?
Minnesota DNR lists exemptions for:
- Anglers younger than 18.
- Anglers age 65 or older.
- People fishing under a valid 24-hour or 72-hour angling license.
- People exempt from the fishing license requirement.
- People issued a no-cost fishing license under qualifying programs.
The stamp validation appears on the fishing license. Purchasing a physical pictorial stamp is optional, with an additional 75-cent mailing charge.
Is a walleye stamp required?
No. Minnesota’s $5 walleye stamp is a voluntary contribution supporting walleye stocking.
You do not need to buy the walleye stamp simply to target or keep walleye legally.
Lake sturgeon harvest tag
A $5 sturgeon harvest tag or endorsement is required when legally harvesting lake sturgeon where permitted.
Sturgeon seasons, harvest rules and registration requirements vary by waterbody.
Dark house spearing
Qualifying adults who participate in dark house spearing generally need the appropriate spearing license in addition to an angling license.
The annual spearing license costs $17 under the 2026 schedule.
Separate species, equipment and seasonal restrictions apply.
Ice fishing shelters
Not every portable ice fishing shelter requires an individual shelter license. Requirements depend on residency, shelter type, whether the shelter is left unattended and other conditions.
Wisconsin and Minnesota have different ice shelter licensing rules, so visiting anglers should check Minnesota DNR’s current requirements rather than assuming another state’s rules apply.
Consult the 2026 Minnesota Fishing Regulations for trout, salmon, spearing and shelter requirements.
10. Minnesota Lifetime Fishing License Prices
Minnesota offers lifetime fishing licenses for both residents and nonresidents. Unlike many states, Minnesota provides nonresident lifetime angling products.
Resident lifetime angling license
| Age when purchased | Resident lifetime price |
|---|---|
| 3 and younger | $344 |
| 4–15 | $469 |
| 16–50 | $574 |
| 51 and older | $379 |
Nonresident lifetime angling license
| Age when purchased | Nonresident lifetime price |
|---|---|
| 3 and younger | $821 |
| 4–15 | $1,046 |
| 16–50 | $1,191 |
| 51 and older | $794 |
Resident lifetime angling and spearing license
| Age when purchased | Price |
|---|---|
| 3 and younger | $432 |
| 4–15 | $579 |
| 16–50 | $678 |
| 51 and older | $439 |
Do lifetime license holders need to renew?
Yes. Minnesota lifetime license holders must obtain a no-cost annual renewal or authorization for each year they use the lifetime privilege.
This is an important distinction: a lifetime purchase does not mean the license holder can ignore the state’s annual authorization process.
How to purchase a lifetime license
Initial lifetime license purchases use the DNR lifetime license application process. Contact Minnesota DNR for the current application and required documents.
11. Minnesota Fishing License Expiration and Replacement
When does an annual Minnesota fishing license expire?
Minnesota’s ordinary fishing license year begins March 1 and ends on the final day of February the following year.
For example, the 2026–27 fishing license year runs from March 1, 2026, through February 28, 2027.
An annual license purchased in November 2026 generally expires February 28, 2027, rather than November 2027.
Do short-term licenses work differently?
Yes. Minnesota’s short-term licenses are valid for their designated consecutive hours or days.
- 24-hour license: 24 consecutive hours.
- 72-hour license: 72 consecutive hours.
- Nonresident seven-day license: Seven consecutive days.
Can you display a Minnesota fishing license on your phone?
Yes. Minnesota’s modernized licensing system supports digital licenses. An approved downloaded license can be displayed on a mobile device during field checks.
You may also print a paper copy.
What if you lose your license?
Log in to the official licensing system to retrieve an eligible digital license or obtain another copy through an authorized agent.
The 2026 regulation booklet lists a duplicate license charge of $2.50 at agents under the previous printing arrangement. Because Minnesota introduced a new licensing system in 2026, verify the current replacement method and charge before requesting a paid duplicate.
Can you get a refund?
Minnesota generally treats fishing license purchases as final. DNR identifies limited refund circumstances, including:
- The license holder dies before the licensed season begins.
- Military duty prevents participation for the entire applicable season.
- The customer accidentally purchases two licenses for the same license season.
Refund requests are subject to the agency’s rules and documentation requirements.
12. Fishing in Minnesota State Parks and Private Waters
Can Minnesota residents fish without a license in state parks?
Yes, under certain conditions.
Minnesota residents may fish without a license for species other than trout when:
- Fishing from shore or wading on state-owned land inside a state park.
- Fishing from a boat or on the ice on waterbodies located entirely within a state park.
Fishing on a designated trout stream or lake, or harvesting trout in a state park, generally requires a fishing license and trout/salmon stamp unless another exemption applies.
Does this exemption apply to nonresidents?
The general state park fishing exemption described by DNR is for Minnesota residents.
Nonresidents should obtain appropriate fishing license coverage unless another legal exemption applies.
Private ponds and lakes
Private land ownership does not automatically remove Minnesota fishing license requirements.
Minnesota law allows public use of many navigable waters, but access to the water must be lawful. Crossing private land without permission can violate trespass laws.
Before fishing an unfamiliar pond or lake, check its waterbody classification, access conditions and licensing requirements.
A public waterbody may be legally fishable once reached through lawful access, but entering posted private property without permission can still be prohibited.
13. Minnesota Free Fishing Weekends in 2027
Minnesota provides special fishing opportunities when qualifying residents can fish without purchasing an ordinary fishing license.
These events are not a general license waiver for every visitor. Eligibility depends on residency and the specific event.
Upcoming 2027 dates
| Event | 2027 dates | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Take a Kid Ice Fishing Weekend | January 16–18 | Minnesota residents age 16+ fishing with a child age 15 or younger. |
| Take a Mom Fishing Weekend | May 8–9 | Qualifying Minnesota resident mothers. |
| Take a Kid Fishing Weekend | June 4–6 | Minnesota residents age 16+ fishing with children younger than 16. |
Take a Kid Ice Fishing Weekend
From January 16 through January 18, 2027, qualifying Minnesota residents age 16 or older may fish or spear fish without an ordinary fishing license when accompanied by a child age 15 or younger.
DNR also explains that the trout stamp requirement is waived for eligible participants during the event.
Take a Mom Fishing Weekend
The 2027 event is scheduled for May 8–9. Qualifying Minnesota resident mothers may fish without purchasing a fishing license during the designated weekend.
Take a Kid Fishing Weekend
From June 4 through June 6, 2027, Minnesota residents age 16 or older may fish without an ordinary license when accompanied by a child younger than 16.
Are regular fishing limits still enforced?
Yes. Seasons, size limits, bag limits, gear restrictions and applicable waterbody rules remain in effect during these weekends.
See Minnesota DNR’s fishing season and event calendar for official dates.
14. Minnesota Fishing Regulations for 2026–27
Having a valid Minnesota fishing license does not automatically allow every fish to be harvested. Species seasons, length restrictions, bag limits and special waterbody rules still apply.
Selected 2026–27 statewide fishing seasons
| Species | General 2026–27 season | Important rule |
|---|---|---|
| Walleye and sauger | May 9, 2026 – February 28, 2027 | General inland combined possession limit of 6; only one walleye over 20 inches. |
| Muskellunge | June 6 – November 30, 2026 | General possession limit 1; 54-inch minimum. |
| Tiger muskellunge | June 6 – November 30, 2026 | General possession limit 1; 40-inch minimum. |
| Largemouth bass, general inland | Catch-and-release March 1 – May 22; harvest May 23, 2026 – February 28, 2027 | General combined bass limit 6 during applicable harvest seasons. |
| Smallmouth bass | Varies by zone and waterbody | Catch-and-release periods and harvest restrictions apply. |
| Trout | Varies by stream, lake and region | Stamp requirements and designated-water regulations may apply. |
These are general examples. Minnesota has extensive special fishing regulations for lakes, rivers, boundary waters and designated management areas.
Special regulations on popular Minnesota waters
Before fishing these locations, check their current individual rules:
- Mille Lacs Lake: Walleye limits and seasons may differ from general inland rules.
- Upper Red Lake: Special walleye harvest and seasonal regulations may apply.
- Lake of the Woods: Specific walleye, sauger and winter fishing regulations.
- Rainy River: Spring fishing restrictions and special seasonal rules.
- Lake Superior: Separate trout, salmon and tributary regulations.
- Border waters: Rules may differ along waters shared with Wisconsin, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota and Canada.
Ice fishing rules
Minnesota anglers must observe ice fishing rules covering fishing lines, legal methods, portable and permanent shelters, shelter removal dates, and any applicable licensing.
Ice conditions are not guaranteed safe simply because the calendar indicates winter. Check local ice conditions before traveling onto frozen water.
Aquatic invasive species requirements
Before transporting boats, bait or fishing equipment, review Minnesota’s aquatic invasive species regulations.
Important precautions include draining water from boats and equipment, removing aquatic plants and complying with bait transport restrictions.
Current regulations are available through Minnesota DNR’s fishing regulations.
15. Common Minnesota Fishing License Situations
| Situation | What generally applies |
|---|---|
| Minnesota resident age 35 fishing regularly | $25 annual fishing license. |
| Minnesota resident age 16 | $5 resident youth license. |
| Minnesota resident age 15 | No individual fishing license required. |
| Minnesota resident age 70 | Fishing license generally required; trout/salmon stamp exemption applies. |
| Minnesota resident age 90 | Exempt from ordinary fishing license requirement. |
| Nonresident fishing one day | $14 24-hour license. |
| Nonresident fishing three days | $36 72-hour license. |
| Nonresident fishing one week | $43 seven-day license. |
| Nonresident child age 12 fishing with licensed parent | May fish under parent’s license; kept fish count toward parent’s limit. |
| Nonresident child age 12 wanting own possession limit | $5 youth license or qualifying family license. |
| Resident married couple fishing regularly | $40 combination annual license. |
| Angler targeting trout in designated waters | Fishing license and trout/salmon stamp unless exempt. |
| Angler fishing for walleye | Appropriate license; voluntary walleye stamp not required. |
| Resident fishing qualifying state park waters | May be exempt from ordinary license requirement, except applicable trout restrictions. |
| Eligible resident fishing with child during free weekend | Special license exemption may apply. |
| Lifetime license holder | Must obtain no-cost annual renewal when required. |
Before you go fishing
- Determine whether you qualify for resident or nonresident licensing.
- Check your age and any applicable exemptions.
- Choose the correct annual, short-term, family or conservation license.
- Check whether a trout/salmon stamp or other endorsement is required.
- Verify that the license is valid on your fishing date.
- Check regulations for the exact waterbody and target species.
- Purchase through Minnesota DNR or an authorized agent.
- Keep valid digital or printed proof accessible.
16. Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a Minnesota fishing license in 2026?
A standard annual fishing license costs $25 for Minnesota residents and $51 for nonresidents. Short-term and discounted licenses are also available.
At what age do you need a fishing license in Minnesota?
Most people need a license starting at age 16. Resident children younger than 16 are exempt, and nonresident children have special parent, guardian and youth-license rules.
Can you buy a Minnesota fishing license online?
Yes. Eligible licenses can be purchased through Minnesota DNR’s official Electronic Licensing System and its authorized online sales channels.
Do Minnesota residents age 65 or older need a fishing license?
Generally, yes. Minnesota does not automatically exempt every resident age 65 or older from the fishing license requirement. However, anglers age 65 or older are exempt from the trout/salmon stamp requirement.
Who can fish without a license in Minnesota?
Resident children under 16, residents age 90 or older, qualifying military personnel, eligible institutional residents and certain people fishing under special exemptions may fish without an ordinary license.
How much is a Minnesota nonresident fishing license?
A nonresident annual license costs $51. A 24-hour license costs $14, a 72-hour license costs $36, and a seven-day license costs $43.
When does a Minnesota fishing license expire?
Ordinary annual fishing licenses follow the March 1 through February licensing year. The 2026–27 annual license expires February 28, 2027.
Do I need a trout stamp in Minnesota?
A $10 trout/salmon stamp is generally required for designated trout waters, Lake Superior and applicable trout possession activities. Children under 18, adults age 65 or older and certain other anglers are exempt.
Is the Minnesota walleye stamp required?
No. Minnesota’s $5 walleye stamp is voluntary and supports walleye stocking efforts.
Can nonresident children fish without a license?
Nonresident children younger than 16 may fish under a licensed parent or guardian, but their kept fish count toward that adult’s limit. A $5 youth license or qualifying family license can provide the child with an individual possession limit.
Can I show my Minnesota fishing license on my phone?
Yes. Minnesota’s modernized licensing system supports digital licenses. Approved downloaded licenses can be displayed during field checks without an active internet connection.
Does Minnesota offer a lifetime fishing license?
Yes. Minnesota offers resident and nonresident lifetime angling licenses. Prices depend on age and residency, and qualifying lifetime license holders must complete a no-cost annual renewal when fishing.
17. Official Minnesota Fishing License Resources
Use these government resources to verify current license prices, eligibility requirements, purchase procedures and fishing regulations.
- Minnesota DNR Fishing Licenses — license types, prices and available approvals.
- Minnesota DNR Online License Sales — official online purchase access.
- Minnesota Electronic Licensing System — new system features and digital license instructions.
- 2026 Minnesota Fishing Regulations — current official booklet and special waterbody regulations.
- Minnesota Fishing License Exemptions — military, disability and other exemptions.
- Minnesota Lifetime Licenses — lifetime applications, pricing and renewal rules.
- Minnesota Fishing Seasons — season openers and free fishing weekends.
- Minnesota Statutes Section 97A.451 — fishing license exemptions and nonresident youth requirements.
Minnesota DNR contact information
DNR Information Center: 888-646-6367
Local telephone: 651-296-6157
Address: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55155.
Official website: dnr.state.mn.us
Fishing-licenses.info is an independent educational resource and is not operated by or affiliated with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. We do not sell licenses, collect government licensing payments or determine legal eligibility. For official purchases, current regulations and eligibility decisions, contact Minnesota DNR.
Fishing fees, exemptions, seasons and special regulations may change. Verify the applicable rules with Minnesota DNR before purchasing a license or fishing.