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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).

Agency Name: Natural Resources (DNR), Minnesota Department of
Agency URL: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us
Agency Description: The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) manages the state's natural resources, hunting, fishing, state forests, state parks, lakes, rivers, streams, boating and water safety, trails, snowmobiling, skiing, education, enforcement, wildlife management, lands and minerals.
Agency Phone: 651-296-6157
888-646-6367
Agency Fax: Agency URL: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us

Agency Address: Natural Resources (DNR), Minnesota Dept. of
500 Lafayette Rd.

St. Paul
MN 55155

Unit Name: Licensing Center
Unit URL:
Unit Description:
Unit Phone: Unit Fax: Contact person(s): info.dnr@state.mn.us
Unit URL:

Audience: Recreation Application URL: https://jc.activeoutdoorsolutions.com/mn_customer/app/customerSearch.do?method=init
Renewal URL:
Versa URL:
Requirements:

To legally fish in Minnesota, all residents of Minnesota, age 16 to 89, must have a current Minnesota fishing license unless an exemption applies (see ‘Who doesn’t need a fishing license?’). You must carry your license when traveling from an area where you were fishing. All non-residents need a license except those age 15 and younger do not need a license if a parent or guardian is licensed.

Who doesn't need a fishing license?

• Residents younger than 16
• Residents 90 and older
• Minnesota residents enlisted in the U.S. Armed Forces, stationed outside the state, and home on leave (you must carry leave or furlough papers while fishing or transporting fish)
• A Minnesota resident who has served in federal active service outside the U.S. during the preceding 24 months and is now discharged from overseas duty (you must carry discharge papers while fishing or transporting fish)
• An in-patient of a U.S. Veterans Administration hospital (form needed to filled out)
• A resident of a Minnesota licensed nursing or boarding care home

ID number required:
Electronic License System (ELS) requires that Minnesota residents 21 years of age and older furnish a driver's license number, public safety identification number as proof of residency. Minnesota residents who do not have one of these identification numbers would be considered a non resident and must obtain one before purchasing a hunting, fishing or other license from the MN Dept. of Natural Resources (DNR).

Minnesota Residents are:

• People who maintain a legal residence in Minnesota for at least 60 consecutive days prior to purchasing a license and if older than 21 must present a current Minnesota Driver’s License or ID card
• A person younger than 21 who is a child of a resident.

Stamps and Licenses:
The actual pictorial stamp is not required for waterfowl and pheasant hunting, trout and salmon fishing or for turkey hunting. Anglers or hunters are required to purchase the terminal-issued stamp endorsement. Pictorial stamp may be purchased for an additional $0.75.

Contact the MN Dept. of Natural Resources Information Center at 651-296-6157 or 888-646-6367 or refer to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources information Fish Minnesota

See requirements or refer to Fishing licenses

Fishing licenses are effective from March 1 to the last day of February of the following year. A fishing license for the current 2024-25 license year is effective until Feb. 28, 2025.

Popular licenses

Individual angling : Use code 111 to buy a fishing license for one person.

Important notes
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will collect your social security number when you apply for a non-commercial hunting or fishing license.

License prices listed do not include any additional fees or the $1 agent fee.

Commercial licenses applications require a Federal Employer Identification number,
Minnesota Tax Identification number or Social Security Number. Commercial licenses
are issued at the DNR license center.