Licenses

Alabama Freshwater Fishing License Fees

Your purchase of an Alabama fishing license financially supports the protection and enhancement of Alabama's aquatic resources.

In addition to being available at probate offices and many stores that carry fishing tackle or bait, Alabama Hunting and Fishing Licenses are available by Internet (2% fee) and by telephone, 1-888-848-6887 ($3.95 fee).

Fishing licenses are required for residents age 16 years through age 64, who fish with rod and reel or artificial bait. An Alabama fishing license or a Wildlife Heritage License is required to fish with hook and line outside county of legal residence.  To purchase a resident license, one must posess an Alabama Driver License, Alabama's Non-drivers ID Card, or meet the residency proof.  Non-residents ages 16 and older are required to have a non-resident's license. A person man only be a resident of one state.
NOTE: Residents 65 years of age and over are exempt from buying fishing licenses providing that said resident has on his person while fishing an Alabama Driver Licence, an Alabama non-driver identification card, or other proof of permanent Alabama residence and age.

Take a kid fishing!

Many senior Alabamians have expressed a strong desire to show their support for game and fish programs, so the Division offers a voluntary senior license that allows seniors to contribute to the Game and Fish Lifetime Trust Fund and allows the Division to count them to receive more federal 3:1 matching money.  In return, seniors receive an embossed, durable, credit-card style license signifying their personal contribution to the management and protection of Alabama's natural resources.
Also see the exemption for families of active military.

Licenses may be purchased through the mail by enclosing the above fee and a photocopy of your driver's license.
Mail to:  License Section, Suite 457, 64 North Union Street, Montgomery, AL  36130.
For questions, call the License Section at 1-334-242-3829.

**Lifetime licenses issued only through the Internet (2% fee), electronic license agents, probate judges, license commissioners, and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, License Section, Suite 457, 64 N Union Street, Montgomery, Alabama 36130.

REQUIREMENTS TO PURCHASE AN
ALABAMA RESIDENT FRESHWATER FISHING LICENSE

You can only be a resident of one state.  It is against the law for an out-of-state resident to purchase an Alabama resident license. You must be a resident of Alabama for 90 days prior to buying a resident license. (9-11-53(a) states "Any person who has been a bona fide resident of this state for a period of not less than 90 days next preceding and who is between the ages of 16 and 65 shall not take, catch, kill or attempt to take, catch, or kill any fish ...")

To purchase an Alabama resident fishing license, you need to have an Alabama driver's license (if the person is not a resident of another state, a non-driver identification card issued by Alabama Department of Public Safety is an acceptable proof of residence) or two of the following:

1. Certificate of employment if containing proof of permanent residence.
2. Copy of home property tax.
3. Copy of previous year's tax return (mailing address only).
4. Health insurance forms with address.
5. The last three months of a utility bill with mailing address.
6. Voter registration.
7. Other legal document that may establish residency after approval by the Conservation Department.

The Division offers a free youth license for Alabama youth age 15 and younger.  This free license is not required, but the youth fishing license is an educational tool. You may request a free youth fishing license by contacting Doug Darr, 64 N. Union St., Montgomery, AL  36130-1458 or 1-334-242-3884.