Generally, yes: anyone age 16 or older fishing in South Carolina needs the applicable license. The right one depends on whether you fish in freshwater or saltwater, your residency status, and how you fish. People under 16 are usually exempt, but there are exceptions for commercial activity and certain nongame fishing devices.
Who needs a South Carolina fishing license?
The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) says that “Individuals 16 years old and older are required to purchase hunting and fishing licenses.” That is the general age rule for fishing as well as hunting. SCDNR’s hunting and fishing license FAQ describes the exemptions and eligibility rules.
Children under 16
Anglers under 16 are generally exempt from the license requirement. Do not assume the exemption covers every activity: SCDNR identifies exceptions for commercial activity and for possessing nongame fishing devices, including traps, trotlines, gill nets, hoop nets, set hooks, and jugs.
Choose the license based on the water you fish
South Carolina distinguishes freshwater from saltwater, so an angler may need different privileges depending on the location. For coastal creeks and rivers, U.S. Highway 17 is a typical dividing line, but SCDNR identifies ten exceptions. Check the agency’s freshwater and saltwater dividing-line map rather than relying on the highway rule alone.
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- 2023-2024 South Carolina DNR saltwater fishing regulations are shown with each fish image.
- True To Life Color photographs.
- Perfect Tool for any angler fishing South Carolina waters and not familiar with the fish; great way to learn what you catch!
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When a saltwater license is required—and when it is not
In general, anglers age 16 and older need a saltwater fishing license when fishing from shore, a boat, a dock, or while wading. Saltwater fishing can also include cast-netting and some crabbing activities. See SCDNR’s saltwater fishing FAQ for activity-specific details.
Charters and public fishing piers
You do not need an individual saltwater license when fishing aboard a hired charter or from a licensed commercial public fishing pier. The charter exception depends on being aboard while the trip is under hire: using a boat that is set up for charter fishing when it is not under hire does not qualify. Confirm the charter or pier’s SCDNR status before relying on the exception. SCDNR’s saltwater FAQ addresses these exceptions.
Crabbing and other gear-based exceptions
Some crab-fishing methods are exempt, subject to specific limits on gear and method. Because the exception is narrow, check SCDNR’s current saltwater rules for the exact method you plan to use rather than assuming all crabbing is license-free.
How residency affects the license
Resident and nonresident licenses have different prices. A South Carolina driver’s license from another state generally means you are treated as a nonresident; owning property in South Carolina by itself does not establish residency. SCDNR also lists special eligibility for full-time students attending a South Carolina school and qualifying military personnel stationed in the state. Check the agency’s residency and eligibility FAQ if either special case may apply.
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South Carolina fishing license prices
The following prices were shown by SCDNR on October 8, 2026. Fees and eligibility can change, so verify the current amounts on the agency’s license pricing page before buying. The saltwater figures are also listed in SCDNR’s saltwater FAQ.
| License | Term | Price shown by SCDNR |
|---|---|---|
| Resident freshwater | Annual | $10 |
| Resident freshwater | Three years | $30 |
| Nonresident freshwater | Annual | $35 |
| Nonresident freshwater | Three years | $105 |
| Resident saltwater | Annual | $10 |
| Resident saltwater | 14 days | $5 |
| Nonresident saltwater | Annual | $35 |
| Nonresident saltwater | 14 days | $11 |
SCDNR lists recreational freshwater licenses as lasting one or three years from purchase. Several annual privileges on the resident and nonresident pricing pages expire June 30, 2027; check the specific license listing for its expiration terms.
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How to buy and carry your license
- Identify whether you will fish in freshwater, saltwater, or both. If your location is a coastal creek or river, check the SCDNR dividing-line map for exceptions to the Highway 17 guideline.
- Check your age, residency status, fishing method, and any applicable exemption. If you qualify for a student or military residency category, confirm eligibility with SCDNR.
- Choose the appropriate license and term using the current SCDNR pricing page.
- Buy through SCDNR’s license purchase page, which directs customers to Go Outdoors SC. SCDNR advises buyers to use the official portal.
- Keep the license document in your possession while taking part in the activity for which it was issued. SCDNR requires license documents, permits, stamps, and tags to be in the holder’s possession during covered activities.
A fishing license addresses authorization to fish; it does not replace applicable rules for species, limits, seasons, or gear. Consult SCDNR’s current fishing regulations for those requirements.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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