For recreational fishing in Georgia, the annual basic license costs $15 for eligible residents ages 16–64 and $50 for nonresidents age 16 or older. Short-term licenses start at $5 for residents and $10 for nonresidents. These are base prices; mountain trout fishing requires an additional paid license, while saltwater anglers in applicable cases need a free annual SIP permit. Georgia DNR’s published rates were checked October 8, 2026; confirm your eligibility and final total in the official license chooser.
Georgia fishing license prices
The following are Georgia DNR’s listed recreational fishing rates. Annual basic license rates apply to residents ages 16–64 and nonresidents age 16 or older. Short-term rates are for the initial day and each additional day after that.
| License or fee | Resident | Nonresident | How it applies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic fishing, annual | $15 | $50 | Base fishing license |
| Basic fishing, one day | $5 | $10 | Short-term base license |
| Each additional day | $1 | $3.50 | Added after the first day |
| Mountain trout, annual | $10 | $25 | Additional to the basic fishing license |
| Mountain trout, one day | $5 | $10 | Additional to the basic license |
| Mountain trout, each additional day | $1 | $2 | Additional trout privilege charge after the initial trout day |
| Saltwater Information Program (SIP) permit | Free | Free | Annual permit required in applicable cases; it does not replace a fishing license |
| Online recreational transaction fee | $3 | $3 | Listed online purchase fee |
| Optional hard card | $6 | $6 | Optional physical card |
Rates and requirements are from the Georgia DNR license chooser and its License FAQs. The final amount can depend on license type, eligibility, and checkout charges.
Which license do you need?
Basic freshwater or saltwater fishing
The basic license is the starting point for recreational fishing. Residents ages 16–64 and nonresidents age 16 or older generally need one to fish Georgia fresh or salt water.
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Mountain trout fishing
Fishing for mountain trout requires a paid trout license in addition to the basic fishing license. For example, the listed annual combination is $25 for an eligible resident ($15 basic plus $10 trout) or $75 for a nonresident ($50 basic plus $25 trout), before any online fee or optional card.
Saltwater fishing and SIP
In applicable cases, saltwater anglers must also register for Georgia’s free annual Saltwater Information Program permit. SIP is a separate permit, not a substitute for the required fishing license; it helps the state identify anglers for saltwater surveys. See the DNR SIP permit page for the program details.
How to estimate the cost of a short trip
For a trip lasting more than one day, add the initial-day rate to the additional-day rate for each extra day. If you will fish for mountain trout, add the trout rate for the same duration as well. Buying online adds the DNR-listed $3 recreational transaction fee; the $6 hard card is optional.
- Resident, two days, basic fishing: $5 for the first day plus $1 for the additional day = $6 before online fees.
- Nonresident, two days, basic fishing: $10 for the first day plus $3.50 for the additional day = $13.50 before online fees.
Compare the short-term total with the annual rate if your plans change or you expect to fish again. DNR also lists a transactional discount for renewing certain licenses before expiration; check the purchase flow to see whether it applies to your license.
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Who qualifies as a Georgia resident?
For most recreational license purchases, DNR describes a resident as someone domiciled in Georgia for at least three consecutive months before purchase, with Georgia as their only state of legal residence and a Georgia address on an official Georgia ID, such as a driver’s license. Owning land in Georgia does not by itself establish resident status. Review the DNR eligibility guidance if your circumstances are unusual.
Age, senior, military, disability, and lifetime options
People age 15 or younger do not need a fishing or trout license, and DNR says they do not need SIP for saltwater fishing. Georgia also offers discounted or special license options for some seniors, military members, people with disabilities, and lifetime license holders. Eligibility varies, so use the state chooser rather than assuming a general exemption.
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A Georgia lifetime sportsman’s license includes fishing and mountain trout privileges, but some free annual items still require renewal. For example, an applicable saltwater angler still needs to renew SIP. DNR explains lifetime license options and purchase methods on its Lifetime Licenses page.
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- Open Georgia DNR’s “What License Do I Need?” chooser.
- Select your residency, age, fishing type, and any applicable special eligibility to identify the required license or permit.
- Choose annual or short-term duration, and add the mountain trout license if you will fish for mountain trout.
- Review the checkout total, including the $3 online recreational transaction fee and any optional $6 hard card.
You can also buy through an authorized license vendor. Lifetime sportsman’s licenses have separate purchase rules: DNR says they are available online and by mail, but not at retail agents or by calling the service desk.
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Recreational and commercial licenses are different
The prices above are for recreational anglers. Georgia DNR lists a separate commercial fishing license at $20 for residents and $200 for nonresidents, valid April 1 through March 31, plus a $5 transaction fee per license. Commercial activity may also require vessel, guide, customer, or species licenses. See the DNR commercial fishing page; commercial rates are not the ordinary angler price.
Free fishing days are dated exceptions
Georgia DNR announced that residents did not need a fishing or trout license to fish public waters on National Hunting and Fishing Day, September 26, 2026. That was a specific event, not a standing exemption. Check DNR announcements for any future free fishing days; the announcement is on the DNR event page.
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