How to Get a Fishing License

Who needs a New Hampshire fishing license and who does not, the free fishing days, saltwater fishing, and how to buy a license online or from an agent.

Checked against its sources October 25, 2026.

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At a Glance

Anyone 16 or older needs a license to fish in New Hampshire, in fresh water or salt water, except on the free fishing days Fish and Game sets each year and in a few other cases (step 1). Buy it online from Fish and Game or from a license agent. Most licenses end on December 31.

Are you under 16?
- YesYou may fish without a license.
- NoYou need a license, unless it is a free fishing day.
Where will you fish?
- Lakes, ponds, rivers and streamsA freshwater fishing license.
- The coast and tidal watersA recreational saltwater license.

Step by Step

Check whether you need one
To fish in New Hampshire you need a license, and you carry it while you fish. You do not need one:
- if you are under 16;
- if you are a New Hampshire resident fishing on your own land;
- on a free fishing day. The law lets Fish and Game set 2 days a year when anyone may fish by angling without a license: the first Saturday in June and the third Saturday in January, in fresh water or salt water. Season dates, limits and the other rules still apply, and anyone in a fishing tournament still needs a license that day.
Free fishing days
The law: RSA 214:1, RSA 214:2, RSA 214:1-e
Choose your license
Resident or nonresident. You are a resident for a license if you hold a New Hampshire driver’s license or non-driver photo ID and claim residence in no other state for any purpose.
Fresh water. A resident fishing license, or a one-day license. A nonresident can buy a season license or a one-day, 3-day or 7-day license. A combined hunting and fishing license is sold too.
Salt water. Fishing for saltwater fish in coastal and tidal waters takes a recreational saltwater license, unless you are fishing from a licensed charter or party boat. Anglers 68 or older need it too. It also lets you fish Massachusetts’ coastal waters and the whole Maine coast.
Lower-cost and free licenses. Residents 68 or older can buy a discounted senior license; residents born in 1947 or earlier get a free, permanent Milestone license from Fish and Game in Concord, its regional offices in Lancaster, New Hampton and Keene, or select agents, or by mail.
Fish and Game sets the fees; its license page lists each license and its price.
License fees and requirements Saltwater licenses Senior and Milestone licenses
The law: RSA 207:1, RSA 214:5-b, RSA 214:9, RSA 211:64-b, RSA 211:18, RSA 214:7-a, RSA 214:13, RSA 214:3, RSA 214:8
Buy it online or from an agent
Buy your license on Fish and Game’s online license system or from a license agent. You buy it yourself, as the person who will use it, and give proof of where you live.
Print your license and sign it, or keep an image of it on your phone: for a fishing license, that is enough if you can also show a photo ID. Carry it while you fish, and show it when asked.
A license ends on December 31 of the year you bought it, unless it is one of the permanent licenses, and cannot be passed to anyone else.
Buy a license online
The law: RSA 214:1, RSA 214:36
Before you go
Seasons, limits and the waters with special rules vary. Check Fish and Game’s rules for the water you plan to fish.
License requirements

Common Questions

Is a fishing license free for someone who is blind?

A New Hampshire resident who is legally blind may get a fishing license free, and it lasts for life.

I am a student from another state. What do I pay?

A nonresident full-time student at a school or college in New Hampshire pays the resident fee.

Do I need a license to dig clams or take lobsters?

Yes. Digging clams takes a separate license, sold to residents only, and taking lobsters or crabs another.

Are there licenses for veterans and service members?

A resident veteran, discharged other than dishonorably, who is totally and permanently disabled from a service-connected disability gets a permanent license, with a one-time $10 administrative fee. A resident on active duty stationed outside the state can get a free license to use while home on leave.

Can I get a refund?

No. Fish and Game cannot refund a license or exchange it.