You’ll pay $37 for an annual resident fishing license in Arizona and $55 if you’re a non‑resident. Licenses are required for anyone age 10 and older on public waters, are nontransferable, must be carried while fishing, and cover all aquatic wildlife. Combination hunt‑and‑fish permits, youth and lifetime options, fee waivers for certain disabled veterans, and short‑term passes are available. Keep proof of residency and eligibility handy and continue for details on exemptions, purchase points, and free fishing days.

Who Needs a Fishing License in Arizona

Who needs a fishing license in Arizona? You do if you’re aged 10 or older and fishing public waters: Arizona’s fishing license requirements mandate a valid license for all anglers 10 years and up.

You won’t need one if you’re under 10 or classified as a blind resident—those groups are exempt. Service members may qualify for a resident license under specific conditions, so check status-based residency rules before purchasing.

Licenses are non-transferable and non-refundable, and you must carry your license while fishing to fulfill legal obligations. The fishing license requirements also cover taking frogs, waterdogs, crayfish, and softshell turtles, not just traditional fish species, so your activities determine compliance.

Licenses are non-transferable and non-refundable; carry your license — rules also cover frogs, waterdogs, crayfish, and softshell turtles.

Observe fishing age limits and related exemptions to avoid citations. When in doubt, verify current regulatory guidance from Arizona Game and Fish to confirm eligibility, exemptions, and armed forces provisions before fishing to guarantee you meet all statutory requirements.

Types of Fishing Licenses and Eligibility

Licenses in Arizona are structured by residency, age and activity, so you’ll choose the permit that matches your status and intended use. You’ll encounter several license types: general fishing, combination hunt-and-fish, youth combination (ages 10–17), and lifetime licenses (residents only).

General fishing grants the right to fish public waters for individuals aged 10 and older; exemptions exist for children under 10 and blind residents. Combination licenses authorize both hunting and fishing under one permit.

Youth combination licenses cover anglers 10–17 at a reduced rate and meet youth eligibility requirements. Lifetime licenses are resident-only and issued with fees tiered by purchaser age.

When determining which permit to buy, confirm residency status, age class, and whether you need hunting privileges in addition to fishing. Maintain documentation proving eligibility requirements at purchase and while fishing to comply with Arizona Game and Fish regulations and avoid citations.

Current License Fees for Residents and Non‑Residents

Arizona charges $37 for an annual resident fishing license and $55 for non‑residents, with combination hunt-and-fish permits priced at $57 for residents and $160 for non‑residents.

Youth combination licenses (ages 10–17) are $5 for everyone and short-term combination permits run $15/day for residents and $20/day for non‑residents.

You’ll note current license comparisons show a clear resident discount: the resident annual fee is $18 less than the non‑resident rate, and the resident combination permit is $103 cheaper.

Use these fishing fee variations to plan cost-effective options if you’re an occasional angler or a frequent hunter‑angler.

All licenses remain valid 365 days from purchase and are non-transferable and non-refundable, so you’ll want to align purchase timing with intended use.

Licenses are valid for 365 days, non-transferable and non-refundable — time your purchase to match your season of use.

For youth anglers, the uniform $5 combination license eliminates residency cost differentials.

Short-term daily combination permits offer a lower up-front commitment but can exceed annual costs if you fish frequently; calculate projected outings before selecting a license type.

Where and How to Buy Your License

If you need a fishing license right away, buy it online through the Arizona Game and Fish Department website and print it immediately — otherwise you can pick one up at any of over 150 licensed dealers (sporting goods and convenience stores) or at a Game and Fish office where staff can assist and issue lifetime resident licenses.

You’re required to carry your license while fishing; each license is valid one year from purchase. Online purchasing is the fastest method for immediate use and for record-keeping; the site supports payments, prints, and generates electronic proof.

Dealers and Game and Fish offices accept standard ID and payment, and offices provide direct assistance for complex cases and lifetime resident issuance. Track your expiration date: timely license renewal avoids regulatory violations. Keep proof of purchase on your person or accessible electronically.

If you change residency status or need a different license type, process adjustments at an office guarantee correct documentation and compliance with Arizona fishing regulations.

Exemptions, Free Fishing Days, and Special Programs

When planning a trip, note you generally need a valid fishing license if you’re 10 or older, though there are specific exemptions and programs that alter that requirement.

You should carry your license at all times; failure to produce it can result in penalties. Arizona recognizes fishing license exemptions for youth under 10, blind residents, and when fishing private waters with the property owner’s permission.

Key regulatory points and dates:

Key regulatory points and upcoming dates: free fishing days, special-license programs, and rules you must still follow.

• Free fishing events: designated free fishing days allow fishing without a license — upcoming dates are June 7, 2025, and June 6, 2026.
• Special programs: complimentary licenses exist for qualifying groups (e.g., Pioneer residents 70+, 100% disabled veterans).
• Compliance: even on free fishing days or private property, you’re expected to follow bag limits, seasons, and other regulations; law enforcement enforces these rules.

Review eligibility for exemptions and special programs before you fish to avoid fines and guarantee regulatory compliance.

Lifetime, Complimentary, and Youth License Options

Consider whether a lifetime license — priced between $296 and $1,500 based on age — makes sense for you, since it carries expanded privileges and stays valid even if you move out of Arizona.

Check if you qualify for complimentary licenses, such as Pioneer status (age 70+ with 25+ years residency) or a 100% Disabled Veteran designation.

For younger anglers, note that resident and nonresident youth combination hunt-and-fish licenses cost $5 for ages 10–17 and convert to adult licenses at 18, when a standard fishing license is required.

Lifetime License Benefits

Although Arizona’s lifetime fishing licenses are limited to residents, they give you permanent fishing privileges even if you later move out of state and are priced by age from $296 to $1,500. Complimentary alternatives exist for qualifying people (Pioneer: age 70+ with 25+ years’ residency, Disabled Veteran: 100% service-connected disability).

Youth combination hunt-and-fish licenses cost $5 for ages 10–17 (residents and nonresidents) and cover all aquatic wildlife. You can pay $4 extra for a hard-plastic permanent lifetime card mailed within 30 days.

You’ll evaluate lifetime license advantages as a long-term fishing license investment: upfront cost versus recurring annual fees, transferability across moves, and administrative simplicity.

• One-time cost eliminates annual renewals and fees.
• Youth $5 combination covers full aquatic species access.
• $4 durable card issued within 30 days.

Complimentary Eligibility Criteria

If you qualify under specific state criteria, Arizona lets you get a complimentary or low-cost lifetime fishing credential rather than paying annual fees.

You can obtain a Pioneer lifetime license if you’re an Arizona resident aged 70+ with at least 25 years’ residency; lifetime fees otherwise range $296–$1,500 and are age-based.

Disabled veterans rated 100% receive a complimentary fishing license.

Youth anglers 10–17 may buy a Youth Combination Hunt and Fish license for $5 (see Youth License Details for scope).

The General Fishing License now includes community fishing areas, removing separate permits for many urban and state lakes.

Expect strict eligibility verification: documentation of residency, age, or disability rating is required.

These provisions create targeted discounted licenses and regulatory clarity.

Youth License Details

Having covered eligibility for complimentary and lifetime credentials, let’s look at youth options and how they differ from adult and lifetime privileges.

You’ll find youth licenses are low-cost, regulatory tools that guarantee compliance with youth fishing regulations and simplify the license renewal process when age changes require alteration.

• Youth Combination Hunt and Fish: ages 10–17, $5 for residents and non-residents, covers all aquatic wildlife.
• Alteration requirement: license invalid at 18; you must obtain an adult fishing license upon turning 18.
• Exemptions and lifetime contrast: complimentary licenses exist for qualifying seniors and Disabled Veterans; lifetime licenses are resident-only and fee-variable by age.

You should carry proof of age and comply with applicable seasons, limits, and reporting rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Fish on Tribal Lands With a State License?

No — you generally can’t fish on tribal lands using only a state license. You’ll need to follow tribal fishing regulations and obtain tribal permits or permissions because state license limitations don’t override tribal sovereignty and local rules.

Are License Fees Refundable if I Cancel a Trip?

Generally no — licenses aren’t refundable once issued. You should review license cancellation policies and trip refund options; regulations typically treat licenses as final sales, though limited exceptions or prorated credits may apply under specific statutory or administrative rules.

Does My License Cover Fishing From Private Ponds?

Yes — your license generally covers fishing in private ponds unless specific private pond regulations or fishing license exemptions apply; you should check Arizona Game and Fish rules and property owner permission to confirm any local or species-specific restrictions.

Are There Discounts for Veterans or Active Military?

Yes — you get reduced rates, ironically saving money while serving: Arizona offers veteran discounts and military benefits on fishing licenses; you’ll need proper ID or qualifying documentation and must follow state regulatory eligibility and application rules.

How Are License Revenues Used by the State?

License revenues fund conservation efforts and wildlife management: you’ll see money allocated to habitat restoration, stocking, research, enforcement, and public access projects, with expenditures reported and regulated to meet state conservation and fishery management objectives.

Conclusion

You’ll find Arizona’s fishing license rules straightforward: if you fish, you’ll usually need a license, and costs vary by resident status, duration, and special programs. Coincidentally, the fee structures, exemptions, and free‑day dates align with conservation goals and statutory limits, so when you buy a permit you’re simultaneously complying with regulations and funding habitat management. Check current rates, carry your license, and use available youth, lifetime, or complimentary options to stay legal and support resource stewardship.