You’ll pay about $40.25 for a resident youth fishing license (around $43.57 for nonresidents); a Combination license and short‑term options (1‑day $14.90, 2‑day $20.98 resident rates) are available. Licenses expire March 31; new season sales start April 1. Youth under 16 often fish free with a licensed adult or during Free Fishing Weekend. Additional fees apply for endorsements (two‑pole, Puget Sound Dungeness crab) and catch cards; continue for details on buying, residency and rules.

Youth Fishing License: Who Qualifies

Who qualifies for a youth fishing license? You qualify if you’re under the age of 16, meeting clear youth eligibility criteria that let you fish without an adult license.

Fishing age requirements allow independent angling for under-16s, but you’ll need proof of age—such as a birth certificate or other valid ID—when applying.

Note regulatory nuance: youth under 14 can fish free year-round when accompanied by an experienced adult, so you won’t need a separate youth license in that scenario.

Licenses issued to qualifying youth expire March 31 of the following year, and new licenses must be purchased beginning April 1.

Keep documentation current and confirm your status before purchase to avoid noncompliance.

This framework balances access and oversight: age-based thresholds, ID verification, and uniform expiration dates let you and regulators track eligibility reliably and consistently under state rules.

Cost Breakdown by License Type

Because youth licenses follow the same residency and regulatory rules as adult permits, you should pick the license type that matches your needs and budget: a Youth Fishing License (for under‑16s) costs $40.25 for residents and $43.57 for non‑residents under Fish Washington.

A youth Combination License is $28.83, and short‑term Combination options run $14.90 for 1 day or $20.98 for 2 days (resident rates).

You’ll evaluate fishing license types based on trip frequency and water access: the full Youth Fishing License is highest cost but covers season-long freshwater angling; the Combination License at $28.83 gives broader saltwater and freshwater coverage at a lower price point.

Consider trip frequency and waters: the full Youth Fishing License covers season freshwater; the $28.83 Combination adds saltwater affordably.

Short-term fishing options let you buy by occasion — 1- or 2-day Combination licenses reduce upfront spending for occasional outings.

All prices reflect youth license costs under the same purchase rules as adults, so factor planned use, species targeted and budget when selecting the license type that minimizes cost while meeting legal coverage.

Residency Rules and Documentation

To qualify for Washington’s youth fishing license, you’ll need to meet the 90-day domicile rule by maintaining a permanent abode in the state for at least 90 days before purchase.

You’ll also have to present acceptable residency documents—such as a Washington driver’s license, state ID, or military ID with orders listing Washington as your duty station.

Note that you can’t hold resident fishing or hunting licenses in another state while claiming Washington residency.

Residency Qualifying Documents

If you want a Washington resident fishing license, you must have maintained a permanent place of abode in the state for at least 90 days before purchase and present acceptable documentation—such as a Washington driver’s license, state ID, or military ID with orders listing Washington as your duty station—to prove residency.

For residency verification, present one of the acceptable documents above and guarantee you’re not holding resident fishing or hunting licenses from another state at application.

WDFW enforces WAC 220-220-050; nonstandard proof may be required in edge cases. If you can’t provide standard documents, contact WDFW Licensing for guidance on alternative evidence.

You’re responsible for accurate, current paperwork; incomplete verification can delay or deny resident license issuance.

90‑Day Domicile Rule

The Day Domicile Rule requires you to have maintained a permanent place of abode in Washington for at least 90 consecutive days before you apply for a resident fishing license.

You’ll need to prove that residency with a Washington driver’s license, state ID, or military ID showing Washington as your duty station.

Under WAC 220-220-050 you mustn’t hold resident fishing or hunting licenses in another state while applying here.

For residency verification you’ll present one of the primary IDs; alternative documentation (utility bills, lease, or official orders) may be accepted but you should contact WDFW Licensing in advance.

The day domicile standard is fact-based: 90 consecutive days establishes physical presence, and documented evidence verifies eligibility for resident rates.

Free Fishing Days and Youth Discounts

Although youth under 16 can fish free year-round when accompanied by a licensed adult, you can also take advantage of specific fee waivers and lower-cost options: you’ll find policies that support fishing education and outdoor activities while keeping costs low. Free Fishing Weekend (the weekend after the first Monday in June) waives licenses for everyone, so plan events or introductory trips then. The Fish Washington annual youth license costs $40.25 and covers freshwater and saltwater; it’s significantly cheaper than adult licenses, expanding access. The state actively promotes youth participation to build stewardship and provide clear regulatory pathways.

Check local regulations for any additional regional waivers or program-specific discounts.

Short-Term and Seasonal Youth Licenses

When you need temporary access, short-term youth licenses give clear, lower-cost options: a 1-Day Combination runs $14.90 and a 3-Day Combination $25.53 (resident rates), while the annual youth Fish Washington license is $40.25 for broader freshwater and saltwater access.

You’ll choose short term licenses when you fish infrequently or want trial access without the annual cost. Youth under 16 can buy these limited-duration permits, but note they must be used on consecutive days and aren’t valid for game fish during specified closed periods.

If you’re under 14 and fishing with an experienced adult, you don’t need a license. Fees for youth remain lower than adult rates, so short-term options plus seasonal discounts during promotional windows can make outings economical.

Stay aware of regulatory restrictions on species and dates, confirm consecutive-day requirements, and compare the per-day cost versus the $40.25 annual permit to decide whether short-term or seasonal discounts best fit your planned fishing activity.

Where to Buy a Youth Fishing License

Looking for a youth fishing license? You can complete online purchasing through the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) website; you’ll need to create an account, select the appropriate youth product, and accept any processing and printing fees.

Looking for a youth fishing license? Buy online from WDFW—create an account, choose the youth product, and accept fees.

If you prefer in-person transactions, visit WDFW regional offices where staff will issue licenses and answer regulatory questions.

Authorized local vendors across the state also sell youth fishing licenses, offering convenient access near tackle shops and sporting goods retailers. Fees at authorized agents can include additional service charges, so verify the total before paying.

Remember: youth under 16 fish free year-round when accompanied by an experienced adult, but specific activities still require a license, so confirm eligibility before you go.

Choose the channel that fits your timeline and documentation needs: online purchasing for speed and recordkeeping; local vendors or WDFW offices for immediate, face-to-face assistance and clarification of regulations.

Required Catch Record Cards and Endorsements

If you’re buying a youth fishing license or stopping by a WDFW office or vendor, also check which catch record cards and endorsements you’ll need before you fish:

You’re responsible for carrying any required catch record when targeting regulated species (salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, halibut, Puget Sound Dungeness crab).

Catch record cards are free and available from license dealers or online at purchase; you must have them in possession while fishing those species.

Endorsement requirements vary by activity and area and must be added to your license where applicable.

1. Catch record: required for specified species, free, obtain with license purchase or at dealers; you must carry it while fishing those species.
2. Two-Pole Endorsement: add to your license if you intend to use two poles in areas where allowed; confirm local rules before fishing.
3. Puget Sound Dungeness Crab Endorsement: costs $11.89 and is mandatory for harvesting Dungeness crab in Puget Sound alongside your youth license.

Rules for Youth Fishing and Supervision

Although youth under 14 can fish for free year‑round when accompanied by an adult with a valid license, an adult must supervise youth anglers at all times to confirm compliance with catch limits, seasonal restrictions, and any required catch record cards or endorsements. You’re responsible for direct supervision, enforcing fishing regulations, and verifying whether the youth needs a paid license (under 16) depending on residency or specific waters. Follow supervision guidelines: stay within sight, verify bag limits, and ascertain endorsements are used where required.

Treat rules as binding: youth status doesn’t exempt them from seasonal closures or area-specific rules. If youth hold the $40.25 non‑resident or $94.15 resident license, you still supervise. Keep documentation available and log catches if a catch record card applies. Noncompliance can trigger fines or loss of privileges, so prioritize regulatory adherence.

Renewals, Replacements, and Important Dates

Because youth licenses run on a fixed annual cycle, you’ll need to renew by March 31 to remain legal for the next season and can begin purchasing the new license on April 1; resident youth pay $40.25 and non‑residents $43.57 under Fish Washington.

Duplicates cost $9.70 if lost or damaged, and parents or guardians can complete renewals with the required ID and residency documents.

You should note license expiration is always March 31; plan renewals early to avoid gaps. If your card is lost, request a duplicate license for $9.70—keep proof of purchase or ID handy to speed processing.

Be aware of Free Fishing Weekend (weekend after the first Monday in June): youth can fish without a license but must still follow catch and gear rules.

1. Renew by March 31; sales reopen April 1.
2. Obtain duplicate license ($9.70) for lost/stolen/mutilated cards.
3. Parents/guardians present residency ID to renew for minors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Youth Licenses Cover Ice Fishing Competitions?

Yes — you can usually enter, but you’ll need to confirm specific ice fishing regulations and competition eligibility: some events require standard adult licenses or permits, age verification, or additional tournament registration, so check the event and state rules.

Can Junior Anglers Fish in Private Lakes With a Youth License?

Yes — you can, but only with landowner permission and following private lake regulations; youth fishing guidelines still require adherence to statewide licensing, size and creel limits, and seasonal restrictions, so check local rules before you cast.

Are There Discounts for Multiple Children in One Family?

It depends: you’ll often find family discounts or group rates for multiple children, but availability and savings vary by state and agency. Check local fish-and-wildlife regulations or the licensing website for specific eligibility, pricing, and documentation requirements.

Do Youth Licenses Include Access to National Parks’ Fishing Areas?

Yes — you can fish there if regulations allow; youth fishing regulations determine national park access, so you’ll check park-specific rules, required permits, and seasons before you go to guarantee compliance and avoid fines.

Can Non-Resident Guardians Buy Youth Licenses for Visiting Children?

Yes — you can often buy youth licenses for visiting children, but you’ll need to follow non resident regulations and accept guardian responsibilities, providing ID, proof of guardianship, and paying applicable nonresident fees per state rules.

Conclusion

Think of your youth fishing license as a map: it pins where you can cast, what rules bind you, and what costs you’ll meet. Like a compass, residency, endorsements, and valid dates keep you headed right. Follow documented requirements, note free-fishing days and short-term options, and renew on time to avoid penalties. Keep records and replacements handy—these small, regulated steps turn a simple outing into responsible stewardship of waterways and future access.