If you live in Washington and are 15 or older, you’ll need a resident fishing license and must carry proof during checks. Annual fees run about $39.95 for freshwater, $40.71 for saltwater, and $74.37 for a combination; a Fish Washington permit is about $94.15 and senior/other discounts apply. Short-term and specialty options (1–3 day, shellfish, razor clam) are available at lower rates. Continue for details on residency rules, discounts, and purchase/replace options.

Who Needs a Resident Fishing License in Washington

Who needs a resident fishing license in Washington? You do if you’re 15 or older and you live in the state.

State fishing regulations require residents to carry a license while fishing; licenses run April 1–March 31 and must be presented during license enforcement checks.

Residents must carry a valid fishing license (April 1–March 31) and present it during enforcement checks

To qualify as a resident, you must maintain a permanent place of abode in Washington for at least 90 days prior to purchase and provide proof of residency, such as a Washington driver’s license or state ID.

You’ll be subject to the same enforcement standards as other anglers: officers may request your license and ID during routine patrols or targeted compliance operations.

Exceptions and fee reductions exist for certain groups — veterans and individuals with disabilities may qualify for discounted resident license fees — but you still need to meet residency and documentation requirements.

Noncompliance can result in fines and citation under state fishing regulations and license enforcement policies.

Resident License Types and Annual Fees

Residents can choose among specific annual fishing licenses based on where and what they fish: the Combination license ($74.37) covers freshwater, saltwater, and shellfish/seaweed harvesting; Freshwater-only is $39.95; Saltwater-only is $40.71; the Fish Washington permit (freshwater + saltwater) is $94.15; and a senior annual license (age 70+) is available at $185.88 with equivalent adult privileges.

You’ll pick the license that matches your intended waters and activities; license comparisons clarify scope and cost impact. Fee breakdowns show the Combination is the most cost-effective for mixed-use anglers, while Fish Washington is higher-priced but redundant if you need shellfish/seaweed harvest privileges.

Freshwater and Saltwater single-use licenses reduce upfront cost if you restrict yourself to one environment. Seniors pay a higher flat fee yet retain full adult privileges, so factor eligibility before purchasing.

Use license comparisons and fee breakdowns to document compliance, budget annual expenses, and align permit choice with your fishing and harvest plans.

Short-Term and Specialty Resident Licenses

You can buy short-term and specialty resident licenses that match brief trips or specific harvests:

1-, 2-, and 3-day Combination licenses cost $14.90, $20.98, and $25.53 respectively (consecutive days only); a 3-day Razor Clam license runs $11.79; and a shellfish/seaweed specialty license is $17.40 and removes the need for a catch record card.

You’ll choose short term licenses when you need coverage for limited, consecutive-day outings without committing to annual fees. The 3-day Razor Clam license permits razor clam harvest for three consecutive days; you don’t need it if you hold a shellfish/seaweed or combination license.

Specialty licenses priced at $17.40 authorize shellfish and seaweed take and exempt you from a catch record card, simplifying compliance. Active duty military qualify for resident rates on short term licenses, maintaining affordable access.

Shellfish and seaweed specialty licenses ($17.40) allow take and waive catch record cards; active duty military get resident short-term rates.

Policy focus: check consecutive-day restrictions, confirm overlap rules (one license may substitute for another), and carry the appropriate license during harvest to avoid violations and guarantee legal take.

Residency Requirements and Eligibility for Discounts

How long must you live in Washington to qualify as a resident for a fishing license? You must maintain a permanent place of abode in Washington for at least 90 days before purchasing a resident license.

For residency verification, you’ll need a Washington driver’s license, state ID card, or military ID showing Washington as your duty station. If you currently hold a fishing or hunting license from another state, you’re ineligible for a Washington resident license.

Discount eligibility applies to specific groups: seniors aged 70+, veterans with service-related disabilities, and residents with disabilities.

To obtain reduced fees you must submit documentation proving your status—proof of age, disability certification, or VA documentation as applicable. Agencies review submitted documents against residency requirements and eligibility criteria; incomplete documentation delays issuance.

Follow state guidance on acceptable documents and timelines to guarantee compliance. This policy-focused approach minimizes disputes and clarifies who qualifies for resident rates and discounted licenses.

How and Where to Buy or Replace a Resident License

Where can you buy or replace your Washington resident fishing license? You can complete an online purchase 24/7 via the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife website or call (866) 246-9453 during business hours.

Hundreds of authorized dealers statewide also sell licenses in person, giving you immediate proof of purchase.

Follow the documented replacement process if your license is lost. Report the loss to a vendor, provide required personal information—note residents 16+ must supply a Social Security number—and pay the $9.70 replacement fee.

Licenses run April 1 to March 31 and must be carried while fishing; failure to present one can subject you to enforcement actions.

Use online purchase for convenience and record-keeping; use vendors for in-person verification or replacement.

Keep proof of purchase accessible and update contact details with the department to streamline future transactions and reduce administrative delays in the replacement process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Nonresident Military Members Qualify for Resident Rates While Stationed in Washington?

Yes — if you’re a nonresident military member stationed in Washington, you’re eligible for resident rates; you’ll need residency verification and documentation per military benefits rules, and you should follow Washington Fish and Wildlife policy procedures.

Are There Fee Waivers for Low-Income or Disabled Resident Anglers?

You’ll find a soft safety net: yes, Washington offers fee waiver eligibility for qualifying residents. You’ll need low income assistance documentation or disability proof, meet specific criteria, and follow the agency’s application and verification steps.

Do Lifetime Resident Licenses Transfer After the Holder Dies?

No, lifetime license transfer generally isn’t allowed; you’ll find terms usually revoke licenses at death. Check specific state policy for exceptions, but estate fishing rights rarely include transferable lifetime license benefits to heirs or estates.

Are There Refund Policies if a License Is Bought by Mistake?

Yes—you can request a refund for license errors; you’ll follow the refund process outlined by the agency, provide purchase proof and error details, meet eligibility windows and documentation requirements, and expect processing timelines and possible administrative fees.

Does a Resident Fishing License Cover Tribal Fishing Permits or Sturgeon Endorsements?

About 70% of anglers lack extra permits, and no — your resident license usually doesn’t cover tribal regulations or sturgeon endorsements; you’ll need separate tribal permits and sturgeon endorsements per policy, so check specific agency requirements.

Conclusion

You qualify for a resident fishing license if you live in Washington and meet the residency rules, and you’ll pick the license type that matches your needs — annual, short-term, specialty — with fees set by statute and adjusted periodically. You’ll find discounts if you qualify and agencies post fee schedules and purchase options online and in person. Buy, replace, or check eligibility through the state agency so you stay compliant and avoid fines.