If your child is 10–17, you’ll pay just $5 for Arizona’s youth fishing license (it’s valid 365 days and applies to residents and non‑residents). There’s also a $5 youth combination hunt-and-fish option and reduced-price junior permit‑tags for some hunts and fisheries. Short-term combo licenses run $15/day for residents and $20/day for non‑residents. Kids under 10 fish free; the youth license ends at 18, and more details are available if you want to continue.

Who Qualifies for a Youth Fishing License in Arizona

If your child is between 10 and 17 years old, they qualify for Arizona’s Youth Fishing License, which lets them fish statewide for a $5.00 fee.

You’ll need to follow the qualifying criteria: the license is for anglers aged 10–17 and is valid 365 days from purchase.

Note the age requirements precisely — under-10s don’t need a license and may fish free year-round, while the moment a youth turns 18 the youth license becomes invalid and they must obtain an adult license.

You can choose a Youth Combination Hunt and Fish License for the same $5.00 fee if you want both privileges; it’s available to residents and nonresidents.

For $5, get a Youth Combination Hunt and Fish License — residents and nonresidents eligible for both privileges.

Keep documentation of age and purchase date with you when fishing.

Youth License Types and Reduced-Price Junior Permit-Tags

Arizona makes it easy and affordable for young anglers by offering a $5 Youth Combination Hunt and Fish License for ages 10–17 and a range of reduced-price junior permit-tags for specific hunts and fisheries, all valid 365 days from purchase.

You’ll find the $5 combination license covers both hunting and fishing privileges, and the junior permit-tags lower costs further for species-specific opportunities. These reduced-price tags let you participate in targeted fisheries and youth hunts without adult fees, so you can gain experience and stay engaged.

You’ll still follow youth fishing regulations that set seasons, bag limits, and gear rules; the permits don’t exempt you from conservation requirements. Participating supports outdoor conservation programs and helps build stewardship by funding habitat and education initiatives.

Check tag availability and any age-specific rules before heading out, and keep your license on hand while fishing or hunting to comply with state law and support long-term resource protection.

Cost Breakdown: Youth and Short-Term License Rates

Alongside the $5 Youth Combination license and junior permit-tags, Arizona offers short-term options that let you fish without buying a full annual permit. You’ll find the $5 Youth Combination Hunt and Fish License available to anglers aged 10–17, and youth under 10 are exempt from licensing under state youth fishing regulations.

That keeps costs minimal while maintaining license eligibility criteria for junior anglers.

Keeping costs low while ensuring junior anglers meet state license eligibility and requirements.

Short-term licenses give you flexibility when you only plan to fish a day or two:

• Resident Short-Term Combination Hunt and Fish License: $15 per day.
• Non-Resident Short-Term Combination Hunt and Fish License: $20 per day.

Carry your youth license while fishing; it’s required and enforced.

These short-term choices are ideal if you’re visiting or trying fishing before committing to a full annual permit. They align with youth fishing regulations and clear license eligibility criteria, so you can plan affordably and legally for short trips or introductory outings.

How Long Youth Licenses Are Valid and Renewal Options

Your youth fishing license is valid for 365 days from the date you buy it, so you’ll need to renew it annually to stay legal.

The $5 youth combo covers both hunt and fish, but once you turn 18 the youth license expires and you must purchase an adult fishing license.

You can simplify renewals by enabling the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s auto-renewal option to avoid lapses.

Validity Period Length

A youth fishing license stays valid for 365 days from the purchase date, letting anglers aged 10–17 fish statewide until their license expires or they turn 18.

You’ll want to track license expiration so you don’t miss fishing opportunities; renewal is allowed anytime before the end date to maintain uninterrupted access. Parents or guardians should help manage renewals to keep kids eligible.

• Renew before expiration to avoid gaps and preserve fishing opportunities.
• Note that the license becomes invalid on the 18th birthday; plan accordingly.
• Use online renewal to simplify continuous coverage and record-keeping.

You’re responsible for timing renewals to maximize the full 365-day term and guarantee youth anglers can keep fishing without administrative interruptions.

Renewal and Transition

Having tracked the 365-day validity and kept renewals on schedule, you’ll also need to plan what happens as a youth angler approaches their 18th birthday and how to renew annually. Your youth license covers ages 10–17 and requires annual renewal to remain legal; check Arizona Game and Fish updates each year. At 18, you’ll complete a license change to an adult fishing license — youth permits become invalid on your birthday. Consider the $5 youth combo hunt-and-fish option for cost savings while eligible.

Exemptions and Special Free Fishing Days for Young Anglers

Because Arizona makes fishing accessible to young people, kids under 10 can fish free year-round and those 10–17 can get a 365-day combination hunt-and-fish license for just $5.

You should know that exemptions and special fishing day events don’t remove responsibilities: youth fishing regulations still apply whether you’re fishing on a typical day or a designated free day.

Arizona also runs an annual free fishing day on the first Saturday of National Fishing and Boating Week, and the next dates are June 7, 2025, and June 6, 2026.

• Use free fishing days to introduce kids to angling without license hurdles.
• Remember size, bag limits, and gear rules remain in force on free days.
• Plan outings at public waters to maximize access and safety.

You can take advantage of the $5 youth combination license for year-round access if your child is 10–17, but don’t rely solely on free days — they’re supplements, not substitutes, for knowing and following regulations.

Where and How to Purchase Youth Fishing Licenses

Wondering where to buy the $5 youth fishing license? You can complete an online purchase quickly through the Arizona Game and Fish website, visit local Game and Fish offices, or stop at licensed dealers across the state. The youth license covers ages 10–17 and is valid 365 days for the combination hunt and fish option. Carry the license while fishing to meet state rules, and remember it expires at 18.

You’ll get the same $5 rate whether resident or non-resident. Choose online purchase for the fastest service, or visit a dealer if you want immediate paper proof before heading to your favorite fishing locations.

Tips for Parents and Guardians Supporting Junior Anglers

Now that you know where to get the $5 youth combination license, help your junior angler make the most of it by preparing before you go. Make sure they carry their license—anglers aged 10 and older must have it in Arizona—and review local rules so they understand limits, seasons, and safe handling. Emphasize fishing safety: life jackets, hooks handling, sun protection, and staying within sight.

• Go over basic gear, knots, and casting in a quiet spot before heading to the water.
• Plan outings around Free Fishing Day to practice without worrying about permits.
• Join community events and youth programs to build skills and meet mentors.

You should model patience and compliance with regulations, correcting technique and reinforcing respect for wildlife and others.

Use community events to expose them to conservation principles and peer learning. With clear expectations and consistent practice, you’ll set them up for safe, legal, and enjoyable fishing experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Age-Specific Bait or Tackle Restrictions for Junior Anglers?

Yes — you’ll follow age restrictions and tackle regulations that vary by state; check local rules because some ages limit hook types, bait, rod strength, or require barbless hooks, specific tackle for safety and conservation.

Can Youth Fishing Licenses Be Transferred Between Children?

No, you can’t transfer youth fishing licenses between children; license transferability policies prohibit reassignment, and you must follow children’s fishing regulations by obtaining separate permits for each child, ensuring age and residency requirements are met.

Do Junior Permit-Tags Allow Fishing Across State Borders?

No — junior permits rarely cross state lines; you’ll find interstate fishing rules impose permit validity limitations, so you should confirm each state’s regulations before you fish, ensuring compliance and avoiding fines.

Are There Discounts for Families Buying Multiple Youth Licenses?

It depends on your state; some agencies offer family discounts when you buy multiple licenses, while others don’t. Check your fish and wildlife website or call the licensing office to confirm available family discounts and pricing.

What Happens if a Youth License Is Lost or Stolen?

Imagine a compass pointing home: you report the lost license, follow the replacement process online or at an agency, pay any fee, and you’ll get a new card — you’re responsible, so act promptly to avoid penalties.

Conclusion

You’re ready to get your young angler on the water — but wait: before you buy, double-check age limits, permit types, and the exact fees for your trip, because one small oversight can cost time or money. Grab the right short-term or annual youth license, note renewal dates, and mark free-fishing days on your calendar. Do that, and you’ll turn a simple outing into a legal, confident, unforgettable fishing adventure.