You can get a 1‑day Minnesota fishing license for $12 (same for residents and nonresidents) and buy it instantly online or at one of 1,400+ retail agents. You’ll need a license if you’re 16 or older (residents 16–89), while kids under 16 and some special cases are exempt. The 24‑hour option suits single‑day trips; 72‑hour and other short permits are available. Keep your license on you and check stamp/tag rules to learn more.
Who Needs a 1-Day Fishing License in Minnesota?
Wondering whether you need a 1‑Day Fishing License in Minnesota? You do if you’re a non-resident aged 16 or older; Minnesota’s non resident regulations require all non-residents 16+ to carry a valid license.
If you’re a Minnesota resident between ages 16 and 89, you also must have a current fishing license, though you can choose a 1-Day License for a short outing.
Children under 16 are exempt from any license requirement, and residents aged 90 and older don’t need a license either.
The 1-Day License costs $12 for both residents and non-residents, so it’s a straightforward, temporary option when you don’t want a season permit.
Whatever your status, you must carry the license while fishing to comply with rules and allow officers to verify validity.
Know the fishing age requirements and non resident regulations before you cast, and keep the license accessible at all times.
Cost Breakdown for Daily and Short-Term Permits
If you only need to fish for a day or a few days, Minnesota’s short-term licenses give you flexible, cost-effective options: a 24-hour license costs $12 for residents and $14 for non‑residents, while a 72-hour license is $14 for residents.
You’ll find daily permit benefits include lower upfront cost, no long-term commitment, and immediate coverage from purchase time until the duration ends. Choose a 24-hour permit when you’re on a day trip; pick 72-hour if you’ll fish over a long weekend.
When doing a fishing license comparison, note non-resident pricing carries a $5 surcharge versus resident rates, which explains the $2 difference on the 24-hour option.
All short-term licenses activate at purchase and expire after the stated period, so you won’t overpay for unused days. These permits are ideal if you want predictable, short-term access without buying an annual license.
Exemptions and Special Cases for Short-Term Fishing
Several groups are exempt from Minnesota’s short-term fishing license requirements, so you don’t always need to buy a 24- or 72-hour permit. You should know the specific exempt categories so you can assert your fishing privileges without confusion. Children under 16, in-patients of VA hospitals, residents of licensed nursing or boarding care homes, and certain military personnel qualify when they carry appropriate papers.
| Exempt Category | Who Qualifies | Required Proof |
|---|---|---|
| Children | Under 16 years old | Age verification if asked |
| Active-duty leave | MN residents in U.S. Armed Forces on leave | Leave papers |
| Recent veterans | Residents discharged within 24 months | Discharge papers |
| VA in-patients | Patients in Veterans hospitals | Hospital ID |
| Care-home residents | Licensed nursing/boarding homes | Facility verification |
Check requirements before you fish; exemptions protect your rights and make short trips simpler while keeping you compliant with state rules.
Where and How to Buy a Daily Fishing Permit
Where can you buy a 1-day fishing permit in Minnesota? You can get a daily permit quickly via online purchasing or at physical vendors. A 1-Day Fishing License costs $12 for residents and $14 for non-residents.
Buy through the Minnesota DNR website or the Electronic Licensing System (ELS) for instant, emailed digital copies you can carry instead of paper. Over 1,400 license agents statewide also sell permits, including major retail outlets like Walmart.
Remember you must have the license with you while fishing or transporting fish.
- Purchase online via the Minnesota DNR site or ELS for immediate digital delivery.
- Visit any of 1,400+ license agents across the state, including retail chains.
- Ask agents for instant or printed copies if you prefer paper.
- Keep the digital or printed license on your person while fishing.
- Non-resident and resident rates differ; confirm $12 resident / $14 non-resident before purchase.
Stamps, Tags, and Additional Requirements for Day Licenses
Because a 24-hour fishing license covers only general angling, you’ll need additional stamps or tags when targeting certain species or waters: trout/salmon require a $10 stamp (pictorial $10.75), walleye stamps are voluntary at $5 (pictorial $5.75), and sturgeon harvests need a separate tag; otherwise the $12 resident / $14 non-resident daily license is sufficient.
You must follow trout stamp requirements and consider walleye stamp options before you fish designated waters. The trout/salmon stamp is mandatory in trout waters; carry proof. Walleye stamps are voluntary but help conservation; choose pictorial if you want a keepsake. Sturgeon harvest requires its own tag and specific season rules. Check current regulations online or at vendors to confirm boundaries, bag limits, and reporting duties. Below is a quick reference.
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| 24-hour resident | $12 |
| 24-hour non-resident | $14 |
| Trout/salmon stamp | $10 ($10.75 pictorial) |
| Walleye stamp | $5 ($5.75 pictorial) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Age Limits for Purchasing a 1-Day Fishing License?
Yes — you’ll encounter age requirements for a 1-day fishing license; lots of states exempt children or offer youth licenses at reduced or no cost, so check local regulations to confirm specific age brackets and rules.
Can I Refund or Transfer a Daily Fishing Permit?
No, you usually can’t get refunds or transfer options for daily permits; refund policies are strict and one‑time use applies, though you should check the issuing agency’s site for rare exceptions or emergency-based allowances.
Does a 1-Day License Cover All Minnesota Waters?
Mostly, yes — but don’t expect carte blanche: a 1-day license usually covers Minnesota waters, yet Minnesota fishing regulations and specific fishing license types can restrict certain areas or species, so check local rules before you fish.
Are Catch Limits the Same With a Daily Permit?
Yes — catch regulations stay the same with a daily permit; you’re bound by the same species limits, size and bag rules. Permit differences only affect duration and eligibility, not legal catch limits or seasons.
Can I Buy a 1-Day License for Someone Else?
Yes — you can typically buy a 1-day license for someone else, but check gift fishing rules and license restrictions in your state; you’ll often provide recipient details and follow ID, residency, and age requirements when purchasing on their behalf.
Conclusion
If you’re planning a one-day Minnesota fishing trip, a daily license keeps you legal and flexible—especially since short-term permits cost as little as $11 for residents and $24 for nonresidents. Don’t forget special stamps (like trout or peregrine falcon where required) and age exemptions that may apply. With over 10,000 lakes in Minnesota, choosing a daily permit can be a smart, cost-effective option when you’re sampling different waters or only have time for a single day.
