The Illinois annual fishing license cost is $15.00 for most residents and $31.50 for nonresidents. The 2026 annual license year began March 1, 2026, and the licenses for that year expire March 31, 2027. Check the date printed on your license before fishing.
Illinois Annual Fishing License Cost and Expiration
| Angler or license | Price | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Standard resident annual | $15.00 | Confirm Illinois residency and the March 31 expiration. |
| Standard nonresident annual | $31.50 | Check whether repeat visits fit within the same license year. |
| Standard resident three-year | $44.00 | Verify the exact multiyear expiration on the issued license. |
| Resident age 65–74 annual | $7.75 | Use the resident senior product if eligible. |
| Resident age 75+ annual | $1.50 | Use the resident super senior product if eligible. |
The IDNR fishing fees page and 2026 fishing regulations provide the listed prices. The state notes that an additional transaction fee may apply. Resident senior and qualifying first-time or veteran products have separate eligibility rules.
Decide Between Annual and Short-Term Coverage
- One resident 24-hour trip. The listed $5.50 product costs less than a standard annual license.
- Repeated resident trips. Three separate 24-hour licenses would total $16.50 before purchase fees, compared with $15.00 for the standard annual license.
- Visiting anglers. Compare the annual price with the nonresident short-term fees and the three-day trip rules. Trips in different license years need separate coverage.
See the Illinois resident senior license guide for the discounted annual and three-year tiers. If your trip targets trout or Lake Michigan salmon, use the trout and salmon stamp guide to check the separate privilege.
Buy, Carry and Reprint Your Annual License
- Start at IDNR’s licensing page for the online portal or an authorized vendor.
- Confirm your residency category, license year and any stamp before paying.
- Keep proof of the license while fishing and use IDNR reprint instructions if you need another copy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is an annual Illinois fishing license?
The standard price is $15.00 for a resident and $31.50 for a nonresident. Eligible Illinois seniors and some other residents have separate prices.
Is the Illinois annual license good for 12 months from purchase?
The annual license follows the state’s license year. IDNR lists March 31, 2027 as the expiration for the annual license year that began March 1, 2026.
Does an annual fishing license include the trout stamp?
Check the species and water. Licensed anglers who need a trout or salmon stamp must add the relevant separate privilege.
How much is a standard resident three-year license?
IDNR lists the standard resident three-year sport fishing license at $44.00. Verify the end date and any applicable stamp.
