If you need a one‑day Minnesota fishing license, you’ll pay $12 as a resident or $14 as a non‑resident for 24 hours of legal fishing while following all size, bag and seasonal rules. Youth under 16 fish free when with a licensed adult; other exemptions (certain seniors, recent veterans, some park anglers) apply. Buy online, by phone, or at agents and carry proof. Continue for short‑term options, stamps, limits and replacement procedures.
Who Needs a One-Day Fishing License in Minnesota?
Who needs a one-day fishing license in Minnesota?
You need a one-day fishing license if you’re a resident or non-resident aged 16 or older and plan to fish for a single day in Minnesota waters. Under fishing regulations, both resident and non-resident anglers over 16 must meet license requirements before casting a line.
Residents and non-residents aged 16+ need a one-day fishing license to fish Minnesota waters for a single day.
Children under 16 don’t need a license when fishing with a licensed adult, but you should confirm the adult carries their valid permit.
One-day licenses cost $12 for residents and $14 for non-residents; they’re valid for 24 consecutive hours from purchase time and must be carried while you’re fishing.
You’re responsible for complying with all other applicable rules—season dates, bag limits, and gear-specific regulations—so treat the one-day license as meeting only the licensing requirement, not the entirety of regulatory obligations.
Always carry proof of purchase to avoid citations.
Who Is Exempt From a Daily Fishing Permit?
Although most anglers need a daily fishing permit, certain people are exempt and don’t have to buy one before fishing in Minnesota waters. You should know the specific exempt categories under state fishing regulations so you don’t purchase an unnecessary permit.
Minnesota residents under 16 may fish without a license or daily permit. Seniors aged 90 and older are also exempt for daily fishing activities. If you’re military and stationed outside Minnesota but on leave, you’re exempt when you carry valid leave papers. Veterans discharged from active duty within the past 24 months qualify for exemption; keep discharge documentation available.
Additionally, residents fishing inside State Park boundaries don’t need a daily fishing permit to fish within those park waters.
Follow these rules: carry required proof of status, confirm exemptions against current fishing regulations before you fish, and avoid assuming exemptions apply beyond described circumstances. Noncompliance can result in citations, so verify your eligibility in advance.
Daily Permit Costs for Residents Vs Non-Residents
You’ll note the resident 24‑hour fee is $12.00 while nonresident 24‑hour permits cost $14.00, and both authorize fishing for one calendar day under Minnesota DNR rules.
A 72‑hour resident permit is $14.00 versus $20.00 for nonresidents, which may affect your choice if you’ll be on the water multiple days.
Purchase at licensed vendors, online through the Minnesota DNR, or at designated offices and carry the permit as required by regulation.
Resident 24-Hour Fee
A 24-hour fishing license lets you fish for a single day and costs $12.00 for Minnesota residents and $14.00 for non-residents; these short-term permits suit casual anglers and help fund aquatic resource management and conservation.
For resident fishing, the $12 fee provides immediate, lawful access for a specified calendar day and carries the same regulatory obligations as longer-term licenses—you must carry proof of purchase and comply with bag, size, and seasonal rules.
The license benefits include targeted revenue for habitat maintenance and enforcement.
Choose the 24-hour option when you need temporary coverage without annual commitment.
Purchase through official state channels to guarantee validity and support conservation programs funded by these fees.
Nonresident 24-Hour Fee
When traveling to Minnesota to fish, note that a nonresident 24-hour fishing license costs $14.00, $2 more than the resident $12 daily permit; you must have one if you’re over 16 and intend to fish even for a single day.
You’ll follow identical fishing regulations as residents regarding seasons, bag limits, and species; the permit grants the same privileges for that 24-hour period.
For compliance, carry proof of the nonresident requirements and the license while fishing; enforcement is consistent and penalties apply for violations.
If you’ll fish beyond one day, consider longer nonresident options (3-day, 7-day) priced higher than the daily permit.
Plan with precision to meet licensing and regulatory obligations.
Buying Locations & Rules
If you need a 24‑hour fishing permit, note that residents pay $12 while non‑residents pay $14, and you can buy either online, by phone, or at authorized retailers (including Walmart); the permit is valid for 24 continuous hours from purchase.
You must carry proof of purchase while fishing and follow all state regulations regarding seasons, limits, and gear. Non‑residents over 16 always need a license; residents under 16 or 90 and older are exempt.
When buying at a retailer, check for point‑of‑sale signage and available fishing equipment or local bait to avoid delays on the water.
Keep start and expiration times clear; the 24‑hour window begins at purchase and allows unrestricted fishing within legal methods.
Short-Term License Types and Duration Options
You’ll find a 24-hour permit priced for Minnesota residents at $12 and a 72-hour option at $14, with short-term choices generally spanning one to three days.
Non-resident short-term licenses carry a $5 surcharge and are valid from purchase until the stated duration expires.
Also confirm any separate senior or youth pass rules and pricing before you buy.
24-Hour Permit Option
Looking for a short-term option? You’ll find structured hour permits aren’t standard in Minnesota; regulators offer 24-hour and 72-hour licenses instead.
If you need only a few hours, purchase the 24-hour permit ($12 residents) and plan within its single-day validity. Non-residents use the same durations and costs.
Buy online, by phone, or at approved retailers like Walmart to guarantee compliance before you fish. Follow posted rules for gear, catch limits, and approved fishing techniques at local hotspots to avoid violations.
Treat the 24-hour license as the regulatory tool for brief trips; it provides clear start/end times and recordable proof of authorization, which simplifies enforcement and your own planning.
72-Hour and Multi-Day
The 24-hour and 72-hour options frame Minnesota’s short-term fishing choices, so you’ll want to match your trip length to the correct permit before you head out.
A 24-Hour License for residents costs $12; the 72-Hour License is $14 and covers three consecutive days. Non-residents can buy one-, three-, or seven-day licenses with varying fees.
Purchase the short-term license before fishing and carry it while angling or transporting fish. Short-term permits suit occasional anglers and visitors who avoid a season license.
- Verify residency pricing before purchase.
- Buy the appropriate duration to match planned fishing techniques.
- Carry the permit on-water and ashore; present on demand.
- Plan bait selection and gear within license dates and regulations.
Senior and Youth Passes
When planning short-term trips, know that Minnesota offers reduced or no-cost options for certain age groups: youth anglers 16–17 can buy a short-term license for $5, residents under 16 don’t need a license, and residents 90 and older are exempt.
You’ll choose the appropriate short-term permit—24-hour ($12) or 72-hour ($14)—unless you qualify for exemption. For youth eligibility, carry proof of age when purchasing online or at retail outlets; the $5 youth pass covers the defined short-term duration.
For seniors, note that residents 90+ are exempt from licensing requirements, a formal senior discounts provision to guarantee access.
Keep documentation available, confirm residency rules at the point of sale, and observe the fixed validity periods for each short-term license.
Required Stamps and Tags for Single-Day Fishing
If you buy a 1-day fishing license in Minnesota, know that additional stamps or tags may still be required for specific species and waters. You’ll pay $12 (resident) or $14 (non-resident) for a 24-hour permit, but stamps types and tags requirements can still apply.
Check regulations for the water and species before you fish.
- Trout Stamp: $10; mandatory for designated trout waters.
- Walleye Stamp: $5; voluntary, supports stocking programs.
- Youth exemptions: under-16s don’t need a license but must carry required stamps for species-specific fishing.
- Water- or species-specific tags: verify local rules; some waters may impose additional tagging or reporting.
You’re responsible for confirming stamps types and tags requirements before purchase and possession. Carry proof of the daily license and any applicable stamps.
Failure to comply can result in citations; follow the posted regulations and consult the state’s fish and wildlife resources for current requirements.
How to Buy a One-Day Fishing License Online and In-Person
You can buy a one-day fishing license online at mndnr.gov/buyalicense, complete the purchase, and immediately print or save the digital license for use.
If you’re a Minnesota resident, have your state ID or driver’s license ready to verify residency; non-residents pay a different rate.
For in-person purchases, visit authorized agents such as Walmart or local tackle shops to obtain the same 24-hour license.
Online Purchase Steps
Although the steps differ by channel, buying a one-day Minnesota fishing license is straightforward: go to the Minnesota DNR’s Electronic Licensing System (ELS) to purchase online or visit any of the 1,400 license agents (including Walmart) to buy in person.
For online purchase, you’ll need personal details (name, date of birth, SSN if required) and a valid credit card for online payment. Complete the ELS transaction, then print or save the digital license emailed to you; carry it while fishing.
Fees are $12 for residents, $14 for non-residents.
- Gather identification and payment information.
- Access Minnesota DNR ELS and select one-day license.
- Complete online payment and confirmation.
- Receive and retain digital license for enforcement.
In-Person Agent Locations
Looking for a quick in-person option? You can buy a 24-hour fishing license at over 1,400 authorized agent locations statewide, including major retailers like Walmart.
The agent will verify your ID and, if needed, proof of residency so the correct fishing license types are issued—residents pay $12, non-residents $14 for 24 hours.
Bring a valid photo ID and documentation of residency when applicable. Agents process payment on site and issue a physical license immediately.
If you prefer not to visit an agent, you can buy online via the Minnesota DNR for instant access or call 1-888-665-4236 to purchase by phone with a credit card 24/7.
Check agent hours before you go.
Rules, Limits, and Regulations for Daily License Holders
When you buy a 24-hour fishing license—$12 for Minnesota residents and $14 for non-residents—you must follow all standard fishing regulations, including the daily and possession limits tied to the specific license type; conservation licenses, which carry half those limits, are available but impose additional restrictions.
This fishing regulations overview clarifies your duties: you follow the posted daily limits explanation, carry the license while fishing or transporting fish, and comply with species- and water-specific rules.
- Carry and present your valid 24-hour or conservation license to any conservation officer on request.
- Observe daily and possession limits associated with the license type; conservation licenses halve those limits.
- Follow bag, size, season, and gear restrictions for the species and water body you fish.
- Violations—fishing without a license or breaching limits—expose you to fines and penalties as enforced by the Minnesota DNR.
You’re responsible for knowing and following all current regulations.
Special Cases: Youth, Seniors, Military, and Nursing Home Residents
After following the general rules for 24-hour and conservation licenses, note that certain groups are exempt from the license requirement.
You don’t need a license for youth fishing if you’re a Minnesota resident under 16; they may fish without permit costs or registration.
If you’re a senior, Minnesota exempts residents aged 90 and older from license requirements, allowing fee-free senior fishing.
Active military personnel from Minnesota on leave don’t need a license when they carry leave papers while fishing.
Likewise, if you were on active military duty within the past 24 months and have discharge papers, you’re exempt.
Residents of licensed nursing homes or care facilities also don’t require a fishing license and may fish without incurring charges.
Carry the required documentation to demonstrate eligibility.
These exemptions apply only to licensing; you must still follow bag limits, seasons, size restrictions, and other regulatory provisions applicable to daily permit holders.
Replacement, Duplicate, and Validation Procedures for Daily Permits
Because daily permits are time‑limited and often needed on short notice, you should know the procedures for replacing, duplicating, and validating them before you head out to fish.
Because daily permits expire quickly, learn replacement, duplication, and validation steps before you head out fishing.
You’ll pay $12 (resident) or $14 (non‑resident) for a 24‑hour permit; validation requirements for activities like trout fishing may require additional stamps or tags not covered by that fee.
Follow prescribed replacement procedures promptly if you lose a permit: present identification, request reissuance, and pay any nominal issuing charge. Duplicate fees apply when obtaining a copy after loss; the standard duplicate fee is $0.50.
Keep documentation of payment and validation stamps with you while fishing.
- Report loss and request reissue with ID.
- Pay duplicate fees ($0.50) for replacement.
- Confirm 24‑hour start time from original purchase or reissue timestamp.
- Secure additional stamps/tags required for specific fisheries before angling.
Adhere to these rules to remain compliant and avoid citations.
Tips for Planning a One-Day Fishing Trip in Minnesota
Want to fish for a single day in Minnesota? Plan deliberately: a one-day fishing license costs $12 for residents and $14 for non-residents and covers a full day. Confirm the open season (generally May–March) for your target species before you go. Buy your permit online via the Minnesota DNR site or at retail outlets such as Walmart to avoid delays.
During trip preparation, check local weather and fishing reports; conditions affect fish activity and safety. Assemble essential fishing gear and inspect it—rods, lines, appropriate hooks, and a working net. Review species-specific daily and possession limits, and any Conservation License provisions that may alter limits at your chosen location.
Carry the license with you and know enforcement contact procedures for your area.
Pack basic safety items, freshwater, and a charged phone. Follow all regulations on catch, size, and area closures to avoid violations. Execute the trip with informed, compliant choices for a lawful, productive day on the water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Fish Across State Lines With a Minnesota One-Day License?
No, you generally can’t—Minnesota one-day licenses don’t cover other states; you’ll need to check interstate fishing regulations and license reciprocity agreements, obtain required permits, and follow each state’s seasons, limits, and reporting rules.
Are Catch-And-Release Only Waters Covered by Daily Permits?
About 60% of managed waters allow daily permits; yes, catch-and-release only waters can be covered if the permit explicitly states compliance. You’ll follow catch regulations and fishing zones, so check the permit’s terms before fishing.
Do One-Day Licenses Allow Ice Fishing in Winter Months?
Yes, you can ice fish with a one-day license in many jurisdictions, but you must follow ice fishing regulations and any winter fishing permits requirements; check local statutes for season dates, gear limits, and safety or area restrictions.
Can I Transfer My Daily Permit to Another Person?
No — you can’t transfer a daily permit; permit transfer rules prohibit assignment and daily license restrictions bind the named holder. Investigate exceptions only via the issuing agency, but administrative policy rarely allows reassignment or substitution.
Are Special Equipment Endorsements Required for Certain Species?
Yes — you’ll need special endorsements for certain species; check species regulations and specific equipment requirements before fishing. Review the rulebook or agency website, obtain required endorsements, and carry proof to avoid fines or seizures.
Conclusion
You’ll buy a one-day license when you’re fishing briefly, you’ll carry it on your person, and you’ll follow size, bag, and gear rules; you’ll skip the fee only if you’re exempt by age, residency, or status. Check resident vs nonresident prices, required stamps, and short-term durations before you go. Validate, replace, or duplicate promptly if needed. Plan launch, tackle, and timing to meet limits, avoid fines, and make a lawful, successful day on the water.
