You’ll pay $12 for a 24-hour resident fishing license and $14 for a 24-hour nonresident permit; nonresidents can also buy 3-day ($30) or 7-day ($43) options. Short-term resident licenses run March 1–Feb 28/29 and replace annual renewals for that period. Special stamps (trout/salmon $10, pictorial +$0.75) or voluntary stamps may apply, and you must carry the license while fishing. Scroll on to see exemptions, purchase locations, and limits.
Who Needs a 1-Day Fishing License in Minnesota?
Who needs a 1‑Day Fishing License in Minnesota? You need a 1-Day Fishing License if you’re a non-resident aged 16 or older; that requirement applies across fishing locations statewide.
If you’re a Minnesota resident aged 16 to 89, you also need the daily permit unless you meet specific exemptions (covered later). Children under 16 may fish without a license when accompanied by a licensed parent or guardian, but you should still verify supervision rules at your chosen fishing locations.
Minnesota residents 16–89 need a daily permit unless exempt; children under 16 may fish with a licensed guardian—check local supervision rules.
The fee is $12 for residents and $14 for non-residents; you’re required to carry the license while fishing or transporting fish to comply with state regulations.
For operational efficiency, factor license renewals into trip planning—single-day purchases eliminate annual renewal timing but check expiration details if you switch to or from season permits.
Keep the permit accessible and confirm local rules before you launch.
Who Is Exempt From a Daily Fishing Permit
You’ll find several clear exemptions from a daily fishing permit that affect age, military status, and specific locations.
Children under 16 and residents 90+ can fish without a permit, and active-duty veterans (discharged within 24 months) or Minnesota military on leave (with leave papers) are also exempt.
Additionally, you don’t need a separate license to fish while inside a licensed State Park.
Age-Based Exemptions
Although most anglers need a daily fishing permit, Minnesota waives that requirement for certain age groups and related categories: residents under 16 and those 90 or older don’t need a license, and specific veteran and military statuses (active-duty leave with papers, veterans discharged within 24 months with discharge papers) and some VA hospital in‑patients or licensed nursing/care home residents may also qualify for exemptions.
You should verify age requirements and exemption criteria before fishing: under-16 and 90+ residents are automatically exempt. For other categories, carry required documentation (leave or discharge papers, VA inpatient status, or proof of licensed nursing/care home residency).
Agencies enforce these rules on contact; lacking documentation can result in citation. Check Minnesota DNR resources for up-to-date verification and any procedural details.
Military and Veterans
Minnesota waives the daily fishing permit for certain military members and veterans: active-duty residents on leave are exempt when they carry leave papers, veterans discharged within the past 24 months are exempt with their discharge papers, VA hospital in‑patients don’t need a license, and residents of licensed nursing or boarding care homes are also exempt.
You’ll qualify for these military benefits when you present the required documentation at enforcement contact or when asked. This applies specifically to daily permit rules and doesn’t change other statewide licensing provisions.
Use veteran resources to verify eligibility and retain papers while fishing. Enforcement focuses on documentation rather than intent, so carry originals or certified copies.
- Active-duty on leave: leave papers required
- Recent veterans: DD214 or equivalent (≤24 months)
- VA in‑patients: hospital verification required
Special Living Situations
If you live in a qualifying care setting or fall into specific age or military categories, you don’t need a daily fishing permit. You’ll find exemptions target special circumstances and unique situations to reduce barriers for vulnerable groups. Minnesota waives daily permits for residents under 16, seniors 90+, current service members on leave (with leave papers), those discharged within 24 months (with discharge papers), VA hospital in‑patients, and residents of licensed nursing or boarding care homes.
| Exempt Group | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Under 16 | No permit needed |
| Age 90+ | No permit needed |
| Military on leave | Must carry leave papers |
| Recent discharge/VA/nursing home | Discharge papers or residency proof |
Follow documentation rules to confirm exemption before fishing.
Resident Daily and Short-Term License Options and Costs
You can buy a 24-hour resident fishing license for $12 or a 72-hour license for $14, both giving short-term access without committing to an annual permit.
You’ll find these license types fit anglers who need temporary coverage under Minnesota fishing regulations; both are valid from March 1 through the following Feb 28/29.
Residents under 16 don’t need a license, so they’re exempt.
Residents under 16 fish free — no license required, making it easy for kids to enjoy Minnesota waters.
- 24-hour license: $12 — single calendar day access, ideal for day trips and trials.
- 72-hour license: $14 — three consecutive days, suited for short vacations or weekend series.
- Youth exemption: under-16 residents fish free; no short-term purchase required.
You should choose based on trip length and compliance needs; short-term licenses eliminate annual commitment while meeting regulatory requirements.
Keep proof of purchase while fishing, and verify species-specific rules and seasonal closures before you cast.
Non-Resident 1-Day and Multi-Day Permit Prices
You’ll pay $14 for a non-resident 24-hour fishing permit, with 3-day and 7-day options priced at $30 and $43 respectively.
All non-resident licenses include a $5 surcharge, apply to anglers 16 and older, and must be carried during fishing or transport of fish.
Also note whether family or couple deals apply, since those can change per-day costs and total permit logistics.
Non-Resident 24-Hour Rate
For short visits, Minnesota offers a 24-hour non-resident fishing license for $14.00, with 3-day and 7-day multi-day options priced at $30.00 and $43.00 respectively; anglers over 16 must hold a license to fish in state waters.
You’ll meet non resident requirements by buying the correct short-term permit before you fish. The 24-hour rate covers a single calendar day with no extra first-day fees. For a quick trip, this minimizes cost and paperwork.
- Purchase options: online, by phone, or at approved retailers (e.g., Walmart).
- Compliance: carry evidence of license purchase while fishing.
- Scope: the 24-hour license applies only to that specific day; check dates at license purchase.
Plan your license purchase to match your trip duration.
3- and 7-Day Options
When you’re planning a short Minnesota trip, opt for the 1-day non-resident fishing license at $14, or choose the 3-day ($30) or 7-day ($43) multi-day permits to match your stay and keep costs efficient.
You’ll pick based on trip length and target species; non-resident licenses don’t include trout or walleye stamps, so add those when required. Carry your license while fishing or transporting fish to comply with regulations.
Use fishing license comparisons to quantify per-day cost: $14 for one day, $10 per day for three days, $6.14 per day for seven days, showing clear fishing duration benefits as days increase.
Choose the permit that aligns with your itinerary, expected effort, and regulation needs.
Family and Couple Deals
If you’re planning to fish with family or as a couple, Minnesota’s short-term non-resident options still keep per-person costs reasonable: a 1-day license is $14, a 3-day is $30, and a 7-day is $43, while family annual permits cover two adults and one child at a discounted rate.
You can choose short permits for a weekend trip or annual family fishing coverage if you expect repeated visits. Married couples can access reduced 14-day rates that lower per-person expense. These options make trip planning predictable and budget-friendly.
- 1-day: $14 — single-day access for casual outings.
- 3-day: $30 — flexible short-stay option.
- 7-day: $43 — best for week-long visits.
Required Stamps, Tags, and Additional Fees for Day Licenses
Although a 24-hour day license is inexpensive, you should account for required stamps and optional fees that affect total cost: Minnesota resident day licenses run $12 and non-residents $14, but stamps requirements and additional fees can raise that amount.
Although a 24-hour license is cheap, required stamps and fees can raise Minnesota resident $12 / non-resident $14 costs.
If you fish designated trout waters you must purchase the $10 trout/salmon stamp unless you meet an exemption; requesting the pictorial trout/salmon stamp adds $0.75.
The Walleye Stamp is voluntary at $5 if you opt to support stocking; it’s not required. Some original license transactions may include a $1 issuing fee, though certain license codes waive that fee.
In practice, plan for base license plus $10 for trout/salmon when applicable, plus $0.75 for pictorial and $1 issuing fee in some cases; add $5 only if you choose the walleye contribution.
This lets you calculate worst- and best-case daily costs quickly and make field decisions with clear budget expectations.
How and Where to Buy a Daily Fishing License
Because you need proof of permission on-hand, buy your 24-hour fishing license before you fish — online via the Minnesota DNR site, by phone, or at one of about 1,400 license agent locations (including major retailers like Walmart).
You’ll pay $12 for residents, $14 for non-residents. Instant licenses print via the Electronic Licensing System (ELS), so you get immediate access and a digital record for enforcement.
Use online purchasing for speed and to avoid outlet lines; the DNR site confirms the specific date and produces an ELS receipt you can show electronically.
Carry the license while fishing or transporting fish; it must be valid for the date you fish.
- Buy online through the Minnesota DNR site for instant ELS issuance and minimal delay.
- Call the DNR to purchase if you need assistance or can’t access the web.
- Visit any of ~1,400 license agents (Walmart and others) for in-person sales and printed proof.
Follow fishing regulations and keep your receipt accessible during your trip.
Rules, Possession Limits, and Special Restrictions for 1-Day Licenses
When you buy a 24-hour fishing license, you’re bound by the same daily possession limits as standard licenses except where a Conservation License halves those limits, so check which license type you purchased and plan your catch accordingly. You’ll pay $12 (residents) or $14 (non-residents) for that 24-hour permit. Follow fishing regulations: carry the license on your person, produce it for conservation officers, and obey area-specific rules that may override statewide limits.
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Possession limits | Standard limits; Conservation halves |
| License carry | Must carry and show on request |
| Special stamps | May require trout stamp/tags |
Check local regulations for specific lakes, rivers, or seasons before you fish. Certain species need extra stamps or tags even for one-day licenses. License enforcement is active; officers issue citations for violations. Plan harvests to remain compliant and avoid penalties.
Common Questions About Daily Fishing Permits
Curious about whether a short-term permit will cover your trip? You’ll find daily fishing permits are straightforward and cost-effective for casual outings. A 24-hour fishing license in Minnesota runs $12 for residents and $14 for non-residents; a 72-hour option is $14 for residents, and non-residents can buy a similar-priced 3-day license.
Daily permits start at purchase and remain valid for the specified period; you don’t need extra stamps unless you target species requiring special endorsements. Children under 16 don’t need a license, even when fishing with someone using a daily permit.
- Check daily fishing trends for peak times at your planned local fishing spots to maximize catch rates.
- Confirm permit duration aligns with your itinerary; 24- and 72-hour options cover most short trips.
- Verify species-specific rules at your location to avoid unexpected stamp requirements.
These facts help you choose the most efficient, compliant short-term permit for a targeted outing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Fish Across State Lines With a Minnesota 1-Day License?
No, you generally can’t fish across state lines with a Minnesota 1-day license; interstate fishing usually requires license reciprocity or separate permits, so check neighboring states’ rules and reciprocal agreements before you fish across borders.
Does a 1-Day License Cover Ice Fishing?
Yes — you can, but don’t forget the fine print: your daily permit limitations still apply, so you’ll follow ice fishing regulations, bag limits, and season rules; you’ll need to carry the permit and proof while fishing on the ice.
Are Refunds Available for Unused Daily Permits?
Generally no; you can’t get refunds for unused daily permits in most jurisdictions. Check the refund process with the issuing agency — permit validity rules and cancellation windows vary, so confirm policy details before purchase.
Can I Transfer My Daily License to Someone Else?
You can’t hand your permit to another angler; license transfer rules prohibit reassignment. Picture a stamped pass tied to your wrist. Daily permit regulations require the original purchaser to possess and use the permit during fishing.
Do Children Need a Separate 1-Day License With an Adult?
Yes — you’ll usually need a separate 1-day license for children unless exemptions apply; follow children fishing regulations and meet adult supervision requirements, carrying proof, checking local age limits, daily fees, and specific regional rules.
Conclusion
You’ve got the facts—who needs a 1-day license, who’s exempt, resident and nonresident costs, required stamps, where to buy, and the rules. Plan before you go: buy the right daily or multi-day permit, add any mandatory stamps, and follow possession limits to avoid fines. Keep paperwork handy and check special restrictions for your target species—an ounce of prevention saves time and money when you’re on the water.
