If you need a 1‑day fishing license in Minnesota, you can buy a 24‑hour permit online or at a retailer — residents pay $12 and non‑residents $14. The digital copy arrives by email and you can print it or show it on your phone. Bring ID if asked and remember some waters need extra stamps or tags, like trout or sturgeon. Keep the permit with you while fishing, and keep going to learn which extra fees might apply.
Who Needs a Fishing License in Minnesota?
If you plan to fish in Minnesota, you’ll generally need a license: residents aged 16 through 89 and non‑residents 16 and older must carry one while fishing or transporting fish.
You’ll want to know who’s covered so you don’t get fined — residents under 16 and those 90+ are exempt. You should also note that members of the U.S. Armed Forces on leave don’t need a license but must carry leave papers, and certain veterans discharged from overseas service within the last 24 months and in‑patients of U.S. Veterans Administration hospitals are exempt.
This concise fishing regulations overview helps you plan: always carry your license or qualifying paperwork when on the water or moving fish.
For fishing safety tips, keep identification and documentation dry and accessible, follow local rules for seasons and limits, and check regulations before you go. That way you’ll stay legal and focused on safe, responsible angling.
Who Is Exempt From Needing a Fishing License?
Who doesn’t need a fishing license in Minnesota?
If you’re under 16, you’re exempt—so kids can fish without worrying about license eligibility requirements.
The fishing exemptions criteria also include seniors aged 90 and older, so very elderly residents don’t need a permit.
Seniors aged 90 and older are exempt from Minnesota fishing licenses, so very elderly residents don’t need a permit.
If you’re a military resident stationed outside Minnesota and you’re on leave, you don’t need a license either, but you must carry your leave papers as proof.
Veterans discharged from overseas service in the past 24 months are covered by exemption rules, so keep discharge documentation handy.
In-patients of U.S. Veterans Administration hospitals and residents of licensed nursing or boarding care homes may qualify under the exemptions; check status and paperwork requirements with the department.
You should confirm each exemption against current state guidance before fishing, since eligibility can depend on documentation and specific circumstances, and knowing the exact criteria saves time and avoids potential citations.
Daily and Short-Term License Options and Prices
When you only plan to fish for a day or a few days, Minnesota’s 24- and 72-hour licenses give you flexible, low-cost options: residents can buy a 24-hour license for $12 or a 72-hour license for $14, while non-residents pay $14 for a 24-hour and $43 for a 72-hour. Each daily license is valid from the time of purchase until the same time the following day.
Those short-term permits are ideal if you’re testing local waters or squeezing in a weekend trip. You’ll get immediate access to fishing opportunities across lakes and streams without committing to an annual fee. The license benefits include lower upfront cost, flexibility for unpredictable plans, and coverage for consecutive days when you pick the 72-hour option.
Plan your outing so the license covers peak hours; remember expiration follows your purchase time, not midnight. Use these short-term choices when you want simplicity and targeted access without the long-term expense of a season pass.
How to Buy a 1-Day Fishing License Online and In Person
Want to grab a 1-day fishing license quickly? You can handle online purchasing through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website — residents pay $12, non-residents $14, and the license is good for 24 hours from purchase.
After you buy online, you’ll get a digital copy via email; print it or keep it on your phone so you can show it while fishing or transporting fish.
After purchase you’ll receive a digital copy by email—print it or keep it on your phone to show while fishing.
If you prefer in person, stop at approved retail outlets like Walmart or local tackle shops to buy the same 24-hour permit. The process is straightforward: bring ID if asked, pay the fee, and keep the paper receipt or issued card with you on the water.
Regardless of method, make sure the license is on hand before you fish. Choosing online purchasing gives instant access, while retail outlets are handy if you need a physical proof right away.
Resident Vs Non-Resident Daily Permit Differences
When you’re comparing resident daily rates to non-resident daily fees, you’ll notice residents pay $12 for a 24-hour license while non-residents pay $14.
That $2 difference reflects a $5 non-resident surcharge built into short-term permits, making them pricier for casual trips.
Also remember residents under 16 don’t need a license, but non-residents over 16 must buy one regardless.
Resident Daily Rates
Price differences for short-term fishing permits are straightforward: as a Minnesota resident you’d pay $12 for a 24-hour license (plus a $1 issuing fee) while non-residents pay $14 for the same 24-hour period with a $5 surcharge included, and residents also have the option of a 72-hour license for $14 that non-residents can’t buy. You get clear resident benefits: lower short-term rates and the 72-hour option, so you can plan trips without buying multiple day permits. Follow fishing regulations—carry your license and check size/season rules. Table below highlights quick comparison points.
| Type | Resident | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 24-hour | $12 (+$1 fee) | Standard |
| 72-hour | $14 | Resident-only |
Non-Resident Daily Fees
Curious how non‑resident daily fees stack up? You’ll pay $14 for a 24-hour non‑resident fishing license — $2 more than the $12 resident rate — largely due to a typical $5 surcharge applied to non‑residents.
If you need more time, non‑residents can opt for a 72-hour license at $43, while residents have access to various longer-term and annual options.
You should know non‑resident benefits are limited: short-term permits only, so you can’t buy an annual license that covers the whole season.
That’s practical if you’re visiting, but it also means you’ll re-buy permits for multiple trips.
Check local fishing restrictions before you go; your short-term permit covers Minnesota waters for the chosen duration.
Required Stamps, Tags, and Additional Fees
Although the daily permit covers your right to fish, you’ll often need extra stamps or tags to stay legal and target certain species. You should understand stamps importance and tag requirements before you head out: a 24-hour license costs $12 for Minnesota residents and $14 for non-residents, but trout waters require a Trout Stamp ($10, pictorial $10.75).
A daily permit gets you fishing, but trout waters need a Trout Stamp—check stamp and tag rules first.
If you’re specifically after walleye, the Walleye Stamp is voluntary but recommended at $5. For species like sturgeon, a Sturgeon Tag is mandatory and carries an extra fee, so check species-specific rules to avoid fines.
Also expect an additional $1 agent fee at some license vendors. Buy stamps and tags when you get the daily permit online or from agents to guarantee you’ve got everything printed or recorded.
Quick preparation saves time and prevents headaches—confirm which stamps and tags apply to the waters and species you plan to fish.
Rules for Carrying and Displaying Your Daily Permit
Now that you’ve checked which stamps and tags you need, make sure you also carry and display your 1-Day Fishing License properly while you’re out on the water.
You’ll need to keep the permit on your person or somewhere easily accessible for inspection by conservation officers; that satisfies display requirements and helps avoid misunderstandings.
Carry a government-issued ID too, since officers may verify identity and residency.
- Keep the printed or digital permit on you and visible, or in a compartment you can open quickly during checks.
- Carry a valid photo ID (driver’s license or equivalent) to confirm identity and residency if asked.
- If transporting fish, have the permit available for inspection without delay.
Don’t gamble with compliance: failing to carry or display the license can lead to fines or other license penalties.
Common Questions About Daily Permits and Short-Term Licenses
Wondering what daily permits cost and how long they last?
You can get a 24-hour license for $12 if you’re a Minnesota resident or $14 as a non-resident, and a 72-hour option costs $14 for residents and $30 for non-residents, each valid for consecutive 24-hour periods from purchase.
These short-term licenses are perfect if you’re an occasional angler or a visitor who doesn’t need a full annual permit.
Cost and Duration
If you only fish occasionally, short-term licenses give you a simple, affordable option: Minnesota offers 24-hour permits for residents at $12 and non-residents at $14, and 72-hour permits at $14 for residents and $34 for non-residents.
You’ll appreciate fishing license benefits like lower upfront cost and flexibility, and daily permit usage is straightforward: carry the permit while you fish for the specified period.
Short-term licenses suit casual anglers who don’t need an annual pass, and they still support fisheries conservation.
- Choose 24- or 72-hour based on trip length and cost.
- Always carry your permit and ID while fishing.
- Short-term buys still fund management and habitat work.
Who Qualifies
Because short-term permits are meant for casual trips, qualifying is straightforward: residents and non-residents can buy 24- or 72-hour licenses (residents pay $12 for 24 hours and $14 for 72; non-residents pay $14 and $34 respectively), children under 16 don’t need any license, and everyone else — including non-residents of any age — must carry a valid permit while fishing in Minnesota. You’re an eligible angler if you’re not a child under 16 and you plan a short trip; daily permits suit you when you don’t want a full-year license. Always check current fishing regulations before you go. Below is a quick reference:
| Type | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Resident | Must have permit if 16+ |
| Non-resident | Must have permit any age |
| Child (<16) | No license needed |
| Short trip | 24/72-hour options available |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Transfer My 1-Day License to Another Person?
No, you usually can’t transfer your 1-day license to another person; check license transfer rules and fishing permit policies for exceptions, but most jurisdictions require each angler to buy their own permit before fishing.
Does a 1-Day License Cover Ice Fishing?
Yes — your 1-day license usually covers ice fishing, but you’ll need to follow ice fishing regulations and daily license limitations. Check local rules for species, gear, and area restrictions so you don’t accidentally break regulations.
Are Refunds Available if Plans Change?
Yes — coincidences happen, and you’re lucky: refund policies often allow returns if you cancel promptly; you’ll want to check specific license cancellations rules, deadlines, and fees so you can plan practically and avoid surprises.
Does the Daily Permit Include Fishing From a Charter Boat?
Yes — you can fish from a charter boat using a daily permit, but you’ll need to follow charter regulations and local fishing guidelines; check with the captain and licensing agency to confirm vessel-specific rules and any additional endorsements required.
Can I Buy Multiple 1-Day Licenses at Once Online?
Yes — you can usually make an online purchase and buy multiple licenses in one transaction; check the state agency’s website for limits, age categories, and payment options so you’ll have all required permits ready.
Conclusion
Now you’ve got the lowdown, you can hit Minnesota waters with confidence. Whether you’re a resident grabbing a same-day permit or a visitor buying a 1-day license, keep required stamps and size/possession rules in mind. Carry your permit on you and show it if asked — don’t let paperwork sink your trip. With prices and rules known, you’ll be fishing like a pro in no time, reeling in memories without any surprise fees.
