If you need a one-day Minnesota fishing license, you’ll pay $12 as a resident or $14 as a non‑resident for a 24‑hour permit that’s valid from purchase time to the same time the next day. You must carry the permit while fishing or transporting fish, comply with the same catch limits and rules as annual license holders, and buy required stamps or tags (for example, trout or sturgeon) where applicable. Continue for specifics on vendors, exemptions, and endorsements.
Who Needs a One-Day Fishing License in Minnesota?
If you plan to fish in Minnesota for just one day, you (or anyone aged 16–89 who’s a Minnesota resident) must carry a one-day fishing license; non-residents older than 16 likewise need a 24-hour permit.
You must meet resident requirements if you’re a Minnesota resident aged 16–89; you’ll obtain and carry the one-day license while fishing or transporting fish.
If you’re under 16, you don’t need a separate license provided you’re accompanied by a licensed parent or guardian; that adult must meet resident requirements or non resident rules as applicable.
As a non-resident over 16, you must follow non resident rules by securing the 24-hour permit and carrying it on your person during all fishing activity and fish transport.
Enforcement is strict: you’re expected to present the license on request. Maintain proof of age and residency where required; failure to carry a valid one-day license constitutes a violation subject to citation.
Day Permit Costs for Residents and Non-Residents
Although you’re only fishing for a day, Minnesota requires a specific 24-hour permit: residents pay $12.00 and non‑residents pay $14.00, and both permits carry the same catch limits and regulatory obligations as full-term licenses.
You should treat this as a clear cost comparison between jurisdictions: the non‑resident fee is $2.00 higher, reflecting standard differential pricing for out‑of‑state users. You must be 16 or older to require a license; anglers under 16 fish license‑free.
In administering daily permits, the state applies identical fishing regulations to 24‑hour holders as to annual licensees — bag limits, size limits, and seasonal restrictions remain binding.
Fees collected from these short‑term permits are allocated to fisheries management and aquatic resource conservation, so your purchase supports enforcement and habitat programs.
When planning a single‑day trip, factor the $12.00 vs. $14.00 rate into your trip budget and guarantee you comply with all applicable fishing regulations for the waters you intend to use.
Where and How to Buy a Daily Fishing License
Having the cost and rules in mind, you’ll need to know where and how to buy the 24-hour license: purchase it online via the Minnesota DNR website or at authorized retail outlets (for example, many Walmart locations), and the license is valid from the time of purchase until the same time the next day.
For online purchases, create or sign in to your DNR account, select the 24-hour option, pay the resident ($12) or non-resident ($14) fee, and print or download the confirmation.
For retail options, confirm the vendor is an authorized seller, complete the transaction at the point of sale, and retain the printed license. You must carry the license while fishing or transporting fish to meet legal requirements.
If you need specific vendor locations, transaction procedures, or troubleshooting, consult the Minnesota DNR website or contact the DNR Information Center.
Follow these steps to remain compliant and guarantee the single-day permit covers your activity period.
Stamps, Tags, and Special Endorsements for Day License Holders
When you buy a 24-hour fishing license, you’re still responsible for any additional stamps, tags, or endorsements required for the waters or species you plan to target; these supplements must be purchased and carried with your day license to comply with regulations.
Buying a 24-hour license doesn’t remove the need for any required stamps, tags, or endorsements—carry proof.
You’ll pay $12 (residents) or $14 (non-residents) for the 24-hour license, but confirm stamps requirements before you fish. Trout waters require a $10 Trout Stamp. The voluntary Walleye Stamp costs $5 and can be useful if you intend to target walleye.
Specific species may require tags—most importantly the Sturgeon Tag—which you must obtain in addition to your license under applicable tag regulations. Carry receipts or proof of purchase and review daily and possession limits tied to the stamps or tags you hold.
Monitor area-specific rules; failure to present required stamps, tags, or endorsements during an inspection can lead to citations. Always verify current requirements with the state before each outing.
Exemptions and Rules to Know When Using a Day Permit
Along with stamps, tags, and endorsements, you need to know who qualifies for exemptions and what rules apply while using a 24-hour permit. You’ll pay $12 (resident) or $14 (non‑resident) for a 1‑day license, but exemption categories alter who must purchase one. Children under 16 never need a license. Certain military personnel on leave, veterans discharged within 24 months, and some state park residents may be exempt. You must carry the daily permit while fishing and while transporting fish. You’ll follow the same fishing regulations, species restrictions, and possession limits as regular license holders.
| Who | Rule |
|---|---|
| Child (<16) | No license required |
| Military on leave | Exempt when qualifying |
| Recent veterans | Exempt within 24 months |
| State park residents | Possible park-specific exemption |
| Daily permit holder | Must carry permit; follow regulations |
Check current agency guidance before you fish to confirm exemptions and adhere precisely to fishing regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Buy a Day Fishing License as a Gift for Someone Else?
Yes — you can purchase gift fishing licenses and daily permit options for someone else; you’ll need the recipient’s full name and required ID, follow state-specific issuance rules, pay applicable fees, and provide proof or transfer documentation as required.
Does a One-Day License Cover Fishing From a Boat or Only Shore?
Yes — your one-day license covers both boat fishing and shore fishing, provided you comply with local regulations, vessel requirements, and species-specific rules; you’re responsible for permits, safety gear, and observing area-specific restrictions and seasons.
Are There Age Limits for Purchasing a Daily Fishing Permit?
Yes — you’ll find age restrictions: most jurisdictions exempt young anglers and offer youth licenses, while adults must buy daily permits; check local regulations for exact age cutoffs, required ID, and any guardian signature rules.
Can I Fish Across State Lines With Minnesota’s Day License?
No, you can’t: Minnesota fishing laws restrict a day license to waters within the state, and interstate fishing regulations require compliance with the other state’s licensing and tagging rules before you fish across state lines.
Is a Printed Receipt Acceptable as Proof of a Day Permit?
Yes — you can use a printed receipt as proof of a day permit; make certain receipt validity shows purchaser name, date, permit type and transaction ID, because officers will verify permit enforcement against those printed details promptly.
Conclusion
You’ll want a one-day fishing license when you’re visiting Minnesota briefly or forgot to buy an annual permit—think of it as a safety net that keeps you legal on the water. Fees vary by residency and species endorsements, and you must carry the issued permit. Buy it online, at a license vendor, or through the DNR app; special stamps or tags may still be required. Follow size, season, and exemption rules precisely to avoid penalties.
