If you need a short trip license in Arizona, you can buy daily combination hunt-and-fish permits at $15 per day for residents and $20 per day for non‑residents, so a 3‑day run will cost $45 (resident) or $60 (non‑resident). You’ll need a license if you’re 10 or older, must carry it while fishing, and can purchase online, at Game and Fish offices, or at authorized dealers — keep going to see where else it matters.
Who Needs a Fishing License in Arizona
If you’re 10 or older and plan to fish Arizona’s public waters, you must carry a valid fishing license; anglers under 10 and blind residents are exempt.
You’ll need a license to take fish, frogs, crayfish, or other aquatic wildlife, so plan accordingly. Youth licenses exist to give younger anglers affordable access while keeping you compliant with state fishing regulations.
You must have a license to take fish, frogs, crayfish, or other aquatic wildlife—youth licenses keep fishing affordable and compliant.
If you’re in the armed forces, you may qualify for a resident license under specific conditions even if you’re not a state resident — check eligibility before you buy.
You’ll also want to note designated free fishing days when licenses aren’t required; upcoming events are June 7, 2025, and June 6, 2026.
Keep your license on you while fishing public waters, and review local rules for species limits, seasons, and gear restrictions. Following these points helps you avoid fines and fish responsibly.
Short-Term and Daily License Options Explained
If you only need a short trip, Arizona’s short-term Combination Hunt and Fish license is sold by the day—$15 per day for residents and $20 per day for non-residents.
That means a 3-day fishing outing costs residents $45 and non-residents $60, with each day charged separately and non-transferable.
You can buy these valid-for-all-aquatic-wildlife licenses online or at license dealers, and anyone 10 or older must carry one while fishing public waters.
Short-Term Combo Rates
Short-term combo licenses give you a flexible, pay-by-the-day option for both hunting and fishing—$15 per day for Arizona residents and $20 per day for non-residents—so you can legally fish or hunt for a single day without committing to a longer license.
You get short term benefits like lower upfront cost and fishing flexibility for spontaneous trips or one-off outings. These single-day permits cover public waters and apply to anglers aged 10 and older, so you’ll need one whenever you fish in accessible areas.
Carry the license while fishing, just as you’d a standard license, to avoid citations. For occasional anglers and hunters who don’t want a season pass, these combos are a clear, cost-effective choice.
Daily Resident vs. Nonresident
You can compare resident and nonresident daily options to figure out which short-term choice fits your trip and budget.
A resident daily combination hunt and fish license costs $15, while nonresidents pay $20, so a three-day stretch totals $45 for you as a resident or $60 if you’re nonresident.
Youth ages 10–17 pay only $5 per day, regardless of residency. Daily licenses cover only the specific purchase day, so you’ll need one for each day you fish Arizona’s public waters.
Make sure everyone aged 10 and older has a valid license before casting. Choose based on how many days you’ll fish, the fishing techniques you plan to use, and the local hotspots you want to hit.
Cost Breakdown for a 3-Day Fishing License
You’ll pay a daily short-term rate of $15 per day if you’re a resident and $20 per day as a non-resident.
For a 3-day trip that adds up to $45 for residents and $60 for non-residents, with the license valid only on the specific days you buy.
You can purchase short-term licenses online, at Arizona Game and Fish offices, or from licensed dealers statewide.
Daily Short-Term Rate
Although your outing might only last a few days, the daily rate keeps costs simple and predictable: residents pay $15 per day while non-residents pay $20 per day, so a 3-day trip totals $45 for residents and $60 for non-residents.
You’ll find daily fishing rates and short term licenses are straightforward and ideal for temporary anglers. These short term licenses grant legal access to public waters without extra permits or hidden fees.
Keep the license on you while fishing, since anyone 10 or older must carry one. Consider this quick summary:
- Rate per day: $15 (resident), $20 (non-resident).
- 3-day total: $45 (resident), $60 (non-resident).
- Coverage: all public waters under general regulations.
- Requirement: have the license in possession while fishing.
Resident Vs Non-Resident
When comparing resident and non-resident short-term rates for a 3-day Combination Hunt and Fish license, residents pay $15 per day (totaling $45) while non-residents pay $20 per day (totaling $60), and both must carry the license while fishing. You’ll notice resident benefits in the lower daily cost, which saves you money on short trips. Non resident restrictions are financial rather than access-based — both get the same fishing privileges in public waters for consecutive days. Youth anglers (10–17) pay $5 for a youth Combination license, a budget-friendly option for families. Keep the license on you while fishing to avoid fines. Visualize the comparison:
| Type | Daily Price | 3-Day Total |
|---|---|---|
| Resident | $15 | $45 |
| Non-Resident | $20 | $60 |
Where to Purchase
Because short-term combination licenses are priced by day, you can plan where to buy based on convenience and cost: residents pay $15/day ($45 for three days) and non‑residents $20/day ($60 for three days).
You can purchase them online, at Arizona Game and Fish Department offices, or from licensed dealers across the state. You’ll need the license on you while fishing public waters; short-term permits cover all aquatic wildlife for the chosen days.
Choose the purchase method that fits your trip: order online before you head to local hotspots, stop at a regional office for questions, or grab one at a dealer while buying fishing gear.
Consider timing and nearby access.
- Online
- AGFD offices
- Licensed dealers
- At launch sites
Resident Vs Non-Resident Pricing Differences
One clear difference you’ll notice is price: short-term Combination Hunt and Fish licenses run $15 per day for Arizona residents and $20 per day for non-residents, so a three-day outing costs $45 for a resident versus $60 for a non-resident. You should factor that $5 per day gap into trip planning, especially if you’re guiding friends from out of state. Both short-term licenses let you fish public waters for 24 hours from purchase, so timing matters as much as cost.
| Category | Resident | Non‑Resident |
|---|---|---|
| Daily rate | $15 | $20 |
| 3-day total | $45 | $60 |
| Validity | 24 hours per day | 24 hours per day |
Remember that anglers 10 and older need a valid license; fishing regulations and license requirements apply equally once you hold the ticket. Picking resident vs non‑resident pricing affects budget, not access, so plan accordingly.
Where to Buy a 3-Day Fishing License
You can buy a 3-day short-term Combination Hunt and Fish license instantly online for immediate use.
If you prefer in-person options, authorized license dealers statewide sell the same short-term license, and Arizona Game and Fish Department offices also handle purchases.
Make sure you carry the license while fishing to meet state requirements.
Online Instant Purchase
Need a short-term 3-day fishing license fast? You can get instant access and printout via the Arizona Game and Fish Department website — a solution that highlights online benefits and purchase convenience.
You’ll pay $15 per day if you’re a resident, $20 per day if you’re a non-resident, and the license covers up to three consecutive days.
- Visit the AGFD website for immediate issuance and printable proof.
- Enter required information, choose the Combination Hunt and Fish short-term option, and pay securely.
- Download or print the license; it’s valid immediately for fishing public waters if you’re 10 or older.
- Note: all licenses are valid for 365 days from purchase and are non-transferable and non-refundable.
Authorized License Dealers
While online purchases are fastest, if you prefer buying in person you’ll find short-term 3-day Combination Hunt and Fish licenses at more than 150 authorized dealers across Arizona—including many sporting goods stores, bait and tackle shops, and convenience stores—plus at Arizona Game and Fish Department offices, all of which can issue licenses on the spot.
When you visit a dealer, ask about license availability for resident and non-resident daily rates ($15 and $20 per day) and confirm they carry the short-term option.
Purchase locations are convenient near lakes and urban centers, so you can pick up a license right before you fish.
Remember all fishing licenses are valid 365 days from purchase, even short-term ones.
Department Office Sales
If you prefer buying in person rather than online, Arizona Game and Fish Department offices also sell the short-term 3-day Combination Hunt and Fish license for $15 per day for residents and $20 per day for non-residents.
You’ll follow standard department office procedures: bring valid ID and any residency documents, complete the transaction with a clerk, and receive a printed license you must carry while fishing.
These offices offer an alternative license purchase method to online sales and licensed dealers.
- Bring photo ID and proof of residency if needed.
- Pay the per-day fee and specify consecutive days (up to three).
- Get a printed receipt and license to carry while fishing.
- Ask staff about rules or questions before you leave.
Age Exemptions and Youth License Rules
Anyone under 10 can fish Arizona public waters without a license, while youths aged 10–17 can get a Combination Hunt and Fish license for just $5 to cover all aquatic wildlife; that youth license expires when the holder turns 18, at which point you’ll need an adult fishing license.
You should know youth eligibility details and plan for a smooth license change so you don’t fish uninsured. The $5 youth Combination covers both hunting and fishing privileges for aquatic species and is available only to residents meeting age criteria.
Blind residents are exempt from licensing regardless of age, so if that applies you don’t need to purchase anything. When your child approaches 18, verify their status and obtain the correct adult license before they fish, since the youth credential becomes invalid on their birthday.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department recommends confirming requirements ahead of time to avoid fines or interruptions to your fishing plans.
How Long Licenses Are Valid and Renewal Options
You’ve got the youth and exemption rules down, so next you should know how long licenses actually cover you and how to keep them current. In Arizona, fishing licenses carry clear license validity and renewal process rules so you won’t be caught off guard.
- All fishing licenses are valid for 365 days from the purchase date, giving you a full year of legal angling.
- Licenses are non-transferable and non-refundable, so you must renew each year rather than transfer or reclaim leftover time.
- You can use the auto-renewal option for hunting and fishing licenses to streamline the renewal process and avoid lapses.
- Always keep the physical or digital license on you while fishing; wildlife enforcement can request to see it at any time.
Keep renewal reminders or enable auto-renewal to guarantee continuous coverage, and buy a new license annually when your 365-day validity period ends.
Special Licenses, Lifetime, and Complimentary Options
Wondering what special licensing options Arizona offers? You’ll find several tailored paths beyond the standard short-term permits.
For brief trips, a short-term combination hunt and fish license runs $15 per day for residents and $20 per day for non-residents, giving flexible access without a full season pass. Youth combination hunt and fish special licenses cost $5 for both residents and non-residents, making entry-level participation affordable.
If you plan long-term, lifetime license options are available only to Arizona residents, priced from $296 to $1,500 depending on your age; they remove annual renewal hassle and deliver clear special license benefits for frequent anglers and hunters.
Complimentary licenses also exist: qualifying residents aged 70+ who’ve lived in Arizona 25 years may get a Pioneer license, and Disabled Veterans with a 100% disability rating can obtain a special license at no charge.
These choices help you match cost, commitment, and eligibility to your needs.
Rules, Regulations, and What the License Covers
Beyond costs and special options, you’ll want to understand what each Arizona license actually allows and the rules that govern its use. You’ll need a valid fishing license if you’re 10 or older, and short-term Combination Hunt and Fish licenses run $15/day for residents or $20/day for non-residents for up to three consecutive days.
Carry the license while fishing; it’s non-transferable and non-refundable. The short-term combo covers freshwater fish, frogs, waterdogs, crayfish, and softshell turtles during the license period.
Carry your license while fishing — it’s non-transferable, non-refundable, and covers freshwater fish, frogs, crayfish, waterdogs, and softshell turtles.
- You must follow statewide bag limits, size limits, season dates, and gear restrictions outlined in fishing regulations.
- License enforcement is active; officers may check ID and licenses at any public water access.
- Youth under 10 and qualifying blind residents have specific exemptions—check current rules before you go.
- Short-term licenses only apply to publicly accessible waters and expire after three consecutive days.
Free Fishing Days and Other License Exemptions
Although you don’t need a license on designated Free Fishing Days, you should still follow all bag, size, and gear rules and carry ID if asked, since enforcement can occur anytime at public waters.
Arizona’s Free Fishing Days (next on June 7, 2025, and June 6, 2026) let you fish without buying a license, but fishing regulations still apply and violations can be enforced.
You don’t need a license on private waters with the owner’s permission, and youth under 10 and blind residents are exempt.
Other specific exemptions are listed in R12-4-311, so check that rule to confirm eligibility. Even when exempt, required licenses or proof of exemption should be carried if applicable.
Remember that license benefits—such as access to stocked waters, conservation funding, and educational resources—still support fisheries you enjoy.
Use Free Fishing Days as a chance to try Arizona waters, but respect limits and rules year-round.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Upgrade a 3-Day License to an Annual One Mid-Trip?
Yes — you can upgrade mid-trip. You’ll follow the upgrading process online or at an authorized vendor, pay the fee difference, and your license duration switches to annual immediately, so you’re covered for the remainder.
Are Trout Stamps Required With a 3-Day License?
Yes — you’ll need trout stamp requirements fulfilled even with a 3-day license. Check fishing license specifics with Arizona Game and Fish for current fees and stamp rules, then purchase the stamp before trout fishing.
Do Pier or Bank-Only Fishing Areas Need Different Permits?
Yes — think of rules like tide charts guiding you: you’ll usually need the same statewide license, but some pier fishing or bank fishing spots impose additional local permits or fees, so check specific area regulations before you fish.
Can I Purchase a 3-Day License for Someone Else Online?
Yes — you can buy a 3-day license for someone else online; you’ll complete an online transaction, provide their details, and treat it as a gift fishing permit, keeping confirmation and ID info handy for proof.
Are Refunds Available for Unused 3-Day Licenses?
Refunds are generally not available for unused 3-day licenses; you’ll need to check refund eligibility with the issuing agency, since license expiration or administrative policies usually prevent returns, though exceptions may apply in rare cases.
Conclusion
You’re all set to cast a line without surprises: a 3-day Arizona fishing license gently trims the red tape, giving short-term access whether you’re a local or just passing through. Prices differ for residents and non-residents, and you’ll find licenses online, at sporting shops, or at game offices. Remember special exemptions, lifetime options, and free fishing days — they’re the little kindnesses that keep your outing simple, legal, and enjoyable.
