If you’re an Arizona resident (including active-duty military stationed here), you can pay a one-time, age‑tiered fee for a lifetime fishing license. This license remains valid for your life, even if you move out of state.
Quick Answer: The Arizona Lifetime Fishing License costs $629 (ages 0–13), $666 (ages 14–29), $592 (ages 30–44), $555 (ages 45–61), and $296 (ages 62+). It’s available only to residents with six months of domicile. The license eliminates annual renewals. Fees are nonrefundable and include a contribution to state wildlife conservation.
Who Qualifies for an Arizona Lifetime Fishing License
To get an Arizona Lifetime Fishing License, you need to meet residency rules set by the Arizona Game and Fish Department.
You qualify if you have lived in Arizona for at least six months before applying. Active-duty military members stationed in Arizona also qualify.
You must provide proof, like a state ID, utility bills, or military orders.
Apply by submitting documents with a form through the official portal or offices. Fees depend on your age.
Once you get the license, you skip annual renewals. It stays valid even if you move away.
If you are 70 or older with 25 years in Arizona, you can get a free Pioneer License instead. It offers the same benefits.
Lifetime License Price Tiers by Age
Arizona bases lifetime fishing license fees on age groups. This makes it easy to find your cost. As of the latest fee schedule:
- Ages 0–13: $629.00
- Ages 14–29: $666.00
- Ages 30–44: $592.00
- Ages 45–61: $555.00
- Ages 62+: $296.00
You can find these in the Arizona Game and Fish Department fee schedule or the 2025-26 Fishing Regulations. The license gives lifetime access no matter where you live later. Part of the fee goes to conservation through the Arizona Wildlife Endowment Fund. This ties into funding policies.
Notice the higher costs for younger adults compared to kids and seniors. The law and agency rules set this up.
How to Apply for a Lifetime Fishing License
To apply, you submit proof of residency. You must live in Arizona. Fill out the application form from Arizona Game and Fish Department offices or the website. You can download the application form online.
Pick your age-based fee ($296.00–$666.00) and sign everything. Include documents that show your residency for the required time. Check what proofs they accept.
Mail it all to the regional office for your area. They review it. If approved, you get a hard-plastic card. It usually arrives in 30 days.
Resident Vs Non‑Resident Eligibility and Differences
You must follow Arizona residency rules to get the Lifetime Fishing License. That means six months in the state or active military duty here. Non-residents cannot get lifetime licenses. They buy regular ones, like a General Fishing license, and renew them yearly or get short-term options.
Residency Eligibility Rules
Live in Arizona for six months or serve as active-duty military here to count as a resident. Use a driver’s license or utility bills for proof. Note your military status if it applies.
Non-residents buy other licenses but miss out on the lifetime deal. If you turn 18, you switch from youth to adult licenses for some types. The lifetime one covers you as you age.
| Requirement | Proof |
|---|---|
| Residency duration | Driver’s license, lease (6+ months) |
| Military | Deployment Orders, Military ID |
| Youth change | Birth certificate, prior license |
Cost and License Limits
The lifetime fishing license costs $296–$666 upfront for Arizona residents only. You pay once. It includes a donation for wildlife management and conservation.
Benefits include no expiration and no yearly fees. You keep access to state waters under the rules. Non-residents, compare short-term costs since you cannot get the lifetime version.
Benefits and Limitations of a Lifetime License
With current prices, a lifetime fishing license can save money over time compared to yearly fees. Part of your payment supports wildlife management.
Long-Term Cost Savings
The lifetime fishing license lets you fish for life. It stays valid if you leave Arizona. This avoids annual costs, about $37 a year for residents.
Based on your age, it might break even in 10 to 40 years. The extra over basic fees counts as a tax-deductible donation for wildlife. Compare upfront costs to total annual fees. Factor in the tax break.
Transfer and Residency Rules
You cannot transfer the license easily. It sticks with the original owner. The fee gives lifelong rights despite residency changes. Still, you need big game tags, stamps, or permits if required.
Limits and Exclusions
A Lifetime Fishing License gives ongoing fishing rights. But it does not drop all rules or limits. Buy big-game tags, stamps, or special permits as needed. It skips non-fishing activities, like camping on state land. Get a separate permit for those.
Payment Options, Where to Buy, and Processing Times
Buy a Lifetime Fishing License online with a credit or debit card. Or go in person to an Arizona Game and Fish Department office.
- Purchase channels: Online portal or AGFD offices.
- Payment methods: Credit/debit online; card or cashier checks at offices.
- Temporary vs. permanent: Printable receipt/license online; hard-plastic card mailed.
- Mailing timeframe: Up to 30 days for the permanent card to arrive.
For a Pioneer License (70+ with 25 years’ residency), bring verification documents. Save copies of your payment and application for records.
What to Know About Transfers, Refunds, and Record Changes
The lifetime fishing license gives you fishing rights forever. But it is nontransferable and nonrefundable. It works even with a residency change. You can fish in Arizona anytime.
Report name or address changes to the department right away. This keeps records accurate for checks. Updates do not affect the license itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a lifetime license valid for fishing in tribal waters?
No. State lifetime licenses are generally not valid in tribal waters. Tribal fishing regulations differ, and you typically need a specific permit issued by the tribe to fish on their land.
Do lifetime licenses include saltwater fishing privileges?
No. Arizona is a landlocked state, and its lifetime license covers state inland waters only. It does not grant saltwater fishing privileges in other states.
Are there discounts for veterans or military families?
Yes. Disabled veterans and active-duty members stationed in Arizona may qualify for discounted licenses or residency status. Check the latest Arizona Game and Fish regulations for specific military exemptions.
How is lifetime license information displayed on mobile apps?
Arizona allows you to view your license via the official department portal or compatible apps, displaying a digital card, expiration status, and compliance data for field verification.
Can lifetime licenses be used for commercial or guide fishing?
No. The lifetime fishing license is for recreational use only. Commercial fishing and guiding require separate professional permits, reporting, and fees.
Conclusion
Your lifetime fishing license cost depends on age, from $296 to $666. Fees are tiered, nontransferable, and nonrefundable. Check your eligibility and documents first. Apply online or at a vendor for lifetime access to Arizona’s waters.
