If you’re fishing in California and aren’t a resident, you’ve got to buy a sport fishing license before you fish (exemptions apply for public piers). You can choose annual ($169.82), ten‑day ($62.90), two‑day ($31.58) or one‑day ($20.52) permits; all purchases include handling and application fees. Some validations/report cards and ocean enhancement fees may also be required. Buy online, by mail, or at agents and carry the license while fishing — more specifics follow.
Who Needs a Non‑Resident Fishing License in California
Who needs a non‑resident fishing license in California? You do if you’re 16 or older and plan to take fish in California waters and you don’t live in the state.
First, confirm residency status; visitors and out‑of‑state guests fall under non resident requirements.
Second, note exemptions: fishing from public piers doesn’t require a license, so you won’t need one for that activity.
Third, when you intend to fish elsewhere—shore, boat, or inland—you must carry a valid non‑resident sport fishing license and comply with all fishing regulations. That means following bag limits, season dates, species closures, and gear restrictions.
Fourth, keep your license accessible for inspection and replace it if lost.
Finally, if you only plan short visits, consider short‑term options but don’t assume pier exemption covers all locations.
Follow these steps to meet non resident requirements and avoid citations under state fishing regulations.
Non‑Resident License Types and Durations
You’ve got several non‑resident license options depending on how long you’ll fish: the full Nonresident Sport Fishing License covers the calendar year for $169.82, a Ten‑Day Nonresident license lets you fish for ten consecutive days for $62.90, and short‑term One‑Day and Two‑Day licenses cost $20.52 and $31.58, respectively; note each purchase also incurs a 5% handling fee plus a 3% nonrefundable application fee.
You’ll choose based on planned stay and typical effort. Use these duration options to match trip length and reduce cost per day when possible. Remember license types determine validity and when coverage starts.
Choose the license that fits your stay and effort — match duration to trip length to lower cost per day.
- Annual (Nonresident Sport Fishing License) — valid calendar year; best if you visit repeatedly.
- Ten‑Day — consecutive days; set start date at purchase.
- Two‑Day — short visit spanning two days.
- One‑Day — single‑day coverage for brief trips.
You don’t need a license when fishing from public piers in ocean waters; otherwise buy appropriate license types before fishing.
Current Fees and Short‑Term Visitor Permits
You’ll first compare the nonresident annual cost of $169.82 for anglers age 16 and older with short-term permit options.
Then note the ten-day permit at $62.90 and the one- and two-day permits at $20.52 and $31.58, respectively, specifying that all short-term licenses are exempt from Ocean Enhancement Validation.
Finally, confirm that you must carry a valid license while fishing in California waters regardless of permit duration.
Nonresident Annual Cost
For non-resident anglers, the annual sport fishing license costs $169.82 for anyone 16 or older, while short-term visitor options let you buy a one-day license for $20.52, a two-day license for $31.58, or a ten-day license for $62.90 (the ten-day runs for ten consecutive days).
All short-term licenses skip the Ocean Enhancement Validation, take effect at purchase, are nonrefundable, and help fund fish conservation.
You’ll choose the annual license when you plan frequent trips or need continuous coverage for fishing regulations compliance and to support conservation efforts.
Buy online or at authorized vendors, confirm your eligibility, and retain proof while fishing.
Note the nonrefundable policy, immediate activation, and validation exemptions for short-term permits.
- Select license type.
- Verify age and ID.
- Complete purchase.
- Carry proof of license.
Short‑Term Visitor Permits
Short-term visitor permits give non-resident anglers flexible, lower-cost options for brief trips: a one-day license is $20.52, a two-day license is $31.58, and a ten-day license is $62.90 (the ten-day runs for ten consecutive days). You’ll choose the duration that matches your itinerary, purchase online or at authorized vendors, and carry the license while fishing. Short term benefits include lower cost, no Ocean Enhancement Validation, and exemption from the annual handling fee. Follow fishing regulations: check species seasons, size and bag limits, and gear restrictions before you fish. Use the table below for quick comparison, then confirm dates at purchase to guarantee consecutive-day validity for two- and ten-day permits.
| Permit | Cost |
|---|---|
| One-day | $20.52 |
| Two-day | $31.58 |
Required Validations and Report Cards for Visitors
When you’re fishing in California as a non-resident, you must carry a valid non-resident sport fishing license (currently $169.82 for anyone 16 and older) and obtain any species-specific report cards or validations required for the waters and species you’ll target.
You’ll follow fishing regulations and meet license requirements by securing the correct endorsements before you fish.
- North Coast Salmon Report Card — required for salmon; fee $8.90; complete and return by deadline.
- Ocean Enhancement Validation — required south of Point Arguello for ocean fishing; fee $7.05; affix validation to your license.
- Sturgeon Fishing Report Card — required if you target sturgeon; no fee for catch-and-release only, but you must report harvests when applicable.
- Spiny Lobster Report Card — required for lobster; submit by the due date or pay the non-return fee.
Check species-specific instructions, retain proof while fishing, and submit completed report cards by stated deadlines to avoid penalties.
Where and How Non‑Residents Can Purchase Licenses
You can buy your non‑resident license online through the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website by paying with Visa or Mastercard and printing or saving the confirmation.
If you prefer in person, visit authorized license agents or CDFW License Sales Offices (note: CDFW offices don’t accept cash).
You can also request licenses by mail from CDFW—follow the form and payment instructions and carry the issued license while fishing.
Online License Purchase
If you need a non‑resident fishing license, buy it directly from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) website and print it immediately after purchase.
You’ll get online purchase benefits and fishing license convenience: immediate issuance, clear fee options, and card payments only. Follow these steps precisely.
- Choose the term: One-day $20.52, Two-day $31.58, Ten-day $62.90, or Annual $169.82 (valid one year from purchase).
- Enter personal details exactly as shown on ID to avoid compliance issues.
- Pay with Visa or Mastercard (debit/credit); cash isn’t accepted online.
- Print your license and carry it while fishing; possession is required by California regulations.
Keep the printed license accessible; enforcement requires immediate presentation.
In‑Person Agents
For a quick in-person purchase, visit licensed agents such as sporting goods stores, bait shops, grocery stores, or a CDFW license sales office and ask for a non‑resident fishing license; they’ll process payment by debit or credit card and print your license on the spot.
Locate nearby license agents online or by phone before you go to confirm they stock non‑resident options. Bring ID, payment card, and know whether you want the ten-day $62.90 license.
At the counter, state the license type, provide ID, and complete the card transaction; the agent will issue a printed receipt and license.
If an agent can’t provide the selected term, ask for alternatives or another authorized location to complete your in person purchase.
Mail and Offices
When you need a non‑resident fishing license without visiting an agent, mail or CDFW office options let you complete the purchase and receive a printed license after processing. You can submit a mail application or visit designated office locations to get a license; online purchase remains fastest for immediate printing.
Follow these steps to proceed precisely:
- Download and complete the mail application from the CDFW site, include payment, and mail to the address listed; expect processing time before you receive a printed license.
- Locate CDFW office locations online, confirm hours and payment methods (no cash accepted), and bring ID.
- Request a duplicate license online or at an office if lost; pay the small replacement fee.
- Keep copies of receipts for verification.
Reduced‑Fee and Exemptions Available to Visitors
Although non-residents must carry a valid fishing license at all times, several reduced‑fee and exempt options can lower the cost during your visit: reduced fee eligibility guidelines determine who pays less and what fishing license benefits apply.
First, choose the correct term length: you can buy a Ten-Day Sport Fishing License for $62.90 to cover ten consecutive days.
If you qualify as an honorably discharged veteran or a recovering service member, apply for the reduced‑fee license priced at $9.79; confirm discharge or service documentation before purchase.
Low-income seniors can obtain the same $9.79 reduced‑fee license; provide income verification as required.
Low-income Native Americans and individuals with specified disabilities may qualify for a free sport fishing license; submit tribal or disability certification to prove eligibility.
Remember: non-residents have no blanket exemptions — you must present the proper license or approved documentation while fishing.
Follow application steps, keep copies of proofs, and carry your license on water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Non-Resident Licenses Cover Fishing From Boats in Federal Waters?
Yes — you’ll need to follow fishing regulations: non-resident licenses usually don’t cover federal waters beyond state jurisdiction, so you’ll confirm applicable federal permits, vessel documentation, and area-specific rules before fishing from boats in federal waters.
Can I Transfer My Non-Resident License to Someone Else?
About 72% of states prohibit transfers. You can’t usually transfer non-resident licenses; check license transferability with the issuing agency, follow fishing regulations, complete required forms, and obtain written approval if any state allows a documented exception.
Are There Discounts for Group or Family Non-Resident Permits?
No, you usually won’t get family discounts or group rates automatically; you should check the issuing agency’s rules, compile required IDs, submit a group application if available, and pay applicable fees per person or package.
Does a Non-Resident License Allow Hunting or Other Activities?
No, a non-resident fishing license doesn’t allow hunting; you must follow hunting regulations and obtain appropriate hunting permits. Check permit limitations, seasons, and weapon restrictions, complete required safety courses, and carry proof while in the field.
What Penalties Apply for Fishing Without a Valid Non-Resident License?
You’ll face fines, confiscation of catch and gear, and possible criminal charges for fishing violations; enforcement officers will issue citations, document the offense, and may suspend privileges, require court appearance, or impose enhanced penalties for repeat violations.
Conclusion
You’ll leave the shore with the right permit in your pocket, a neat stack of validations and report cards ready like bookmarks in a field guide. Check which non‑resident license fits your trip, pick the short‑term visitor permit if you’re passing through, and note reduced‑fee rules or exemptions before you cast. Buy online or at an authorized vendor, attach required validations, and keep receipts handy — then fish within the clear, legal lines.
