You’ll pay $55 for a full‑year non‑resident fishing license in Arizona. It’s required for anglers age 10 and older fishing public waters. The license takes effect on purchase for one year. Short‑term non‑resident combination licenses (daily) run $20. A non‑resident combination hunt‑and‑fish is $160. Youth 10–17 non‑resident combos can be $5. Continue for details on purchases, exemptions, and required stamps.

Quick Answer

• Full-year non-resident fishing license: $55, valid for 365 days from purchase.
• Daily short-term combination hunt-and-fish: $20 per day.
• Youth (10-17) combination hunt-and-fish: $5.
• Required for anyone 10+ fishing public waters; no license needed for private waters with permission or on free fishing days.
• Buy online, at AGFD offices, or dealers; no refunds or transfers.

Who Needs a Non-Resident Fishing License in Arizona

Who needs a non-resident fishing license in Arizona? You do if you’re 10 years or older and fish in public waters as a non-resident.
The threshold age is 10 under Arizona fishing regulations. Anyone aged 10 or older must meet license requirements before fishing on public lakes, rivers, or streams.

In Arizona, anyone aged 10 or older must have a fishing license to fish public lakes, rivers, or streams.

You don’t need a license when fishing on private waters with the property owner’s permission. This is an explicit exemption.
As a non-resident, you can pick between license types. A general non-resident fishing license covers fishing only. Combination hunt-and-fish licenses add hunting privileges. Short-term options work for brief trips.
You must follow bag limits, seasons, and other rules after getting the right license.
Not having the required license while fishing public waters is a violation under Arizona rules.

Full-Year Non-Resident Fishing License Cost

A full-year non-resident fishing license in Arizona costs $55. It lets you fish all publicly accessible waters statewide for one year from the purchase date.
You need a license if you’re 10 or older. This matches age-based rules.
You can buy it online, at Arizona Game and Fish Department offices, or licensed dealers. The process is simple for online or in-person buys.
If you want hunting too, pick the combination hunt-and-fish license for $160 instead.
Carry proof of purchase while fishing. Add any extra permits if needed for specific waters or species.
Following rules avoids penalties and helps fishery management.
For the latest fees and changes, check the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

Short-Term and Daily Non-Resident License Options

Arizona offers a $20-per-day non-resident combination hunt-and-fish license for short trips. It covers hunting and fishing for that calendar day. Buy it online, at Game and Fish offices, or dealers.
Use this when your trip is short and set. It gives lower cost and covers one day for both activities.
Non-residents aged 10 or older need this daily license or the $55 annual one for public waters.
Buy it online or in person. It’s valid only on the purchase date. Get separate ones for different days.
You must follow all fishing rules like bag limits, seasons, and gear during the day.
Pick daily for rare trips or annual for more use. Breakeven is after about four days.

Additional Stamps and Species-Specific Permits

Check required stamps and permits before you fish. Some species need extra authorization.
No habitat stamps are required. The Arizona Migratory Bird Stamp is needed if hunting migratory birds.
Costs vary. Buy stamps and permits online or at AGFD offices. Not having them can lead to fines.

Species Harvest Permits

For species like frogs, waterdogs, crayfish, and softshell turtles, non-resident anglers need a valid fishing license. No extra species-specific permits are required by Arizona Game and Fish regulations.
Get your license through AGFD channels. Fees are included in the license cost. Check the fee table before harvest.
The license lets you legally possess and transport under state law. Carry it while harvesting to show compliance.
Review the latest AGFD regulations for changes to species, fees, seasons, or quotas to avoid issues.

Migratory Bird Stamp

You need a Migratory Bird Stamp to hunt migratory birds in Arizona. You must have a valid hunting license plus the $5 Migratory Bird Stamp (calendar-year validity). Buy it online or at Arizona Game and Fish Department offices. Stamps and species-specific permits (elk, deer) fund Migratory Bird Conservation and habitat preservation. Follow Hunting Regulations: possession requirements are enforced; additional permits may apply. Data-driven summary:

Where to Buy Non-Resident Licenses (Online and In-Person)

You can buy non-resident fishing licenses online at the Arizona Game and Fish Department website for quick access and printing. You can also get them in person at 150 statewide license dealers like sporting goods and convenience stores. AGFD offices take card, check, or cash.
Go online for speed and printing. Choose in-person for help, other payments, or local tips on rules and eligibility.
Non-resident prices are set: $55 for general fishing, $160 for combination hunt-and-fish, $20 per day for short-term combos.

• Use the AGFD website for immediate issuance and printer-ready credentials.
• Visit one of 150 licensed dealers for walk-in service and point-of-sale purchase.
• AGFD offices accept card, check, or cash and can confirm eligibility and documentation.
• Compare product types (single-season, combination, short-term) at point of sale to match your trip plan.

License Validity, Transferability, and Refund Policy

Arizona non-resident fishing licenses start on the purchase date. Your permit is valid for one year and lets you fish publicly accessible waters statewide.
You can’t share or transfer it to someone else. Purchases are final with no refunds. Confirm your needs and eligibility first. All anglers aged 10 or older must carry a valid license.

Licenses are non-transferable and non-refundable—confirm your eligibility and intent before purchase; anglers aged 10+ must carry a valid license.

The license expires one year from purchase. Track that date to stay compliant with fishing rules.
Licenses are non-transferable. The printed or digital one is tied to you. It can’t be given, loaned, or used by others.
Purchases are non-refundable. Check product type ($55 non-resident general fishing, $160 combo hunt-and-fish) before buying.
Treat the license as a one-year, single-user pass. Keep proof of purchase while fishing.
Enforcement checks for valid licenses and rules on seasons, bags, and gear in statewide regs. Violations can bring citations, fines, and suspension.

Youth and Special Non-Resident License Options

Non-resident youth ages 10–17 can get a Combination Hunt and Fish license for $5. It covers fishing and hunting.
For short visits, non-resident daily Combination licenses cost $20. This fits quick youth trips.
Eligible Eagle Scouts and Gold Award Girl Scouts can apply for special honorary combination licenses if they meet criteria.

Youth Combo Price

A good option for non-resident youth anglers is the Youth Combination Hunt and Fish license. It costs $5 for ages 10–17. This license gives access to all aquatic wildlife in Arizona public waters when with an adult who has a valid fishing license.
This low-cost permit boosts youth involvement. It covers combined hunting and fishing. Age 10–17 eligibility, $5 fee, adult supervision required. Under-10 are exempt.
Short-term non-resident combos are $20/day but not the focus here.

• Cost-effective entry point for non-resident youth anglers
• Covers all aquatic wildlife in public waters with supervision
• Encourages dual-sport skills through a single permit
• Clear age and fee thresholds for compliance

Short-Term Youth Passes

For short visits, non-resident youth anglers (ages 10–17) can pick the $5 Combination Hunt and Fish license for seasonal use with adult supervision. Or get a $20-per-day short-term Combination license for the same aquatic wildlife privileges without long-term tie.
Either way, you get full aquatic wildlife coverage. The $5 option suits repeat or multi-day trips. The $20 daily pass gives flexible, single-trip access.
These options keep costs low and rules simple for youth anglers.
Plan your fishing trip: Check supervision rules, confirm dates, carry proof, and match gear and species limits to Arizona regulations for compliance and good time.

Special Honorary Licenses

After looking at short-term youth passes, consider Special Honorary Licenses that cut costs and widen access.
A Youth Combination Hunt and Fish License goes to residents and non-residents ages 10–17 for $5. It stays valid until age 18. Non-resident adults can get a Combination Hunt and Fish License for $160 to cover hunting and fishing.
Use youth criteria to check age and residency. Youth licenses change to adult at 18.
Special Honorary Scout Combination Licenses give scout privileges to Eagle Scouts and Gold Award Girl Scouts. They provide the same hunting and fishing rights.
Non-residents can’t buy lifetime fishing licenses. Pick short-term or combination options for your trip.

• Age verification protocol and documentation required
• $5 youth combo coverage until 18
• $160 non-resident combo rate
• Scout award eligibility verification

Exemptions and Free Fishing Days for Visitors

Non-residents usually need a $55 Arizona general fishing license for public waters. But exemptions and free fishing days let visitors fish without one. Follow fishing rules: Free fishing days (upcoming: June 6, 2026) allow license-free angling on public waters. Carry any needed ID and follow bag/size limits. Exemptions cover private waters with owner permission, youth under 10, and blind residents no matter residency. Plan trips around free days or private access to skip license buys.

Carry documentation and follow posted rules on all trips.

How License Fees Support Conservation and Management

Knowing when to fish without a license aids trip planning. It also shows why fees matter.

Knowing when you can fish license-free helps plan trips — and shows why those license dollars matter for conservation.

You pay $55 for a non-resident fishing license. That money funds conservation and activities to keep fisheries going. The Arizona Game and Fish Department uses non-resident fees for habitat management, population checks, and research that guide stocking and harvest.
Funds also go to public fishing area upkeep for access and better experiences. Some support angling education and outreach to teach practices and rules.

• Habitat restoration and access maintenance to guarantee sustainable catch rates and angler satisfaction
• Research and monitoring for data-driven species protection and adaptive management
• Operational support for stocking, population assessments, and regulatory enforcement
• Angling education programs that reduce impacts and increase compliance through targeted outreach

Step-by-Step Guide to Purchasing a Non-Resident License Online

Create an online account at https://license.azgfd.com/ and select “Purchase a License” to begin the transaction.
You’ll enter your customer ID and date of birth, choose the non-resident general ($55) or combination hunt-and-fish ($160) license, and pay with Visa, MasterCard, or Discover.
After payment you can print the license or save it to your smartphone for immediate use.

Create an Online Account

To buy a non-resident fishing license online, start at the Arizona Game & Fish Department portal[](https://license.azgfd.com/) and choose “Purchase a License.”
Register as a new customer or log into your account. New sign-ups need basic contact info and a secure password. Returning users use customer ID and date of birth.
Focus on accurate account creation and registration to skip delays. Give legal name, address, email, and a strong password. Confirm email if asked.

• Prepare customer ID and DOB for faster access.
• Use a current email and phone for confirmations.
• Have a Visa/MasterCard/Discover ready for payment.
• Expect the $55 non-resident fee (365-day validity).

Complete Purchase and Print

Start at https://license.azgfd.com/, select “Purchase a License,” then pick a non-resident fishing license ($55, valid 365 days from purchase).
Create an account or go as guest. Log in if existing. Enter customer ID and date of birth, check the acknowledgment for security.
Confirm cart, add payment, and submit.
Online tips: Match personal data to ID to avoid delays. Keep transaction number.
Under rules, carry proof in the field. Print or save electronic copy right after buy.
If problems, use the portal’s support to get or reissue your license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Fish From a Kayak or Boat With a Non-Resident License?

Yes, you can fish from a kayak or boat with a non-resident license. Follow kayak fishing protocols, boat rules like life jackets and registration, and species size and bag limits.

Are Night Fishing Hours Different for Non-Residents?

Night fishing hours are the same for non-residents statewide. Non-resident rules don’t change legal hours. But species or site rules and closures can set different times. Check local regs before fishing.

Do Non-Resident Licenses Allow Ice Fishing?

Yes, you can ice fish with a nonresident license if you follow Arizona ice fishing rules and privileges. Check seasons, gear limits, and species rules. Carry your license and meet reporting needs.

Is a Passport Required to Purchase a License Online?

No, you don’t need a passport. Online needs ID number, address, and payment. Follow regs overview. Submit digital ID and verification.

Can I Use a Non-Resident License for Catch-And-Release Trout Tournaments?

Yes, you can use a non-resident license for catch-and-release trout tournaments if event and Arizona rules allow. Check tournament criteria, fish handling, and any permits before competing.

Conclusion

You’ll pay a clear, predictable fee to fish Arizona’s blue lakes and red-rock rivers. Typically a full-year non-resident license around $40–$70, with 1–7 day options lower. Add-ons (trout stamp, endangered-species permits) cost extra. Licenses are sold online and at retailers; revenue funds stocking, habitat work, and enforcement. Before you cast, confirm exact current fees and required stamps, buy digitally in minutes, and help keep fish populations healthy for your next trip.