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 and takes effect on purchase for one year. Short‑term non‑resident combination licenses (daily) run $20, while a non‑resident combination hunt‑and‑fish is $160; youth 10–17 non‑resident combos can be $5. Expect small additional fees for habitat stamps or species permits. Continue for details on purchases, exemptions, and required stamps.
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.
Under Arizona fishing regulations, the threshold age is 10; anyone aged 10+ must meet license requirements before engaging in 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, which is an explicit exemption to the standard license requirements.
As a non-resident, you can select between license products that affect permitted activities: a general non-resident fishing license covers fishing only, while combination hunt-and-fish licenses expand privileges to hunting plus fishing—short-term options exist for transient anglers.
You’ll comply with bag limits, seasons, and other regulatory provisions only after securing the appropriate license.
Failure to possess the required license while fishing public waters constitutes a violation under Arizona’s regulatory framework.
Full-Year Non-Resident Fishing License Cost
A full-year non-resident fishing license in Arizona costs $55 and authorizes you to fish all publicly accessible waters statewide for one year from the date of purchase.
You’re required to hold a license if you’re 10 years or older; this aligns with the fishing regulations overview that classifies age-based eligibility.
Purchase options include online, Arizona Game and Fish Department offices, and licensed dealers; the license application process is streamlined for electronic and in-person transactions.
If you need combined privileges, you can choose a combination hunt-and-fish license for $160 instead of the standalone non-resident fishing license.
Maintain proof of purchase while fishing and carry any additional permits if specific waters or species require them under local rules.
Compliance reduces administrative penalties and supports enforcement metrics used in fishery management.
For accuracy, verify current fees and procedural changes via the Arizona Game and Fish Department before submitting payment or completing the license application process.
Short-Term and Daily Non-Resident License Options
When you need short-term access, Arizona offers a $20-per-day non-resident combination hunt-and-fish license that lets you hunt and fish for the single calendar day of purchase. It’s available online, at Arizona Game and Fish offices, and through licensed dealers.
You’ll use this option when duration is predictable and limited: the short term benefits include lower upfront cost and single-day legal coverage for both hunting and fishing activities.
Data: non-residents aged 10+ must hold either this daily license or the $55 annual general fishing license to fish public waters.
Purchase channels are electronic or point-of-sale; the license is valid only on the purchase date, so you’ll need separate purchases on separate days.
Compliance note: you must adhere to all applicable fishing regulations (bag limits, seasons, gear restrictions) during the licensed day.
Operationally, choose daily for sporadic visits and the annual for repeated use; cost per-use breakeven occurs after roughly four standard trips.
Additional Stamps and Species-Specific Permits
You’ll need to verify required habitat stamps and species harvest permits before you fish, since some freshwater habitats and target species mandate additional authorization.
Specific permits cover take of frogs, waterdogs, crayfish, and softshell turtles, and the Arizona Migratory Bird Stamp is required if you’re hunting migratory birds.
Costs vary and you can purchase stamps and permits online or at AGFD offices—failure to obtain them can result in fines.
Required Habitat Stamps
Conservation requirements mean non-resident anglers paying the $55 fishing license may also need $5 habitat stamps for specific waters or species and, in some cases, additional species-specific permits.
You must buy habitat stamps to support habitat conservation and comply with fishing regulations when fishing designated waters or targeting listed species. Each stamp costs $5 and is required per activity/location as specified by Arizona authorities.
Species-specific permits may apply in parallel; requirements vary by waterbody and target organism. You must carry all required stamps and permits while fishing to avoid citations.
Before fishing, verify the precise stamp and permit matrix for your intended sites and species via the Arizona Game and Fish Department to guarantee regulatory compliance and direct-contribution to conservation funding.
Species Harvest Permits
For targeted species like frogs, waterdogs, crayfish, and softshell turtles, non-resident anglers must purchase Species Harvest Permits in addition to the $55 fishing license. These permits authorize legal take and are required by Arizona Game and Fish regulations.
You’ll obtain species-specific permits when you buy your license or separately through AGFD channels. Fees vary by species and are set by the department; check the fee table before harvest.
These permits confirm you meet species permit requirements and permit legal possession and transport under state law. Maintain permits on your person while harvesting to demonstrate compliance regulations during enforcement checks.
Regularly review the latest AGFD regulations for changes to species lists, fee adjustments, and season or quota constraints to avoid violations.
Migratory Bird Stamp
After securing any species harvest permits for frogs, crayfish, or turtles, you’ll 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:
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Migratory Bird Stamp | $5 | Calendar year |
| Hunting License | Varies | Required with stamp |
| Species Permits | Varies | Elk, deer, etc. |
| Purchase | — | Online or AGFD offices |
| Conservation Impact | — | Funds habitat preservation |
Where to Buy Non-Resident Licenses (Online and In-Person)
Although you can buy non-resident fishing licenses online at the Arizona Game and Fish Department website for immediate access and printing, you can also purchase them in person at 150 statewide license dealers (sporting goods and convenience stores) and at AGFD offices that accept card, check, or cash.
You’ll choose online for speed and printing, or in-person if you need assistance, alternative payment, or local advice about fishing regulations and license eligibility.
Non-resident pricing is fixed: $55 for a general fishing license, $160 for a combination hunt-and-fish license, and $20 per day for short-term combination options.
- 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
Because Arizona non-resident fishing licenses take effect on the purchase date, your permit remains valid for one year and authorizes you to fish in publicly accessible waters statewide.
However, you can’t share it or transfer it to another person, and purchases are final with no refunds. So confirm your intent and eligibility (all anglers aged 10+ 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.
You’ll record license expiration as the purchase-date anniversary; monitor that date to remain compliant with fishing regulations.
Licenses are non-transferable: the printed or digital credential is linked to you and can’t be assigned, loaned, or used by another individual.
Purchases are non-refundable — verify product type ($55 non-resident general fishing, $160 combo hunt-and-fish) before completing the transaction.
Operationally, treat the license as a one-year, single-user authorization; maintain proof of purchase while angling.
Enforcement focuses on valid credential possession and adherence to season, bag, and gear rules contained in statewide fishing regulations; violations may result in citation, fines, and license suspension.
Youth and Special Non-Resident License Options
You’ll note non-resident youth ages 10–17 can obtain a Combination Hunt and Fish license for $5, enabling both fishing and hunting privileges.
For short visits, non-resident daily Combination licenses are priced at $20, which may suit temporary youth trips.
Eligible Eagle Scouts and Gold Award Girl Scouts can apply for special honorary combination licenses subject to specific criteria.
Youth Combo Price
One affordable option for non-resident youth anglers is the Youth Combination Hunt and Fish license, priced at $5 for ages 10–17. This license grants access to all aquatic wildlife in Arizona public waters when accompanied by an adult holding a valid fishing license.
You’ll find this low-cost permit optimizes youth participation and outlines clear license benefits for combined hunting and fishing exposure. It’s data-driven policy: age 10–17 eligibility, $5 fee, adult supervision required; under-10 exemption applies.
Short-term non-resident combos exist at $20/day but aren’t 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 choose either the $5 Combination Hunt and Fish license for broader seasonal use when supervised by an adult, or a $20-per-day short-term Combination license that grants the same aquatic wildlife privileges without a long-term commitment.
You’ll get full aquatic wildlife coverage either way; the $5 option is cost-effective for repeat or multi-day visits, while the $20 daily pass offers flexible, single-trip entry.
From a data-driven standpoint, these options maximize youth angler benefits by minimizing upfront cost and regulatory complexity.
For operational planning, follow fishing trip tips: verify supervision requirements, confirm license dates, carry proof of purchase, and align gear and species limits with Arizona regulations to guarantee compliance and efficient field time.
Special Honorary Licenses
After weighing short-term youth pass choices, consider Special Honorary Licenses that further reduce cost and broaden eligibility:
a Youth Combination Hunt and Fish License is offered to both residents and non-residents ages 10–17 for $5 and remains valid until the holder turns 18, while non-resident adults can obtain a Combination Hunt and Fish License for $160 to cover both hunting and fishing.
You’ll use youth eligibility criteria to confirm age and residency; youth licenses convert to adult fishing licenses at 18.
Special Honorary Scout Combination Licenses grant special scout privileges to Eagle Scouts and Gold Award Girl Scouts, providing equivalent hunting and fishing rights.
Non-residents can’t buy lifetime fishing licenses but can select short-term or combination options to meet trip-specific needs.
- 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
While non-residents generally must buy a $55 Arizona general fishing license to fish public waters, specific exemptions and scheduled free fishing days let visitors fish without purchasing one. You’ll follow a clear fishing regulations overview: designated free fishing days (next: June 7, 2025 and June 6, 2026) permit license-free angling on public waters, but you must carry any required documentation and comply with bag/size limits. Exemptions apply on private waters with owner permission, and youth under 10 plus blind residents are exempt regardless of residency. Apply seasonal fishing tips: plan trips around free days or target private-water access to avoid license purchase.
| Scenario | Requirement | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Public water, normal day | $55 license | Must possess license |
| Free fishing day | No license required | Carry ID/documentation |
| Private water w/permission | No license required | Property owner consent |
You’ll maintain compliance by carrying documentation and observing posted regulations during all outings.
How License Fees Support Conservation and Management
Knowing when you can fish without a license helps plan trips, but understanding how license dollars are used explains why those 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 revenue directly funds conservation funding and operational activities that sustain fisheries. The Arizona Game and Fish Department allocates non-resident fee income to habitat management, population monitoring, and targeted research that inform stocking and harvest guidelines.
You’ll also see funds applied to maintenance of public fishing areas to preserve access and improve angler experience. A portion underwrites angling education and public outreach programs that teach best practices and compliance.
- 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
If you’re buying a non-resident fishing license online, start at the Arizona Game & Fish Department portal (https://license.azgfd.com/) and choose “Purchase a License.”
You’ll either register as a new customer or log into your existing account; new registrations require basic contact information and a secure password, while returning users can access purchases and reprints with their customer ID and date of birth.
Focus on account creation and user registration accuracy to avoid delays. Provide legal name, mailing address, email, and a password meeting complexity rules. Validate email when prompted.
- 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 the purchase at https://license.azgfd.com/, select “Purchase a License,” then follow the prompts to choose a non-resident fishing license ($55, valid 365 days from purchase).
You’ll create an account or continue as guest; existing users log in. Provide customer ID and date of birth, and check the acknowledgment box for security verification.
Confirm cart, enter payment, and submit transaction.
Online purchase tips: verify personal data matches ID to avoid processing delays and retain transaction confirmation number.
Under fishing license regulations, carry proof of purchase in the field—print the license or save the electronic copy to your smartphone immediately after purchase.
If issues occur, use the portal’s support link to retrieve or reissue your license document.
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. You’ll follow kayak fishing protocols, adhere to boat regulations (life jackets, registration, gear limits), and comply with species-specific size and bag limits.
Are Night Fishing Hours Different for Non-Residents?
Are night fishing hours differ for non-residents? You’ll follow identical night fishing regulations statewide; non resident restrictions usually don’t alter legal hours, but species- or site-specific rules and closures can impose different time limits—check local regulations before fishing.
Do Non-Resident Licenses Allow Ice Fishing?
Yes — you can ice fish with a nonresident license, provided you follow Arizona ice fishing regulations and non resident privileges. Check season dates, gear limits, and species rules; carry your license and comply with reporting requirements.
Is a Passport Required to Purchase a License Online?
No — you don’t need a passport. Precise paperwork: online license requirements typically ask for ID number, address, and payment. You’ll follow a fishing regulations overview; you’ll submit digital ID and comply with verification processes.
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 rules and Arizona catch and release regulations permit; verify tournament eligibility criteria, specific fish handling rules, and any required 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.
