An Arizona non-resident adult general fishing license costs $55. For most adult visitors, the choice is simple: use the $20-per-day short-term combination license for one or two selected fishing days, or buy the $55 annual general fishing license for three or more days. The annual license is valid for one year from its applicable start date: a dealer-issued license starts on the purchase date, while an online or Arizona Game and Fish Department office purchase can use a selected start date up to 60 days after purchase. Anglers ages 10–17 qualify for the $5 youth combination license.
Quick Answer
An Arizona non-resident general fishing license costs $55. For adults, one or two selected fishing days are cheaper with the $20-per-day short-term combination license; at three days, the $55 annual license is cheaper than $60 in daily licenses. If bought online or at an AZGFD office, an eligible annual license can use a selected start date up to 60 days after purchase; a dealer-issued license starts on the purchase date. The $5 youth combination license is available to ages 10–17.
Key Takeaways
- The adult non-resident general fishing license costs $55 and is valid for one year from its applicable start date.
- The non-resident short-term combination license costs $20 per selected day; each selected day runs from midnight to midnight, and multiple days do not have to be consecutive.
- The annual license is cheaper once an adult plans to fish for three or more days.
- Anglers ages 10–17 can buy a $5 youth combination hunt-and-fish license; children under 10 do not need a state fishing license.
- Current fishing and combination licenses include trout and two-pole privileges, but water-specific rules and tribal permit requirements still apply.
- Older guides may mention a separate $24 Community Fishing License, but Arizona Administrative Code R12-4-209 is repealed; current general and combination licenses cover Commission-designated Community Fishing Program waters.
Last updated: September 7, 2026. Fees and rules in this guide were rechecked against current Arizona Game and Fish Department pages, the Arizona Administrative Code in Supplement 26-2, and Arizona statutes. The AZGFD license summary describes annual licenses as valid 365 days from purchase, while current R12-4-207 and R12-4-210 still distinguish dealer-issued start dates from eligible online or Department-office selected start dates. This guide follows the current rule text for that detail. Review official rules again immediately before fishing because fees and water-specific rules can change.
Comparing another Arizona option? See our Arizona resident fishing license cost guide or our Arizona 1-day fishing license cost guide.
Who Needs a Non-Resident Fishing License in Arizona?
A non-resident generally needs an Arizona fishing or combination license when taking fish or other legal aquatic wildlife from publicly accessible Arizona waters at age 10 or older.
The correct product depends on age:
- Ages 18 and older: Buy the $55 general fishing license, the $160 adult combination hunt-and-fish license, or a $20-per-day short-term combination license.
- Ages 10–17: The $5 youth combination hunt-and-fish license is normally the lowest-cost choice.
- Under age 10: No Arizona state fishing license is required.
Military residency note: Certain active-duty U.S. armed-forces members can qualify for Arizona resident licensing, and a spouse of an active-duty member stationed in Arizona may also qualify under state law. Confirm the residency option shown in the AZGFD purchase system before paying a non-resident fee.
Blind Arizona residents are also exempt from buying a state fishing license. This exemption does not apply automatically to blind visitors who are residents of another state or country.
Arizona requires residents and non-residents age 10 or older to carry a valid fishing or combination license while taking aquatic wildlife from publicly accessible state waters.
A license does not replace other fishing rules. Anglers must still follow the applicable seasons, daily bag limits, possession limits, length limits, hook restrictions, bait rules, closures, and legal methods for the water they visit. The Fish & Boat AZ map can help identify water-specific information, but anglers should also review the official regulation booklet.
Warning: An Arizona state fishing license should not be treated as permission to fish tribal waters. Tribal lands and waters are under separate jurisdiction and may require a permit issued by the applicable tribe.
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Full-Year Non-Resident Fishing License Cost
The Arizona non-resident general fishing license costs $55 and is valid for one year from its start date. A license bought from a license dealer starts on the purchase date. When the general fishing license is bought online or at an AZGFD office, the buyer may select a start date up to 60 calendar days after the purchase date.
2026 rule note: AZGFD’s general Fishing Licenses and Regulations page summarizes annual licenses as valid 365 days from purchase. The current Arizona Administrative Code, Title 12, Chapter 4 still states that a dealer-issued general fishing license begins on the purchase date, while an online or Department-office purchase may use a selected start date up to 60 calendar days later. For the start-date detail, this guide follows the current rule text.
The license allows fishing for legal fish species in publicly accessible Arizona waters, including Community Fishing Program waters, subject to all statewide and water-specific rules. Current fishing and combination licenses also include trout privileges and allow an angler to use up to two poles or lines simultaneously where site-specific rules do not impose a stricter limit.
| License | Non-Resident Cost | Validity | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Fishing | $55 | One year from start date; online/office start can be selected up to 60 days after purchase | Adults fishing three or more days |
| Short-Term Combination Hunt and Fish | $20 per selected day | Each selected day, midnight to midnight; days need not be consecutive | One- or two-day adult visits |
| Adult Combination Hunt and Fish | $160 | One year from applicable start date | Adults who plan to fish and hunt |
| Youth Combination Hunt and Fish, Ages 10–17 | $5 | One year from applicable start date | Resident or non-resident youth |
The adult combination license includes fishing and certain small-game hunting privileges. Big-game tags, migratory-bird requirements, seasons, and other hunting authorizations remain separate.
Current Arizona fishing and combination licenses also include privileges previously associated with separate Colorado River stamps. Anglers can fish qualifying boundary waters under the current reciprocal provisions, but they must still check which shoreline, water section, and neighboring-state rules apply.
Old $24 Community Fishing License listings are stale: Current Arizona Administrative Code lists R12-4-209, the former Community Fishing License rule, as repealed effective January 1, 2022. AZGFD’s current license page no longer lists a separate Community Fishing License. The current General Fishing and combination licenses cover Commission-designated Community Fishing Program waters.
Short-Term and Daily Non-Resident License Options
Arizona’s short-term non-resident product is a combination hunt-and-fish license costing $20 per selected day. It covers statewide fishing privileges, including Community Fishing Program waters, plus certain small-game hunting privileges.
You select the date or dates of validity when buying the license. Each short-term license is valid for one calendar day from midnight to midnight. If purchasing more than one day, the selected days do not have to be consecutive. This means a visitor could select a Monday and a Friday without paying for the days between them.
The cost comparison is straightforward:
- One day: $20
- Two days: $40
- Three days: $60
- Annual general fishing license: $55
Pro Tip: An adult who expects to fish for three or more days should normally buy the $55 annual general fishing license. Three short-term days cost $60, which is already $5 more than the annual option.
The short-term license is not valid for applying in Arizona’s big-game draw. Hunters may also need separate stamps, tags, or permits depending on the species and activity.
Do Arizona Non-Residents Need Trout or Two-Pole Stamps?
No. Ordinary fishing under a current Arizona fishing or combination license does not require a separate trout or two-pole stamp. Trout privileges and simultaneous fishing with up to two poles or lines are included where site-specific rules do not impose a stricter limit.
That does not mean every species can be taken without restriction. Protected species, closed seasons, legal methods, area closures, and bag limits still apply.
Aquatic Wildlife Beyond Fish
A valid fishing or combination license is generally required to take legal frogs, waterdogs, crayfish, and softshell turtles. However, the license alone does not make every species, location, or method legal.
Before taking these animals, review the applicable Arizona Commission Orders:
- Commission Order 41: Amphibians, including frogs and waterdogs
- Commission Order 42: Crustaceans and mollusks, including crayfish
- Commission Order 43: Reptile provisions affecting softshell turtles
Some native species have no open season, while other species have location limits, annual limits, possession limits, or method restrictions. A fishing license should never be treated as blanket permission to collect or transport any aquatic animal.
Migratory Bird Stamp
The Arizona Migratory Bird Stamp is a hunting requirement, not a fishing add-on. It costs $5 for residents and non-residents and is valid from July 1 through June 30 when combined with an appropriate hunting license.
The $5 youth combination hunt-and-fish license includes Arizona migratory-bird-stamp privileges. Adult combination license holders who hunt migratory birds must obtain any required stamp and comply with federal and state hunting rules.
| Item | Cost | When It Applies |
|---|---|---|
| Separate trout or two-pole stamp | Not required | Privileges are included with current fishing and combination licenses |
| Arizona Migratory Bird Stamp | $5 | Only when hunting covered migratory birds; valid July 1–June 30 |
| Big-game tag or permit | Varies | Required for applicable big-game hunting; not included merely because an angler owns a combination license |
Note: Visitors interested only in fishing can ignore the migratory-bird and big-game rows. They are relevant only to people using a combination license for hunting.
Where to Buy Non-Resident Licenses Online and In Person
The fastest option is the official AZGFD License Portal. The portal supports existing customers, new customers, and guest purchases.
Licenses are also available through Arizona Game and Fish Department offices and participating license dealers. AZGFD advises that license dealers no longer sell traditional paper licenses; many dealers instead help customers complete a purchase through the department’s online system.
- Online: Purchase directly, save the receipt, and print or store the license.
- AZGFD office: Receive in-person assistance with customer records, identification questions, and product selection.
- Participating dealer: Get local help using the AZGFD online purchasing system.
License Validity, Transferability, and Refund Policy
The $55 general fishing license and the $160 adult combination license are annual products valid for one year from the applicable start date. Dealer-issued annual licenses start on the purchase date. For qualifying annual licenses bought online or at an AZGFD office, the buyer may select a start date up to 60 days after purchase. The $5 youth combination license follows the annual start-date rules for an eligible youth age 10–17.
Short-term combination licenses work differently. Each selected day is valid from midnight to midnight, and only the selected day or days shown on the license are covered.
Arizona fishing licenses are issued to one customer, cannot be transferred to another person, and generally cannot be returned for a refund or exchanged after purchase.
Review the customer name, date of birth, residency status, license type, and selected dates before submitting payment. A mistake can be expensive because the department does not offer ordinary refunds or exchanges after purchase.
Anglers must carry proof of the required license while fishing. A printed copy is acceptable, and licenses can also be stored in the official Arizona E-Tag app. After the app is synced to a free AZGFD portal account, stored licenses can be displayed even in areas without cellular service.
Warning: Fishing without the required license or violating Commission rules can lead to a citation. Under A.R.S. §17-309, violations are generally class 2 misdemeanors unless another penalty applies. Certain wildlife convictions can also result in license suspension or revocation after the required process.
Youth and Special License Options
Resident and non-resident youth ages 10–17 can buy the Arizona Youth Combination Hunt and Fish License for $5. It includes statewide fishing privileges, including Community Fishing Program waters, and certain youth hunting privileges.
Children under 10 do not need an Arizona state fishing license. Once a person is no longer eligible to purchase the youth product, adult non-resident prices apply to the next license purchase.
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Youth Combination License Price
The $5 youth combination license is available only to people ages 10–17 at the time of purchase. It is an annual license valid for one year from its applicable start date, not a one-time permit that automatically lasts until the holder’s eighteenth birthday. When bought online or at an AZGFD office, the annual start date may be selected up to 60 days after purchase.
The fishing portion covers legal fish and aquatic wildlife under the same seasons, bag limits, possession limits, bait rules, and water-specific restrictions that apply to other anglers.
- Available to resident and non-resident youth ages 10–17
- Costs $5
- Valid for one year from its applicable start date
- Includes fishing and certain hunting privileges
- Includes Arizona migratory-bird-stamp privileges for eligible youth hunting
Short-Term Youth Passes
For an eligible youth age 10–17, the $5 annual youth combination license is normally the lowest-cost choice. It costs less than a single $20 non-resident short-term day and provides annual fishing privileges.
Families should select the youth combination license rather than paying the higher daily rate unless AZGFD directs them to a different product because of an unusual circumstance.
Special and Complimentary Licenses
Current AZGFD license information lists complimentary Pioneer and Disabled Veteran licenses for people who meet specific Arizona residency and eligibility requirements. These are not ordinary non-resident visitor discounts.
- Pioneer License: Generally requires age 70 or older and at least 25 consecutive years of qualifying Arizona residency immediately before applying.
- Disabled Veteran License: Requires at least one consecutive year of qualifying Arizona residency immediately before applying and certification of a permanent service-connected disability rated 100% disabling.
- Blind Arizona residents: Do not need to purchase a state fishing license.
- Special group fishing permits: May be issued to qualifying state, county, or municipal agencies or departments and to nonprofit organizations whose primary purpose is treatment and care for people with physical, developmental, or mental disabilities.
Non-resident visitors cannot buy a new Arizona lifetime fishing license. Arizona’s lifetime-license program is available to qualifying Arizona residents, although an existing lifetime license can remain valid if its holder later moves away.
Exemptions and Free Fishing Days for Visitors
Most non-resident adults need a license to fish publicly accessible Arizona waters. The main exceptions involve young children, certain private waters, and Arizona’s annual Free Fishing Day.
| Situation | State License Requirement | Important Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Non-resident age 18 or older on a normal day | License required | Choose the $55 annual, $160 combination, or $20-per-day product |
| Youth age 10–17 | License required | $5 youth combination license available |
| Child under 10 | No state license required | All other fishing rules still apply |
| Artificial pond, tank, or lake entirely on private land | No state license required only when the private-water exemption applies | Water must not be open to the public or managed by AZGFD; property-owner permission is still required |
| Arizona Free Fishing Day | No state fishing license required on covered waters | Bag limits and all other fishing rules remain in effect |
| Tribal waters | Tribal permit rules apply | An Arizona state license alone may not authorize fishing |
Arizona’s 2026 Free Fishing Day took place on Saturday, June 6, 2026.
The 2026 event covered state waters and Community Fishing Program waters. It did not cover private waters, tribal waters, or Central Arizona Project canals. Salt River Project canals were included. Even on Free Fishing Day, anglers had to follow bag limits, length limits, closures, and all other applicable rules.
Warning: Do not assume that “free fishing” means unrestricted fishing. Water-specific rules, private-property permission, tribal jurisdiction, closures, and legal-method rules remain enforceable.
How License Fees Support Conservation and Management
Fishing-license purchases help support Arizona’s wildlife and fisheries programs. AZGFD states that online license purchases contribute directly to on-the-ground conservation work.
A fishing-license purchase provides legal fishing privileges and helps support fisheries management, habitat work, public access, and angler education.
License revenue and federal Sport Fish Restoration funding can support work such as:
- Fish stocking and hatchery operations
- Population surveys and fisheries research
- Habitat restoration and aquatic-invasive-species control
- Boat ramps, fishing access, and Community Fishing Program waters
- Fishing education, recruitment, and equipment-loan programs
- Regulation development and wildlife-law enforcement
The department also receives federal assistance funded partly through excise taxes associated with fishing equipment and motorboat fuels. These programs return money to state fisheries, boating-access, and aquatic-education projects.
Step-by-Step Guide to Purchasing a Non-Resident License Online
At a Glance
| Purchase Routes | Official AZGFD online portal, an AZGFD office, or a participating license dealer |
| Annual Start Date | Dealer purchase starts on purchase date; online or AZGFD-office annual purchase can use an eligible selected start date up to 60 days later |
| Tools Needed | Internet access, accepted identification details, date of birth, contact information, and a payment method |
| Cost | $55 annual adult fishing, $20 per short-term day, $160 adult combination, or $5 youth combination |
Use an Existing Account, Continue as a Guest, or Register
- Open the official AZGFD License Portal.
- Choose the purchase option.
- If you already have an AZGFD record, sign in through your portal account or continue as a guest using your Customer ID and date of birth.
- If you have never done business with AZGFD, continue as a new customer and enter the requested personal, contact, residency, and identification information accurately.
- Do not create a duplicate customer record if you previously bought a license, applied for a draw, or completed another AZGFD transaction. Use the Customer ID retrieval option or contact AZGFD for help.
A passport is not a universal requirement for an online fishing-license purchase. New customers must provide an accepted identification type and the other identity information requested by the portal. International visitors should follow the portal fields for their country and address.
Choose the License, Pay, and Keep Proof
- Select the correct residency status and license product. For an eligible annual license bought online, choose the start date carefully; Arizona rules allow a selected start date up to 60 days after purchase.
- For a short-term combination license, choose each date on which the license should be valid.
- Review the customer name, date of birth, license type, dates, and total price.
- Complete payment through the secure checkout.
- Save the confirmation and license number.
- Print a copy or save the license to your phone.
- For convenient offline access, sync the license with the Arizona E-Tag app through a free AZGFD portal account.
Pro Tip: Save both a digital copy and a printed backup before traveling to remote lakes or streams. The E-Tag app can display a synced license without cellular service, but a paper backup protects against a dead or damaged phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is an Arizona non-resident fishing license?
The non-resident general fishing license costs $55. The short-term combination hunt-and-fish license costs $20 per selected day, the adult combination hunt-and-fish license costs $160, and the youth combination license for ages 10–17 costs $5.
How many fishing days make the annual license cheaper?
Three days. Two non-resident short-term days cost $40, while three cost $60. The annual non-resident general fishing license costs $55, so it becomes the lower-cost fishing-only choice at three selected days.
What age needs an Arizona fishing license?
Resident and non-resident anglers age 10 or older generally need a valid fishing or combination license when fishing publicly accessible Arizona waters. Children under 10 do not need a state fishing license, and eligible anglers ages 10–17 can buy the $5 youth combination license.
Can I choose a future start date for an annual license?
Yes, for eligible annual licenses purchased online or at an AZGFD office. Arizona licensing rules allow the selected start date to be up to 60 calendar days after purchase. An annual general fishing license bought from a license dealer starts on the purchase date.
Does the Arizona fishing license include trout and two-pole privileges?
Yes. Current fishing and combination licenses include trout privileges and allow simultaneous fishing with up to two poles or lines, unless a water-specific regulation imposes a stricter restriction.
Do I need an Arizona license for a private pond?
Not when Arizona’s private-water exemption applies. The water must be an artificial pond, tank, or lake contained entirely on private land, not open to the public, and not managed by AZGFD. You still need the property owner’s permission.
Does an Arizona state license cover tribal waters?
Not automatically. Tribal nations manage fishing access and permits on their lands and waters. Contact the applicable tribe and obtain any required tribal permit before fishing there.
Where can a non-resident buy an Arizona fishing license?
The official AZGFD License Portal is the fastest direct option. Licenses are also available through AZGFD offices and participating license dealers. Dealers no longer sell traditional paper licenses, but many can help customers complete purchases through AZGFD’s online system.
Is there still a $24 Community Fishing License in Arizona?
No. Arizona Administrative Code lists R12-4-209, the former Community Fishing License rule, as repealed effective January 1, 2022, and AZGFD’s current license page does not list a separate Community Fishing License. Current General Fishing and combination licenses cover Commission-designated Community Fishing Program waters.
Conclusion
An adult Arizona non-resident general fishing license costs $55 and is valid for one year from its applicable start date. Adults fishing for only one or two selected days can save with the $20-per-day short-term combination license, while three short-term days cost $60 and therefore exceed the $55 annual price. Youth ages 10–17 can buy the $5 youth combination license.
Before casting, confirm that the license covers the water you plan to visit, check special regulations, and obtain any required tribal permit. Do not rely on older pages that still advertise a separate $24 Community Fishing License. Keep printed or digital proof of the license with you, and review the customer information carefully because completed license purchases are non-transferable and generally cannot be refunded or exchanged.
Sources
- Arizona Game and Fish Department — Fishing Licenses and Regulations — current fishing fees, age requirements, exemptions, included privileges, and purchase methods
- Arizona Game and Fish Department — Hunting Licenses — adult combination, youth combination, short-term combination, and migratory-bird-stamp details
- Arizona Game and Fish Department — 2026 Free Fishing Day — date, license waiver, and excluded waters
- Arizona Game and Fish Department — Arizona E-Tag App — digital license storage and offline access
- Arizona Secretary of State — Arizona Administrative Code, Title 12, Chapter 4, Supplement 26-2 — current R12-4-207 and R12-4-210 start-date rules, R12-4-209 repeal history, and R12-4-311 exemptions
- Arizona Revised Statutes §17-309 and §17-340 — wildlife violations and possible license suspension or revocation
- Arizona Revised Statutes §17-331 and §17-332 — carrying proof of a license, non-transferability, and refund rules
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