What You Need to Know About Delaware Non-Resident Licenses

Delaware issues non-resident fishing licenses to anyone who does not live in the state but wants to fish its waters. You can buy a license for one day, seven days, or the full calendar year — each option costs less than resident licenses. The license covers freshwater and saltwater fishing in Delaware's bays, rivers, and coastal areas, though some species and methods have separate restrictions you'll need to check before you fish.

You do not need to be a U.S. citizen to buy a non-resident license, but you do need to be at least 16 years old. The license is valid only for the person named on it and cannot be transferred. You can purchase one online through the Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife website, by phone, or in person at authorized vendors around the state.

Key Takeaways

  • Non-resident licenses are available for one day, seven days, or one year, with prices lower than resident annual licenses.
  • You can buy a license online, by phone, or at authorized vendors without visiting a Delaware office in person.
  • The license covers both freshwater and saltwater fishing but does not override species-specific or method-specific rules that apply to everyone.
  • You must carry your license with you while fishing and show it to a Delaware fish and wildlife officer if asked.

License Types and Costs

Delaware offers three non-resident license durations. A one-day license is the cheapest option and covers a single calendar day. A seven-day license covers seven consecutive days from the date of purchase. An annual license covers the full calendar year from January 1 to December 31, regardless of when you buy it.

Prices vary slightly by year and are set by the Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife. Check the official Delaware DNREC website or call the Division of Fish and Wildlife directly at the number listed on their site to confirm current prices before you purchase. Prices are generally lower than resident annual licenses but higher per day than the one-day option if you plan to fish multiple times.

How to Buy Your License Online

The fastest way to get a non-resident license is through the Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife website. Go to the DNREC website, find the licensing section, and select "Non-Resident License." You will need to provide your name, date of birth, address, and email. Payment is by credit or debit card.

Your license is usually issued immediately after payment and can be printed at home or saved to your phone. Some anglers take a screenshot of the digital license and keep it in their phone's photo gallery for easy access on the water. Print or digital copies are equally valid — you do not need a physical card mailed to you.

Buying a License by Phone or at a Vendor

If you prefer not to buy online, you can call the Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife during business hours to purchase over the phone. Have your payment method ready and be prepared to provide the same personal information as you would online. The staff will email or mail your license depending on how quickly you need it.

Authorized vendors throughout Delaware also sell non-resident licenses. These include bait and tackle shops, sporting goods stores, and some outdoor retailers. Call ahead to confirm the vendor has non-resident licenses in stock and ask about their hours. Buying in person means you walk out with your license the same day.

What Your License Covers and Does Not Cover

Your non-resident license covers freshwater fishing in Delaware's rivers, streams, and ponds, and saltwater fishing in Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. It allows you to use rod and reel, hand line, and other standard methods unless a specific regulation says otherwise. The license does not cover commercial fishing, spearfishing, or netting — those require separate permits.

Your license does not override species-specific rules. Some fish have minimum size limits, bag limits (the number you can keep per day), or closed seasons. Striped bass, for example, has its own regulations that apply to everyone, resident or non-resident. Before you fish, check the current Delaware fishing regulations for the species you plan to target. These rules change year to year and are published on the DNREC website.

Carrying and Showing Your License

Delaware law requires you to carry your fishing license with you at all times while you are actively fishing or have fishing gear in your possession. A Delaware fish and wildlife officer can stop you and ask to see it. If you cannot produce it, you may be cited for fishing without a license, even if you purchased one.

Keep your license in a waterproof pocket, a phone case, or a printed copy in your tackle bag. If you fish from a boat, keep it accessible near the helm or in a dry bag. Digital licenses on your phone work just as well as printed ones — officers are used to checking both.

Regulations That Apply to All Anglers

Beyond the license itself, Delaware has rules about where, when, and how you can fish. Some areas are closed to fishing during certain seasons. Some waters require catch-and-release only for certain species. Tidal areas have different rules than freshwater areas. The state publishes a complete fishing guide each year that covers all these restrictions by location and species.

Download the current Delaware Fishing Guide from the DNREC website before you go. It is free and covers seasons, size limits, bag limits, and closed areas. If you are fishing a specific location or targeting a specific fish, look it up in the guide first. Ignorance of the rules is not a defense if you are cited.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish in Delaware with a non-resident license from another state?

No. You must have a Delaware non-resident license to fish Delaware waters. Licenses are not reciprocal between states. If you hold a valid license from another state, it is not valid in Delaware.

Do I need a separate license for saltwater and freshwater fishing?

No. A single non-resident license covers both freshwater and saltwater fishing in Delaware. You do not need to buy two licenses.

What happens if I lose my license while I'm fishing?

Contact the Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife as soon as possible and explain what happened. They can issue a replacement or confirm your purchase so you can print a new copy if you bought online. Keep the confirmation email from your purchase in case you need it.

Can I buy a non-resident license if I own property in Delaware but live out of state?

Yes. Non-resident status is based on where you live, not where you own property. If your primary residence is outside Delaware, you must buy a non-resident license.

How long does a one-day license last if I buy it in the evening?

A one-day license covers a single calendar day from midnight to midnight. If you buy it at 8 p.m., it expires at midnight that same night. Plan accordingly if you want to fish the next morning — buy a seven-day license or a new one-day license the following day.