A nonresident annual license lets you fish Georgia waters for a full calendar year without buying a new license each trip

Georgia's nonresident annual fishing license costs $27.50 and covers saltwater and freshwater fishing from January 1 through December 31 of the year you purchase it. You can fish any public water in the state — rivers, lakes, coastal areas — as long as you follow Georgia's species regulations and catch limits. The license is valid only for you; it does not cover anyone else in your boat or group.

You can buy the license online through the Georgia Department of Natural Resources website, by phone, or in person at license vendors across the state. Most anglers choose online because it takes minutes and the license is valid immediately — you can print it or show it on your phone. If you fish Georgia regularly or plan multiple trips throughout the year, the annual license is cheaper than buying a seven-day license each time.

Key Takeaways

  • The nonresident annual license costs $27.50 and covers both freshwater and saltwater fishing for the full calendar year in Georgia.
  • You can purchase the license online, by phone, or at vendor locations, and it becomes valid immediately upon purchase.
  • The license covers only you — your spouse, children, and friends must each have their own license to fish legally.
  • Georgia requires a separate saltwater license stamp if you plan to fish in coastal areas, which costs an additional $10.

How to buy your nonresident annual license online

Visit the Georgia Department of Natural Resources website and navigate to the licensing section. You will need to create an account or log in if you already have one. Enter your name, address, date of birth, and driver's license or ID number. Georgia requires this information to issue the license.

Select "Nonresident Annual" from the license type menu, then add it to your cart. At checkout, you will pay $27.50 by credit or debit card. Once the transaction is complete, you can print your license immediately or save the confirmation email with your license number. The license is valid right away — you do not have to wait for anything to arrive in the mail.

Keep your printed license or a photo of it on your phone when you fish. Georgia game wardens can ask to see it at any time, and you must show it within a reasonable time or face a citation.

Buying in person or by phone

If you prefer not to buy online, you can call the Georgia Department of Natural Resources at 770-414-3333 during business hours. A staff member will take your information and process the payment over the phone. You will receive a license number immediately and can pick up your printed license at any authorized vendor location, or they can mail it to you.

Authorized vendors include sporting goods stores, bait and tackle shops, and some Walmart locations across Georgia. Call ahead to confirm the vendor near you has nonresident licenses in stock. Buying in person takes the same amount of time as online and costs the same amount.

The saltwater stamp requirement for coastal fishing

If you plan to fish in Georgia's coastal waters — the Atlantic Ocean, estuaries, or tidal rivers — you must also buy a saltwater license stamp for $10. This is separate from your nonresident annual license and is required in addition to it. Without the stamp, you cannot legally fish saltwater species like redfish, spotted seatrout, or flounder in coastal areas.

You can add the saltwater stamp when you purchase your annual license online, or buy it separately at any vendor. The stamp is valid for the same calendar year as your annual license.

What species you can keep and daily catch limits

Georgia sets different catch limits depending on the species and the water you are fishing. Largemouth bass in freshwater have a daily limit of five fish with a 12-inch minimum length. Crappie limits are 30 fish per day. Catfish have no daily limit in most waters. Saltwater species like redfish are limited to three fish per day, and spotted seatrout to 15 fish per day.

These limits change occasionally, so check the current Georgia fishing regulations before you go. The Department of Natural Resources publishes a full regulation guide online and updates it each year. Violating catch limits or keeping undersized fish can result in fines and loss of your license.

When your license expires and renewal

Your nonresident annual license expires on December 31 of the year you purchase it. If you buy a license on June 15, it remains valid through the end of that year — you do not get a refund for the unused months. If you plan to fish into the next year, you must buy a new annual license before January 1.

Many anglers buy their next year's license in late November or December so they do not forget. You can purchase it online anytime, and it will be valid starting January 1. There is no grace period; fishing after December 31 without a current license is illegal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a separate license for my spouse or children?

Yes. Each person who fishes must have their own license. Children under 16 can fish without a license if they are under direct supervision of a licensed adult, but anyone 16 or older must have a valid license to fish legally in Georgia.

Can I fish saltwater with just the annual license, or do I need the stamp?

You need both. The $27.50 annual license covers freshwater and saltwater, but the additional $10 saltwater stamp is required to fish coastal waters. Without the stamp, you can only fish freshwater lakes and rivers.

What happens if a game warden asks to see my license and I do not have it?

You must show your license within a reasonable time. If you cannot produce it, you may receive a citation. Keep your printed license or a clear photo on your phone to avoid this problem.

Can I get a refund if I buy an annual license and do not use it?

No. Nonresident annual licenses are non-refundable once purchased. If you are unsure whether you will fish enough to justify the cost, consider a seven-day license instead.

Is my Georgia nonresident license valid in other states?

No. Your Georgia license is valid only in Georgia. If you fish in another state, you must purchase that state's nonresident license. Each state manages its own fishing licenses and regulations.