What the 3-Day Nonresident License Covers

Maryland's 3-day nonresident freshwater fishing license lets you fish in the state's freshwater bodies for three consecutive calendar days without being a Maryland resident. You can fish for warmwater species like bass, catfish, and panfish, as well as trout in designated areas. The license does not cover saltwater fishing or tidal waters — those require a separate saltwater license.

The three days run consecutively starting the day you purchase the license. If you buy it on a Friday, it covers Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The license is valid only for freshwater — rivers, lakes, ponds, and streams that are not tidal. You must follow all Maryland fishing regulations for seasons, size limits, and daily catch limits that apply to the species you are targeting.

Key Takeaways

  • The 3-day license costs a set amount and covers three consecutive calendar days of freshwater fishing only.
  • You can purchase the license online through the Maryland Department of Natural Resources website, by phone, or at authorized retailers.
  • You must carry your license with you while fishing and be prepared to show it to a wildlife officer.
  • The license does not cover saltwater or tidal fishing, which require their own separate licenses.
  • Certain species and waters may have additional restrictions or closures that you must follow regardless of holding a valid license.

Where to Buy Your License

You can purchase a 3-day nonresident freshwater license through three main channels. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources sells licenses online at their website, where you can buy and print or download your license immediately. You can also call the DNR licensing office during business hours to purchase over the phone — they will mail the license or provide a confirmation number you can use while waiting for the physical copy.

Authorized retailers throughout Maryland also sell licenses, including many sporting goods stores, bait and tackle shops, and some Walmart locations. Call ahead to confirm the retailer has nonresident 3-day licenses in stock, since smaller shops may stock only resident licenses or annual nonresident licenses. Having your license before you arrive at the water saves time and ensures you can fish legally from your first day.

What Information You Need to Provide

When you purchase a 3-day license, you will need to provide your full name, date of birth, and current address. The retailer or online system will ask for a valid form of identification to confirm your information. If buying online, you will also need a payment method — credit card, debit card, or other accepted payment option depending on the retailer.

You do not need to be a U.S. citizen to purchase a nonresident license, but you do need to provide an address. If you are visiting from out of state or internationally, use the address where you are staying during your fishing trip. The license is issued to you personally and cannot be transferred to another person.

License Cost and Payment Options

The cost of a 3-day nonresident freshwater license varies by year and is set by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Prices typically fall in a specific range, but you should check the current price when you are ready to purchase, as fees can change. Online purchases through the DNR website may include a small processing fee in addition to the base license cost.

Payment methods depend on where you buy. Online purchases accept major credit and debit cards. Retailers that sell licenses in person accept cash, credit, and debit cards — confirm with the specific shop what they take. Phone purchases through the DNR office also accept credit and debit cards.

How to Carry and Display Your License

Maryland law requires you to have your license with you at all times while you are actively fishing. If you printed your license at home or received a physical copy by mail, keep it in a waterproof pocket or bag. If you purchased online and received a digital copy, you can show the email or digital file on your phone to a wildlife officer — but having a printed backup is safer in case your phone dies or loses signal.

A wildlife officer can stop and check your license at any time. Having it readily available and legible speeds up the interaction and shows you are fishing legally. Laminating a printed license protects it from water damage and makes it last longer if you plan to fish multiple days.

Regulations and Restrictions That Apply

Holding a valid 3-day license does not override Maryland's fishing regulations. You must follow all season dates for each species — some fish have closed seasons where no fishing is allowed, and others have specific open dates. Daily catch limits (the number of fish you can keep per day) and size limits (the minimum or maximum length a fish must be to keep) apply to every angler, regardless of license type.

Some waters have special rules or are closed to fishing entirely. Check the Maryland Department of Natural Resources fishing guide or call their office before you fish a specific location to confirm it is open and what species are in season. Trout waters often have special regulations — some allow only catch-and-release, others have reduced daily limits, and some are closed during certain months. Violating these rules can result in fines even if your license is valid.

What You Cannot Fish For With This License

The 3-day nonresident freshwater license covers only freshwater species in non-tidal waters. You cannot use it to fish in the Chesapeake Bay, tidal rivers, or any saltwater areas. If you want to fish in tidal or saltwater areas, you need a separate nonresident saltwater license.

Some freshwater species may also have special licensing requirements. Check the current Maryland fishing guide to confirm that the species you want to target is covered under your freshwater license and is in season. Certain areas may require special permits or have additional restrictions beyond the standard license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish in Maryland with a nonresident license from another state?

No. Maryland requires anyone fishing in the state to hold a valid Maryland license. Licenses from other states are not recognized. You must purchase a Maryland nonresident 3-day license or another valid Maryland license type to fish legally in the state.

Do I need a separate license for each day, or does one 3-day license cover all three days?

One 3-day license covers all three consecutive days. You do not need to purchase a new license each day. The license is valid from the date of purchase through the end of the third calendar day.

Can I fish at night with a 3-day nonresident license?

Yes, the license itself allows night fishing. However, some waters have specific rules about when you can fish — check the Maryland fishing guide or contact the DNR to confirm night fishing is allowed at your chosen location. Some areas prohibit night fishing or have restricted hours.

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

Contact the Maryland Department of Natural Resources immediately to report it lost. If you purchased online and have the confirmation email, you may be able to print a replacement or show the email to a wildlife officer. If you purchased a physical copy, the DNR can issue a replacement, though this may take time. Keep a photo of your license on your phone as a backup.

Can I extend my 3-day license if I want to fish longer?

No. The 3-day license is valid for exactly three consecutive days and cannot be extended. If you want to fish beyond those three days, you must purchase another 3-day license or consider a longer-term nonresident license option, such as an annual nonresident freshwater license.