Who can buy a 7-day nonresident license and what it covers
Maryland's 7-day nonresident fishing license lets you fish in the state's bays and coastal waters for one week without being a Maryland resident. You can fish saltwater species in the Chesapeake Bay, Atlantic Ocean, and tidal tributaries during that period. The license does not cover freshwater fishing — if you want to fish rivers, ponds, or lakes, you need a separate freshwater license.
You are may be able to access to buy this license if you do not live in Maryland. The state does not require you to be a U.S. citizen, but you do need to be at least 16 years old. If you are under 16, you can fish without any license in Maryland's saltwater waters.
The 7-day window runs consecutively from the date you purchase it. You cannot split the days across multiple weeks or pause the license partway through.
Key Takeaways
- A 7-day nonresident saltwater license costs a set fee and covers bay and coastal fishing only, not freshwater.
- You can buy the license online through the Maryland Department of Natural Resources website or at authorized vendors near fishing areas.
- The license begins the day you purchase it and runs for seven consecutive calendar days.
- Certain species require additional permits or have closed seasons even with a valid license, so check current regulations before you fish.
- You must carry your license with you while fishing and show it to a natural resources officer if asked.
How to buy your 7-day license online or in person
The fastest way to get your license is through the Maryland Department of Natural Resources website at dnr.maryland.gov. Go to the licensing section, select "Nonresident" and "7-Day Saltwater," enter your information, and pay the fee. You will receive a digital license immediately that you can print or show on your phone. No waiting, no mail delays.
If you prefer to buy in person, you can visit authorized vendors in coastal areas — bait and tackle shops, sporting goods stores, and some marinas sell licenses. Call ahead to confirm they have 7-day nonresident licenses in stock, since smaller shops sometimes carry only resident or annual options. Vendors can issue your license on the spot.
Bring a valid photo ID when you buy. You will need to provide your name, date of birth, and address. If you buy online, have a credit or debit card ready.
What the license costs and what payment methods work
The fee for a 7-day nonresident saltwater license varies slightly depending on whether you buy it online or from a vendor in person. Online purchases through the DNR website are typically the lowest price. Vendors may charge a small additional fee for processing.
Both the DNR website and most vendors accept credit cards and debit cards. Some tackle shops may also take cash or checks, but call first to confirm. The DNR website does not accept cash or checks — online orders require a card.
Once you pay, your license is active immediately if you buy online. In-person purchases at vendors are also instant. There is no waiting period.
Species you can fish and seasons that apply
With a 7-day nonresident saltwater license, you can fish for striped bass, bluefish, flounder, drum, perch, and many other saltwater species in Maryland's bays and coastal waters. The license itself does not restrict which species you target — the restrictions come from Maryland's fishing regulations, which change by season and species.
Some species have closed seasons. For example, striped bass has specific open and closed periods depending on the area and whether you are fishing from shore or a boat. Flounder seasons also shift. Before you fish, check the current Maryland saltwater fishing guide on the DNR website to see which species are open during your visit and what size and catch limits apply.
Certain species like rockfish (striped bass) may require a separate permit or tag, even with a valid license. The DNR website lists these requirements clearly. Ignoring them can result in a citation, so spend five minutes reviewing the rules for the species you plan to target.
Where you can and cannot fish with this license
Your 7-day nonresident license covers saltwater fishing in the Chesapeake Bay, all tidal tributaries (rivers that connect to the bay), and the Atlantic Ocean out to the state's boundary. This includes areas around Baltimore, the Eastern Shore, and the lower Potomac River where it is tidal.
You cannot use this license in freshwater areas — that means no fishing in reservoirs, non-tidal rivers, or ponds. If you want to fish the Susquehanna River above the dam or any other freshwater body, you need a separate freshwater license.
Some areas have additional restrictions. Certain wildlife management areas or marine sanctuaries may have their own rules about where you can fish or what methods you can use. Check the DNR website or call the regional office for the area you plan to visit if you are unsure.
What to carry and how to prove you have a valid license
Maryland law requires you to have your license with you while you are actively fishing. If you bought a digital license online, you can print it or show it on your phone. Either way works — a natural resources officer will accept either form. If you bought a physical license from a vendor, carry the paper license itself.
A natural resources officer can stop you and ask to see your license at any time. If you cannot produce it, you can face a citation and fine. Do not leave your license in the car or at your lodging — keep it in your pocket or bag while you fish.
If you lose your digital license, you can log back into the DNR website and reprint it. If you lose a physical license, you will need to buy a replacement, which costs the same as the original.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fish the day I buy my license, or does it start the next day?
Your license is active the moment you purchase it. If you buy it at 2 p.m. on a Tuesday, you can fish that same day. The seven-day period runs from the purchase date and time, so plan accordingly if you are arriving late in the day.
Do I need a separate license to fish from a charter boat?
No. Your 7-day nonresident saltwater license covers fishing from a charter boat, a private boat, or the shore. One license covers all saltwater methods in Maryland. The charter captain will ask to see it before you leave the dock.
What happens if my 7 days end while I'm still visiting?
You can buy another 7-day license to extend your trip. There is no limit to how many times you can renew. Each new purchase starts a fresh seven-day period. You can buy the renewal online or at a vendor the same way you bought the first one.
Can I fish at night with this license?
Yes, the license itself allows night fishing. However, some species have specific time restrictions — for example, certain areas may close to fishing at sunset or have night-only seasons for particular species. Check the current regulations for the species and location you plan to fish.
Is there a license for just one day instead of seven?
Maryland does not offer a one-day nonresident saltwater license. The shortest option is the 7-day license. If you are only fishing for a day, you still need to buy the full seven-day license.