What the Nonresident Combination Angling License Covers
Minnesota's Nonresident Combination Angling License lets a spouse of a resident fish in Minnesota waters without buying a separate resident license. If you are married to someone with a Minnesota resident fishing license, you can purchase this combination license instead of paying the full nonresident rate. The license covers freshwater and trout fishing statewide and is valid for one calendar year.
The combination license is not the same as a resident license. You must be legally married to a Minnesota resident who holds an active resident angling license to purchase it. The resident spouse's license must remain valid while you are fishing — if theirs expires, yours does not automatically extend your fishing rights.
Key Takeaways
- The nonresident combination license requires proof of marriage to a Minnesota resident who holds a current resident angling license.
- You can fish freshwater and trout waters statewide with this license, but special regulations (like slot limits or gear restrictions) still apply to the waters you fish.
- The license is sold by the same vendors as resident licenses and costs less than a standard nonresident license.
- You must carry your license and proof of marriage (such as a marriage certificate) while fishing, as officers may ask to see both.
How to Purchase the License
You can buy the nonresident combination angling license through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website, by phone, or at any authorized license vendor across the state. Vendors include sporting goods stores, bait shops, and some hardware stores in fishing communities. When you purchase online or by phone, you will receive a printed license by mail or can print it immediately, depending on the method.
You will need to provide your name, address, date of birth, and your resident spouse's name and license number. Have your spouse's current license available when you purchase. If you do not know the license number, the DNR can look it up if you provide your spouse's full name and date of birth. Some vendors may ask to see your marriage certificate or a copy of it at the time of purchase, though this is not always required on the spot.
Cost and Validity Period
The nonresident combination license costs less than a standard nonresident annual license but more than a resident license. Exact pricing changes annually and varies slightly depending on whether you purchase online, by phone, or in person. Check the Minnesota DNR website for current rates before you buy.
The license is valid from January 1 through December 31 of the year you purchase it. If you buy the license in June, it remains valid through the end of that calendar year only — it does not extend into the following year. You will need to purchase a new license each January if you plan to fish again.
What You Must Carry While Fishing
Minnesota law requires you to have your license on you at all times while fishing. You must also carry proof that you are married to the resident spouse named on your license. A marriage certificate, certified copy, or a state ID showing your married name will satisfy this requirement. Officers may ask to see both your license and proof of marriage, so keep them together in a waterproof case or bag.
If you cannot produce both documents when asked, you may be cited for fishing without a valid license, even if you purchased the combination license correctly. This is a common point of confusion — the license alone is not enough.
Fishing Regulations That Still Apply
Holding a nonresident combination license does not exempt you from any of Minnesota's fishing regulations. You must follow all daily catch limits, size restrictions, gear rules, and season dates that apply to the species and water you are fishing. Some waters have special regulations — slot limits that require you to release fish within a certain size range, or restrictions on the number of lines you can use — and these apply regardless of which license type you hold.
Check the Minnesota DNR's fishing regulations guide or the specific water's rules before you fish. Regulations change by season and by location, and ignorance of the rules is not a defense if you are cited.
If Your Spouse's License Expires or Is Revoked
Your combination license is tied to your spouse's resident license status. If your spouse's license expires and is not renewed, your combination license no longer grants you the right to fish. You would need to purchase a standard nonresident license to continue fishing legally. If your spouse's license is revoked due to violations or unpaid fines, your combination license is also invalid.
Check your spouse's license status before each fishing trip. The Minnesota DNR website allows you to look up license status by name and date of birth. If there is any doubt, contact the DNR directly rather than risk a citation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fish if my spouse's license has expired but they are renewing it?
No. Your combination license is only valid while your spouse's resident license is active. If their license has lapsed, even for a day, you cannot legally fish on your combination license until theirs is renewed. Have your spouse renew before you plan a fishing trip.
What if I get divorced after I buy the license?
Your combination license becomes invalid once the marriage ends. You would need to purchase a standard nonresident license to continue fishing. Notify the Minnesota DNR of the change in marital status if you have already purchased the combination license for that year.
Do I need to show my marriage certificate every time I fish?
You must carry proof of marriage while fishing, but you will not necessarily be asked to show it every trip. Conservation officers may ask to see it at any time, so keep it accessible. A certified copy or state ID showing your married name is sufficient — you do not need the original certificate.
Can I buy a combination license if my spouse is a nonresident?
No. Your spouse must hold a Minnesota resident angling license for you to purchase the combination license. If your spouse is also a nonresident, you both need to purchase standard nonresident licenses.
What happens if I fish without my license or proof of marriage?
You can be cited for fishing without a valid license, even if you purchased the combination license correctly. The citation carries a fine and may result in loss of fishing privileges. Always carry both your license and proof of marriage.