A nonresident annual license lets you fish Pennsylvania waters for a full calendar year without buying a new permit each trip
Pennsylvania's nonresident annual fishing license is a single permit that covers all freshwater fishing in the state from January 1 through December 31. You buy it once and fish for the entire year—no daily licenses, no trip stamps, no restocking fees beyond what the license itself costs. The license is valid the moment you purchase it, even if you buy it in November; you do not get a refund for unused months.
The license covers trout, bass, walleye, catfish, panfish, and most other freshwater species in Pennsylvania's lakes, rivers, and streams. It does not cover saltwater fishing (which Pennsylvania does not have) or special permit-only waters like some private trout farms. You still need separate stamps if you want to fish for trout in special regulation areas or if you plan to keep certain species like muskellunge.
Key Takeaways
- A nonresident annual license costs a set fee and covers all freshwater fishing in Pennsylvania for the full calendar year.
- You can buy the license online through the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission website, by phone, or in person at authorized vendors.
- The license arrives by mail if you order online; delivery typically takes one to two weeks, so plan ahead if you have a specific trip date.
- You must carry your license with you while fishing and show it to a wildlife officer if asked; a photo or printed copy is acceptable.
- Trout stamps and special regulation permits are sold separately and are required in addition to your base license for certain waters and species.
How to Buy a Nonresident Annual License
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission sells nonresident annual licenses through three main channels. The fastest is online at www.fishandboat.com—you can complete the purchase in minutes and receive a temporary license by email immediately. Your permanent license card arrives by mail within one to two weeks.
You can also call the Fish and Boat Commission directly at 717-705-7800 during business hours to purchase over the phone. A staff member will take your information, process payment, and mail your license. If you prefer to buy in person, authorized vendors across Pennsylvania—including many sporting goods stores, bait shops, and outdoor retailers—stock licenses and can issue them on the spot. Search the vendor locator on the Fish and Boat Commission website to find one near you.
Whichever method you choose, have your Social Security number or a valid ID ready. Nonresidents must provide proof of residency in another state, which usually means a driver's license with an out-of-state address. Payment is accepted by credit card, debit card, or check (by mail only).
License Cost and What It Covers
The nonresident annual license fee varies slightly year to year but typically costs between $65 and $75. The exact amount is set by the Fish and Boat Commission and published on their website each January. This single fee covers you for the entire calendar year and includes the right to fish for most freshwater species in any public water in Pennsylvania.
The license does not include trout stamps or special regulation permits. If you plan to fish for trout in designated trout waters, you must buy a separate trout stamp (usually $10 to $15). Some waters have additional special regulations—catch-and-release only, artificial lures only, or slot limits—and these do not require extra permits, but you must follow the rules posted at the water or listed in the Pennsylvania Fishing Guide.
The license also does not cover fishing on private property without the owner's permission. Always confirm you have legal access before you fish.
When Your License Becomes Valid and Expiration
Your nonresident annual license is valid the moment you receive it—whether that is the temporary email version or the permanent card in the mail. If you buy online and get an immediate temporary license, you can start fishing right away using that temporary permit. When your permanent card arrives, keep it with you instead.
All nonresident annual licenses expire on December 31 of the year they are issued. If you buy a license on November 15, it remains valid through December 31 of that same year—you do not get extra months or a refund. If you plan to fish into the new year, you must buy a new license before January 1.
What to Carry and How to Prove You Have a License
Pennsylvania law requires you to have your license with you at all times while fishing. A Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission officer can ask to see it, and you must produce it on demand. You can carry the physical card, a printed copy of your temporary license from email, or a photo of your license on your phone—all are legally acceptable.
If you lose your card or never received it, contact the Fish and Boat Commission at 717-705-7800 and request a replacement. They can issue a duplicate by mail or, in some cases, provide a temporary replacement over the phone. Do not fish without proof of a valid license; the penalty for fishing without one includes fines and possible confiscation of your equipment.
Trout Stamps and Special Permits You May Need
Pennsylvania's trout waters are divided into regular trout lakes and streams, and special regulation areas. Your annual license covers fishing in regular trout waters, but if you want to fish in special regulation trout areas—which include many of the state's most productive streams—you must buy a separate trout stamp. This stamp costs around $10 to $15 and is valid for the same calendar year as your license.
Special regulation areas have their own rules: some allow only artificial lures, some are catch-and-release only, and some have slot limits on keeper size. These rules do not require additional permits—they are enforced by the regulations themselves—but you must know them before you fish. The Pennsylvania Fishing Guide, available free on the Fish and Boat Commission website, lists every special regulation water and its specific rules.
Muskellunge fishing also requires a separate permit in some areas. Check the Fishing Guide or call the Commission if you plan to target musky.
Nonresident vs. Resident Licenses and When Each Makes Sense
Pennsylvania residents pay significantly less for an annual license than nonresidents—typically $20 to $25 compared to $65 to $75 for nonresidents. If you fish Pennsylvania waters more than a few times per year, the annual nonresident license is cheaper than buying daily licenses each trip. A daily nonresident license usually costs $10 to $15, so if you fish more than five or six days per year, the annual license pays for itself.
If you fish only once or twice a year, a daily license may be more economical. If you fish multiple times per month or plan a week-long trip, the annual license is the better choice. The Fish and Boat Commission website has a calculator to help you compare costs based on how many days you plan to fish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my nonresident license if I move to Pennsylvania?
No. Once you establish Pennsylvania residency, you must switch to a resident license. Residency is typically determined by your driver's license address. If you move to Pennsylvania and update your license, you can no longer use a nonresident permit and must buy a resident license instead.
What happens if I fish without my license card?
Pennsylvania law requires you to carry proof of your license while fishing. If you cannot show it to an officer, you can be cited for fishing without a license even if you actually own one. Always carry your card, a printed copy, or a photo. If you lose your card, contact the Fish and Boat Commission immediately for a replacement.
Do I need a separate license for each family member?
Yes. Each person who fishes must have their own valid license. Children under 16 may be exempt from licensing requirements if they fish under direct supervision of a licensed adult, but this varies by state regulation—check the current rules on the Fish and Boat Commission website before you assume a child does not need one.
Can I buy a nonresident license if I live in another country?
Yes. You must provide a valid ID with your address on it. A passport with a foreign address is acceptable. Some vendors may ask for additional proof, but the Fish and Boat Commission does not restrict nonresident licenses to U.S. citizens or residents of other states.
What if I buy my license online but my trip is in three days?
Order immediately. Mail delivery typically takes one to two weeks, but you receive a temporary license by email the same day you purchase. That temporary license is fully valid for fishing—print it or show it on your phone to a wildlife officer if asked. Your permanent card will arrive later, but you do not need to wait for it.