Who Can Buy a 14-Day Temporary License and What It Covers
South Carolina's 14-day temporary nonresident fishing license is for people who do not live in the state but want to fish its waters for two consecutive weeks. You can fish freshwater and saltwater during that period with a single license — no separate permits needed for each type. The license is valid for exactly 14 consecutive days from the date you purchase it, so timing matters if you have a specific trip planned.
This license does not cover all fishing methods. You can use rod and reel, but you cannot use cast nets, seines, or other commercial gear. If you plan to fish for saltwater species that require a separate endorsement (like redfish or snook in some areas), you will need to purchase those add-ons separately. Trout, bass, catfish, and most common freshwater species are included without additional cost.
Key Takeaways
- The 14-day temporary nonresident license costs a set fee and covers both freshwater and saltwater rod-and-reel fishing for 14 consecutive days.
- You must purchase the license before you fish; South Carolina does not issue licenses retroactively or allow fishing while your purchase is pending.
- The license is available online through the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources website, by phone, or at authorized vendors across the state.
- Some saltwater species require additional endorsements beyond the base license, so check the current regulations for the specific fish you plan to target.
- You must carry proof of your license while fishing — either a printed receipt or a digital copy on your phone — and show it to a wildlife officer if asked.
How to Purchase Your License Before Your Trip
The fastest way to buy a 14-day temporary nonresident license is online through the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources licensing portal. You will need a valid email address and a payment method (credit or debit card). The process takes about five minutes, and you receive a confirmation email with your license number and a PDF receipt you can print or save to your phone. This receipt is your proof of license and must be with you while fishing.
If you prefer not to buy online, you can call the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources licensing office during business hours, or visit an authorized vendor — typically sporting goods stores, bait shops, and some outdoor retailers. Vendors can issue the license on the spot, though availability varies by location. If you are already in South Carolina and need a license immediately, a local vendor is often faster than waiting for mail or email confirmation.
Do not wait until the day you arrive to purchase. If the online system is down or a vendor is closed, you will not be able to fish that day. Buying a day or two before your trip removes that risk.
What the License Costs and Payment Options
The fee for a 14-day temporary nonresident license is set by South Carolina and does not vary by where you purchase it. The exact amount changes periodically, so check the Department of Natural Resources website for the current price before you buy. Online purchases and vendor purchases cost the same — there is no discount for one method over another.
All vendors and the online system accept major credit and debit cards. Some vendors may accept cash, but calling ahead to confirm is wise, especially if you are in a rural area. If you purchase online, the charge appears on your card immediately, and you receive your license within minutes. Vendor purchases are processed the same way at the point of sale.
Freshwater and Saltwater Species You Can Fish
With your 14-day temporary nonresident license, you can fish for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, striped bass, catfish, crappie, bluegill, and most other freshwater species in South Carolina's lakes, rivers, and ponds. Size and bag limits apply — you cannot keep unlimited numbers of any species — and those limits are listed in the current South Carolina fishing regulations guide, which you should review before you go.
In saltwater, the license covers flounder, Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, cobia, and many others. However, some saltwater species — notably redfish and snook — require a separate saltwater endorsement beyond your base license. Shrimp and crab have their own rules and may require additional permits depending on how you plan to harvest them. The regulations guide breaks this down by species, and it is worth reading the section for the fish you actually plan to target rather than assuming your license covers everything.
Certain waters have special restrictions or are closed to fishing during parts of the year. For example, some trout streams have catch-and-release-only periods, and some saltwater areas have seasonal closures. Check the regulations for the specific body of water where you plan to fish.
Where to Fish and Access Rules
South Carolina has thousands of miles of fishable water: the Santee Cooper lakes (Santee and Marion), the Savannah River, the Congaree River, coastal estuaries, and the Atlantic Ocean. Public access varies. Some lakes and rivers have public boat ramps and fishing piers; others require permission from private landowners. State parks and wildlife management areas often have public access, though some charge a day-use fee separate from your fishing license.
Before you choose a destination, confirm that public access exists. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources website lists public fishing areas and boat ramps by region. If you plan to fish from a boat, you will also need to follow South Carolina boating regulations — life jackets, registration, and safety equipment are required by law, not just good practice.
Regulations and Restrictions to Know Before You Fish
Your 14-day temporary nonresident license does not exempt you from South Carolina's fishing regulations. Size limits, bag limits, and seasonal closures apply to everyone. For example, largemouth bass have a 12-inch minimum size and a daily bag limit; if you catch a bass under 12 inches, you must release it immediately. Exceeding a bag limit or keeping an undersized fish is a violation, even if you did not know the rule.
Certain methods are prohibited statewide: dynamite, poison, electricity, and explosives are never allowed. Night fishing for some species is restricted or banned. Some waters require catch-and-release only. The current South Carolina fishing regulations guide covers all of this and is free to download from the Department of Natural Resources website. Reading the relevant sections before your trip takes 20 minutes and prevents costly mistakes.
Wildlife officers patrol fishing areas and can check your license and catch at any time. Carry your license receipt with you at all times while fishing — a digital copy on your phone is acceptable, but having it ready to show saves time and frustration.
When Your 14-Day License Expires and What Comes Next
Your license is valid for exactly 14 consecutive calendar days from the date you purchase it. If you buy on a Monday, it expires at the end of the following Sunday. Once it expires, you cannot fish legally in South Carolina without a new license. If your trip runs longer than 14 days, you will need to purchase another 14-day license or a longer-term option (South Carolina offers 30-day and annual nonresident licenses as well).
Plan your purchase date carefully. If you know you will be in South Carolina from June 15 to June 28, buy your license on June 15, not before. Buying early does not extend your fishing window — the 14 days start the moment you purchase, whether you fish that day or not.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fish the day I buy my license?
Yes. Once your purchase is complete and you have received your confirmation email or receipt, you can fish immediately. You do not need to wait for anything to arrive in the mail or for a processing period. Bring your receipt with you to the water.
Do I need a separate license for saltwater and freshwater?
No. A single 14-day temporary nonresident license covers both. However, some saltwater species like redfish require an additional endorsement, which you purchase separately at the time you buy your base license.
What happens if I lose my license receipt?
Contact the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources with your license number or the email address you used to purchase. They can issue a replacement receipt or provide your license number so you can show proof to a wildlife officer. Keep a photo of your receipt on your phone as a backup.
Can I extend my 14-day license if my trip runs longer?
No. You cannot extend an existing license. You must purchase a new license — either another 14-day temporary license or a 30-day or annual nonresident license — when your current one expires. Purchase the new license before the old one runs out to avoid a gap in coverage.
Do I need a license to fish from a charter boat?
Yes. Even if the captain holds a charter license, you still need your own fishing license. Some charter operations include the cost of a temporary license in their package, so ask when you book. If they do not, you will need to purchase one before you go out on the water.