Tennessee offers a discounted fishing license for residents 65 and older
If you are 65 or older and a Tennessee resident, you can purchase a senior citizen fishing license at a reduced rate instead of paying the standard resident license fee. The senior license lets you fish in Tennessee's public waters year-round with the same privileges as a full-price resident license — you just pay less. You will need proof of age and Tennessee residency when you buy the license.
The senior license is available as a one-year permit. Tennessee does not currently offer a lifetime senior fishing license option, though lifetime licenses are available to other groups (such as disabled veterans). The one-year senior license renews each calendar year.
Key Takeaways
- Tennessee residents age 65 and older pay a reduced rate for a one-year fishing license compared to the standard resident rate.
- You must show proof of age (such as a driver's license or birth certificate) and proof of Tennessee residency when purchasing the license.
- You can buy a senior license online through the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency website, by phone, or in person at license vendors across the state.
- The senior license covers freshwater and saltwater fishing in Tennessee public waters and is valid for one calendar year from the date of purchase.
Where to buy a Tennessee senior fishing license
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) sells senior licenses through three main channels. The fastest option is to purchase online at the TWRA website — you can complete the transaction in minutes and print your license immediately or have it mailed to you. You will need a valid email address and a way to pay online (credit card or debit card).
You can also call the TWRA directly to order by phone. A staff member will walk you through the process and can answer questions about which license type you need. Phone orders typically take a few business days to arrive by mail.
License vendors throughout Tennessee — including sporting goods stores, bait and tackle shops, and some Walmart locations — sell senior licenses in person. Bring your proof of age and residency with you. Buying in person means you walk out with your license the same day.
What documents you need to bring or provide
You will need two pieces of information: proof that you are 65 or older, and proof that you live in Tennessee. A current Tennessee driver's license covers both requirements at once. If you do not have a driver's license, bring a birth certificate or passport for age, and a utility bill, lease, or property tax statement for residency.
When you buy online, you will enter this information into the TWRA system. When you buy by phone or in person, show the documents to the vendor or staff member. Keep your license and any receipts in a safe place — you will need to show your license to a game warden or ranger if asked while fishing.
Cost and what the license covers
The senior license costs less than a standard resident license, though the exact price varies slightly depending on when you purchase it and whether you buy online or in person. Contact the TWRA or a local vendor for the current senior rate. The license is valid for one calendar year — if you buy it in March, it expires on December 31 of that year, not one year from the purchase date.
Your senior license covers freshwater fishing (lakes, rivers, and streams) and saltwater fishing (if you fish in Tennessee's coastal waters or the Mississippi River). You can use any legal fishing method — rod and reel, fly rod, bow and arrow, or hand line — that is allowed under Tennessee fishing regulations. The license does not cover hunting or trapping; those require separate licenses.
Fishing seasons and regulations that apply to your license
Holding a senior license does not exempt you from Tennessee's fishing seasons and size limits. Different species have different open seasons — for example, largemouth bass has one season, walleye has another, and some species are closed during certain months. You must follow the current regulations for each fish you catch, including minimum and maximum size limits and daily catch limits.
The TWRA publishes a current fishing guide each year that lists all seasons, size limits, and catch limits by species and by water body. You can download the guide free from the TWRA website or pick up a printed copy at any license vendor. Check the guide before you fish to make sure the species and water you plan to fish are open and what the rules are.
Renewing your senior license each year
Your license expires on December 31 each year. You can renew it anytime after October 1 of the year before expiration — so you can renew your 2024 license starting October 1, 2024. Renewing online takes a few minutes and is the fastest option. You can also renew by phone or at a vendor.
When you renew, you do not need to provide proof of age and residency again if your information has not changed. If you have moved or your age status has changed, bring updated documents. Keep track of your license expiration date so you do not fish without a valid license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a separate license to fish in different Tennessee counties?
No. One Tennessee senior fishing license covers all public waters in the state — lakes, rivers, and streams in every county. You do not need to buy multiple licenses or get permission from individual counties.
Can I fish the same day I buy my license?
Yes, if you buy in person at a vendor or online and print your license immediately. If you order by phone or online with mailing, you should wait until you receive the printed license before fishing, since you may be asked to show it to a game warden.
What if I lose my license while I'm fishing?
Contact the TWRA and report the loss. They can issue a replacement license, usually for a small fee. In the meantime, stop fishing until you have a valid license in hand — fishing without a license can result in a citation.
Does the senior license cover my spouse or fishing partner?
No. Each person who fishes must have their own valid license. If your spouse is also 65 or older, they can purchase their own senior license at the same reduced rate.
Can I buy a senior license if I'm not retired?
Yes. The senior license is based on age alone — you do not need to be retired or meet any other condition besides being 65 or older and a Tennessee resident.