Georgia Fishing Licenses

Georgia fishing licenses are required for individuals of all ages who are interested in fishing within the state. Avid and licensed anglers can fish in various sanctioned fishing areas available throughout the state and off the coast in the ocean. Buying a fishing license in Georgia requires you to follow the fishing license application process through the GA Department of Natural Resources (DNR). There are multiple application methods for getting your GA fishing permit, depending on your preference, including applying online, by phone or at an authorized licensing agent in your GA county. When you apply for your freshwater fishing license or saltwater fishing license, you must present a few documents to prove your residency status if you wish to purchase the more affordable resident fishing license. Nonresidents can skip the proof of residency step when applying for their license to fish. However, residents are given a discounted rate for fees when buying a fishing license in Georgia. Other groups who get discounted prices include military veterans who are Georgia residents, as well as disabled individuals and senior citizens. Fishing licenses are issued with annual expiration dates in most cases, with options for bi-annual and lifetime licensing available to certain anglers as well. For more information on how to get a fishing license in Georgia, click this link. Georgia fishing licenses are available through the GA Department of Natural Resources in two primary categories to the anglers who meet all necessary requirements:

• Freshwater fishing licenses
• Saltwater fishing licenses

Georgia Freshwater Fishing Licenses

Georgia freshwater fishing licenses are required to fish in the many large bodies of water populating the state. To buy a fishing license in Georgia, you need to complete the fishing license application process. Before buying a Georgia freshwater fishing license, verify that you have all the necessary documentation to prove your residency, if you are a Georgia resident. Acceptable proofs of residency include a valid Georgia driver’s license or a state-issued ID card. Nonresidents do not have to present any documentation. Additionally, you will need to pay the freshwater license fee, which will differ depending on your residency status.

Senior citizens who are 65 years of age or older are issued the Senior Lifetime Fishing License for free with proof of residency and age. Likewise, residents who are permanently disabled can receive the Disability Honorary Combination Hunting and Fishing License for free as well.

Military veterans who are Georgia residents with honorable discharge papers can receive the One-Time Veterans License, which is valid for one year and can only be issued by the Georgia DNR once. Active-duty military members stationed in Georgia can purchase resident fishing licenses for themselves and their families. Similarly, college students from out of state who are living in Georgia while in school are also eligible for residential pricing on Georgia fishing permits.

Most Georgia recreational fishing licenses are valid for one year from the date of purchase. However, Georgia residents have the option of purchasing a two-year license to fish as well. To get a freshwater fishing license in Georgia online, visit the Go Outdoors Georgia website. To buy a fishing license in person, visit one of the authorized licensing retailers listed on the DNR website, or order over the phone by dialing the number listed on the site.

Georgia Saltwater Fishing Licenses

Georgia saltwater fishing licenses are required for GA residents who prefer to fish for marine life off the state coast. To take advantage of saltwater fishing, you will need to get a saltwater fishing license through the Georgia DNR. The Georgia Saltwater Information Program Permit (SIP) is an additional license that can be used in conjunction with the standard (freshwater) license to give you access to all Georgia state waters.

While the Georgia SIP permits are free of charge, they are an add-on to the standard fishing license. You must first purchase a standard freshwater permit before you can request an SIP permit. To get a saltwater fishing license in Georgia, visit an authorized Georgia fishing license agent, apply online at the Go Outdoors Georgia website, or order over the phone by dialing the number listed on the Georgia DNR website. SIP permits must be renewed seasonally, with each permit expiring at the end of February each year.

Lifetime freshwater and saltwater fishing licenses are also available and are separated by the age of the applicant. As it is with non-lifetime licenses, lifetime license fees vary based on the applicant’s residency status.