Ohio Fishing License Cost 2026-27: $25 Resident, $76.96 Nonresident
A resident annual fishing license in Ohio costs $25. Non-residents pay $76.96 for an annual license. Short-term, senior, and combination licenses are listed below, and where to buy.
Ohio fishing licenses are issued by Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife, with separate resident and non-resident pricing and short-term options for visiting anglers. The full current fee table is below, drawn from the agency's published schedule.
Statewide species rules cover most Ohio waters, but special regulations on individual lakes take precedence where they exist; the official regulations digest is the authoritative reference. Pair this fee information with LakeQuality's Ohio lake pages — each one carries the lake's water-quality grade, clarity readings, and trend data, which is useful context when deciding where that license gets used.
2026-27 License Fees
| License Type | Resident | Non-Resident | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident 1-Year License | $25.00 | — | Valid 365 days from date of purchase; may be repurchased up to 30 days before expiration. |
| Nonresident 1-Year License | — | $76.96 | Valid 365 days from date of purchase. |
| Resident 1-Day License | $14.00 | — | May be applied as credit toward an annual license (upgrade to 1-Year for $12.00). |
| Nonresident 1-Day License | — | $27.04 | May be applied as credit toward an annual license (upgrade to 1-Year for $49.92). |
| Nonresident 3-Day License | — | $52.00 | |
| Resident 3-Year License | $72.11 | — | Multiyear licenses (Ohio residents only) lock in rates and avoid transaction fees. |
| Resident 5-Year License | $120.18 | — | Ohio residents only. |
| Resident 10-Year License | $240.36 | — | Ohio residents only. |
| Resident Lifetime License | $599.04 | — | Includes Ohio Conservation Card (durable plastic card). |
| Resident Senior 1-Year License | $10.00 | — | Ohio residents age 65 and older born on or after January 1, 1938. |
| Resident Senior 3-Year License | $27.04 | — | Age 65+. |
| Resident Senior 5-Year License | $45.07 | — | Age 65+. |
| Resident Senior Lifetime License | $84.24 | — | Age 65+. |
| Resident Youth Lifetime License | $430.56 | — | Must be purchased before the individual's 16th birthday; under-16s otherwise fish free. |
Trout Stamp
Ohio does not require a separate trout or salmon stamp — a standard fishing license covers trout where seasons are open. Check the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife regulations for water-specific trout rules.
How much is a non-resident (out-of-state) Ohio fishing license?
$76.96 for an annual non-resident license — $51.96 more than the $25 residents pay. Ohio also sells 2 shorter or alternate options to out-of-state anglers, which is usually the cheaper choice for a single trip.
- Nonresident 1-Day License — $27.04 · May be applied as credit toward an annual license (upgrade to 1-Year for $49.92).
- Nonresident 3-Day License — $52.00
Non-resident license cost by state
Ohio ranks 11 of 12 on non-resident price among the states we carry verified fee tables for. Each agency sets its own fees and license year, so this compares annual non-resident prices as published.
| # | State | Resident | Non-resident | License year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Illinois | $15 | $31.50 | 2026 |
| 2 | Iowa | $22 | $48 | 2026 |
| 3 | Wisconsin | $20 | $50 | 2026 |
| 4 | New York | $25 | $50 | 2026 |
| 5 | Minnesota | $25 | $51 | 2026 |
| 6 | Missouri | $14 | $57 | 2026 |
| 7 | Indiana | $23 | $60 | 2026-27 |
| 8 | Pennsylvania | $27.97 | $60.97 | 2026 |
| 9 | North Dakota | $27 | $68 | 2026-27 |
| 10 | Michigan | $26 | $76 | 2026 |
| 11 | Ohio (this page) | $25 | $76.96 | 2026-27 |
| 12 | South Dakota | $31 | $80 | 2026 |
Headline prices only. Several states add a mandatory stamp or certificate on top — South Dakota's Habitat Stamp and North Dakota's Fishing, Hunting, Furbearer Certificate both apply to the figures above, and each state page notes its own add-ons.
Who Needs a License?
A fishing license is required to fish Ohio public waters at age 16 and older; persons under 16 fish free (including taking frogs and turtles). Ohio residents age 65 and older (born on or after January 1, 1938) qualify for discounted Resident Senior licenses ($10.00 annual), and residents born on or before December 31, 1937 can obtain a free license. Free licenses are also available by application for mobility-impaired anglers, certain permanently disabled veterans, former POWs, and residents of state/county institutions. All Ohio residents may fish without a license on Free Fishing Days (June 20-21, 2026).
Season & Regulations
Fishing is open year-round in Ohio with no closed statewide season; species-specific daily limits and site-specific rules apply (e.g., Lake Erie walleye/yellow perch limits are set annually and run May 1, 2026 - April 30, 2027). Annual licenses are valid 365 days from the date of purchase, and the current regulations booklet is effective March 1, 2026 - February 28, 2027.
For complete bag limits, slot limits, and water-specific rules, see the Ohio fishing regulations ↗.
Where to Buy
- Online: https://oh-web.s3licensing.com/Home ↗
- In person: Sporting goods stores, bait shops, and county auditor / clerk offices that act as license agents.
- At DNR offices: Any Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife office.
Source: Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife, 2026-27.