Can You Get a Fishing License Without an ID? [All Info]

Getting a fishing licence is mandatory by law, but it is also a way for you to help fish population in your area and to finance various projects.

To buy one, you will either have to visit a store or buy it online. In addition to that, you need to provide some info about you and have a valid document.

So, can you get a fishing license without an id? The reason why you need one is to prove residency and get a discount if possible. In most stores you will be required to show it, but for online purchase you just have to make sure that the data on your ID matches the one you write while registering online.

Even if you can buy it online without an ID, you must have some document with you if the authorities decide to check the license and compare data.

Residents, seniors, and younger than 18 or 16 may get a discount, so ID is used to prove it. Keep in mind that various states/countries may have different rules and it is your responsibility to check it.

Here I will tell you a bit more about required documentation for fishing license.

What Do You Need to Buy / Get a Fishing License?

What do you need to get a fishing license is a common question among those who are beginners and are buying their license for the first time. It is also a question asked by fishing travellers who are not sure if the requirements are the same as in their home place.

Those buying in a store (like Walmart, etc.) simply need some kind of identification document like ID, drivers license, or even a passport. For online purchase, you will need credit or debit card or Paypal account (depending on what is accepted as a payment method). In addition to that, you will need to provide some data, like your address, date of birth, full name, and other info that is frequently used to get a discount.

In some states in the US, like Texas, residents must provide their SSN too.

Can You Buy / Get a Fishing License Without an ID?

I already answered can you get a fishing license without an ID, and as you already know, the answer is YES. But, I also mentioned that you need some kind of a document.

When buying fishing license online, you do not have to show it, but you may be required to provide details about your ID, drivers license, passport, or similar. Keep in mind that every state, or even country if traveling abroad, may have different rules, and those can be changed at any time.

There are various categories of licenses, and based on that, different rates apply. Tourists will pay more than residents, and adults will pay more than teenagers or seniors. And ID is used to prove the accuracy of provided data.

It is your responsibility to check up to date info for a specific location. If you don’t want or can`t show your ID, you may still get a license, but you will have to pay the full price.

Can You Buy / Get a Fishing License With an Expired ID?

Having an expired document of any kind can potentially get you into trouble with the authorities. So, the answer is NO, you can’t. Expired ID is not considered to be a valid document. But, if your ID expired, you can renew your fishing license if you already have one. Old license is enough to buy a new one.

Keep in mind that this doesn’t mean that you can buy Texas fishing license with Oregon license. It must be the same.

You should get a new ID as soon as possible if the old one expired.

Can You Buy / Get a Fishing License With a Passport?

Can you get a fishing license with a passport is something that many tourists want to know, and the answer is YES, you can! But, you can`t get any of the special category types which means that you will have to pay a full price.

Of course, your passport must be valid, and the data on the passport must be the same as the one you provided when buying a license online.

Whenever you buy a license online, read the fine print carefully. Most often, it is enough to have it on your phone, but in some circumstances, a printed version is required.

How Does a Teenager With NO ID Get a Fishing License?

Fishing license without ID is possible to get in certain conditions. Those who are younger than 18 or 16 (depending on a state) should have a drivers license or a learner’s permit. These documents are accepted instead of ID.

Of course, the same rules apply, and make sure that you give correct personal information.

But what if the person has none of that? Well, it depends on a state. If you do not have any document, you may have to buy a full priced license, without any discount for young anglers.

Conclusion

Now you know can you get a fishing license without an id, and what exactly do you need for it and why.

Obtaining a fishing license is something you should always do prior to your fishing trip. It is a simple process that can be done online, and for that, you do not need to show your ID.

Always state the correct info when registering on an official website to avoid any problems with the authorities.