How to Get a Fishing License in Washington State

Online

Go to WDFW.gov or DFW.gov.

Select "Licensing and Permits" from the blue toolbar.

Select the link that will send you to fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov to purchase your license. This site may not work for desktop.

Sign in or make a account. In this step you will sign in using your Wild ID. If you do not have a Wild ID, you must create one to purchase a fishing license online. If you don't have a Wild ID and this is your first time purchasing a fishing license, you must buy it from a store.

Select and purchase your desired license.

In Stores

Go to WDFW, the official hunting and fishing website for Washington state.

Select "License Vendors" from the licensing and permits tools bar.

Enter your county, city, or zip code to get results for local WDFW authorized license dealers.

Go to a vendor near you to purchase your license. Fishing licenses are typically sold in the fishing or hunting isle, but can also sometimes be purchased at a regular checkout.

License Types and Fees

Know the fees if you're looking to buy the Annual Freshwater license: Resident (Aged 16-69): $29.50 Non-Resident: $84.50 Resident Senior (Aged 70+): $7.50 Youth (Aged 15): Must Purchase Combo

Buy an Annual Saltwater license if you prefer saltwater fishing: Resident (Aged 16-69): $30.05 Non-Resident: $59.75 Resident Senior (Aged 70+): $8.05 Youth (Aged 15): Must Purchase Combo Resident Disabled: Must Purchase Combo Non-Resident Disabled Veteran: Must Purchase Combo

Pay a little less if you need an Annual Shellfish/Seaweed license: Resident (Aged 16-69): $17.40 Non-Resident: $36.10 Resident Senior (Aged 70+): $7.50 Youth (Aged 15): Must Purchase Combo Resident Disabled: Must Purchase Combo Non-Resident Disabled Veteran: $35.00

Save by combining your licenses, if you're interested in an Annual Combo Fishing/Shellfish: Resident (Aged 16-69): $55.35 Non-Resident: $124.65 Resident Senior (Aged 70+): ---- Youth (Aged 15): $8.05 Resident Disabled: $11.35 Non-Resident Disabled Veteran: $55.35

Purchase a 1-Day Fresh Water/Salt Water/Shellfish license if you're only fishing one day: Resident (Aged 16-69): $11.35 Non-Resident: $20.15 Resident Senior (Aged 70+): $11.35 Youth (Aged 15): Must Purchase Combo Resident Disabled: Must Purchase Combo Non-Resident Disabled Veteran: $20.15

Purchase a double day license if desired. A 2-Day Fresh Water/Salt Water/Shellfish is available. Resident (Aged 16-69): $15.75 Non-Resident: $28.95 Resident Senior (Aged 70+): $15.75 Youth (Aged 15): Must Purchase Combo Resident Disabled: Must Purchase Combo Non-Resident Disabled Veteran: $28.95

Go with the three-day option if needed. A 3-Day Fresh Water/Salt Water/Shellfish pass is available, too. Resident (Aged 16-69): $19.05 Non-Resident: $35.55 Resident Senior (Aged 70+): $19.05 Youth (Aged 15): Must Purchase Combo Resident Disabled: Must Purchase Combo Non-Resident Disabled Veteran: $35.55

Use your military discount if applicable. You can get a 1-Day, 2-Day, or 3-Day Fresh Water/Salt Water/Shellfish licenses for Active Duty Military. This is $11.35 for the 1-day version, $15.75 for the 2-Day version, and $19.05 for the 3-Day version (non-resident pricing only; no variations).

Shop for an Annual Razor Clam license if preferred. Resident (Aged 16-69): $14.10 Non-Resident: $21.80 Resident Senior (Aged 70+): $14.10 Youth (Aged 15): Must Purchase Combo Resident Disabled: Must Purchase Combo Non-Resident Disabled Veteran: $21.80 A 3-Day Razor Clam license is also available, for $9.70 (Resident, Non-Resident, Youth, Senior, Resident Disabled, Non-Resident Disabled Veteran).

Use a Catch Record Card if you're fishing for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, halibut, or Puget Sound Dungeness Crab. The Catch Record Card is used to estimate the recreational catch of salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, halibut, and Puget Sound Dungeness Crab. It is required by law that you must have a catch record card in your possession when fishing for these species. If you catch one of the listed fish or crab, you are required to enter it into your catch record card before continuing to fish. You are required to return the card by the due date, even if you did not catch any fish or crab. Resident (Aged 16-69): 1st card free, additional cards $12.60/each Youth (Aged 15): Non Reporting Crab Admin Penalty Resident Senior, Resident Disabled, Non-Resident Disabled Veteran, Youth: $10

Get a Two-Pole Endorsement if you need one. Resident, Non-Resident, Youth, Resident Disabled, Non-Resident Disabled Veteran: $14.50 Resident Senior (Aged 70+): $6.00

Purchase a Columbia River Salmon/Steelhead Endorsement if you're heading there. Resident, Non-Resident, Resident Disabled, Non-Resident Disabled Veteran: $8.75 Resident Senior and Youth: $7.10

Buy a Puget Sound Crab Endorsement if needed. Resident, Non-Resident, Resident Senior, Youth, Resident Disabled, Non-Resident Disabled Veteran: $8.75 Puget Sound Crab Endorsement on 1-3 Day Temp. Resident, Non-Resident, Resident Senior, Non-Resident Disabled Veteran: $3.80