Texas fishing license

Nonetheless, some exemptions apply. See below:. A license is not required for a non-resident who is:. The following documents can be used to prove a Texas residency:. Please note that all documents must reflect the applicant's name and a physical address in Texas. Except for a valid driver's license or other state-issued identification cards, additional residency documentation is not required at the time of purchase or while fishing.

You can conveniently purchase a Texas fishing license or package from the following vendors:. Please note that some licenses, such as boat and guide licenses, can only be purchased from the TPWD headquarters in Austin and other Law Enforcement offices. The state of Texas has a wide array of available fishing licenses and packages that you can choose from, whether as a resident or a non-resident. The matrix below summarizes all the available licenses and packages you can purchase:.

Endorsements not required for persons under 17 years of age. Both residents and non-residents can purchase a Texas fishing license. Annual freshwater fishing, saltwater, and an all-water license are available at varying costs. For more information, please read the complete guide here.

Where will the money collected from licenses go? The money collected from the license sale in the state of Texas goes towards several conservation-related activities such as fishery and hatchery management, habitat development and protection, fish stocking programs, along with fishing and conservation education.

License Validity, Renewal, and Duplications. A Texas resident 65 years of age or older does not need this license to fish in the Oklahoma portion of Lake Texoma. Lake Texoma license is valid only on Lake Texoma. Required when using a sport oyster dredge or tongs to harvest oysters recreationally. For this license only, residency is based on the boat's records. The resident sport oyster boat license is for boats with a current registration in Texas, or having a current certificate of documentation from the U.

Coast Guard that shows the owner's address is in Texas. The non-resident sport oyster boat license is for boats with a current registration not in Texas or having a current certificate of documentation from the U. Coast Guard that shows the owner's address not in Texas. Lifetime licenses and tags are available to Texas residents and are valid for the lifetime of the license holder. Resident Requirements A resident fishing license is required of any resident who fishes in the public waters of Texas.

The person with an intellectual disability must carry an authorization identifying the entity supplying the service. This authorization may be in the form of an identification card that contains the name of the sponsoring entity; or a person with an intellectual disability fishing under the direct supervision of a licensed angler who is either a family member or has permission from the family to take the person fishing. While fishing, the person with an intellectual disability needs a note from a doctor stating the person has been diagnosed as having an intellectual disability.

See list of licenses available online. Retail locations include sporting goods stores, gun shops, department stores, discount stores, bait and tackle shops, grocery stores, and many other types of stores. Closed for most state holidays. Some commercial hunting and fishing licenses are available only at the Austin Headquarters and Law Enforcement Offices. Fish stocking, wildlife management, habitat restoration, land conservation, and Texas Game Wardens are just some of the initiatives funded in part by your license fees.