License & Fee Structure
Licenses & Fees
| LICENSE | RESIDENT FEE | NON-RESIDENT FEE |
|---|---|---|
| General Fishing | $37 | $55 |
| Combo Hunt & Fish | $57 | $160 |
| Youth Combo Hunt & Fish | $5 | $5 |
| Short-Term Combo Hunt & Fish | $15/day | $20/day |
| Community Fishing | $24 | $24 |
Who Needs a License
A valid Arizona license is required for taking wildlife (including fish) in Arizona. The licensee shall carry the license when participating in hunting or fishing or other form of take. Take means pursuing, shooting, hunting, fishing, trapping, killing, capturing, snaring, or netting wildlife. Wildlife includes all wild mammals, wild birds, reptiles, amphibians, mollusks, crustaceans and fish.
Hunting License – Arizona residents and non-residents 10 years and older need a valid hunting license to hunt in Arizona. A person under 10 may hunt wildlife other than big game without a license when accompanied by a properly licensed person 18 years or older. No more than two unlicensed children may accompany any license holder. No one under the age of 14 may take big game without having completed a Hunter Education Course. No one under age 10 may take big game in Arizona. Check the Arizona Hunting Regulations for additional information.
Fishing License – A valid Arizona fishing license is required for Arizona resident and non-resident anglers 10 years of age or older fishing any public accessible water in Arizona. Youth under the age of 10 and blind residents do not need to purchase a state fishing license to fish in Arizona. Check the Arizona Fishing Regulations for additional information.
Residency Requirements
In general, an Arizona resident is a person who is domiciled (claims the state of Arizona as their true, fixed and permanent home and principal residence) in this state for six months immediately preceding the date of application for a license, permit, tag, or stamp and does not claim residency for any purpose in another state or jurisdiction. Or is a member of the armed forces of the United States who is on active duty and stationed in this state for either permanent or temporary duty; or is a member of the armed forces of the United States on active duty stationed in another state or country but who lists this state as their home of record at the time of applying for a license, permit, tag, or stamp. Arizona Residents may purchase a resident license. All other individuals must purchase a nonresident license. Additional information.
Lost License Replacement
Lost or destroyed licenses may be replaced for a fee at any Arizona Game and Fish Department license dealer. An applicant for a duplicate license will be required to sign an affidavit attesting that the applicant purchased an original license. Licenses purchased online or through department offices may be reprinted online any time for no additional fee.
Buying a License Online
A variety of hunting and fishing licenses are available online.
Buy a License from a License Dealer
Arizona hunting and fishing licenses are available for purchase at more than 300 license dealers located throughout the state. Download a list of license dealers sorted by city location.
Hunting and Fishing License and Stamps
Available for purchase at all Arizona Game and Fish Department offices, at more than 200 license dealers statewide, and online. All licenses are valid 365 days from the date of purchase. Arizona migratory bird stamps and federal duck stamps are valid from July 1, through June 30 of each year.
Complimentary Licenses
Individuals must meet criteria to qualify for a free license that includes combination hunting, fishing and community fishing privileges. These licenses are only available through Arizona Game and Fish Department offices.
- Pioneer License – A person must be 70 years of age or older, plus 25 consecutive years as a bona fide Arizona resident immediately preceding application for the license. Additional information.
- Disabled Veteran – A person must show certification from the Veteran’s Administration confirming permanent service connected disabilities rated as 100 percent disabling, plus one or more consecutive years as a bona fide Arizona resident immediately preceding application for license. Additional information.
Apprentice Hunting License
Effective Jan. 1, 2009, a new Apprentice Hunting License is available for no charge to encourage existing hunters to become mentors and introduce a friend, neighbor, relative, or co-worker to the traditions and importance of hunting. The Apprentice License allows an already Arizona licensed hunter to take a beginner on an actual hunt without the beginner having to buy a hunting license. The Apprentice License is free for residents and nonresidents and is valid for any two consecutive days for the legal take of small game, fur-bearing, predatory and nongame mammals, nongame birds, and upland game birds in season. (To take migratory birds or waterfowl, the appropriate stamps are required at normal costs). The Apprentice License is not valid for the take of big game animals.
The Apprentice Hunting License is only available at Arizona Game and Fish Department offices. The mentor must be a bona fide resident of Arizona, at least 18 years old, and possess a valid hunting license and is limited to two Apprentice Hunting Licenses per calendar year. The license must be made out to the name of the apprentice, with the mentor’s name associated with the license. The apprentice can only receive one license per calendar year. The mentor is required to be with the apprentice at all times while in the field, providing instruction and supervision on safe and ethical hunting.
Boy Scout and Girl Scout High Achievement License
Boy Scouts and Girls Scouts who have reached the highest level in their organization, and up to and through the calendar year of their 20th birthday, can now get a reduced fee Honorary Scout combination hunting and fishing license (Class F) . Recipients of the Eagle Scout from the Boy Scouts of Scouts of America and Girl Scouts who have achieved the Gold Award are eligible for this reduced fee license.
Those wishing to obtain this license will need to complete the Honorary Scout License application (see below), and present the required documentation at any Department office will qualify for the reduced fee of $5.
Associated with this new class of license, the Department has launched a partnership with outdoor groups. These outdoor groups can agree to offer Honoray Scout license holders extended benefits any way they choose. In most cases, it will be a free annual membership to that sponsoring organization, but this may vary from group to group. This partnership should help scouts find a active group that will help them learn about hunting, fishing and wildlife conservation.
Lifetime License
Lifetime licenses are available only to Arizona residents. Cost varies based on license type and age. Click here to download lifetime license information and an application.
Nonresident Hunting-Fishing License, Regulations and Nonpermit-tag Order Form
Nonresidents of Arizona may use this form to order hunting and fishing licenses, special use stamps, non-permit hunt tags, regulations and books through the mail. This form must be submitted separately to the Arizona Game and Fish Department. The form cannot be submitted with hunt-permit tag applications. Non resident license mail order form.
