License Requirements
License Requirements
Reliable identification and a Social Security Number (SSN) are required to purchase a license (OCGA § 19-11-9.1). Game Wardens may require positive identification when checking licenses. All required hunting licenses and stamps must be in possession while hunting or while assisting another hunter (electronic copies are acceptable). It is unlawful to obtain, possess, or use multiple licenses for the purpose of circumventing season bag limits.
Hunter education is not required to purchase an Apprentice Hunting License or short-term license. Persons purchasing a Lifetime License must have hunter education before hunting, unless exempt by age or supervision. Hunter education is not required to hunt on one’s own land or land of a parent or guardian (blood or dependent relationship) residing in the same household, or to hunt pen raised game birds on licensed shooting preserves that provide specified hunter education instruction (see Shooting Preserve License).
To obtain a replacement hunter education card visit GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com or call 1-800-366-2661 Monday–Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Who Needs a Fishing License
Anglers age 16 and older must have a current Georgia fishing license in their possession while fishing in fresh or salt water in Georgia. Additionally, a free SIP is required to fish in saltwater. A temporary authorization number obtained by telephone or internet sale may be used for seven days until the paper copy is received or printed. Game Wardens may require photo identification when checking fishing licenses. Exception: A fishing license is not required to fish in private ponds (does not include ponds owned by governments—city, county, state, or federal) nor by a resident and their immediate family when fishing on their land. See definition of immediate family on Definitions.
Residents (see Definitions)
- Proof of residency is a Georgia driver’s license or official State of Georgia ID card and is required to purchase a resident fishing license.
- Georgia resident military veterans that were on active duty for 90 or more consecutive days and who were honorably discharged on or after July 1, 2005 may obtain one annual Honorary Hunting and Fishing License free of charge. Such veterans may obtain this license by providing a copy of their DD Form 214 and a completed DNR application.
- Senior Citizens: Georgia residents born on or before June 30, 1952 may obtain a Lifetime Sportsman’s License free of charge. An optional Lifetime Sportsman’s Plastic Card may be purchased for $10. Reduced cost licenses are available for residents age 65 and older born after June 30, 1952 (see Recreational Fishing License Fees).
- Discount Disability License: Georgia residents who are permanently and totally disabled may obtain a discounted Disability License. A qualifying disability is an impairment of a permanent and total nature and is certified as such by the Department of Veterans Affairs, Social Security Administration, Medicaid, Medicare or Railroad Retirement System.
- Any resident who is totally blind may apply for a Lifetime Honorary Fishing License and must provide a Physician’s Certification of Blindness with the application.
Nonresidents
- Nonresidents 16 or older, regardless of physical condition, must have a valid nonresident Georgia fishing license to fish in Georgia freshwater and saltwater, except in private ponds. See also Agreements for Bordering States on Agreements with Bordering States.
- Nonresidents under 16 do not require a fishing license or trout license.
Reciprocal Agreements for Bordering States
Georgia DNR has Agreements with Alabama, Florida, North Carolina, and South Carolina allowing holders of Georgia fishing licenses to fish in the waters covered without obtaining a fishing license from the bordering state. See Agreements with Bordering States on Agreements with Bordering States.
Trout Licenses
- Landowners and their immediate families (see definition on Definitions) may fish on their premises without a trout license.
- All resident anglers ages 16 and older must have a trout license and Georgia fishing license to fish in designated trout waters and to fish for or to possess trout. See Trout Fishing for special trout regulations.
- All nonresident anglers, 16 or older, regardless of physical condition, must possess a nonresident fishing license and nonresident trout license to fish for or possess trout or to fish in designated trout waters.
- Lifetime Sportsman’s, Sportsman’s, Honorary (free), and Discount Disability licenses include the trout fishing privilege.
- State park visitors are not required to have a trout license to fish in the impounded waters of the Park. However, those visitors wishing to harvest trout will need to have a trout license in their possession.