License & Permit Fees

Who Needs a License?

(KRS 150.010, 150.170)

All persons must fill out and carry the proper license and permit to fish any Kentucky waters except the following (for permit requirements see “Trout Permit” on this page):

• The bona fide resident owners of farmlands, their spouses and dependent children may fish on their farmlands without a license. Tenants, their spouses and dependent children may fish without a license on farmlands where they live and work.
• Resident servicemen on furlough for more than three days may fish statewide without a license, but must carry proper identification and papers showing furlough status.
• Residents and nonresidents ages 15 and younger.
• Persons fishing on the first Saturday and Sunday in June (June 7-8, 2025) during Free Fishing Days are not required to have a license or permit. All other fishing regulations still apply.
• Persons fishing within the boundaries of Mammoth Cave National Park.

A resident is anyone who has established permanent and legal residence in Kentucky and resided here at least 30 days immediately prior to applying for a license. Full-time students enrolled in a Kentucky educational institution for at least a six-month term and service personnel on permanent assignment in Kentucky are also classified as residents.

All others are considered non-residents for licensing purposes.

Trout Permit

(301 KAR 1:201)

Unless license exempt, anglers who intend to keep trout must have a trout permit ($10). A trout permit is included with the resident senior/disabled sportsman’s license and resident sportsman’s license. All licensed anglers fishing the portion of the Cumberland River from Wolf Creek Dam to the Tennessee state line, its tributaries up to the first riffle and all of Hatchery Creek are required to possess a trout permit. (See the Trout section in this guide for details and for a complete list of waters where trout are present.)

Resident Sportsman's License (SAVE $67!)

Available to Kentucky residents only, the Sportsman’s License includes a combination hunting and fishing license, spring turkey permit, fall turkey permit, statewide deer permit, state waterfowl permit (which also covers dove and other migratory bird hunting) and trout permit. Peabody and LBL permits, trapping license, an elk drawing application, elk quota hunt permit (if drawn), out-of-zone elk permit, bear permit and bonus deer permits must be purchased separately. A federal duck stamp (available at post offices) is required for waterfowl hunting.

Pay Lakes

(KRS 150.660)

A person fishing in a pay lake licensed by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources needs either a Kentucky fishing license or a free permit issued by the operator.

How to Buy Licenses and Permits

When buying a license or permit the angler’s date of birth and Social Security number must be provided.

If you have licensing questions, call Kentucky Fish and Wildlife at 1-800-858-1549, weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Eastern time).

Online

All Kentucky hunting and fishing licenses and permits can be purchased through the secured Kentucky Fish and Wildlife website at fw.ky.gov.

Anglers purchasing licenses or permits online must pay with a Visa, Mastercard, American Express or Discover card, or a Kentucky Fish and Wildlife gift certificate. Gift certificates are sold online only at fw.ky.gov.

Anglers who buy licenses or permits online will not be mailed a paper license or permit but will receive an authorization number. The authorization number or a computer printout of the license or permit and a picture ID must be carried in the field while fishing.

In Person

Licenses and permits can be purchased at various locations throughout the state. A list of license agents can be viewed online at fw.ky.gov.

By Phone

Licenses and permits are not currently available by phone. Please go online to the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife website at fw.ky.gov for updates.

License Expiration

Annual license/permit authorization numbers are valid from the date of purchase through the last day in February. New licenses are required annually March 1. A temporary
fishing license is valid for the period shown on the license. KRS 150.175

Lose your license or permit?

Reprint your licenses or permits free any time in “My Profile” at fw.ky.gov.

Resident Senior or Disabled Sportsman’s Licenses

Seniors and persons with qualified disabilities may purchase discounted licenses to hunt and fish. These are only available for Kentucky residents. The senior and disabled sportsman’s licenses include: annual fishing and hunting licenses, permits for deer, spring and fall turkeys, migratory bird/waterfowl and trout.

Senior sportsman’s license:

Available to Kentucky residents 65 or older. (Seniors may also purchase the senior lifetime sportsman’s license.)

Disabled sportsman’s license:

Available to Kentucky residents who meet the disability criteria in state law and obtain a disability authorization.

Note: Disabled residents 65 and older can purchase a senior sportsman’s license instead of the disabled sportsman’s license. The senior sportsman’s license only requires proof of age. Both licenses cost the same and include the same licenses and permits.

How to get a disabled sportsman’s license:

1. Obtain proof of disability allowed by state law
2. Submit disability proof to Kentucky Fish and Wildlife
3. Obtain disability authorization
4. Buy license online at fw.ky.gov or anywhere licenses are sold

1. Obtain Proof of Disability Through One of the Following Agencies

• Federal Social Security Administration: Obtain a Benefit Verification Letter certifying you are disabled and receive benefits. Forms should not be more than 6 months old. To get a Benefit Verification Letter: Contact your local Social Security office, call 1-800-772-1213 or go online to www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount. Benefit letters must show disability qualification and include your name, address, date of birth, the last 4 digits of your social security number and the benefit amount.
• Veterans Affairs: Obtain letter verifying that you are at least 50 percent disabled as a result of a service-connected disability. The letter must include your current address and Social Security number.
• State Workers’ Compensation Board: Request an application from Kentucky Fish and Wildlife and send the completed form to the state Workers’ Compensation Board.
• U.S. Railroad Retirement Board: Obtain letter stating you are permanently and totally disabled and show current address.
• Kentucky Teachers’ Retirement System: Obtain written documentation stating you are on disability retirement and show a current address.
• U.S. Office of Personnel Management: Obtain certification of employment, certification of 100 percent disabled from a recognized authority, and show a current address.

2. Send Proof Of Disability To Kentucky Fish And Wildlife:

• Online: Visit fw.ky.gov. Select “MyProfile.” Select “Disability Authorization.” Upload your file.
• By mail: KDFWR Disabled License, #1 Sportsman’s Lane, Frankfort, KY 40601
• By fax: (502) 564-9845
• Questions? Call 1-800-858-1549 or email [email protected]

3. Obtain Disability Authorization

Disability authorization. You will receive disability authorization once your proof of disability is verified. This authorization is necessary to purchase a disabled sportsman’s license. This authorization is valid for 3 years. It is not a hunting or fishing license. While you must carry a license while you are hunting or fishing, you do not need to carry proof of disability authorization. This is why Kentucky Fish and Wildlife no longer mails disability authorization cards. Residents may still print their own copy of a disability authorization card by going online to fw.ky.gov and clicking on MyProfile.

You will receive an email notifying you of your approval. You may also check your application status by accessing your “My Profile” account at fw.ky.gov.

Disability authorizations are only valid for 3 years. Go online to fw.ky.gov and access “MyProfile” to see your authorization expiration date. Repeat these steps to reapply. However, if you received your disability authorization through Veterans Affairs, the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board or U.S. Office of Personnel Management, you may call Kentucky Fish and Wildlife at 1-800-858-1549 to renew over the phone.

4. Buy License

Once you have the disability authorization, you may buy your discounted disabled sportsman’s license online at fw.ky.gov or wherever hunting and fishing licenses are sold. You cannot buy this license if your disability authorization has expired. Disabled sportsman’s licenses are valid through the end of February each year. The disability authorization, which you need in order to obtain a license, stays in effect for three years. Use the “MyProfile” tab online at fw.ky.gov to view, print or reprint your license at home anytime for free.

License & Permit Fees