You’ll surely agree with us that fishing offers many benefits. However, in case you don’t know, fishing can keep you fit, improve your concentration, and even eliminate life stresses. As an angler, one of the essential things that you need before going out to fish is a fishing license.
A fishing license is a legal mechanism that helps every state to control and regulate fishing activities. Furthermore, the regulation also allows the government to generate money, which they use to fund conservation programs, such as habitat protection and fishing management.
When it comes to getting a fishing license in your state, there are a couple of ways to make it happen.
You can buy the fishing license online – this shouldn’t take you more than 5 minutes. You can also purchase a fishing license at Walmart and a few retail stores within a few minutes.
When it comes to purchasing a fishing license, every state in the US has different regulations and procedures. Since that’s the case, it also means that the time it takes to get a fishing payment varies depending on your location.
How Long Does It Take To Get A Fishing License In California?
If you reside in California, there are a couple of options for you to obtain a fishing license. One of them is by registering online for the permit by checking here. For this option, you need to complete a form. After that, you’ll get a screen confirmation, which will include a temporary license document.
You’ll need to print out the temporary license document, which you can start using immediately and up to 30 days. Within that period, you should get a permanent sport fishing license by mail. For a short-term fishing license, you’ll get access to it immediately after completing the registration and payment transaction.
In California, the state’s official online platform isn’t the only means of purchasing sport fishing licenses. You can also obtain the fishing permit from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) license sales offices or any independent license agents.
If you’re buying from a CDFW license sales office, you’ll need to provide a means of identification, a telephone number, and a few others. Although the processes don’t take long, you may have to spend some minutes before getting the license.
Most independent agents in California won’t take more of your time when obtaining a fishing license. With that, you can rest assured that you’ll only spend a little time and a bit more money – about 5% license agent and 3% non-refundable application fee.
How Long Does It Take To Get A Fishing License In Texas?
In Texas, everyone aged 17 and above, including residents and non-residents, needs a fishing license. However, there are a few exemptions, such as no permit is required to fish from a pier. Fortunately, the Texas government makes it possible for eligible people to obtain fishing licenses using different methods.
As an angler trying to fish in Texas, one of the many ways to obtain a fishing license is by purchasing the permit online. Interestingly, this is the quickest of all the available options. If you’re going to register online, you’ll need to complete a form. After that, you will perform the necessary transaction on the Internet.
Upon completing the secured transaction, you’ll get the fishing license within seven days to ten days, according to the state’s website. However, if you end up not getting the permit within the time frame, you can wait until after thirty days before getting in touch with the TPWD.
Apart from online purchases, you can also buy the fishing license in person from any TPWD office. This option will require that you locate the nearest Texas Parks and Wildlife Department office.
After that, you’ll need to present documents to prove that you’re eligible for the permit. You’ll most likely get your fishing license immediately after performing the necessary transaction.
The last option is to purchase the fishing license from any government-approved hardware store, tackle shop, gun shop, or grocery store across Texas. Using this option shouldn’t take you more than ten minutes. All you need to do is locate the right store and complete the necessary transaction.
How Long Does It Take To Get A Fishing License In Walmart?
You can always purchase a fishing license at any Walmart store in your state, as long as it has a Sports & Outdoors department. But how do you get the permit, and how long does it take to do that?
If you’re patronizing Walmart for the fishing license, there are two options for you. The first one is to visit the store’s official website to purchase the fishing permit.
Alternatively, you can buy the license via mail or in person by driving to the nearest physical store location with a Sports & Outdoors section.
For the first method, you need to visit the official website here. After that, you’ll have to submit your application and present the necessary documentation online. Next, complete the transaction and print the fishing license immediately.
The second method, which involves mailing the store, can take some time to obtain the fishing license.
If you’re going to purchase the fishing license in person at the Walmart store, you’ll have to apply by phone. Of course, this will require you to provide the necessary information and payment method.
As soon as you meet every requirement, the store will approve the fishing permit, which you can always pick up in person at the store.
How Long Does It Take To Get A Fishing License In Florida
In Florida, everyone aged 16 and above, including residents and visitors, can purchase a fishing license. However, there are a few exemptions.
For instance, senior citizens of age 65 or older in the state do not need a permit to start fishing. Furthermore, those that are totally and permanently disabled don’t also need a fishing license.
That said, there are a couple of ways for you if you’re interested in buying a fishing license in Florida. The first option is to purchase the fishing permit online via the state’s official website here. Of course, this method will require you to register on the website and complete a form.
Upon completing the form, you’ll need to perform the necessary transaction. After that, you can obtain the license immediately by printing it from your PC screen or having it delivered to your mail.
Another option to get a fishing license in Florida is in person – this requires that you contact a government-approved license agent near you. Depending on your state’s location, you can check here to see the agents close to you. Obtaining a fishing license using this method should take up a few minutes; so far, you go with the necessary documentation.
Another option for collecting a fishing license in Florida is by visiting the tax collector’s office. Also, with this method, you will only have to spend a few minutes. However, ensure you go with a suitable means of identification.
How Long Does A Fishing License Last?
To answer this question, we’ll say it depends on the type of fishing license you’re opting to obtain. For instance, if you’re getting a Lifetime Fishing License, this will entitle you to a sportfishing permit annually for the remainder of your life.
In California, there are different types of fishing licenses that you can opt for, depending on who you are (resident or non-resident). First, there is an annual sport fishing license.
If you’re eligible to buy this license, it’ll only last you for a year. For instance, if you apply for the permit on Jan 1, you can expect it to last from January 1 through to December 31.
Furthermore, the California government also sells short-term sport fishing licenses to residents and non-residents. For instance, there’s a one-day sport fishing license, which costs $17.02. The permit enables people, including residents and non-residents, to fish freely for one day.
A two-day Sport Fishing License in California, which costs $26.49, can only last you for two days. The license will allow both residents and non-residents to fish for two consecutive days.
Moreover, there’s also a ten-day Sport Fishing License in California. However, the license, which costs $52.66, is only granted to non-residents of the state. The fishing permit enables eligible people to fish in California for ten consecutive days before expiring.
In Florida, there are 5-Year Saltwater and Freshwater Fishing Licenses. The licenses, which costs $79 each, can last up to five years. There are also 3-day freshwater and saltwater fishing license packages in the state.
The fishing permits, which go for $17 each for non-residents, only allow eligible people to fish in Florida for three consecutive days.
The bottom line is, the time it takes for your fishing license to expire depends on the type of package you purchase.