Delaware Fishing License

Buy A Delaware Fishing License Online Today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: At what age do I need a fishing license in Delaware? 

Answer: A valid Delaware fishing license is required for anyone 16 years of age or older that wants to fish in Delaware.

Question: Are there separate fishing licenses for saltwater and freshwater in Delaware?

Answer: Anglers with a valid Delaware fishing license may fish in both freshwater and saltwater. 

Question: When does my Delaware fishing license expire?

Answer: Delaware annual fishing licenses expire at the end of each calendar year. 

Question: When does my Delaware fishing license expire?

Answer: Delaware annual fishing licenses expire at the end of each calendar year. 

Question: I am 65 years old and a resident of Delaware, do I still need a valid fishing license to fish in Delaware?

Answer: Delaware residents ages 65 years or older do NOT need a valid fishing license to fish in Delaware. However, they do need to carry proof of age and residency.

Question: I am a resident of Delaware. Do I need a fishing license to fish on my own farm/property?

Answer: If a Delaware resident owns or lives on a farm containing 20 or more acres, that resident, and the members of that resident’s immediate family that also reside on that farm/property, may fish on that farm/property without a valid fishing license. 

Question: Do I need a valid Delaware fishing license if I have registered Delaware surf fishing vehicle permit?

Answer: No. If you have a valid Delaware surf fishing vehicle permit (resident or nonresident), you are exempt from needing a valid Delaware fishing license IF you and your registered vehicle are located on a designated Delaware State Park beach. 

Question: Are there any fishing license exemptions for anglers with disabilities in Delaware?

Answer: Yes. There are 2 main exemptions. You do NOT need a valid Delaware fishing license if you are a resident that is a patient in a rehabilitation hospital under the Department of Health and Social Services or if you are a Delaware resident that legally blind. 

Question: Do I need a fishing license if I am fishing at a pay-to-fish facility in Delaware?

Answer: No. If you are fishing in what is called a “fee-fishing facility” in Delaware, you are not required to carry a separate valid fishing license. 

PRICES DISCLOSURE: We do our best to stay current, but prices can change without notice to us. The prices below may or may not be the exact current prices for the license(s) listed.

How much does a Delaware fishing license cost online?

Fishing licenses in Delaware can range from under $9.00 for a Resident Annual fishing license to just about $300.00 for a Head Boat license. Take a look below for all the resident and nonresident fishing licenses and prices.

NOTE: All fishing licenses are subject to an additional $2.50 fee and all stamps are subject to an additional $1.00 fee if you buy from a licensed agent.

Delaware Resident Fishing License Prices

Delaware Resident Annual Fishing License | Ages 16 – 64

$8.50  BUY NOW

Delaware Resident Trout Stamp | Ages 16 – 64

$4.20  BUY NOW

Delaware Resident Young Angler Trout Stamp | Ages 12 – 15

$2.10  BUY NOW

Delaware Resident Boat and Guide Fishing License Prices

Delaware Resident Boat Fishing License – 20 feet or less

$40.00  BUY NOW

Delaware Resident Boat Fishing License – Over 20 feet

$50.00  BUY NOW

Delaware Resident Head Boat License: Agent fee N/A here

$300.00  BUY NOW

Delaware Resident Charter Boat License: Agent Fee N/A here

$150.00  BUY NOW

Delaware Resident Fishing Guide License

$100.00  BUY NOW

NOTE for Delaware residents that served in Operations Iraqi Freedom or Enduring Freedom: 

Residents who served 90 or more days in in Operation Iraqi Freedom or Enduring Freedom are eligible for a one-time license exemption for the first 12 months following the date they were honorably discharged or removed from active status.

Qualified applicants must complete the Military Delaware Resident License Application and submit it directly to the Division of Fish & Wildlife. Please allow up to 4 weeks for processing.

NOTE for Service-Connected Disabilities:

Veterans with at least a 60% service-connected disability rating are eligible for a veteran license exemption.

Qualified applicants must complete the Disabled Veteran Exempt Application and submit it directly to the Division of Fish & Wildlife. Please allow up to 4 weeks for processing.

How much does a Delaware nonresident fishing license cost online?

Delaware Nonresident Fishing License Prices

Delaware Nonresident Annual Fishing License | Ages 16 and Older

$20.00  BUY NOW

Delaware Nonresident 7-Day Fishing License | Ages 16 and Older

$12.50  BUY NOW

Delaware Nonresident Trout Stamp | Ages 12 and Older

$6.20  BUY NOW

NOTE for Active Duty Military Fishing License below: Qualified applicants can only purchase the licenses from Dover Airforce Base Outdoor Recreation Center or they must complete the Military Nonresident License Application and submit it directly to the Division of Fish & Wildlife. Please allow up to 4 weeks for processing.

Active Duty Military Stationed in Delaware – Annual Fishing License: Eligible to purchase recreational licenses at the resident price.

$8.50  BUY NOW

Delaware Nonresident Boat and Guide Fishing License Prices

Delaware Nonresident Boat Fishing License – 20 feet or less

$40.00  BUY NOW

Delaware Nonresident Boat Fishing License – Over 20 feet

$50.00  BUY NOW

Delaware Nonresident Head Boat License: Agent fee N/A here

$600.00  BUY NOW

Delaware Nonresident Charter Boat License: Agent Fee N/A here

$300.00  BUY NOW

Delaware Nonresident Fishing Guide License

$300.00  BUY NOW

Where can I buy a Delaware fishing license?

Authorized Vendor List

By phone at (302) 739-9918

Here are some of the best places to fish in Delaware.

All information listed above can also be seen on the fishing license page of the Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife website.