How much is a fishing license in Illinois?

Fishing licenses in Illinois can range from under $2.00 for a Resident Super Senior fishing license to under $800.00 for a Resident Lifetime Sportsman’s Combo license. Take a look below for all the resident and non resident fishing licenses and prices.




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 fishing license cost in Illinois?

Illinois Resident Fishing License:

$15.00  BUY NOW

Illinois Resident Senior Fishing License: 

$7.75  BUY NOW

Illinois Resident Sport Fishing License – 24 Hours:

$5.50  BUY NOW

Illinois Resident Super Senior Fishing License:

$1.50  BUY NOW

Illinois Resident Super Senior Inland Trout Stamp:

$0.50  BUY NOW

Illinois Resident Super Senior Lake Michigan Salmon Stamp:

$0.50  BUY NOW

Illinois Resident Veteran Fishing License: Prior Certification Required

$7.75  BUY NOW

Illinois Resident Lifetime Fishing License: Paper application needs to be submitted.

$435.00 with Application

Illinois Resident Veteran Under 65 with Valid DD-214: Half-Priced License

See Notice Here

Illinois Resident Disabled Veteran: Rated 10% or more

See Notice Here

Illinois Resident Wholesale Aquatic Life Dealer License: 

$50.50 BUY NOW

Illinois Resident Minnow Life Dealer License: 

$25.50 BUY NOW

How much is a sportsman’s fishing and hunting license in Illinois?

Illinois Resident Sportsman’s Combo Fishing/Hunting License:

$26.25  BUY NOW

Illinois Resident Senior Sportsman’s Combo Fishing/Hunting License: Paper application needs to be submitted.

$13.50  BUY NOW

Illinois Resident Super Senior Sportsman’s Combo Fishing/Hunting License:

$2.75  BUY NOW

Illinois Resident Veteran Sportsman’s Combo Fishing/Hunting License: Prior Certification Required

$13.50  BUY NOW

Illinois Resident Lifetime Sportsman’s Combo Fishing/Hunting License: Paper application needs to be submitted.

$765.00 with Application

How much are fishing stamps in Illinois?

Illinois Resident Inland Trout Stamp:

$6.50  BUY NOW

Illinois Resident Lake Michigan Salmon Stamp:

$6.50  BUY NOW




How much is a non resident fishing license in Illinois?

Illinois Non Resident Fishing License: 

$31.50  BUY NOW

Illinois Non Resident Fishing License – 3-Day: 

$15.50 BUY NOW

Illinois Non Resident Sport Fishing License – 24 Hours: 

$10.50  BUY NOW

Illinois Non Resident Inland Trout Stamp: 

$6.50  BUY NOW

Illinois Non Resident Lake Michigan Salmon Stamp: 

$6.50  BUY NOW

Illinois Non Resident Commercial Roe Dealer License: 

$1,500.50   BUY NOW

Illinois Non Resident Commercial Roe Harvester License: 

$3,500.00  BUY NOW

Illinois Non Resident Initial Commercial Fishing License: 

$300.50   BUY NOW

Illinois Non Resident Mussel Dealer License: 

$2,500.75   BUY NOW

Illinois Non Resident Interstate Minnow Dealer License: 

$500.00   BUY NOW

Illinois Non Resident Aquatic Life Dealer License: 

$100.75   BUY NOW

Where can I buy a fishing license?

By phone at (217) 782-2965

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

All information listed above can also be seen on the Fishing Licenses page of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: At what age does Illinois require anglers to possess a valid Illinois fishing license?

Answer: All anglers 16 years of age and older are required to possess a valid Illinois fishing license.

Question: When does my Illinois fishing license expire?

Answer: All [annual] Illinois fishing, hunting and combination hunting/fishing licenses are available for purchase starting March 1 and are valid for a maximum of 13 months (March 31 the following year). Licenses purchased throughout a year are still only valid through March 31. 

Question: Are separate stamps required to fish for salmon on Lake Michigan?

Answer: Yes. A Lake Michigan Salmon Stamp is required for “Licensed sport fisherman only”