Ohio is a prime location to get out and do some fishing. The large freshwater lake to the north, and the span of the Ohio River to the south, with multiple lakes, rivers, and streams running the length of the state. However, anyone over the age of 16 is required to have a valid fishing license. In this article we’ll walk you through everything you need to do to get your fishing license online. Also discuss other options for legally fishing in Ohio.
Who needs an Ohio fishing license?
The short answer is everyone over the age of 16. Even if you’re fishing with a guide or charter. This applies to both residents and out-of-staters, although it’s cheaper if you’re a state resident.
Ohio Fishing License Exceptions
As with any rule, there’s an exception for certain groups. It’s a short list, but these people get to fish license free.
- Children under the age of 16, whether they’re Ohio residents or not.
- Resident military personnel on leave from active duty, if they carry papers proving their status.
- Anybody assisting an angler with a mobility-impaired license, as long as they’re only using one rod.
- Everybody on “Free Fishing Days” (the first weekend of May each year).
Free Fishing Licenses
Certain Ohio residents can get a license without paying a penny. These are lifelong fishing licenses that you only have to apply for once, and are available for the following groups:
- Legally blind, mobility-impaired, or disabled persons
- Senior Residents born before 31st Dec 1937
- Former Prisoners of War or Disabled Veterans
- Residents belonging to any Country or State institution.
How Can You Buy Your Ohio Fishing License?
Getting your Ohio fishing license has never been easier. You can choose from any of the following ways. Just fill out the form and submit it. Please make sure to have your social security number handy when you fill out any one of these.
- Online. Anyone, resident or non-resident can apply for their permit online, provided they submit all the relevant documents. Keep reading for the walk through.
- In person. There are hundreds of registered vendors all over the state. From local hardware stores and your bait and tackle stores. You can also find them at some big chains like Walmart.
- By mail. Call 1-800-WILDLIFE or (614) 264-6300 and ask to receive a Mail Order Application Form.
- By phone. For one or three-day licenses, you can call 1-866-703-1928 to talk to a live operator (with a $5.50 fee) or the automated line at 1-855-764-3474, which costs $3.25. I only recommend this in a pinch.
If you buy your OH fishing license online, you can keep a copy of it on your mobile, print a paper copy, or request a Conservation Card for $4. ODRN has an app you can download for free also that gives you quick access to all your wildlife needs.
If you ordered by phone, just keep your license number along with a form of personal ID and that will be enough to prove that you’re licensed.
Ohio License Types and Cost
| License Type with duration | Senior Residents | Residents |
| Youth Lifetime License * | $430.56 | |
| 1-Day License | $14 | |
| 1-Year License | $10 | $25 |
| 1-Day upgraded to 1-Year | – | $12 |
| 3-Year License | $27.04 | $72.11 |
| 5-Year License | $45.07 | $120.18 |
| 10-Year License | – | $240.36 |
| Lifetime License | $84.24 | $599.04 |
All prices listed are for 2023 and are subject to change from year to year. Please see the ODNR website for the most up to date pricing.
| License Type with Duration | Prices for Non-Residents |
| 1-Day License | $14 |
| 3-Day License | $25 |
| 1-Day upgraded to 1-Year | $37.44 |
| 1-Year License | $50.96 |
How To Get An Ohio Fishing License: Step-By-Step Guide
Here it is. The step-by-step guide for obtaining an Ohio Fishing License. Online is the most convenient way to accomplish this and not lose a paper license.
1: Visit the official website of Ohio Wildlife.
2: Click on “Buy Your Fishing License“
3: Click on “Purchase Your Fishing License Online”
4: You are now in the Ohio’s Wildlife Licensing System. To purchase a license, you will click on Licenses & Permits.
5: Read through the basic information here. Know that all sales are final. You can not get a refund once you submit your payment. Click on Continue to proceed with a customer search or tap on the button for new customer if you have never purchased a license before.
6: You need to fill in the information to complete the process.
Existing customers have the option to find your account in multiple ways. Choose the one that’s best for you. I usually choose the last of my social, name, and birthday. Because that’s easy information for me. However, select the choice that’s best for you.
New customers will need to enter details like your name, gender, hair color, height, eye colors, address, email address, contact details, etc. You can do this online or at a store, but the information is the same no matter where you get your license.
7: Create or verify the account information and also the user name and a 4-digit PIN.
8: Determine the type of License you need. I am a resident of Ohio and these are the 2023 prices. You will click “select” next to the license you want to purchase and “continue” at the bottom. Note: on this screen you can also reprint your license, or choose hunting / trapping / shooting range / store item purchases.
You can purchase the license using this user name and PIN in the future. Plus get it emailed directly to your registered email address.
9. If you choose an annual or yearly license this is where you can choose to have it auto renew, so you don’t have to think about it again and as long as the payment goes through you are good to go fishing.
10. Here you have some donation options and a magazine option. However, this is where you will enter in your payment information. I use to buy the magazine, but I have never received it. Therefore, I stopped buying it. I was wasting $5 every year and getting nothing.
11. Click “purchase product” and you should see this screen or something similar. Once you are able to print your license, you are good to go!
Common Questions about Ohio Fishing Licenses
When does my license expire?
A single day and three-day licenses are valid from the time of purchase until midnight on the day of expiration. If you buy your license in advance, it will be valid starting the date of your choice.
With an annual license, you can fish for 365 days from the date you buy it. A multi-year license is valid until the expiration date. This is on every card, not much different than your diverse license. You must renew your license if you want to continue fishing in Ohio.
What if I lose my license?
If your license is lost or stolen, there’s no need to worry. Thanks to this online service, you can print out a new one for free! If you’d like a plastic card version, you can purchase a replacement for just $4. You can also get an additional copy by visiting a licensing agent.
Can I take my kids/grandkids fishing?
It really depends. If you’re truly just watching while they fish, you don’t need a license. However, if you take part in any way, you could be considered fishing. I recommend to get a license, just in case you need to help them haul in a monster.
Can a non-resident 3-day license be upgraded to 1 year?
Unfortunately No. Only the 1-day license can be upgraded to a 1-year at this time.
Who is a resident?
A resident is someone who has been living in OH for the past six months; continuously. You can prove this with a state ID, driver’s license, or your social security number.
Can I buy licenses for more than one person?
Yes. You can buy multiple licenses at the same time, just make sure you have an ID and SSN for each person.
Can I fish in interstate waters like the Ohio River with just an Ohio license?
Ohio has made deals with West Virginia and Kentucky to make fishing the boundary waters simpler. You can fish here with your Ohio fishing license, as long as you abide by local regulations. In West Virginia, you can fish from the banks, along embayments, and in tributaries to the Ohio River. In Kentucky, you can also fish the Ohio River and its banks, but not in estuaries or tributaries to the river. There are no deals for Indiana or Michigan, so make sure to pick up a license for those states or stay in Ohio.
Final Thoughts
A fishing license is a necessary document for fishing in Ohio, unless you meet one of the above-mentioned criteria. Please follow these simple steps of obtaining a license and enjoy your outdoors experience to the fullest. All non-residents should also apply for a permit for a hassle-free fishing experience. Thanks for reading.
Want to read more? Check out my post on Why You Should be Fishing in Ohio.
Get out and Go Hunt Ohio
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