Michigan Fishing License Cost 2025 – Complete Guide with Calculator

Wondering about the Michigan fishing license cost and tired of digging through outdated information? In this guide you’ll find the exact 2025 prices for residents, nonresidents, seniors, and veterans.

You’ll also get access to our step-by-step calculator, license options, discounts, and official purchase links—all in one place.

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What You’ll Find Here:

Michigan Fishing License Cost Calculator

Estimate your exact Michigan fishing license cost in seconds. Select who you are, the license you want, and any special status (military, veteran). We’ll show the total and a clean breakdown on the next page.

Minors under 17 don’t need a license to fish (rules still apply). They may optionally buy a $2 youth license.
License type *
Annual licenses are valid Mar 1 – Mar 31 of the following year. Daily licenses are valid for 24 hours from your chosen start date.
A DNR Sportcard may be needed if you don’t have a qualifying ID for purchase.
Heads-up: Hunt/Fish Combo includes base, annual fishing, and two deer licenses. Military/veteran waivers typically apply to fishing licenses obtained outside a lottery. Combo pricing is shown as listed by the state.

How to Use the Calculator Step by Step

Using the Michigan Fishing License Cost Calculator is quick and straightforward. In just a few steps you can see the exact fee for your situation, whether you are a resident, senior, veteran, or visiting from out of state.

  1. Choose your category: Select whether you are a resident or nonresident. This helps determine the Michigan resident fishing license cost compared to the Michigan non resident fishing license cost or Michigan fishing license cost out of state.
  2. Pick your license type: Decide between annual, daily, or combo options. For short trips, check the Michigan daily fishing license cost, including the Michigan 1 day fishing license cost and Michigan 3 day fishing license cost.
  3. Add special conditions: If you are 65 or older, check the cost of senior fishing license in Michigan. If you qualify for veteran benefits, the calculator also applies the Michigan fishing license cost for veterans.
  4. Select extra options: Add a DNR Sportcard when required. This ensures the calculation reflects the official Michigan DNR fishing license cost.
  5. See your total instantly: Once you complete the steps, the calculator displays the total fee based on your profile and license type.

Current Michigan Fishing License Costs (2025 Update)

Fishing license fees in Michigan are set annually by the Department of Natural Resources and vary depending on residency, age, license duration, and special status. Below you’ll find the most recent costs updated for 2025.

Annual Resident and Nonresident License Fees

  • Resident Annual All-Species License: $26
  • Nonresident Annual All-Species License: $76
  • Annual Senior or Legally Blind (Residents only): $11

These are the standard yearly permits. The cost of Michigan fishing license 2025 is straightforward for residents, while the Michigan nonresident fishing license cost and the Michigan out of state fishing license cost remain higher.

Daily and Short-Term Licenses

  • 24-Hour (Resident or Nonresident): $10 per day
  • 3-Day Permit (Resident or Nonresident): $30
  • Weekly permits are not available; daily licenses must be purchased per day of fishing.

The cost of one day fishing license Michigan is simple to calculate at $10, and the Michigan 3 day fishing license cost works out to $30 total.

The Michigan daily fishing license cost applies equally to all anglers regardless of residency.

Senior, Youth, and Veteran Discounts

  • Resident Senior (65+) or Legally Blind Annual License: $11
  • Voluntary Youth License (under 17, resident or nonresident): $2
  • Veterans with 100% disability (Residents only): Free
  • Active-duty Military (Residents only): Free

The Michigan senior fishing license cost in Michigan provide reduced fees, while the fishing license cost for seniors and youth remain accessible. Eligible veterans also benefit, with the Michigan fishing license cost for veterans waived entirely.

Hunt/Fish Combo Licenses

  • Resident Hunt/Fish Combo: $76
  • Resident Senior Hunt/Fish Combo (65+): $43
  • Nonresident Hunt/Fish Combo: $266

These bundles include a base hunting license, two deer tags, and an annual all-species fishing license. The pricing reflects the state of Michigan fishing license cost, and the calculator also incorporates the Michigan DNR fishing license cost when showing your total.

Factors That Influence the Cost of a Fishing License in Michigan

Several factors determine how much you’ll pay for a fishing permit. The fishing license Michigan cost varies depending on your residency, age, duration, exemptions, and extra requirements. Here are the main elements that impact pricing.

  • Residency vs. Nonresidency: Residents pay lower fees compared to visitors. The cost of Michigan non resident fishing license and the cost of out of state fishing license in Michigan are set at higher levels to reflect nonresident use of state resources.
  • Age and Disability Status: Seniors and legally blind residents pay reduced fees. Youth licenses are symbolic, while certain disability conditions may qualify you for special permits or exemptions.
  • Daily vs. Annual Validity: Short-term licenses are priced per day, while annual permits cover a full season from March to March. Choosing between them depends on how often you plan to fish.
  • Military and Veteran Exemptions: Active-duty Michigan residents and veterans with 100% disability often qualify for waived fishing license fees, making access to the sport more affordable.
  • Sportcard Requirement: If you don’t have a qualifying ID, you’ll need a DNR Sportcard for an additional dollar. This fee is minor but still part of the overall calculation.

Where to Buy Your Michigan Fishing License

You can purchase your permit directly through the Department of Natural Resources. The online portal offers the most convenient way to cover the Michigan DNR fishing license cost, letting you buy or renew your license from home in just minutes.

Another option is the Hunt Fish app, which keeps your digital license accessible on your phone. For those who prefer face-to-face service, local agents across Michigan and official DNR Service Centers also sell permits.

Each method provides the same official price, so the fishing license in Michigan cost won’t change based on where you buy it.

Final Thoughts

With the Michigan Fishing License Cost Calculator, you can see your estimated fee in just a few clicks. It gives you a clear breakdown based on your age, residency, and any special conditions that apply to you.

Before you make a purchase, double-check the official rates directly with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Regulations and fees are updated by the state, so it’s always best to confirm with the source.

You can buy or manage your license through the Michigan DNR website or the official Hunt Fish app. Both options ensure your license is valid and recorded correctly.

Michigan Fishing License FAQs

How much does a fishing license cost in Michigan?

For 2025, the Michigan resident fishing license cost is $26 for an annual all-species permit. The cost of Michigan non resident fishing license is $76 per year. Seniors and legally blind residents can purchase an annual license for $11.

What is the cost of a nonresident fishing license in Michigan?

The Michigan nonresident fishing license cost is $76 for the annual option. If you only plan to visit briefly, the cost of out of state fishing license in Michigan is $10 per day, which applies equally to both residents and nonresidents.

How much is a senior fishing license in Michigan?

The Michigan senior fishing license cost is $11 for residents age 65 or older, or those declared legally blind. This reduced cost of senior fishing license in Michigan helps older anglers continue fishing at an affordable rate.

Are there daily or short-term licenses available?

Yes. The Michigan daily fishing license cost is $10 for a 24-hour permit. If you want a multi-day option, the Michigan 3 day fishing license cost is $30 in total. The Michigan 1 day fishing license cost is commonly chosen for quick weekend trips.

Do veterans or active-duty military members pay for a license?

The Michigan fishing license cost for veterans with 100% disability is waived, meaning they can fish at no charge. Active-duty Michigan residents also qualify for free annual licenses, while nonresidents stationed in Michigan pay resident rates.

What is a Michigan Sportcard and how much does it cost?

A DNR Sportcard costs $1. It is required when you don’t have another form of qualifying ID to purchase your fishing license. This small fee is part of the official Michigan DNR fishing license cost structure and may apply to both residents and nonresidents.

Where can I buy a fishing license in Michigan?

You can purchase a license online through the Department of Natural Resources portal, on the Hunt Fish mobile app, at local retail agents, or in person at DNR Service Centers. The fishing license in Michigan cost stays the same no matter where you buy it.

Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only. Official pricing and eligibility are determined by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
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