How to Get Your Kentucky Fishing License
Learn how to get a Kentucky fishing license, what information to prepare, which exemptions to check, and which Fish and Wildlife links to use.
Quick Answer
Kentucky Fish and Wildlife says resident and nonresident youth age 15 and younger are not required to purchase licenses or permits to fish. If you are older than that and not specifically exempt, start with the assumption that you need to buy and carry proof of the correct Kentucky fishing license or authorization number before fishing.
Kentucky’s license year begins March 1 and continues through the last day of February. Most licenses and permits are valid for the license year, while short-term products have their own validity periods. Use Kentucky Fish and Wildlife’s official license pages for current products, fees, exemptions, and purchase links.
| Step | What to decide | Official check |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Whether the angler is license-exempt | Kentucky license requirements and exemptions |
| 2 | Resident or nonresident status | Kentucky license descriptions |
| 3 | Annual or short-term fishing product | License and permit fees page |
| 4 | Trout or other additional permit needs | Fishing regulations and license descriptions |
| 5 | Online or in-person purchase | Online license sales or license-agent list |
How To Get The License
- Open the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife license page.
- Use the “what license or permits do I need” guidance if you are unsure.
- Confirm whether the angler is exempt by age, senior status, disability status, or another listed category.
- Choose resident or nonresident products.
- Add any required permit for the specific trip, such as trout fishing if applicable.
- Buy online through Kentucky’s license sales system or from an authorized license agent.
- Keep the printed license, digital license, or authorization number available while fishing.
Kentucky’s license page notes that date of birth and Social Security number must be provided when buying a license or permit. Online buyers receive a printable version in their profile rather than a mailed paper license.
Decision Table Before Checkout
| Question | If yes | If no |
|---|---|---|
| Is the angler age 15 or younger? | A fishing license or permit purchase is generally not required. | Continue to license selection. |
| Are you age 65 or older and a Kentucky resident? | Check senior license options and documentation. | Use regular resident/nonresident rules. |
| Are you trout fishing? | Check trout permit requirements before buying. | A basic fishing license may be enough, but verify. |
| Are you fishing only one day or a short visit? | Compare short-term products in the official system. | Annual products may be simpler. |
| Are you buying online? | Save the printable license or authorization number. | Confirm the agent can sell the exact product you need. |
Official Source Checklist
Use these official sources before fishing:
- Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Licenses for license-year rules, exemptions, purchase methods, and license links.
- Kentucky Online License Sales for current purchases and checkout totals.
- Kentucky License and Permit Fees for current pricing.
- Kentucky License Requirements and Exemptions for exemption checks.
- Kentucky Fishing for fishing regulations, forecasts, and related resources.
Bottom Line
To get a Kentucky fishing license, first check age and exemption status, then choose the correct resident or nonresident product through Kentucky Fish and Wildlife. Do not use old fee tables; use the official license system and keep proof of the license or authorization number with you while fishing.