How to get a hunting or fishing license
Follow these steps to make sure you have the right license before you head out.
Check requirements
Most Texas residents 17 and older need a license to hunt or fish. Children 16 and younger can fish without a license and may hunt with a licensed adult. Non-residents must purchase a non-resident license regardless of age.
Some licenses include endorsements; others require you to add them separately for specific species — such as migratory birds, saltwater fish, or deer. Review the full requirements before you buy so you get the right combination.
Hunt and fish regularly?
A combination license bundles hunting and fishing into one purchase and saves you money compared to buying them separately. If you plan to hunt or fish for years to come, a lifetime license is a one-time cost that covers you for life — no annual renewal needed.
Buy your license
Once you know which license you need, you can buy it online, by phone, or in person at a licensed retailer.
Option 1: Online
Buy your license anytime through the TPWD online licensing system. You can print your license immediately or save it to the Outdoor Annual app on your phone.
Buy a hunting or fishing license online
Option 2: By phone
Call the TPWD licensing line at 800-895-4248. Have your Texas driver license or ID number and a credit or debit card ready. Phone sales are available during business hours.
Option 3: In person
Purchase your license at any TPWD-licensed retailer — including sporting goods stores, bait shops, and many large retailers across Texas. Bring your Texas driver license or ID. Retailers can issue your license on the spot.
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Hunting licenses, permits, and endorsements
Texas offers a range of hunting licenses depending on your age, residency, and what you plan to hunt.
Most hunters need a base hunting license plus specific permits or endorsements for certain species — including white-tailed deer, turkey, migratory birds, and exotic game. Permits for some species, like Managed Lands Deer, are issued by the landowner and work alongside your state license. Review the full list to find what applies to your hunt.
Check who needs a license
Texas residents 17 and older need a hunting license to take most game. Non-residents must purchase a non-resident hunting license regardless of age. Some exemptions apply for landowners hunting their own property — check the TPWD site for details.
Choose your hunting license
Texas offers several resident hunting license types depending on how often you hunt and what species you pursue. Some permits and endorsements are required in addition to your base license — for example, a Migratory Bird endorsement for dove or duck, or an Archery endorsement for archery-only season.
Non-residents can choose from annual, 5-day, or spring turkey licenses depending on their visit length and target species.
Buy your hunting license
Buy your hunting license online, by phone, or in person. Have your Texas driver license or ID number ready.
Option 1: Online
Buy your license anytime through the TPWD online licensing system. You can print your license immediately or save it to the Outdoor Annual app on your phone.
Buy a hunting or fishing license online
Option 2: By phone
Call the TPWD licensing line at 800-895-4248. Have your Texas driver license or ID number and a credit or debit card ready. Phone sales are available during business hours.
Option 3: In person
Purchase your license at any TPWD-licensed retailer — including sporting goods stores, bait shops, and many large retailers across Texas. Bring your Texas driver license or ID. Retailers can issue your license on the spot.
Hunting license fees
A $5 administrative fee applies to phone orders. Additional endorsements (migratory bird, upland game, archery) cost $7 each.
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Hunter education
First-time hunters in Texas must complete a hunter education course before buying a license.
Check if you need the course
Texas requires hunter education for anyone born on or after September 2, 1971, who has not previously held a hunting license in Texas or another state. Hunters 16 and younger must complete the course before hunting without a licensed adult.
If you already hold a hunting license from another state or country, you may be exempt — check the TPWD site to confirm.
Choose a course format
TPWD offers three course formats. Choose the one that fits your schedule and learning style.
Option 1: Online only
Complete the full course online at your own pace. No field day required. Available 24/7 and typically takes 8–10 hours to complete.
Start the online hunter education course
Option 2: Online + field day
Complete the classroom portion online, then attend a hands-on field day with a certified instructor. Field days are held at locations across Texas.
Option 3: In-person classroom
Attend a full in-person course taught by a certified TPWD instructor. Course dates and locations vary by county.
Complete the course and get certified
Once you pass the course, your hunter education certification is good for life — no renewal required. Your certificate will be available digitally through your TPWD account and can be shown on your phone while hunting.
Keep a record of your certification number — you will need it when purchasing your first Texas hunting license.
Already certified in another state?
Hunter education certifications from other states and countries are generally accepted in Texas. Bring your out-of-state certificate when purchasing your license — or contact TPWD to verify your certification is on record.
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Fishing licenses, endorsements, and tags
A Texas fishing license covers most freshwater and saltwater fishing, with additional endorsements required for some species and locations.
Depending on where and what you fish, you may also need a saltwater fishing endorsement, a freshwater fishing stamp, or tags for species like red drum or blue marlin. Licenses are available by the day, year, or as part of a combination package. Non-residents can also purchase a Texas fishing license for short trips or the full year.
Check who needs a license
Texas residents 17 and older need a fishing license to fish in public waters. Children 16 and younger do not need a license to fish. Non-residents must purchase a non-resident fishing license regardless of age.
Some exemptions apply — for example, residents fishing on their own private property, or during TPWD free fishing days. Check the TPWD site to confirm whether an exemption applies to you.
Choose your fishing license
Texas offers annual and short-term fishing licenses for both residents and non-residents. Depending on where and what you fish, you may also need additional endorsements or tags — such as a Saltwater Fishing endorsement, a Freshwater Fishing stamp, or tags for red drum or blue marlin.
Want to try before you buy?
TPWD holds free fishing days each year when Texas residents can fish without a license. Non-residents and endorsement requirements still apply on free fishing days.
Buy your fishing license
Buy your fishing license online, by phone, or in person. Have your Texas driver license or ID number ready.
Option 1: Online
Buy your license anytime through the TPWD online licensing system. You can print your license immediately or save it to the Outdoor Annual app on your phone.
Buy a hunting or fishing license online
Option 2: By phone
Call the TPWD licensing line at 800-895-4248. Have your Texas driver license or ID number and a credit or debit card ready. Phone sales are available during business hours.
Option 3: In person
Purchase your license at any TPWD-licensed retailer — including sporting goods stores, bait shops, and many large retailers across Texas. Bring your Texas driver license or ID. Retailers can issue your license on the spot.
Fishing license fees
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Hunting and fishing reports and resources
Make the most of your time outdoors with the tools Texas Parks and Wildlife provides.
Weekly fishing reports give you current conditions at lakes and rivers across the state, so you can find where fish are biting before you make the drive. The Texas Outdoor Annual app puts seasons, regulations, and maps in your pocket — available for iOS and Android, and it works offline in areas without cell service.
Know your reporting requirements
Some hunting activities in Texas require you to report your harvest — for example, white-tailed deer taken under Managed Lands Deer permits, and certain exotic species. Failing to report when required can affect your license standing.
Most freshwater and saltwater fishing does not require individual harvest reporting, but commercial fishing and certain tagging programs do.
Submit your report
If you are required to report a harvest, you can do so online through the TPWD licensing portal or via the Outdoor Annual app. Reports are typically due within 24 hours of the harvest — check your permit conditions for the exact deadline.
Find additional resources
Use these resources to plan your next trip, stay up to date on regulations, and find fishing conditions near you.
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