Get a South Carolina Fishing License

South Carolina Fishing Licenses

From freshwater streams and rivers to the Atlantic coast, South Carolina offers plentiful fishing experiences for all anglers. But before you enjoy some of the finest fishing in the country, you need to familiarize yourself with the state’s regulations. And one of the most essential is the license requirement.

In South Carolina, everyone 16 and older is required to obtain a fishing license. And that’s true whether you’re a resident or visitor to the state. Anglers must keep their license in their possession while engaging in fishing activities.

Types of Fishing Licenses

South Carolina offers options to purchase a temporary, annual, or three-year license. But depending on your residency, age, type of species you’re after and other factors, there may be other license choices available to you. Here’s a summary of all the various fishing licenses you can get in South Carolina.

Residents: To qualify as a resident, you must be domiciled in South Carolina for 30 days and show proof of residency when obtaining your license. Military personnel and dependents stations in South Carolina for 30 days or longer or who are domiciled in the state are eligible for resident privileges. In addition, students who are enrolled full-time in a South Carolina educational institution are eligible for resident privileges with a valid student ID.

• Resident Freshwater Fishing Licenses
  • 14-day, annual or three-year
• Resident Nongame Freshwater Fishing License (Nongame devices)
• Resident Saltwater Fishing Licenses
  • 14-day, annual or three-year
  • Annual Public Fishing Pier
• Resident Combination Fishing & Hunting Licenses (Hunting, big game and freshwater fishing)
  • Annual
  • Three-year
• Resident Sportsman License (Hunting, big game, wildlife management areas and freshwater fishing)
  • Annual
  • Three- year
• Resident Disability Fishing License or Disability Combination License
  • Three-year
• Lifetime License (Age-based)

If you obtain a South Carolina fishing license then move outside the state, you can continue to use the privileges until they expire.

Nonresidents: A non-resident is anyone who doesn’t meet the definition of a resident.

• Nonresident Freshwater Fishing Licenses
  • 14-day
  • Annual
  • Three-year
• Nonresident Nongame Freshwater Fishing License (Nongame devices)
• Nonresident Saltwater Fishing Licenses
  • Annual
  • 7-day
  • 1-day
  • Annual Public Fishing Pier

Reciprocal Fishing Licenses

If you hold a valid freshwater fishing license from Georgia, you’ll be allowed to fish in certain waters in South Carolina under what’s referred to as a reciprocal license agreement. These bodies of water include all channels of the Savannah River, from its mouth to the confluence of the Tugaloo and the Seneca rivers, and the Chattooga River to the boundary line between Georgia and North Carolina.

How Much Does a South Carolina Fishing License Cost?

South Carolina fishing license costs are subject to change each year. For 2021, the current pricing is as follows:

Residents

• 3-year Freshwater Fishing License: $30.00
• Annual Freshwater Fishing License: $10.00
• 14-day Freshwater License: $5.00
• Nongame Freshwater Fishing License (Nongame devices): The costs range from $5.00 for a jug permit to $10.00 for a hoop net tag
• 3-year Saltwater Fishing License: $45.00
• Annual Saltwater Fishing License: $15.00
• 14-day Saltwater Fishing License: $10.00
• Annual Saltwater Public Fishing Pier: $150.00 for 100 fees or less and $350.00 for those longer than 100 feet
• 3-year Combination Fishing & Hunting License (Hunting, big game and freshwater fishing): $75.00
• Annual Combination Fishing & Hunting License: $25.00
• 3-year Sportsman License (Hunting, big game, wildlife management areas and freshwater fishing): $150.00
• Annual Sportsman License: $50.00
• 3-year Disability Fishing License or Disability Combination License: No cost
• Lifetime License (Age-based): The costs for these are based on the age of the applicant at the time of issuance

Nonresidents

• 3-year Freshwater Fishing License: $105.00
• Annual Freshwater Fishing License: $35.00
• 14-day Freshwater Fishing License: $11.00
• Nongame Freshwater Fishing License (Nongame devices): $50.00 each
• Annual Saltwater Fishing License: $75.00
• 7-day Saltwater Fishing License: $35.00
• 1-day Saltwater Fishing License: $10.00
• Annual Saltwater Public Fishing Pier: $150.00 for 100 fees or less and $350.00 for those longer than 100 feet

Current pricing for South Carolina Fishing Licenses can also be found here.

Where to Get a South Carolina Fishing License

The easiest way to obtain a license is online at the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources website. To obtain a license, you’ll need your Social Security number. If you’re applying for a resident license, you’ll also need proof of residency such as an unexpired South Carolina driver’s license or identification card. Once approved, your license will be mailed to you.

If you prefer to purchase your license in person, the Department maintains a list of local license vendors by city and county.

You also have the option of mailing in a fishing license application.