Easily Getting a Fishing License at Walmart in Texas (2025 Edition)

Fishing is a beloved pastime in Texas, with over 80,000 miles of rivers and 3,700+ lakes offering abundant opportunities for both seasoned anglers and first-time fishers. To enjoy the state’s stunning waters, you’ll need to secure the proper fishing license. In Texas, Walmart has become a popular, accessible option for purchasing fishing licenses. With more than 500 locations across the state, Walmart allows customers to easily obtain a fishing license without the need to visit a Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) office. This 2025 guide will walk you through everything you need to know to purchase a fishing license at Walmart in Texas, from license types and pricing to tips on how to avoid common mistakes and ensure you’re fully prepared for your fishing adventure.

Why Choose Walmart for Your Texas Fishing License?

When it comes to purchasing a fishing license in Texas, Walmart offers several benefits that make it the preferred choice for many anglers. Let’s take a closer look at why Walmart stands out as a reliable and convenient option:

1. Extended Hours

Walmart is open longer than most TPWD offices. While the typical TPWD office operates from 8 AM to 5 PM on weekdays, Walmart offers extended hours, from 6 AM to 11 PM daily. This gives anglers more flexibility to purchase their fishing licenses outside of typical business hours.

2. On-Site Gear Purchases

Many Walmart stores have a Sporting Goods section where you can purchase everything from fishing rods to tackle boxes, bait, and coolers. By buying your fishing license at Walmart, you can conveniently gather all the gear you need for a successful fishing trip, saving you time and effort.

3. Immediate Physical License Printing

Unlike online purchases, where you may need to wait for your license to be mailed to you, Walmart prints your fishing license on the spot. This means you don’t have to wait and can start fishing right away.

4. No Online Transaction Fees

Walmart offers a significant advantage by not charging the online transaction fee of $5, which is typical when purchasing a license via the TPWD website. This simple savings can help reduce your costs and make your fishing license purchase more affordable.

5. Convenience

Walmart’s widespread locations make it easy to find a store near you. As of 2025, over 500 Texas locations offer fishing license services, and Walmart’s 24/7 customer support line can help you find the nearest store offering this service. Additionally, Walmart is often less crowded and more efficient than visiting a TPWD office in person, making it a hassle-free option.

However, it’s important to note that not all Walmart stores sell fishing licenses. Be sure to verify your nearest store’s eligibility before heading out.

2025 Texas Fishing License Types & Costs

In Texas, anyone 17 years or older must have a fishing license to fish in public waters. Below is a breakdown of the available fishing licenses for 2025:

1. Freshwater Package

• Resident Cost: $30
• Non-Resident Cost: $58
• Validity: 1 year
• This license allows anglers to fish in Texas’ freshwater bodies such as rivers, lakes, and ponds.

2. Saltwater Package

• Resident Cost: $35
• Non-Resident Cost: $63
• Validity: 1 year
• The saltwater license is for those fishing in Texas’ coastal waters, including the Gulf of Mexico.

3. All-Water Package

• Resident Cost: $40
• Non-Resident Cost: $68
• Validity: 1 year
• The All-Water Package is ideal for anglers who want the flexibility to fish in both freshwater and saltwater bodies across the state.

4. Senior All-Water (65+)

• Resident Cost: $22
• Non-Resident Cost: N/A
• Validity: 1 year
• Seniors over 65 enjoy discounted rates for the All-Water license.

5. 1-Day All-Water License

• Resident Cost: $11
• Non-Resident Cost: $16
• Validity: 24 hours
• The one-day license is perfect for those who are visiting Texas or only plan to fish for a short period.

Additional Considerations:

• Red Drum Tag Requirement: If you’re fishing for redfish (red drum) over 28 inches in length, you will need to purchase a $10 Exempted Species Tag.
• New Invasive Species Fee: Starting in March 2025, all fishing licenses will include a $2 fee to help combat the spread of zebra mussels, which have become a significant problem in Texas’ lakes and rivers.
• Lifetime Licenses: The cost for a resident lifetime fishing license has increased to $1,080 (an 8% increase from 2024). Lifetime licenses are exempt from future fee increases.

What Documents Do You Need to Purchase a Fishing License at Walmart?

To purchase a fishing license at Walmart, you will need to bring a few essential documents to ensure the transaction goes smoothly. These documents help the associate process your license correctly.

1. Primary ID

• Residents: Texas driver’s license or state-issued ID.
• Non-Residents: Passport or out-of-state driver’s license.

2. Proof of Residency (if claiming resident status)

• Recent utility bill (less than 30 days old)
• Property tax statement
• Military Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders

3. Payment Methods Accepted

• Cash
• Visa/Mastercard (AMEX is not accepted)
• Walmart Gift Cards

Pro Tip: If you’ve purchased a fishing license in the past, you can save time by retrieving your TPWD Customer Identification Number (CID) from a previous license. You can find your CID on the TPWD website’s license lookup tool.

Step-by-Step Guide to Buying Your Fishing License at Walmart

Follow these simple steps to get your fishing license from Walmart:

1. Locate a Walmart That Sells Licenses

• Walmart has over 320 locations in Texas that sell fishing licenses. To ensure you visit a store that offers this service, you can use Walmart’s store finder and filter by “Sporting Goods.”
• You can also call the store ahead of time to confirm. Simply ask, “Do you process TPWD fishing licenses?”

2. Go to the Sporting Goods Counter

• When you arrive, head to the Sporting Goods counter. Depending on the time of day, you may experience wait times ranging from 5 to 25 minutes, especially during peak hours such as weekdays from 4-6 PM or weekends from 9-11 AM.
• Walmart associates are trained in the TPWD Automated License System (ALS), but it’s always a good idea to ask specific questions to ensure you get the license you need, especially if you’re fishing for specialty species or need additional endorsements.

3. Complete the Application

• An associate will help you input your data into the TPWD system. Double-check that your name is spelled correctly and your residency status is accurate. This is crucial to avoid paying higher non-resident fees if you are a Texas resident.

4. Review & Pay

• Walmart’s 2025 process doesn’t charge additional processing fees. You can pay with cash, debit, or credit cards, but be aware that there is a $500 cash payment limit. There are no limits on debit or credit card payments.

5. Store Your License Properly

• After receiving your physical license, it’s essential to store it safely. Keep a printed copy with you while fishing, or use the TPWD mobile app to store a digital copy.
• To protect your license from damage, consider laminating it or using a waterproof pouch. Walmart offers waterproof pouches for around $3.88 in their camping section.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Purchasing a Fishing License at Walmart

There are a few pitfalls that anglers should be aware of to ensure they don’t run into trouble when purchasing a fishing license.

1. Assuming All Walmarts Sell Licenses

• Not all Texas Walmart locations offer fishing licenses. Before heading to the store, make sure they sell fishing licenses by checking with the store or using Walmart’s online store finder.

2. Ignoring County-Specific Rules

• Some areas of Texas, such as the Guadalupe River, have special rules that may require additional permits or tags. For example, fishing for trout in certain regions may require a separate $12 tag. Be sure to check the local regulations for your fishing spot.

3. Overlooking Free Fishing Days

• In Texas, there are designated days when fishing licenses are not required. For 2025, these days are:
  • June 7: National Fishing Week
  • September 27: Public Lands Day
• On these dates, you can fish for free, but be aware that other regulations still apply.

Alternatives to Walmart Purchases

While Walmart is a convenient choice, you may also consider other options for purchasing your fishing license:

• TPWD Website: You can purchase a digital fishing license online, but this comes with a $5 processing fee. Visit the official TPWD website for more information.
• Academy Sports + Outdoors: Known for expert staff and a wide selection of outdoor gear, Academy is a great alternative, although some rural locations may not offer licensing services.
• Cabela’s/Bass Pro Shops: These specialty retailers offer expert advice on gear, but fishing licenses may be more expensive than at Walmart.

Emergency Option:

• You can also purchase a fishing license via phone by calling TPWD’s customer service at 1-800-895-4248. This option charges a $5 fee plus a 3% processing charge on credit card payments.

Stay Updated with 2025 Texas Fishing Regulations

In addition to securing your fishing license, it’s important to stay updated on the latest fishing regulations for 2025:

• Red Snapper Season: Private boat season has been shortened to just 45 days, running from May 23 through July 6.
• Flounder Closure: To protect spawning populations, the flounder season is closed statewide from November 1 to 30.
• New Size Limits: In 2025, Largemouth bass must be between 16–24 inches in length in select reservoirs, including Lake Fork.

Download the Texas Outdoor Annual app or visit the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department website to check for real-time updates and regulations.

FAQs

Can I Use My Walmart-Bought License Immediately?

Yes! Your Walmart-issued fishing license is valid as soon as you pay for it and receive the physical copy.

Do Children Need a License?

Children under 17 are exempt from purchasing a fishing license. However, minors fishing in state parks may need to fish under the supervision of an adult with a valid license.

What If I Lose My Fishing License?

You can replace your lost Walmart-issued fishing license by visiting any authorized vendor or through the TPWD website for a small replacement fee.

Conclusion

Getting a fishing license in Texas at Walmart is simple, fast, and cost-effective. With extended hours, on-the-spot printing, and no additional online fees, it’s a convenient solution for anglers across the state. By following the steps outlined above, you’ll be ready to fish Texas’ beautiful waters in no time. Make sure to check all regulations and requirements to ensure your fishing trip is smooth and enjoyable.

For more detailed information and resources on fishing licenses in Texas, visit the official Texas Parks & Wildlife Department website and FishingLicenseUSA.