How to Renew Your Michigan Fishing License (Online & In-Person)

You can renew your Michigan fishing license online at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses or through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app. Enter your license number and personal information, pay the $26 fee (residents) or $76 (nonresidents), and receive your digital license immediately. Alternatively, visit authorized DNR retail agents or customer service centers statewide for in-person renewal.

Renewing your Michigan fishing license ensures you can legally fish throughout the state’s lakes, rivers, and streams without interruption. The 2025 fishing licenses are currently valid through March 31, 2026, meaning anglers need to renew before April 1 to maintain continuous fishing privileges. Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources has streamlined the renewal process through both digital and in-person options, making it easier than ever to stay compliant with state fishing regulations.

Online Renewal Through Michigan DNR eLicense System

The fastest way to renew your Michigan fishing license is through the state’s digital platforms. Here’s the complete step-by-step process:

1. Access the eLicense portal at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses or download the free Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app from your device’s app store.
2. Create an account or log in using your existing credentials. New users will need their current fishing license number if available, along with basic personal information.
3. Navigate to ‘Buy Licenses’ and select the fishing license renewal option from the menu.
4. Enter required information including your full name, date of birth, current address, and the last four digits of your Social Security Number. Michigan residents must confirm residency status.
5. Select your license type: Annual all-species fishing licenses cost $26 for residents or $76 for nonresidents, with an additional $1 surcharge. Seniors 65 and older qualify for discounted $11 annual licenses.
6. Complete payment using a credit card, debit card, or electronic check through the secure payment gateway.
7. Download or print your license immediately after payment confirmation. Your digital license is valid the moment it’s issued and remains active through March 31, 2026.

The entire online renewal process typically takes less than five minutes. Your license confirmation will be emailed to you, and you can access it anytime through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app.

Set Up Auto-Renewal for Future Years

Michigan’s DNR offers an auto-renewal feature that eliminates the hassle of remembering to renew your license annually. This convenient option automatically processes your renewal before expiration.

To enable auto-renewal during your current purchase, simply select the auto-renew checkbox at online checkout. The system will save your payment information securely and automatically charge your selected payment method when new licenses become available each March.

If you’ve already purchased your license, you can still activate auto-renewal through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app. Open the app, navigate to your account settings, and select “Auto Renewals”. From there, you can:

• Enable auto-renewal for fishing licenses
• Review which licenses are set to auto-renew
• Update your payment method
• Receive email confirmations when renewals process automatically
• Cancel auto-renewal at any time without penalties

Auto-renewal ensures uninterrupted fishing privileges and guarantees you won’t miss opening day of your favorite fishing season. The system processes renewals automatically when new annual licenses become available, typically in early March.

In-Person Renewal at Retail Locations

Anglers who prefer face-to-face transactions can renew fishing licenses at hundreds of authorized locations across Michigan. DNR Customer Service Centers operate throughout the state and provide full licensing services during business hours.

Where to renew in person:

• DNR Customer Service Centers statewide
• Sporting goods retailers (Cabela’s, Bass Pro Shops, Gander Outdoors)
• Independent bait and tackle shops
• Outdoor recreation stores
• Selected department stores with hunting/fishing departments

To find the nearest license agent, use the Michigan DNR License Agent Locator tool available on the DNR website. Simply enter your zip code or city to view nearby authorized retailers with addresses, phone numbers, and operating hours.

What to bring for in-person renewal:

• Valid Michigan driver’s license or state ID (for residents)
• Out-of-state driver’s license (for nonresidents)
• Current fishing license number (recommended but not required)
• Payment method: cash, check, credit card, or debit card
• Date of birth and Social Security Number information

Retail agents print physical licenses on-site immediately after processing your renewal. Some locations may have limited inventory during peak seasons, so calling ahead is recommended for popular fishing opener weekends.

Renewal Costs and License Validity Period

Michigan fishing license fees vary based on residency status and license duration. Understanding the cost structure helps you budget for your annual fishing expenses:

License Type	Daily Rate	Annual Rate
Michigan Resident	$10	$26 + $1 surcharge
Nonresident	$10	$76 + $1 surcharge
Senior Resident (65+)	N/A	$11
Youth (under 17)	Free*	$2 (voluntary)

*Source: Michigan Department of Natural Resources

All 2025 annual fishing licenses remain valid through March 31, 2026. This means licenses purchased in March 2025 provide 13 months of fishing access. Michigan allows anglers to renew before their current license expires, which is particularly useful for those planning early-season fishing trips.

The $1 surcharge on annual licenses supports public education programs about hunting, fishing, and conservation efforts in Michigan. Daily licenses provide an affordable option for occasional anglers or visitors testing Michigan’s fishing opportunities before committing to an annual license.

Late renewal after the March 31 expiration may require purchasing a new license at full price rather than a true “renewal,” so plan ahead to maintain continuous coverage.

Required Information for License Renewal

Gathering necessary documentation before starting your renewal streamlines the process. The Michigan DNR requires specific information to verify your identity and residency status:

Essential documents and information:

• Valid government-issued photo ID (driver’s license or state ID card)
• Date of birth
• Current residential address
• Last four digits of your Social Security Number
• Previous Michigan fishing license number (if renewing)
• Valid payment method (credit/debit card for online, cash/check/card for in-person)

Additional requirements for specific situations:

• First-time purchasers: Full Social Security Number may be required to create your DNR Sportcard account
• Nonresidents: Out-of-state driver’s license or identification proving current address
• Seniors claiming discounts: Valid ID showing proof of age 65 or older
• Military personnel: Active-duty military ID and Michigan residency verification for fee waivers

Michigan residents who have moved since their last license purchase must update their address during renewal. Conservation officers may request to see both your fishing license and photo identification during field checks, so carry both documents while fishing.

Troubleshooting Common Renewal Issues

Even with Michigan’s improved eLicense system, occasional problems arise during the renewal process. Here’s how to resolve the most common issues:

Lost license number: If you can’t locate your current license number, contact the DNR licensing staff at 517-284-6057 or email MDNR-E-License@Michigan.gov. Representatives can retrieve your license information using your name, date of birth, and address.

Website or app technical errors: Clear your browser cache and cookies, then attempt the renewal again using a different web browser. Chrome, Firefox, and Edge work best with the eLicense portal. For persistent app issues, uninstall and reinstall the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app.

Payment declined: Verify your card details are entered correctly, including billing zip code. Some banks flag DNR purchases as unusual activity—contact your financial institution to authorize the transaction. Alternative payment methods include electronic checks or in-person cash payments.

Account login problems: Use the “Forgot Password” feature to reset your credentials. If you’ve never created an online account, select “New User” rather than attempting to log in with your license number alone.

Need to reprint a renewed license: Log into your account at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses, navigate to “My Purchases,” and select the print option next to your current license. The Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app also stores digital copies accessible offline.

For complex issues that self-service troubleshooting can’t resolve, the DNR maintains customer service support during business hours at 517-284-6057. Wait times are typically shorter mid-week rather than weekends approaching fishing season openers.

Conclusion

Renewing your Michigan fishing license takes just minutes through the state’s convenient online portal or hundreds of retail locations statewide. By enabling auto-renewal, you’ll never miss a season or risk fishing without proper credentials. Remember that 2025 licenses expire March 31, 2026, so renew before April 1 to maintain legal fishing status.

Whether you choose the instant convenience of digital renewal or prefer in-person service at a local retailer, Michigan’s streamlined licensing system makes compliance simple. For related information about other states’ renewal processes, check out how to renew fishing license Florida or explore how much is a fishing license in Georgia.

Start your 2026 Michigan fishing season right—renew your license today at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses.