Lost Your Colorado Fishing License? Get Digital Access via My CPW App

Misplacing your Colorado fishing license no longer means a ruined day on the water or a hurried trip to the nearest license vendor. Thanks to Colorado’s digital licensing initiatives, anglers now have convenient options to instantly access their fishing credentials through mobile applications. This comprehensive guide explores how Colorado residents can utilize the myColorado app to display digital versions of their fishing licenses, along with detailed information about licensing requirements, fees, and purchase options for the 2025-2026 fishing season.

Digital Fishing License Solutions in Colorado

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) has embraced digital technology to make fishing license management more convenient than ever. The state now offers residents the ability to display their fishing licenses digitally through the official myColorado app, eliminating the panic of discovering a lost or forgotten physical license.

Digital access benefits for anglers:

Instant retrieval of lost fishing licenses
No need to carry a physical license while fishing
License information available even without internet connectivity once set up
Reduced risk of damaged licenses from water exposure
Environmentally friendly paperless option

According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife, resident fishing licenses purchased through any authorized channel can now be displayed through the myColorado app, the State of Colorado’s official mobile application. This innovation reflects Colorado’s commitment to providing 21st-century services to outdoor enthusiasts.

2025-2026 Colorado Fishing License Information

Before exploring the digital license options, it’s essential to understand the current licensing requirements in Colorado. Fishing licenses for the 2025-2026 season are now available and offer extended validity.

License Validity Period:
The 2025-2026 Colorado fishing licenses are valid for a full 13 months, running from March 1, 2025, through March 31, 2026. This extended period gives anglers an extra month of fishing opportunities compared to a standard 12-month license.

Who Needs a License:
All anglers aged 16 and older must possess a valid fishing license to fish in Colorado waters. Youth aged 15 and under can fish for free and take a full bag and possession limit without a license. However, even youth anglers need to purchase a second-rod stamp if they plan to fish with a second line.

Colorado Fishing License Fees for 2025-2026

License fees vary based on residency status, age, and license duration. The following table outlines the current fees for various license types:

License Type	Resident Fee	Non-Resident Fee
Annual Fishing License (ages 18-64)	$41.83	$117.14
One-Day Fishing	$16.33	$19.97
Five-Day Fishing	N/A	$38.19
Additional Day	$7.82	$7.82
Second-Rod Stamp	$12.68	$12.68
Habitat Stamp (required for ages 18-64)	$12.15	$12.15

Note: Customers buying one-day or additional day licenses are exempt from the Habitat Stamp fee with the first two of these licenses, but the fee will be assessed when a third license is purchased.

How to Access Your Digital License via myColorado App

The myColorado app provides a convenient way for Colorado residents to display their fishing licenses digitally. Setting up your digital license involves a few simple steps:

Step 1: Download and Set Up the myColorado App

If you haven’t already installed the myColorado app:

Visit the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to download the app
Create an account and verify your identity
Set up your digital Colorado ID if desired (optional but recommended)

Technical Requirements:

Android OS version 9.0 or higher
Apple iOS version 15.0 or higher
Active myColorado account

Step 2: Add Your Fishing License to the App

Once you’ve installed the app and created an account:

From the Wallet screen, tap “Colorado Parks and Wildlife Licenses”
Tap “Digital Fishing, Small Game or Combo License with Associated Permits”
Enter your Customer Identification (CID) number (the nine-digit number found on your physical CPW license)
Tap Submit

Your digital license will now appear in your myColorado wallet and can be displayed whenever needed, even without internet connectivity.

Step 3: Using Your Digital License in the Field

When a CPW officer or other authority requests to see your fishing license:

Open the myColorado app
Navigate to the Wallet section
Select your fishing license to display it on your screen

Important note: Any changes to your CPW license status (canceled, refunded, voided, etc.) will be reflected in the app when your phone has broadband connectivity. If your license is no longer valid, no digital license will appear.

Additional License Recovery Options

If you’ve lost your Colorado fishing license and aren’t able to use the myColorado app, you have several alternative options:

Purchase a Replacement License

You can obtain a new license through any of these channels:

Online at CPW Shop
By phone: 1-800-244-5613
In-person at any CPW office
Through authorized sales agents throughout Colorado

Check Your Email for Purchase Confirmation

If you purchased your license online, check your email for the purchase confirmation. This often contains your license information and can serve as temporary proof of purchase.

Contact Colorado Parks and Wildlife

For assistance with license recovery issues:

Call CPW at 303-297-1192
Visit the nearest CPW Area Office
Submit an online form through the CPW website

Special Considerations for Different License Types

Veterans and Disabled Angler Programs

CPW offers special license options for certain groups:

Veterans with Service-Connected Disabilities:
Veterans with service-connected disabilities qualify for a free Lifetime Fishing License or a Lifetime Fishing and Small Game Hunting Combination License (VA combo license). These special licenses provide lifetime fishing privileges in Colorado.

Disabled Resident Lifetime Fishing Licenses:
Colorado residents with qualifying disabilities may be eligible for special fishing license options. For more information and application instructions, visit the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website.

Second-Rod Stamp Considerations

If you’ve purchased a second-rod stamp ($12.68) allowing you to fish with two rods simultaneously, this information should be linked to your digital license profile in the myColorado app. When displaying your digital license, verify that your second-rod stamp appears with your license details.

All anglers, including youth under 16 who fish for free, must purchase a second-rod stamp if they intend to fish with a second line.

Frequently Asked Questions About Digital Fishing Licenses

Can I purchase a fishing license directly through the myColorado app?

The myColorado app itself doesn’t sell fishing licenses. However, you can tap “Shop Colorado Parks & Wildlife” on the Services tab within the app to navigate to the appropriate purchasing pages. Licenses must be purchased through official channels (online at cpwshop.com, by phone, in-person at CPW offices, or through authorized sales agents).

Are digital licenses available for non-residents?

Currently, the digital license option through the myColorado app is only available to Colorado residents. Non-residents must rely on physical licenses or their purchase confirmation information.

What if I entered the wrong Customer Identification (CID) number?

If you enter an incorrect CID when setting up your digital license, you’ll receive an error message. Simply input the correct details and submit your request again.

Can I use the myColorado app without internet access?

Yes, once your digital license has been added to the myColorado app, no internet connectivity is needed to display it. This is particularly valuable when fishing in remote areas with limited cell service.

How can I access my Hunter Education Card through the app?

In the myColorado app, tap “Colorado Parks and Wildlife Licenses” in the app Wallet, then tap “Hunter Education Card.” Follow the prompts to upload a photo or PDF of your current card.

The Future of Digital Licensing in Colorado

Colorado Parks and Wildlife continues to explore digital innovations to enhance the outdoor recreation experience. The agency is considering adding more products to the myColorado app in the future, such as:

Individual park passes
Dog off-leash passes
Additional hunting licenses

These planned expansions reflect Colorado’s ongoing commitment to modernizing outdoor recreation management while maintaining strong conservation funding mechanisms.

Conservation Impact of Fishing Licenses

Every fishing license purchase—whether displayed digitally or physically—plays a vital role in funding Colorado’s fishery management and conservation efforts.

Your License Dollars at Work:
By purchasing a fishing license, anglers directly contribute to:

Fishery management programs
Hatchery operations and fish stocking
Conservation of native, non-game aquatic species
Maintenance of fishing opportunities in Colorado’s waters

This funding model ensures that Colorado can maintain its world-class fishing opportunities across 6,000 miles of streams and more than 1,300 lakes and reservoirs.

Keep Colorado Wild Pass Integration

For anglers who also enjoy visiting Colorado’s state parks, the myColorado app offers an additional benefit. The Keep Colorado Wild Pass, which provides access to Colorado’s 42 state parks, is also available digitally through the app.

When entering a state park, simply pull up your vehicle registration card in the myColorado Wallet to display your contactless park pass. This integration creates a comprehensive digital solution for outdoor enthusiasts in Colorado.

Tips for Responsible Angling in Colorado

While having proper licensing is essential, responsible angling goes beyond legal compliance. Consider these best practices when fishing in Colorado:

Familiarize yourself with current fishing regulations
Practice catch and release when appropriate
Use barbless hooks to minimize fish injury
Clean equipment between water bodies to prevent spreading aquatic nuisance species
Pack out all trash and fishing line
Report fishing violations to CPW

Conclusion: Embracing Digital Convenience for Colorado Anglers

The introduction of digital fishing licenses through the myColorado app represents a significant advancement in how Colorado manages its recreational fishing program. This innovation provides immediate solutions for anglers who have lost their physical license while offering everyday convenience for all resident anglers.

By combining traditional license purchase methods with modern digital display options, Colorado Parks and Wildlife has created a system that meets diverse angler needs while maintaining critical conservation funding. Whether you’re a tech-savvy angler who appreciates the convenience of digital credentials or someone who simply wants a backup option in case of a lost license, Colorado’s digital fishing license program offers valuable benefits.

For the most current information about Colorado fishing licenses, regulations, and digital options, visit the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website or download the myColorado app today.