If you’re planning to fish in South Carolina, most anglers age 16 or older need the proper fishing license unless a specific exemption applies. For the July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027 fee schedule, a resident annual freshwater license costs $10 and a resident annual saltwater license costs $15. Non-residents pay $35 annually for freshwater or $75 annually for saltwater. Freshwater and saltwater privileges are separate, so match the license to the water you plan to fish.
Last updated: September 22, 2026. License fees and major exemptions were rechecked against current SCDNR and South Carolina law.
Quick Answer
In South Carolina, anglers age 16 and older generally need a fishing license. Resident freshwater licenses cost $5 for 14 days, $10 annually, or $30 for 3 years. Non-resident freshwater licenses cost $11 for 14 days, $35 annually, or $105 for 3 years. Saltwater licenses use different durations and prices. Exemptions or special rules may apply to youth, qualifying military members, private-pond fishing, qualifying disabled residents, licensed saltwater charters and piers, and resident freshwater fishing on statutory free fishing days.
Key Takeaways
- Most anglers age 16 or older need a valid South Carolina fishing license.
- Resident annual freshwater licenses cost $10; non-resident annual freshwater licenses cost $35.
- Resident annual saltwater licenses cost $15; non-resident annual saltwater licenses cost $75.
- Freshwater and saltwater privileges are separate. South Carolina’s resident “Combination License” combines hunting, big game, and freshwater fishing; it does not automatically include saltwater fishing.
- Youth, certain military members, qualifying disabled residents, private-pond anglers, and anglers on licensed saltwater charter vessels or licensed public saltwater piers may qualify for exemptions or special licensing rules.
- South Carolina residents may recreationally fish freshwater without the normal license on July 4 and the date the state observes National Memorial Day.
- You can buy licenses through Go Outdoors South Carolina, SCDNR offices, and approved license vendors.
At a Glance
| Who Needs One | Most anglers age 16 and older |
| Resident Freshwater Cost | $5 for 14 days, $10 annual, or $30 for 3 years |
| Non-Resident Freshwater Cost | $11 for 14 days, $35 annual, or $105 for 3 years |
| Resident Saltwater Cost | $10 for 14 days, $15 annual, or $45 for 3 years |
| Non-Resident Saltwater Cost | $10 for 1 day, $35 for 7 days, or $75 annual |
| Where to Buy | Go Outdoors South Carolina, approved license vendors, or SCDNR offices |
Which South Carolina Fishing License Fits Your Trip?
Choose your license by residency, water type, and trip length. Standard annual and 3-year recreational licenses are valid from the date of purchase, while temporary licenses cover the stated number of consecutive days.
- SC resident, one short freshwater trip: The $5 14-day freshwater license is the lowest-cost standard option.
- SC resident, freshwater trips spread through the year: The $10 annual freshwater license costs only $5 more than the 14-day option.
- SC resident, short saltwater trip: Compare the $10 14-day saltwater license with the $15 annual license.
- Non-resident, freshwater vacation up to 14 days: The $11 14-day freshwater license is the short-term option.
- Non-resident, one saltwater day: The 1-day saltwater license costs $10.
- Non-resident, saltwater trip up to 7 days: The 7-day saltwater license costs $35.
- Fishing both freshwater and saltwater: Make sure you have privileges for both water types unless a specific exemption applies.
Do not confuse the resident Combination License with a freshwater-and-saltwater combination. SCDNR’s annual $25 and 3-year $75 Combination Licenses cover State Hunting, Big Game, and Freshwater Fishing. Saltwater fishing is not listed as part of that combination.
Who Needs a Fishing License in South Carolina?
If you’re planning to fish in South Carolina, anyone age 16 and older generally needs a valid fishing license unless an exemption applies under Title 50, Chapter 9 of South Carolina law. The license must match the type of fishing you plan to do.
Most anglers age 16 or older need a South Carolina fishing license before fishing in public freshwater or saltwater unless a specific exemption applies.
Residents can buy freshwater licenses for $5 for 14 days, $10 annually, or $30 for 3 years. Non-residents pay $11 for 14 days, $35 annually, or $105 for 3 years. Saltwater license durations and prices differ from freshwater options.
Note: A freshwater license does not automatically cover saltwater fishing. Match your privileges to the water you plan to fish, especially if your trip includes inland lakes or rivers plus coastal waters.
Military: An active-duty member whose home of record is South Carolina and who is stationed outside the state may fish and hunt without purchasing the normal fishing or hunting license upon presentation of the required Leave and Earnings Statement under §50-9-45. Military personnel and qualifying dependents stationed in South Carolina for at least 30 days may be eligible for resident privileges under SCDNR military license rules.
Children under 16 are generally exempt from the normal recreational fishing-license requirement. A recreational freshwater license is also not required when fishing in a private pond, although commercial activity and nongame-device rules can create additional licensing or tag requirements.
Who Can Fish Without a License in South Carolina?
South Carolina has several fishing-license exemptions and special-license categories. They include most children under 16, qualifying active-duty military members, fishing in private ponds, anglers fishing from licensed saltwater charter vessels or licensed public saltwater piers, qualifying disabled residents, and South Carolina residents fishing recreational freshwater on statutory free fishing days.
Exemptions for Children
Children under 16 generally can fish without the normal recreational fishing license whether they live in South Carolina or are visiting. They must still follow size limits, bag limits, seasons, gear rules, and other fishing regulations.
- Size, season, and catch limits still apply to youth anglers.
- The under-16 exemption does not remove applicable licensing and tag requirements for commercial fishing or use of nongame fish devices.
- SCDNR specifically notes nongame devices such as traps, trotlines, gill nets, hoop nets, set hooks, and jugs may trigger additional requirements.
Military and Veterans Exemptions
South Carolina home of record and stationed outside the state: An active-duty member may fish and hunt without purchasing the normal license upon presentation of a Leave and Earnings Statement showing South Carolina as the home state. See §50-9-45.
Stationed in South Carolina for 30 days or more: Military personnel and qualifying dependents may be eligible for resident-rate privileges, but this is not a blanket license exemption. Review the SCDNR military license page before buying.
Qualifying disabled residents and veterans: South Carolina residents who meet SCDNR’s disability eligibility requirements may obtain a no-cost 3-year disability fishing or combination license. SCDNR requires qualifying disability status and generally 365 days of South Carolina residency for this license. Review the SCDNR disability license page.
Saltwater charters and licensed piers: A person fishing from a licensed saltwater charter fishing vessel or a licensed public saltwater fishing pier is exempt from purchasing an individual recreational saltwater fishing license under §50-9-715. A person fishing from an ordinary private boat, dock, beach, or other location still needs the appropriate license unless another exemption applies.
Are There Free Fishing Days in South Carolina?
Yes, for South Carolina residents fishing recreational freshwater. State law provides license-and-permit exemptions on July 4 and on the date South Carolina observes National Memorial Day. These exemptions do not apply to commercial fishing or activities requiring a commercial license for certain nongame devices. Size limits, creel limits, seasons, and other fishing rules still apply. See §50-9-730.
Warning: A license exemption does not cancel fishing regulations. License-free anglers must still follow applicable size limits, creel limits, closed seasons, gear restrictions, and area-specific rules.
Information for Residents
South Carolina residents age 16 and older can choose from short-term, annual, and 3-year recreational fishing licenses. Current fees for July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027 are listed below.
- 14-Day Freshwater: $5.00
- Annual Freshwater: $10.00
- 3-Year Freshwater: $30.00
- Saltwater: $10.00 for 14 days, $15.00 annual, or $45.00 for 3 years
- Combination License: $25.00 annual or $75.00 for 3 years; includes State Hunting, Big Game, and Freshwater Fishing
Current fee schedule: South Carolina eRegulations license and fee table and SCDNR resident license pricing.
Disability licenses for qualifying residents are available at no cost for 3 years. Residents age 64 and older may qualify for a $9 senior lifetime fishing or combination license, subject to SCDNR residency and eligibility requirements. Review SCDNR Lifetime licensing.
Who Qualifies for Resident License Pricing?
SCDNR defines a resident as a domiciled permanent resident of South Carolina and uses qualifying state identification and the date it was issued when determining residency. The standard residency periods are 30 days for recreational licenses, 180 days for lifetime licenses, and 365 days for disability licenses. Military and certain other applicants can have special rules, so check SCDNR if your residency situation is unusual.
Costs for Residents
For residents, the practical choice is usually between a short-term license for one planned trip and an annual license for fishing spread across the year.
A resident 14-day freshwater license is $5, while an annual freshwater license is $10. If your freshwater trips fall outside one 14-day window, the annual option can simplify licensing for only $5 more. For saltwater, the resident 14-day license is $10 and the annual license is $15. The 3-year options cost $30 for freshwater and $45 for saltwater. SCDNR resident pricing
Pro Tip: Standard annual recreational licenses are valid for one year from the purchase date, while 3-year licenses are valid for three years from the purchase date.
Information for Non-Residents
Non-residents age 16 and older generally need the proper South Carolina fishing license unless a specific exemption applies. Freshwater and saltwater use different short-term options.
- Freshwater: $11 for 14 days, $35 annually, or $105 for 3 years.
- Saltwater: $10 for 1 day, $35 for 7 days, or $75 annually.
- Standard non-resident lifetime fishing licenses are not listed by SCDNR; choose the applicable freshwater or saltwater option.
Current SCDNR non-resident fishing-license pricing
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Costs for Non-Residents
Visitors should choose first by water type, then by trip length: freshwater offers a 14-day option, while saltwater offers 1-day and 7-day visitor licenses.
- Freshwater trip of 14 consecutive days or less: $11.
- Repeat freshwater trips: Compare the $35 annual and $105 3-year licenses.
- One saltwater day: $10.
- Saltwater trip up to 7 consecutive days: $35.
- Repeat saltwater trips: The annual saltwater license is $75.
Special Requirements
South Carolina fishing requirements depend on where you fish, the gear you use, and whether an exemption applies. Saltwater exceptions, private-pond rules, license-possession requirements, nongame devices, and military eligibility deserve particular attention.
- Licensed saltwater charter vessels and public fishing piers: Anglers fishing from a licensed charter fishing vessel or licensed public fishing pier are exempt from purchasing the individual recreational saltwater fishing license under §50-9-715.
- Other narrow saltwater exemptions: South Carolina law also lists limited exemptions for certain drop nets, fold-up traps, hand lines, and shrimp-with-bait activities. Separate gear, baiting, tag, or other rules may still apply, so check §50-9-715 and current SCDNR regulations before relying on one.
- Private ponds: A recreational freshwater fishing license is not required when fishing in a private pond. A pond used for commercial purposes is not considered a private pond for this exemption under §50-9-710.
- Nongame freshwater devices: Additional permits or tags may be required for devices such as jugs, set hooks, eel pots, gill nets, traps, or trotlines. Youth exemptions do not automatically eliminate those requirements.
- Military residency: Military personnel and qualifying dependents stationed in South Carolina for at least 30 days may qualify for resident privileges. This is different from the separate exemption for qualifying South Carolina active-duty members stationed outside the state. See SCDNR Military.
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License Possession Requirements
While fishing, keep proof of your license with you. Electronic proof is accepted on a mobile device in the format prescribed by SCDNR under §50-9-50(B). A person who has been issued a required license but fails to carry it or provide qualifying electronic proof may face penalties under §50-9-50(C).
Exemptions for Fishing Licenses
| Group | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Children under 16 | Generally no recreational fishing license, but commercial activity and nongame-device licensing/tag rules can still apply. |
| Active Duty Military | South Carolina home of record and stationed outside the state: qualifying member may fish without the normal license upon presentation of the required LES. Stationed in South Carolina for 30 or more days: resident-privilege eligibility may apply. |
| Private Pond Fishers | No recreational freshwater fishing license required when fishing in a qualifying private pond. |
| Qualifying Disabled Residents | No-cost 3-year disability fishing or combination licenses are available to qualifying residents through SCDNR. |
| Licensed Saltwater Charter / Licensed Public Pier | Fishing from a licensed charter fishing vessel or licensed public saltwater pier: no individual recreational saltwater fishing license required. |
| Resident Free Fishing Days | South Carolina residents may recreationally fish freshwater without the normal license on July 4 and the state-observed National Memorial Day, subject to statutory exceptions and all other fishing rules. |
Where to Buy Your South Carolina Fishing License
You can buy a South Carolina fishing license online through Go Outdoors South Carolina or use the Go Outdoors SC mobile app. Licenses are also available through approved sales vendors and SCDNR licensing offices. Review SCDNR general license information for current purchasing and identification requirements.
What to Have Ready Before Buying
Before purchasing, determine whether you qualify as a resident or non-resident and whether you will fish freshwater, saltwater, or both. SCDNR requires identifying information for license applications and states that a Social Security number or alien identification number is required as applicable under state and federal law.
- Have the state-issued identification or other qualifying identification SCDNR requires.
- Confirm resident or non-resident status before checkout.
- Know whether you need freshwater, saltwater, or both types of privileges.
- Choose the duration that matches your trip: temporary, annual, or 3-year where offered.
- Save electronic proof after purchase and keep it accessible while fishing.
What Happens if I Lose My License?
If your printed South Carolina fishing license is lost or damaged, first check whether your valid privileges are available electronically through your Go Outdoors South Carolina account or app. South Carolina law also allows replacement licenses, permits, and tags under specified procedures.
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Replacement License Process
Under §50-9-80, a replacement may be issued after the required statement that the original was lost or destroyed. The statutory fee for a duplicate license or permit is $3.00. The law states that duplicate disability or lifetime licenses issued by the department have no fee. Check SCDNR or your Go Outdoors account for the current replacement method.
Do I Need to Report a Lost License?
If you still have valid electronic proof, you may be able to display it on your phone as permitted by SCDNR. If you need a replacement copy, use SCDNR or the Go Outdoors South Carolina system and be ready to verify your identity. A saved electronic copy can be useful when a printed copy is lost or damaged.
Do You Need a License on a South Carolina Fishing Charter?
You do not need your own recreational saltwater fishing license when you are fishing from a licensed South Carolina charter fishing vessel. South Carolina law gives the same personal-license exemption to anglers fishing from a licensed public saltwater fishing pier.
The key word is licensed. Fishing from an ordinary private boat, private dock, beach, shoreline, or other coastal location does not automatically give you the charter-or-pier exemption. Anglers age 16 or older should have the proper individual saltwater privilege unless another statutory exemption applies.
Before a charter trip: Ask the operator to confirm that the vessel holds the required South Carolina charter fishing vessel license. The exemption is tied to fishing from a licensed charter vessel, not simply to being on a boat with a guide or friend.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a SC fishing license?
Freshwater resident licenses cost $10 annually, $5 for 14 days, or $30 for 3 years. Freshwater non-resident licenses cost $35 annually, $11 for 14 days, or $105 for 3 years. Saltwater resident licenses cost $15 annually, $10 for 14 days, or $45 for 3 years. Saltwater non-resident licenses cost $75 annually, $35 for 7 days, or $10 for 1 day. These prices are current for the July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027 fee schedule. Current fee table
Do seniors get a discount on SC fishing licenses?
Yes. South Carolina residents age 64 and older can qualify for a $9 senior lifetime fishing or combination license, subject to SCDNR residency requirements. Review SCDNR Lifetime licensing for current application requirements.
How do I get a free fishing license in SC?
Qualifying South Carolina residents who have been declared disabled and receive qualifying disability benefits may obtain a no-cost 3-year disability fishing or combination license. SCDNR generally requires 365 days of residency for disability-license eligibility. Review the SCDNR disability license page for accepted disability programs and application requirements.
What is a hard card for a fishing license in SC?
A hard card is an optional durable plastic card that can display eligible annual license information and fit in a wallet. Go Outdoors South Carolina offers hard-card options, but anglers can also use other accepted proof of valid privileges. Electronic license proof is permitted in the format prescribed by SCDNR.
Do I need both freshwater and saltwater licenses in South Carolina?
If you plan to fish both freshwater and saltwater, make sure you have privileges covering both water types unless a specific exemption applies. Do not assume the resident “Combination License” provides both: that product covers State Hunting, Big Game, and Freshwater Fishing rather than saltwater fishing.
Can I show my South Carolina fishing license on my phone?
Yes. South Carolina Code §50-9-50(B) allows electronic proof on a mobile device in a format prescribed by SCDNR. Make sure the proof is accessible when an officer asks to see it.
Do I need a fishing license for a private pond in South Carolina?
A recreational freshwater fishing license is not required when fishing in a qualifying private pond under §50-9-710. A pond used for commercial purposes is not considered a private pond for that exemption, although permitted commercial fishing lakes and pay-to-fish businesses have separate rules.
Does South Carolina have free fishing days?
Yes. South Carolina residents may fish recreationally in freshwater without the normal license or permit on July 4 and on the date the state observes National Memorial Day. Commercial fishing and certain nongame-device activities are excluded, and all normal size, creel, season, and gear regulations still apply.
Conclusion
Most anglers age 16 or older need a South Carolina fishing license, but the correct license depends on residency, water type, and trip length. Current annual freshwater prices are $10 for residents and $35 for non-residents; current annual saltwater prices are $15 for residents and $75 for non-residents. Youth, qualifying military members and disabled residents, private-pond anglers, licensed charter and pier anglers, and residents fishing freshwater on statutory free fishing days may fall under special rules or exemptions. Before fishing, use the current SCDNR fee pages or Go Outdoors South Carolina to confirm your privileges, then keep valid proof with you on the water.
Sources
- South Carolina eRegulations License and Fee Table — current July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027 recreational fishing fee schedule.
- SCDNR Resident License Pricing — resident freshwater, saltwater, combination, lifetime, disability, residency, and validity information.
- SCDNR Nonresident License Pricing — current non-resident freshwater and saltwater prices and durations.
- South Carolina Code of Laws, Title 50, Chapter 9 — licensing requirements, possession rules, military provisions, private-pond rules, saltwater exemptions, free fishing days, and replacement rules.
- SCDNR Military License Information — military resident privileges and active-duty rules.
- SCDNR Disability Licenses — disability-license eligibility and application requirements.
- SCDNR Lifetime Licenses — senior lifetime license information.
- SCDNR General License Information — identification, residency, purchase, and general license guidance.
- Go Outdoors South Carolina — official online license-purchase and account system.
