Introduction
You need a recreational fishing licence to fish in NSW. The NSW Government recreational fishing licence fees are:
- $35 for a 1-year licence
- $85 for a 3-year licence.
Note:
- Not everyone has to pay a fee for a licence, check if you are eligible for an exemption.
- If you need a licence for a shorter time, you can apply for a 3-day or 1 month licence.
Who can claim a fee exemption
You do not have to pay the NSW recreational fishing fee if you're:
- aged under 18
- an adult assisting a person aged under 18 to take:
- a fish with a single rod, or
- prawns with a single dip or scoop net
- fishing in a private dam less than 2 hectares in surface area
- an Aboriginal person
- the holder of one of the following:
- Pensioner Concession Card issued by Services Australia or Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA)
- DVA Veteran Gold Card printed with TPI or EDA
- letter from the DVA confirming you either:
- receive a Disability Compensation Payment at the 70% rate or higher, or
- are eligible for a Special Rate Disability Pension.
Note: DVA letters can be downloaded from DVA's MyService.
Note: If you're eligible for a fee exemption, you'll need to carry the necessary proof when you're fishing, in case you're called upon to show it.
For further information, visit Recreational fishing fee exemptions.
What you need
- the date you want your licence to start
- how long you need a licence for
- your fee payment.
How to apply
Online
- Select the 'Apply online' button.
- Complete the online application form.
By phone
You can get a recreational fishing licence (using Visa or Mastercard only) by calling 1300 369 365.
In person
To apply in person you can visit a Service NSW Centre.
Note: During holiday periods, check the service centre opening hours before you visit as our hours may change.
Add a digital licence
Once you have your recreational fishing licence, if you wish you can add it to:
- your MyServiceNSW Account
- the Service NSW app.
More information
- Activities in NSW freshwater or saltwater that require a licence include:
- spearfishing
- hand lining or hand gathering
- trapping
- bait collecting
- prawn netting
- being on or near NSW waters and having fishing gear with you.
- If you're aged 18 or over, you must show your licence fee receipt if asked by an authorised officer.
- All money raised by the NSW Recreational Fishing Licence Fee is placed into the Recreational Fishing Trusts. Learn more about how the trust is improving recreational fishing in NSW.
Privacy
The NSW Department of Primary Industries Privacy Collection Notice explains how your personal information will be handled.