South Carolina Fishing License Cost: 2026 Resident, Nonresident, Freshwater and Saltwater Fees
South Carolina fishing license cost depends on where you fish, how long you fish and whether you are a resident or visitor. Freshwater, saltwater, short-term, 3-year, senior lifetime and nongame-device permits all have different prices. This guide explains 2026 SC fishing license cost for residents and nonresidents, including annual freshwater, 14-day freshwater, annual saltwater, 7-day saltwater, 1-day saltwater, senior lifetime options, age rules, online buying and official South Carolina Department of Natural Resources links.
Use these shortcuts before buying. Most South Carolina license mistakes happen when anglers buy freshwater but fish saltwater, choose annual when a short-term license is cheaper, assume kids always need licenses, or forget that nongame devices can require extra tags even when a basic license exists.
How Much Does a South Carolina Fishing License Cost in 2026?
For 2026, SCDNR lists the resident annual freshwater fishing license at $10 and the nonresident annual freshwater fishing license at $35. For saltwater, the resident annual saltwater license is $15 and the nonresident annual saltwater license is $75.
Short-term options are available. Resident freshwater 14-day is $5, nonresident freshwater 14-day is $11, resident saltwater 14-day is $10, nonresident saltwater 7-day is $35 and nonresident saltwater 1-day is $10. South Carolina also offers 3-year freshwater and saltwater options for certain categories.
South Carolina Fishing License Cost Quick Facts
South Carolina license pricing is based on residency, duration and water type. Children under age 16 are generally not required to purchase a hunting or fishing license, unless they are engaged in commercial activity or using nongame fish devices.
What This SC Fishing License Cost Guide Covers
Official South Carolina Fishing License Cost Links You Should Use First
Use SCDNR and Go Outdoors South Carolina before paying. These official resources explain resident and nonresident pricing, license requirements, youth exemptions, senior lifetime licenses, saltwater license exceptions and online purchase options.
🏠 SCDNR Resident License Pricing
Official resident freshwater, saltwater, combination, senior and lifetime license pricing.
Open Resident Pricing🧳 SCDNR Nonresident License Pricing
Official nonresident freshwater, saltwater, temporary and permit pricing.
Open Nonresident Pricing💳 Go Outdoors South Carolina
Official online license portal for South Carolina hunting, fishing, tags and privileges.
Buy Online🌊 SCDNR Saltwater License FAQs
Official guidance on shore fishing, docks, charter boats, public piers, crabbing and saltwater exceptions.
Open Saltwater FAQs📘 South Carolina Fishing License
Need the full South Carolina online buying, freshwater and saltwater rules guide?
Read SC Guide🌊 South Carolina Saltwater Fishing License
Need coastal, beach, dock, shrimp, crab and saltwater-specific guidance?
Read Saltwater GuideSouth Carolina Fishing License Cost Table: Resident vs Nonresident
This table focuses on common recreational fishing license costs. Special permits, commercial licenses, device tags and application-based senior lifetime licenses are explained in later sections.
| South Carolina license | Resident cost | Nonresident cost | Validity / note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freshwater Fishing License | $10 annual | $35 annual | Valid 1 year from date of purchase. |
| Freshwater Fishing License | $5 for 14 days | $11 for 14 days | Valid 14 consecutive days. |
| Freshwater Fishing License | $30 for 3 years | $105 for 3 years | Valid 3 years from date of purchase. |
| Saltwater Fishing License | $15 annual | $75 annual | Valid 1 year from date of purchase. |
| Saltwater Fishing License | $10 for 14 days | N/A | Resident temporary saltwater option. |
| Saltwater Fishing License | $45 for 3 years | N/A | Resident 3-year saltwater option. |
| Saltwater Fishing License | N/A | $35 for 7 days | Nonresident temporary saltwater option. |
| Saltwater Fishing License | N/A | $10 for 1 day | Nonresident one-day saltwater option. |
| Senior Lifetime Fishing / Combination | $9 | N/A | Resident age 64+ eligibility applies. |
South Carolina Freshwater Fishing License Cost
Freshwater licenses are used for South Carolina inland waters such as lakes, rivers, reservoirs and freshwater streams. Popular examples include Lake Murray, Lake Marion, Lake Moultrie, Lake Hartwell, Lake Jocassee, Lake Keowee, Wateree, Santee Cooper waters and many inland rivers.
$10. Best for South Carolina residents who fish freshwater more than once or twice in a year.
$5. Useful if you only need a short freshwater period and do not want the annual license.
$30. Same yearly value as annual, but avoids annual renewal for 3 years.
$35. Best for visitors who fish freshwater multiple times or return during the year.
$11. Best for vacation trips, short stays or one-time freshwater fishing visits.
$105. Useful for frequent out-of-state anglers who return to South Carolina regularly.
South Carolina Saltwater Fishing License Cost
Saltwater licenses apply to recreational saltwater fishing activities such as fishing from shore, a boat, private dock, free public dock or while wading when a license is required. SCDNR also includes certain shrimping, crabbing, gigging and netting activities under saltwater license guidance.
$15. Best for residents who fish the coast, beaches, docks, marshes or saltwater areas during the year.
$10. Useful for a short coastal trip if you do not need annual coverage.
$45. Best for residents who want saltwater coverage without annual renewal.
$75. Best for frequent visitors, second-home visitors or people fishing more than one coastal trip.
$35. Best for a beach week, coastal vacation or short stay.
$10. Best for one day of saltwater fishing, shore fishing, dock fishing or boat fishing when required.
SC Short-Term Fishing License Cost: 14-Day, 7-Day and 1-Day Options
South Carolina’s short-term license choices depend on whether you fish freshwater or saltwater and whether you are a resident or nonresident.
| Short-term license | Resident cost | Nonresident cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freshwater 14-day | $5 | $11 | Short lake, river or freshwater reservoir trips. |
| Saltwater 14-day | $10 | N/A | South Carolina residents taking a short coastal trip. |
| Saltwater 7-day | N/A | $35 | Visitor beach week or coastal vacation. |
| Saltwater 1-day | N/A | $10 | One-day visitor shore, dock or boat fishing. |
South Carolina Senior Lifetime Fishing License Cost
South Carolina residents age 64 or older may qualify for a senior lifetime license for $9. Residents born before July 1, 1940 may receive a gratis lifetime license at no cost.
SCDNR says the senior lifetime license can cover privileges such as freshwater fishing, freshwater set hook, saltwater fishing, state hunting, big game, Wildlife Management Area and migratory waterfowl privileges depending on the license category and hunter education status.
May apply for a $9 senior lifetime license.
May qualify for a gratis lifetime license at no cost.
Can include freshwater fishing, freshwater set hook and saltwater fishing privileges.
Senior lifetime licenses are available through SCDNR application, mail or in-person DNR routes, not just ordinary short-term checkout.
South Carolina Nongame Freshwater Device Permits and Extra Costs
A freshwater fishing license or commercial freshwater license is required regardless of age to use nongame devices. That means a child under 16 may still need licensing if they possess nongame fishing devices.
| Nongame freshwater item | Resident cost | Nonresident cost | Important note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jug Permit | $5 | $50 | Device and body-of-water limits apply. |
| Set Hook Permit | $5 | $50 | Permit and hook limits apply. |
| Eel Pot Tag | $5 | $50 | Reporting requirements can apply. |
| Gill Net Tag | $5 | $50 | Not for shad or herring under the listed category. |
| Trap Tag | $5 | $50 | Recreational trap limits apply. |
| Trotline Tag | $2.50 | $50 | Recreational trotline limits apply. |
How to Buy a South Carolina Fishing License Online
The official online buying route is Go Outdoors South Carolina. SCDNR’s purchase page also directs users to Go Outdoors South Carolina for licenses, permits, tags, vessel registration and related customer services.
Open SCDNR or Go Outdoors South Carolina
Start from official SCDNR links or gooutdoorssouthcarolina.com before entering personal or payment details.
Select resident or nonresident
Choose carefully because pricing changes by residency. Property ownership alone does not automatically make someone a resident.
Choose freshwater or saltwater
Pick freshwater for inland fishing and saltwater for coastal, marine, beach, dock, boat or wading activities where required.
Pick annual, temporary or 3-year
Choose the duration that matches your trip. Nonresident saltwater has 1-day and 7-day choices; freshwater has 14-day choices.
Add permits or tags if needed
Add nongame freshwater device permits, shrimp baiting licenses, commercial items or other privileges only if your activity requires them.
Save or print proof
Keep your license available while fishing. SCDNR also has customer privilege tools for temporary tags and duplicate licensing needs.
Who Needs a South Carolina Fishing License?
SCDNR says children under age 16 are not required to purchase a hunting or fishing license unless they are engaged in commercial activity or using nongame fish devices. Individuals age 16 and older generally need the proper freshwater or saltwater license.
Saltwater rules are more specific. SCDNR says anyone age 16 or older fishing from shore, boat, private dock, free public dock or while wading requires a saltwater recreational fishing license unless an exception applies.
Generally needs the correct fishing license for freshwater or saltwater activities.
No regular license required unless commercial activity or nongame devices are involved.
License required for age 16+ unless a saltwater exception applies.
SCDNR saltwater FAQ lists exceptions for licensed charter/headboat vessels and licensed public fishing piers.
South Carolina Resident vs Nonresident Fishing License Rules
License pricing is based on residency. SCDNR’s FAQ says individuals 16 and older are required to purchase hunting and fishing licenses, and it also explains important residency situations such as military and students.
Military personnel and dependents stationed in South Carolina for 60 days or longer may be eligible to purchase resident licenses. Full-time students attending a South Carolina school may be eligible for resident licenses with a student ID. If you hold a driver’s license from another state, SCDNR says you are considered a nonresident and must purchase nonresident licenses.
South Carolina Fishing Rules to Check After Paying the License Cost
A fishing license gives you permission to fish under that license type, but it does not replace South Carolina fishing regulations. Freshwater, saltwater, shrimping, crabbing, nongame devices, species limits and protected areas can all have separate rules.
Check size, daily creel and possession limits for bass, catfish, trout, crappie, bream and other freshwater species.
Check current limits for red drum, flounder, trout, sheepshead, black sea bass, sharks and other coastal species.
Saltwater license and separate shrimp baiting or gear rules may apply depending on method.
Jugs, trotlines, set hooks, nets, traps and pots require device-specific rule checks.
Private pond and public-water rules can differ, so check SCDNR guidance before assuming no license is needed.
Carry or save proof so you can show the proper license while fishing.
Common South Carolina Fishing License Cost Mistakes
Most South Carolina license mistakes are easy to avoid if you check water type, residency, trip length and device rules before checkout.
Saltwater fishing needs the saltwater license when required. Freshwater pricing does not cover coastal activities.
Nonresident saltwater anglers may only need the $10 one-day license for a single day.
Freshwater visitors may save with the $11 nonresident 14-day license instead of annual.
Children under 16 generally do not need a license, but nongame devices and commercial activity change the rule.
South Carolina residents age 64+ should check the $9 senior lifetime option before buying ordinary annual licenses.
Device permits and tags can be required regardless of age.
More South Carolina Fishing License Help Before You Buy
If you need a broader South Carolina guide, saltwater-specific help, or a general fishing license cost comparison, these related guides can help.
📘 South Carolina Fishing License
Read the full SC guide for online buying, cost, freshwater, saltwater and rules.
Read SC Guide🌊 South Carolina Saltwater Fishing License
Need beach, dock, charter, shrimping, crabbing and coastal license details?
Read Saltwater Guide💵 How Much Is a Fishing License?
Compare fishing license costs across states, resident, nonresident and short-term options.
Compare CostsHow This South Carolina Fishing License Cost Guide Was Checked
This guide was prepared from official South Carolina Department of Natural Resources resident license pricing, nonresident license pricing, general recreational fishing and hunting license guidance, saltwater recreational fishing license FAQs, senior lifetime license information, Go Outdoors South Carolina purchase pages and South Carolina eRegulations license tables. The goal is to explain current fees in plain language, not replace SCDNR checkout or enforcement guidance.
- Resident annual, 14-day and 3-year freshwater fishing license fees.
- Nonresident annual, 14-day and 3-year freshwater fishing license fees.
- Resident annual, 14-day and 3-year saltwater fishing license fees.
- Nonresident annual, 7-day and 1-day saltwater fishing license fees.
- Children under age 16 license exemption language.
- Saltwater shore, boat, dock, wading and charter/pier exception guidance.
- Senior lifetime license cost and resident age 64+ eligibility.
- Nongame freshwater device permit costs and age-warning details.
- Go Outdoors South Carolina official online purchase route.
South Carolina Fishing License Cost FAQs: Resident, Nonresident, Freshwater and Saltwater Fees
How much is a South Carolina resident freshwater fishing license?
SCDNR lists the resident annual freshwater fishing license at $10, the resident 14-day freshwater license at $5 and the resident 3-year freshwater license at $30.
How much is a South Carolina nonresident freshwater fishing license?
SCDNR lists the nonresident annual freshwater fishing license at $35, the nonresident 14-day freshwater license at $11 and the nonresident 3-year freshwater license at $105.
How much is a South Carolina resident saltwater fishing license?
SCDNR lists the resident annual saltwater fishing license at $15, the resident 14-day saltwater license at $10 and the resident 3-year saltwater license at $45.
How much is a South Carolina nonresident saltwater fishing license?
SCDNR lists the nonresident annual saltwater fishing license at $75, the nonresident 7-day saltwater license at $35 and the nonresident 1-day saltwater license at $10.
What is the cheapest South Carolina fishing license for a visitor?
For freshwater, the nonresident 14-day license is $11. For saltwater, the nonresident 1-day license is $10. The best choice depends on whether you are fishing freshwater or saltwater and how many days you will fish.
At what age do you need a South Carolina fishing license?
Children under age 16 are generally not required to purchase a hunting or fishing license unless they are engaged in commercial activity or using nongame fish devices. Individuals age 16 and older generally need the proper license.
How much is the South Carolina senior lifetime fishing license?
South Carolina residents age 64 or older may qualify for a $9 senior lifetime license. Residents born before July 1, 1940 may receive a gratis lifetime license at no cost.
Do I need a South Carolina saltwater license to fish from the beach?
Yes, if you are age 16 or older and no exception applies. SCDNR says anyone age 16 or older fishing from shore, boat, private dock, free public dock or while wading requires a saltwater recreational fishing license.
Do I need a license on a South Carolina charter boat?
SCDNR’s saltwater FAQ says anyone fishing aboard a hired charter boat or from a licensed commercial public fishing pier does not need a saltwater license. Check the operator’s license status before assuming the exception applies.
Can I buy a South Carolina fishing license online?
Yes. You can buy South Carolina fishing licenses online through Go Outdoors South Carolina, the official SCDNR online licensing portal.
Final Summary: SC Fishing License Cost in 2026
For 2026, South Carolina resident freshwater fishing costs $10 annually, $5 for 14 days or $30 for 3 years. Nonresident freshwater fishing costs $35 annually, $11 for 14 days or $105 for 3 years.
South Carolina resident saltwater fishing costs $15 annually, $10 for 14 days or $45 for 3 years. Nonresident saltwater fishing costs $75 annually, $35 for 7 days or $10 for 1 day.
Before buying, choose freshwater or saltwater, resident or nonresident, and the correct duration. Check whether you qualify for a senior lifetime license, whether children under 16 are exempt, and whether any nongame device, shrimp, crab, charter or pier rule changes your license needs.