Maine Lifetime Fishing License: Cost, Eligibility, Hunting-Fishing Combo Rules and How to Apply
A Maine lifetime license can be a one-time gift that covers fishing, hunting, archery or trapping privileges for life, depending on the exact license purchased and the applicant’s eligibility. This guide explains Maine lifetime fishing license cost, Maine lifetime hunting and fishing combo fees, senior lifetime rules, child lifetime licenses, nonresident eligibility, online buying limits and official Maine IFW application steps.
Use these shortcuts before reading the full guide. Maine lifetime license cost changes by age, residency and privilege type. The biggest mistake is assuming every adult can buy the same lifetime license online.
Does Maine Offer a Lifetime Fishing License?
Yes. Maine offers lifetime fishing, hunting, archery, trapping and combination lifetime license options. Maine IFW explains that a lifetime license allows the bearer to fish, trap and/or hunt for their lifetime, regardless of where they live in the future.
The program is not a normal online checkout product. Maine lifetime licenses are mainly shown for resident children, resident seniors, and nonresident children. Maine resident applicants age 70 and older can receive a senior lifetime license for a one-time $8 fee that covers qualified authorities.
Maine Lifetime Fishing and Hunting License Quick Facts
Maine lifetime license rules are simple after you separate three groups: children, seniors age 65–69, and residents age 70 or older. Nonresident lifetime options are listed for children only in the official lifetime table.
What This Maine Lifetime Hunting Fishing License Guide Covers
Official Maine Lifetime License Links You Should Use First
Use Maine IFW links before paying or mailing an application. Lifetime license fees and required documents can change, and the online license system does not process lifetime licenses.
🎣 Maine IFW Fishing License Fees
Official fishing license requirements page with Maine lifetime license fee tables and free fishing days.
Open Fishing Fees🦌 Maine IFW Hunting License Info
Official hunting license page with lifetime license details, 70+ senior privileges and permit notes.
Open Hunting Info📝 Resident Lifetime Application
Official Maine resident lifetime license application with age-based fees and mailing instructions.
Download Application💻 MOSES Online System
Official online hunting, fishing and trapping license service. It states lifetime licenses are not available through this online service.
Open MOSES📘 Fishing License Guide
Need the broader fishing license cost, online buying and state rules guide?
Read Main Guide💵 License Cost Guide
Compare how fishing license costs work across states, residents, visitors and lifetime products.
Compare CostsMaine Lifetime Fishing License Cost: Resident and Nonresident Fee Table
Maine lifetime license prices are age-based. The official table lists resident child licenses, resident senior licenses and nonresident child licenses. Fees are subject to change, so confirm with Maine IFW before mailing payment.
| Applicant Group | Fishing | Hunting | Archery | Combo Any Two | Combo All Three |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maine resident, age 5 & under | $150 | $150 | $150 | $250 | $400 |
| Maine resident, age 6–15 | $300 | $300 | $300 | $500 | $800 |
| Maine resident, age 65 | $50 | $50 | $50 | $80 | $110 |
| Maine resident, age 66 | $40 | $40 | $40 | $64 | $94 |
| Maine resident, age 67 | $30 | $30 | $30 | $48 | $78 |
| Maine resident, age 68 | $20 | $20 | $20 | $32 | $52 |
| Maine resident, age 69 | $10 | $10 | $10 | $16 | $26 |
| Maine resident, age 70+ | $8 total qualified authorities | $8 total qualified authorities | $8 total qualified authorities | $8 total qualified authorities | $8 total qualified authorities |
| Nonresident, age 5 & under | $450 | $450 | $450 | $750 | $1,200 |
| Nonresident, age 6–15 | $900 | $900 | $900 | $1,500 | $2,400 |
Who Qualifies for a Maine Lifetime Hunting and Fishing License?
Maine lifetime license eligibility depends on the applicant’s age and residency. The official fee tables list Maine resident children, Maine resident seniors and nonresident children. Standard adult anglers and hunters who are not in those groups should not assume a lifetime license is available through the same table.
Maine resident applicants age 5 and under or ages 6 through 15 can apply for lifetime fishing, hunting, archery, trapping or combination options.
Maine resident applicants ages 65 through 69 have reduced lifetime prices. Maine resident applicants age 70 and older use the $8 senior lifetime option.
Nonresident applicants age 5 and under or ages 6 through 15 have lifetime options, but the fees are higher than resident child fees.
A junior lifetime license holder who turns 16 must show safety-course proof to hunt as an adult big game license holder.
Maine Child Lifetime Fishing License: Resident and Nonresident Options
Maine’s child lifetime license is often bought by parents, grandparents or family members as a long-term outdoor gift. Maine IFW describes the lifetime license as a way to pass on a Maine tradition and support fish and wildlife through a special trust fund.
Resident Child Lifetime
Resident fishing lifetime license is listed at $150 for age 5 and under and $300 for ages 6 through 15.
Lower resident rateNonresident Child Lifetime
Nonresident fishing lifetime license is listed at $450 for age 5 and under and $900 for ages 6 through 15.
Higher visitor rateMaine Senior Lifetime License: Age 65–69 and Age 70+ Rules
Maine resident seniors have special lifetime license pricing. From age 65 through 69, the price drops each year. At age 70 and older, Maine IFW lists a one-time $8 senior lifetime license covering all qualified authorities.
| Resident Senior Age | Fishing Only | Fish & Hunt | Fish, Hunt & Archery | Important Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 65 | $50 | $80 | $110 | Applies to applicants turning 65 during the calendar year. |
| 66 | $40 | $64 | $94 | Reduced from age 65 pricing. |
| 67 | $30 | $48 | $78 | Check application for exact calendar-year age wording. |
| 68 | $20 | $32 | $52 | Lower cost for waiting one more year. |
| 69 | $10 | $16 | $26 | Lowest pre-70 senior tier. |
| 70+ | $8 | $8 | $8 | Covers qualified authorities, not every federal or registry requirement. |
Maine Lifetime Hunting Fishing License: What “Combination” Means
In the Maine lifetime license table, combination categories are tied to fishing, hunting and archery. A “combination of any two” can include fishing and hunting, fishing and archery, or hunting and archery. A “combination of all three” includes fishing, hunting and archery.
Best for anglers who want lifetime Maine freshwater fishing privileges but do not need hunting or archery coverage.
Best for eligible hunters who do not need fishing or archery privileges.
Best for people searching “Maine lifetime hunting fishing license” and wanting both basic fishing and hunting privileges where qualified.
Best for eligible applicants who want fishing, hunting and archery lifetime coverage together.
How to Apply for a Maine Lifetime Fishing or Hunting-Fishing License
Maine lifetime licenses use an application process, not a normal MOSES online purchase. The resident lifetime application says applications may be hand-delivered or mailed with the appropriate fee to Maine IFW’s Licensing Division in Augusta.
Download the correct Maine IFW application
Use the official resident or nonresident lifetime license application from Maine IFW. Do not use an old copy saved from another website.
Mark the exact license option
Choose fishing, hunting, archery, trapping, combination of any two, or combination of all three where the applicant is eligible.
Attach proof and safety documents when needed
Junior hunters who turn 16 need proof of completing the appropriate safety course to upgrade to adult hunting privileges.
Include the correct fee
The resident application says to make checks payable to Treasurer, State of Maine. Credit card payment may also be shown on the form.
Mail or hand-deliver the application
The official resident application lists Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, Licensing Division – Resident Lifetime License, 353 Water Street, SHS 41, Augusta, ME 04333.
Allow processing time
The resident application says mailed applications may take 30 days for processing. Do not wait until the day before a trip.
Can You Buy a Maine Lifetime Fishing License Online?
No, not through the standard MOSES online license service. Maine’s MOSES page says the online service is not available for individuals who need to obtain a Complimentary, Lifetime or Military license.
The same system is useful for many regular hunting, fishing and trapping licenses, and it can print regular licenses, but lifetime license applications must use the official lifetime process. The MOSES page also says printing a copy of a lifetime license requires contacting MDIFW.
Do Maine Lifetime License Holders Still Need Extra Permits?
Sometimes. Maine IFW says lifetime license holders who are not complimentary may be required to purchase additional hunting or fishing permits between ages 16 and 69. Lifetime coverage is powerful, but it does not erase every permit, application, registry or safety requirement.
Lifetime license holders may still need additional hunting or fishing permits depending on the activity.
The $8 senior lifetime license includes many qualified privileges and listed permits, but moose and antlerless deer applications still apply.
Lifetime license holders may still need a federal migratory waterfowl permit in years they participate in that activity.
Junior lifetime hunting upgrades require safety-course proof to hunt as an adult big game license holder.
Does a Maine Lifetime Fishing License Cover Saltwater Fishing?
Maine IFW lifetime fishing license information mainly concerns inland fishing privileges under Maine Inland Fisheries and Wildlife rules. Saltwater fishing has separate registry and marine resource considerations.
Maine IFW’s hunting license information notes that lifetime license holders must complete the saltwater registry on the DMR website in any year they want to participate in saltwater fishing. That means anglers should not assume a lifetime freshwater license removes saltwater registry duties.
Maine Free Fishing Days and Lifetime License Planning
Maine IFW lists free fishing days for February 14–15, 2026 and May 30–31, 2026. On those days, any person may fish without a license unless their license has been suspended or revoked. All other laws and regulations still apply.
Free fishing days are useful for trying fishing before buying a regular or lifetime license. But they are not a replacement for a lifetime license if the person plans to fish every year, hunt, trap or build a long-term family outdoor tradition.
Common Maine Lifetime Hunting Fishing License Mistakes
Maine lifetime licenses can be valuable, but small mistakes in age, residency, privilege type or application method can create delays.
MOSES does not process Lifetime licenses. Use the official Maine IFW application.
Fees depend on the applicant’s age during the calendar year. Check the application wording carefully.
If the applicant may want archery privileges later, compare combo prices before choosing fishing and hunting only.
Some additional permits, federal requirements and annual applications may still apply.
Junior lifetime hunters need safety-course proof to upgrade to adult hunting privileges at age 16.
Mailed applications may take processing time. Do not mail right before a planned hunting or fishing trip.
More Fishing License Help Before You Apply
If you are comparing lifetime, annual, resident, nonresident and local buying options, these guides can help you avoid choosing the wrong license type.
📘 Fishing License Guide
Read the main guide for fishing license basics, state rules, online buying and proof tips.
Read Main Guide💵 Fishing License Cost Guide
Compare annual, short-term, resident, nonresident and lifetime cost factors.
Compare Costs📍 Fishing License Near Me
Need local license agents, stores or in-person buying help for regular licenses?
Find Local OptionsHow This Maine Lifetime License Guide Was Checked
This guide was prepared from official Maine IFW fishing license requirements, Maine IFW hunting license information, the Maine resident lifetime license application, the MOSES online license notice and Maine lifetime license statute references. The goal is to explain the official lifetime license choices in plain language, not replace Maine IFW’s current application review.
- Maine IFW lifetime license fee tables for resident and nonresident applicants.
- Resident child lifetime license fees for age 5 and under and ages 6 through 15.
- Nonresident child lifetime license fees for age 5 and under and ages 6 through 15.
- Resident senior lifetime fees from age 65 through 69.
- Resident 70+ $8 senior lifetime license language and included qualified privileges.
- MOSES notice that lifetime licenses are not available through the online service.
- Maine IFW application mailing address and processing note.
- Permit reminders for federal waterfowl, saltwater registry, antlerless deer and moose applications.
Maine Lifetime Fishing License FAQs: Cost, Hunting Combo, Seniors and Rules
Does Maine offer a lifetime fishing license?
Yes. Maine offers lifetime fishing licenses and related hunting, archery, trapping and combination lifetime license options for eligible applicants based on age and residency.
How much is a Maine resident child lifetime fishing license?
Maine IFW lists resident lifetime fishing at $150 for age 5 and under and $300 for ages 6 through 15. Fees are subject to change, so verify with Maine IFW before applying.
How much is a Maine nonresident child lifetime fishing license?
Maine IFW lists nonresident lifetime fishing at $450 for age 5 and under and $900 for ages 6 through 15.
How much is the Maine lifetime hunting and fishing combo?
For resident children, the combination of any two of fishing, hunting and archery is listed at $250 for age 5 and under and $500 for ages 6 through 15. For nonresident children, the same any-two combination is listed at $750 and $1,500. Senior resident combo fees decrease from age 65 through 69.
How much is a Maine senior lifetime license at age 70?
Maine IFW lists a one-time $8 senior lifetime license for Maine resident applicants age 70 and older. It covers qualified authorities including fishing, hunting, archery and trapping, plus listed permits.
Can I buy a Maine lifetime license online?
No. Maine’s MOSES online license system says it is not available for individuals who need a Lifetime license. Use the official Maine IFW application process.
Where do I mail the Maine resident lifetime license application?
The resident lifetime application lists Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, Licensing Division – Resident Lifetime License, 353 Water Street, SHS 41, Augusta, ME 04333.
Does a Maine lifetime license cover every hunting permit?
No, not always. Maine IFW notes that lifetime license holders may still need additional permits between ages 16 and 69, and age 70+ license holders still must apply for antlerless deer and moose permits when applications become available.
Does a Maine lifetime license cover saltwater fishing?
Do not assume it covers all saltwater requirements. Maine IFW notes that lifetime license holders must complete the saltwater registry on the DMR website in any year they want to participate in saltwater fishing.
What happens when a junior lifetime hunter turns 16?
Maine IFW says a lifetime license holder who turns 16 can hunt with the lifetime license as an adult big game license after showing proof of completing the required safety course and contacting MDIFW to upgrade and obtain needed permits.
Final Summary: Maine Lifetime Fishing and Hunting-Fishing Licenses Can Be Valuable if You Match the Right Age Tier
A Maine lifetime fishing license can be a strong long-term choice for eligible resident children, resident seniors and nonresident children. The best value depends on the applicant’s age, residency and whether they need fishing only, hunting only, archery, trapping or a combination.
For people searching “Maine lifetime hunting fishing license,” the most important rule is this: lifetime licenses are not bought through the normal MOSES online checkout. Use the official Maine IFW lifetime application, confirm the fee, attach the required documents and allow processing time.