Mississippi Non-Resident Fishing License: Cost & Rules (2026)

Official MDWFP nonresident license help

Mississippi Non-Resident Fishing License: 2026 Cost, Freshwater, Saltwater and Online Rules

Fishing Mississippi as an out-of-state angler? The correct license depends on where you fish, how long you fish, and whether you are in freshwater, saltwater, the coastal zone between Highway 90 and Interstate 10, or Mississippi marine waters as a Louisiana resident.

This guide explains Mississippi non resident fishing license cost, 1-day and 3-day options, freshwater vs saltwater rules, Louisiana resident requirements, online buying through Outdoors Mississippi, proof tips and official MDWFP regulation checks for 2026.

$68Nonresident freshwater
$303-day freshwater
$30Nonresident saltwater
16+Nonresidents generally need license
★ Quick license finder
Choose Your Mississippi Nonresident Fishing Situation

Use these shortcuts before checkout. Mississippi has simple fees, but the location rules matter. A freshwater trip in north Mississippi, a Gulf Coast saltwater trip, a short 1-day trip, and a Louisiana resident fishing Mississippi marine waters can each need a different choice.

Quick warning: MDWFP lists agent fees and process fees in addition to license prices. The final checkout total can be higher than the base license fee.
Real answer first

How Much Is a Mississippi Non-Resident Fishing License in 2026?

MDWFP lists the 2026 nonresident Freshwater Fishing license at $68, 3-Day Freshwater Fishing at $30, and 1-Day Freshwater Fishing at $10. These base prices do not include the listed agent fee and process fee.

For saltwater, MDWFP lists the nonresident Saltwater Fishing license at $30 and 3-Day Saltwater Fishing at $15. Louisiana residents have a separate Mississippi marine-water rule and must buy both the nonresident Freshwater Fishing license and the Nonresident LA Saltwater Fishing license when fishing Mississippi marine waters.

Simple rule: Buy freshwater for inland freshwater. Buy saltwater for Mississippi coastal/marine saltwater. If you are a Louisiana resident fishing Mississippi marine waters, check the special LA Saltwater rule before paying.
At a glance

Mississippi Nonresident Fishing License Quick Facts for 2026

Mississippi nonresident fishing rules mainly come down to age, water type and location. Nonresident minors under 16 are generally exempt, while nonresident anglers 16 and older need the correct fishing license for fresh or marine waters.

🎣Freshwater$68Nonresident annual
📅3-day fresh$30Short visitor trip
⏱️1-day fresh$10Single day
🌊Saltwater$30Nonresident annual
👧MinorsUnder 16Generally exempt
Source review note: This guide uses official Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks license price pages, fishing license requirement pages, Outdoors Mississippi product pages, saltwater product notes, and MDWFP general fishing rules. Always verify the current checkout total and rules on official MDWFP pages before fishing.
Page guide

What This Mississippi Non-Resident Fishing License Guide Covers

2026 cost table

Mississippi Non-Resident Fishing License Cost in 2026

Mississippi nonresident fishing licenses have base license prices plus listed agent and process fees. Use the official checkout total as the final price because the base fee alone may not be what you pay.

Mississippi Nonresident LicenseBase PriceAgent FeeProcess FeeBest For
Freshwater Fishing$68.00$3.00$4.42Annual freshwater fishing in Mississippi.
3-Day Freshwater Fishing$30.00$2.00$4.42Short freshwater trips.
1-Day Freshwater Fishing$10.00$1.00$4.42One freshwater fishing day.
Saltwater Fishing$30.00$3.00$4.42Annual Mississippi saltwater fishing for eligible nonresidents.
3-Day Saltwater Fishing$15.00$2.00$4.42Short Mississippi coastal saltwater trips.
LA Saltwater Fishing$60.00$3.00$4.42Louisiana residents fishing Mississippi marine waters.
Armed Forces 14-Day Hunting/Fishing$32.00$1.00$4.42Eligible armed forces applicants through MDWFP application.
Price note: The MDWFP fee table separates license price, agent fee and process fee. If you buy online or through an agent, review the final payment screen before checkout.
Online purchase

How to Buy a Mississippi Non-Resident Fishing License Online

The official online route is the Outdoors Mississippi licensing system. MDWFP’s licenses and permits page links to the system and explains that the platform supports buying hunting and fishing licenses, boat services, WMA check-in and more.

1

Open the official licensing portal

Start from MDWFP Licenses and Permits or go directly to Outdoors Mississippi.

2

Select nonresident fishing

Choose nonresident status unless you meet Mississippi resident requirements. Do not select a resident license if you live out of state.

3

Choose freshwater or saltwater

Select freshwater, saltwater, 1-day freshwater, 3-day freshwater, 3-day saltwater or LA Saltwater based on your trip and location.

4

Pick the start date carefully

Short-term products use selected start dates. The 1-day license expires at midnight on the selected start date, and the 3-day freshwater license expires after three consecutive days from the start date.

5

Save or print proof

After checkout, save your confirmation and license proof. A printed backup helps if cell service is weak at boat ramps, lakes, rivers or coastal fishing spots.

Online buying tip: Buy before the trip. Mississippi fishing spots can have poor service, and short-term licenses depend on the correct start date.
Freshwater vs saltwater

Mississippi Freshwater vs Saltwater License Rules for Nonresidents

Mississippi nonresident anglers need to match the license to the water. MDWFP product notes say freshwater licensing applies to nonresidents fishing freshwater lakes and streams. Coastal areas have extra rules around Highway 90 and Interstate 10.

🎣

Freshwater license

Use for Mississippi freshwater fishing and lakes/streams where freshwater rules apply. Nonresident annual cost is $68 before listed fees.

Freshwater lakes and streams
🌊

Saltwater license

Use for nonresident saltwater fishing south of Interstate 10. Annual saltwater cost is $30 before listed fees.

Coastal and marine waters
Location rule: MDWFP product notes say the nonresident saltwater fishing license is valid south of Interstate 10, and anglers between Interstate 10 and Highway 90 may use a freshwater license in its place.
Short-trip options

Mississippi 1-Day and 3-Day Nonresident Fishing Licenses

Short-term licenses are useful for visitors who only fish one day or a weekend. The best choice depends on whether you fish freshwater or saltwater and how many consecutive days you need.

1-day freshwater

$10 base price: Best for one freshwater fishing day. MDWFP product notes say it expires at midnight on the selected start date.

3-day freshwater

$30 base price: Best for a short freshwater trip. Product notes say it expires at midnight after three consecutive days from the start date.

3-day saltwater

$15 base price: Best for a short coastal saltwater trip where the saltwater license is needed.

Annual comparison

Compare before paying: If you plan to return, an annual license may make more sense than multiple short-term licenses.

Start-date tip: Do not buy a 1-day or 3-day license too early with the wrong start date. Short-term licenses are tied to the selected date.
Louisiana resident rule

Special Mississippi Saltwater Rule for Louisiana Residents

Mississippi has a special saltwater rule for Louisiana residents. MDWFP states that Louisiana residents must purchase both the Non-Resident Freshwater Fishing license and the Non-Resident LA Saltwater Fishing license to fish in Mississippi marine waters.

LA Saltwater license

$60 base price: This is the listed LA Saltwater Fishing license for Louisiana residents fishing Mississippi marine waters.

Basic requirement

Freshwater also required: MDWFP notes Louisiana residents must buy both nonresident Freshwater and nonresident LA Saltwater for Mississippi marine waters.

Not normal saltwater

Different product: The normal $30 nonresident Saltwater Fishing product says it is not valid for Louisiana residents.

Check before trip

Final rule matters: Louisiana-to-Mississippi Gulf Coast anglers should check official product notes before paying.

Important: If you live in Louisiana and fish Mississippi marine waters, do not buy only the normal nonresident saltwater product without checking the LA Saltwater rule.
Age rule

Do Nonresident Minors Need a Mississippi Fishing License?

MDWFP’s general fishing rules say all nonresident anglers, except minors under age 16, are required to obtain a fishing license while fishing in Mississippi fresh or marine waters.

Under 16

Generally exempt: Nonresident minors under age 16 are excepted from the nonresident license requirement.

Age 16 and older

License needed: Nonresident anglers age 16 or older should expect to buy the proper license.

Rules still apply

Limits matter: Youth anglers must still follow size limits, creel limits, seasons, gear rules and area restrictions.

Proof of age

Carry ID if possible: For teen anglers close to age 16, proof of age can prevent confusion.

Family trip tip: Adults should still buy the correct license for themselves. A child’s exemption does not cover adults fishing with them.
Guide license note

Mississippi Freshwater Guide License Note for Nonresidents

If you are only fishing as a normal recreational angler, you usually need a recreational fishing license. If you are guiding others for compensation, MDWFP has separate freshwater guide requirements and licenses.

Guide license

$2,000 base price: MDWFP lists the nonresident Freshwater Guide License separately from recreational fishing licenses.

Guide boat license

$25 base price: MDWFP lists a Freshwater Guide Boat License as a separate item.

Training proof

Requirements apply: MDWFP fishing license requirement pages mention CPR/First Aid training and boater education requirements for guide licensing.

Recreational anglers

Different purpose: Normal visiting anglers should not confuse guide licenses with personal fishing licenses.

Guide warning: If you take payment to guide anglers, do not rely on a recreational nonresident license. Check MDWFP guide requirements before operating.
Proof and printing

How to Print, Save or Show Your Mississippi Nonresident Fishing License

After buying through Outdoors Mississippi, keep a copy of your license available while fishing. A printed copy, PDF or screenshot can help when phone service is weak.

1

Save the confirmation after checkout

Keep the license number, product name, start date and receipt after buying.

2

Print a paper backup

Paper proof is useful in tackle bags, boat folders, truck glove boxes and camp folders.

3

Check short-term dates

Make sure your 1-day or 3-day license is valid for the actual dates you fish.

4

Carry ID with proof

Carry a government ID if possible, especially if you are proving age, residency status or license ownership.

Proof tip: Save your license before reaching the water. Boat ramps, state lakes, riverbanks and coastal launches may have weak service.
Rules after buying

Mississippi Fishing Rules Nonresidents Must Check After Buying

A Mississippi fishing license gives license coverage, but it does not replace the fishing rules. Before keeping fish, check the current creel limits, length limits, seasons, gear rules, state lake rules and coastal saltwater rules.

Before fishing Mississippi as a nonresident, check this list

  • Are you under 16 or age 16 and older?
  • Are you fishing freshwater, saltwater or the coastal transition area?
  • Are you north of Highway 90, between Highway 90 and Interstate 10, or south of Interstate 10?
  • Are you a Louisiana resident fishing Mississippi marine waters?
  • Is your license annual, 1-day or 3-day?
  • Is the selected start date correct?
  • What species are you targeting?
  • What are the current creel and length limits?
  • Are state lake, spillway, river or coastal rules involved?
  • Are commercial, guide, crab, shrimp or oyster permits involved?
Regulation note: For saltwater-specific recreational licenses such as crab, shrimp or oyster, also check Mississippi Department of Marine Resources resources before assuming a fishing license covers the activity.
Avoid problems

Common Mississippi Nonresident Fishing License Mistakes

Most mistakes happen because anglers only look at the base fee or buy the wrong water-type license. Mississippi’s freshwater and saltwater location notes are important, especially along the Gulf Coast.

Ignoring process fees

MDWFP lists process and agent fees in addition to the base license price. Check the final total before paying.

Wrong coastal license

Saltwater and freshwater apply differently around Highway 90 and Interstate 10. Read product notes before buying.

Louisiana resident mistake

Louisiana residents need the special LA Saltwater setup for Mississippi marine waters, not the normal nonresident saltwater product alone.

Bad start date

Short-term licenses are tied to the selected date. A wrong date can waste the license.

No proof saved

Save or print proof before fishing. Do not rely on logging in later at the water.

Forgetting regulations

License purchase does not replace creel limits, length limits, seasons or special waterbody rules.

Editorial trust note

How This Mississippi Non-Resident Fishing License Guide Was Checked

This guide was prepared using official Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks pages, Outdoors Mississippi license product notes and Mississippi Department of Marine Resources saltwater licensing resources. The focus is cost and rules because that is the main search intent behind “mississippi non resident fishing license.”

Official items checked:
  • MDWFP hunting and fishing license price table.
  • Nonresident freshwater, 1-day freshwater and 3-day freshwater prices.
  • Nonresident saltwater, 3-day saltwater and LA Saltwater prices.
  • Agent fee and process fee columns in official price table.
  • Outdoors Mississippi official licensing portal.
  • MDWFP product notes for nonresident saltwater fishing south of Interstate 10.
  • MDWFP product notes for freshwater license use between Interstate 10 and Highway 90.
  • Louisiana resident special requirement for Mississippi marine waters.
  • General fishing rule that nonresident minors under 16 are excepted from the license requirement.
  • Mississippi Department of Marine Resources recreational saltwater license buying guidance.
Find local help

Find Mississippi Fishing License Vendors Near You

If you do not want to buy online, look for Mississippi license vendors, outdoor retailers or local offices that can help with license purchases. Call first because hours, product availability and system access can vary.

Search Mississippi Fishing License Vendors

Use this map for a general search, then confirm through MDWFP or Outdoors Mississippi before relying on a location.

FAQs

Mississippi Non-Resident Fishing License FAQs: Cost, Rules and Online Buying

How much is a Mississippi non-resident fishing license in 2026?

MDWFP lists the nonresident Freshwater Fishing license at $68, 3-Day Freshwater Fishing at $30, 1-Day Freshwater Fishing at $10, Saltwater Fishing at $30, LA Saltwater Fishing at $60, and 3-Day Saltwater Fishing at $15. Agent and process fees also apply.

Can nonresidents buy a Mississippi fishing license online?

Yes. Nonresidents can buy Mississippi fishing licenses online through the official Outdoors Mississippi licensing system operated by MDWFP.

Do all nonresident anglers need a Mississippi fishing license?

MDWFP says all nonresident anglers, except minors under age 16, are required to obtain a fishing license while fishing in Mississippi fresh or marine waters.

How much is a Mississippi 3-day nonresident fishing license?

The nonresident 3-Day Freshwater Fishing license is listed at $30, plus listed agent and process fees. The 3-Day Saltwater Fishing license is listed at $15, plus listed fees.

How much is a Mississippi 1-day nonresident fishing license?

The nonresident 1-Day Freshwater Fishing license is listed at $10, plus the listed $1 agent fee and $4.42 process fee. It expires at midnight on the selected start date.

Do I need a freshwater or saltwater Mississippi license?

It depends on where you fish. Freshwater applies to freshwater lakes and streams. MDWFP product notes say saltwater fishing south of Interstate 10 requires the saltwater license, while anglers between Interstate 10 and Highway 90 may use a freshwater license in its place.

Do Louisiana residents need a special Mississippi saltwater license?

Yes. MDWFP states that Louisiana residents must purchase both the Non-Resident Freshwater Fishing license and the Non-Resident LA Saltwater Fishing license to fish in Mississippi marine waters.

Do nonresident minors need a Mississippi fishing license?

Nonresident minors under age 16 are excepted from the nonresident fishing license requirement, but all fishing regulations still apply.

How long is a Mississippi nonresident 3-day freshwater license valid?

MDWFP product notes say the nonresident 3-Day Freshwater license expires at midnight after three consecutive days from the start date.

Where should I verify Mississippi fishing rules?

Use official MDWFP license price pages, Outdoors Mississippi product pages, MDWFP general fishing rules and Mississippi Department of Marine Resources resources for saltwater activities.

Editorial disclaimer: Mississippi nonresident fishing license fees, agent fees, process fees, freshwater and saltwater product notes, Highway 90 and Interstate 10 license-area rules, Louisiana resident saltwater requirements, guide licensing, saltwater recreational permits and fishing regulations can change. This guide is educational and should not replace Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks rules, Outdoors Mississippi checkout information or enforcement guidance. Always verify the final requirement on official Mississippi resources before fishing.
Final summary

Final Summary: Mississippi Non-Resident Fishing License Cost and Rules in 2026

A Mississippi nonresident Freshwater Fishing license costs $68 before listed fees. Short freshwater options include a $30 3-day license and a $10 1-day license. For coastal saltwater, the nonresident Saltwater Fishing license is listed at $30, and the 3-Day Saltwater Fishing license is listed at $15.

The safest path is to buy through Outdoors Mississippi, choose the right freshwater or saltwater product, check the Highway 90 and Interstate 10 location notes, follow the special Louisiana resident rule if it applies, save proof before fishing, and review MDWFP or MDMR regulations before keeping fish.

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