South Carolina Non-Resident Fishing License: Cost, Freshwater, Saltwater and Visitor Rules
A South Carolina non-resident fishing license is not one single price. Visitors need to choose freshwater or saltwater, then match the license length to the trip. This guide explains the 2026 non-resident costs, online buying steps, charter and public pier exceptions, short-term options, and the rules you should check before fishing South Carolina lakes, rivers, beaches, piers or coastal waters.
Use these quick paths before reading the full guide. The main decision is whether your trip is freshwater, saltwater or both. The second decision is trip length. South Carolina has a 14-day freshwater visitor license, but saltwater visitor options are 1-day, 7-day and annual.
South Carolina Non-Resident Fishing License: The Fastest Safe Answer
For 2026, SCDNR lists the non-resident annual freshwater fishing license at $35, the 3-year freshwater license at $105 and the 14-day freshwater fishing license at $11. These are for non-residents fishing South Carolina freshwater.
For saltwater, South Carolina lists the non-resident annual saltwater fishing license at $75, the 7-day saltwater fishing license at $35 and the 1-day saltwater fishing license at $10. Saltwater licenses are required when harvesting marine resources unless an official exception applies.
South Carolina Non-Resident Fishing License Quick Facts
South Carolina fishing license pricing is based on residency. Non-resident licenses cost more than resident licenses and are not interchangeable. Children under age 16 usually do not need a recreational hunting or fishing license unless they are engaged in commercial activity or using certain nongame fish devices.
What This South Carolina Non-Resident Fishing License Guide Covers
Official South Carolina Non-Resident Fishing License Links
Use official SCDNR and Go Outdoors South Carolina links before paying. Non-resident saltwater and freshwater fees differ, and old web pages may show outdated saltwater prices. The official SCDNR nonresident pricing page is the safest cost source.
💵 SCDNR Nonresident Pricing
Official SCDNR price list for non-resident freshwater, saltwater, hunting and permit products.
Check Nonresident Fees💳 Go Outdoors South Carolina
Official online portal to purchase South Carolina licenses, permits and tags.
Buy Online🧾 SCDNR Buy a License
Official SCDNR purchase page linking to license accounts, temporary tags and license services.
Open Purchase Page📘 SC Licenses and Fees
South Carolina fishing license and fee guide with freshwater, saltwater and permit tables.
Open Fee Guide📗 Fishing License Guide
Need the broader state-by-state explanation first? Read our main fishing license guide.
Read General Guide🌊 South Carolina Saltwater License
Need coastal-only help? Read our South Carolina saltwater fishing license guide.
Read Saltwater GuideSouth Carolina Non-Resident Fishing License Cost: Freshwater and Saltwater Fees
The table below focuses on common non-resident recreational fishing license costs. Commercial, charter, pier, nongame device and shrimp baiting products have different prices and rules.
| License or Permit | Non-Resident Cost | Valid Period | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freshwater Fishing License | $35 | Annual, valid 1 year from date of purchase | Visitors fishing South Carolina freshwater more than 14 days. |
| Freshwater Fishing License | $105 | 3 years from date of purchase | Frequent non-resident visitors who fish SC freshwater year after year. |
| Freshwater Fishing License | $11 | 14 consecutive days | Short freshwater vacation or weekend trip. |
| Saltwater Fishing License | $75 | Annual, valid 1 year from date of purchase | Longer or repeated coastal trips. |
| Saltwater Fishing License | $35 | 7 consecutive days | One-week saltwater vacation. |
| Saltwater Fishing License | $10 | 1 day | Single-day beach, pier, surf or coastal trip when a license is required. |
| Shrimp Baiting License and Tags | $500 | Season dates apply | Non-residents shrimp baiting under SCDNR rules. |
| Recreational Crab Trap Endorsement | $5 | Annual | Saltwater license holders using up to 5 crab traps where allowed. |
South Carolina Non-Resident Freshwater Fishing License Cost and Rules
A non-resident freshwater fishing license is the starting point for visitors fishing South Carolina lakes, rivers, reservoirs and other freshwater public waters. SCDNR lists annual, 3-year and 14-day non-resident freshwater fishing licenses.
Short Freshwater Trip
The non-resident 14-day freshwater fishing license costs $11 and is valid for 14 consecutive days.
Best short-trip choiceLonger Freshwater Use
The annual non-resident freshwater fishing license costs $35, while the 3-year license costs $105.
Frequent visitor optionSouth Carolina Non-Resident Saltwater Fishing License Cost and Rules
SCDNR states that a saltwater fishing license is required when harvesting marine resources, including finfish, oysters, clams, shrimp and crab, unless an official exception applies. Non-residents should pick annual, 7-day or 1-day saltwater coverage based on trip length.
Short Coastal Trip
The non-resident 1-day saltwater license costs $10. The non-resident 7-day saltwater license costs $35.
Beach or pier tripRepeated Coastal Trips
The annual non-resident saltwater fishing license costs $75 and is valid for 1 year from purchase.
Frequent coastal useHow to Buy a South Carolina Non-Resident Fishing License Online
The official online route is Go Outdoors South Carolina. You can use it to purchase licenses, permits and tags through SCDNR’s online system. Before checkout, decide whether you need freshwater, saltwater, nongame device permits, crab trap endorsement or shrimp baiting products.
Open Go Outdoors South Carolina
Start with Go Outdoors South Carolina or the SCDNR Buy a License page.
Select non-resident
Do not choose resident pricing unless you meet South Carolina residency rules. Non-resident and resident prices are different.
Choose freshwater or saltwater
Freshwater covers freshwater fishing. Saltwater covers marine resource harvest where required. If you fish both water types, check each requirement separately.
Pick the right trip length
Freshwater short-term option is 14 days. Saltwater short-term options are 1 day and 7 days. Annual licenses fit longer or repeated trips.
Save proof and check regulations
Keep digital or printed proof before fishing. Then read current freshwater or saltwater rules for your species, gear, waterbody and season.
South Carolina Non-Resident Charter Boat and Public Fishing Pier Rules
SCDNR lists exceptions for some saltwater fishing situations. A saltwater recreational fishing license is not required when fishing on a licensed public fishing pier or when fishing on a licensed charter vessel while under hire.
This does not mean every pier or every boat trip is automatically covered. The pier or vessel must be properly licensed, and you should confirm coverage with the pier operator, charter captain or SCDNR before fishing.
SCDNR lists an exception for fishing on a licensed public fishing pier.
SCDNR lists an exception for fishing on a licensed charter vessel while under hire.
A non-resident saltwater license is usually needed when harvesting marine resources from a private boat unless another exception applies.
Confirm with the operator whether the pier or charter license covers recreational anglers.
South Carolina Non-Resident Nongame Freshwater Device Permits
A freshwater fishing license or commercial freshwater fishing license is required to use nongame devices in South Carolina. Non-resident visitors using jugs, set hooks, trotlines, traps or similar devices should not rely only on a basic rod-and-reel mindset.
| Nongame Freshwater Permit or Tag | Non-Resident Cost | Official Note | Visitor Warning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Jug Permit | $50 | Allows up to 50 jugs, subject to body of water rules. | A basic fishing trip may not need this, but jug fishing does. |
| Annual Set Hook Permit | $50 | Allows up to 50 hooks, subject to body of water rules. | Check waterbody limits before setting gear. |
| Freshwater Gill Net Tag | $50 | Recreational device limits apply. | Device rules are stricter than rod-and-reel fishing. |
| Freshwater Trotline Tag | $50 | Recreational limit is 1 tag. | Tagging and placement rules matter. |
South Carolina Non-Resident Shrimp Baiting, Crab Trap and Saltwater Add-On Rules
Saltwater fishing in South Carolina includes more than finfish. SCDNR saltwater license guidance mentions marine resources such as finfish, oysters, clams, shrimp and crab. Some activities need separate licenses, tags or endorsements.
Non-resident shrimp baiting license and tags are listed at $500, and season dates apply.
A recreational crab trap endorsement is listed at $5 for saltwater license holders using up to 5 crab traps.
SCDNR lists an exception for using 3 or fewer handlines with no hooks and single bait per line.
Oysters and clams are marine resources, so check SCDNR saltwater rules before harvesting.
Who Needs a South Carolina Non-Resident Fishing License?
A non-resident is anyone who does not meet South Carolina’s resident definition. Visitors generally need the proper South Carolina fishing license when fishing public freshwater or harvesting marine resources in saltwater unless an official exception applies.
Generally needs the proper freshwater or saltwater license for the activity and water type.
SCDNR says children under 16 are not required to purchase a recreational license unless engaged in commercial activity or using certain nongame devices.
Saltwater license is required when harvesting marine resources unless an exception applies.
Fishing on a licensed charter vessel while under hire can be an exception.
Fishing on a licensed public fishing pier can be an exception.
A senior license from another state does not automatically let you fish in South Carolina.
Best South Carolina Non-Resident Fishing License by Trip Type
The cheapest license depends on trip length and water type. Freshwater visitors have a 14-day short-term option, while saltwater visitors have 1-day and 7-day options. Annual licenses make more sense for repeated visits.
The $11 non-resident 14-day freshwater license is usually the lowest-cost option.
The $35 annual freshwater license is better if you return several times in a year.
The $10 non-resident 1-day saltwater license is designed for a short coastal trip.
The $35 non-resident 7-day saltwater license fits a one-week beach vacation.
The $75 annual saltwater license fits visitors who fish the coast multiple times.
The $105 3-year freshwater license can fit frequent freshwater visitors.
South Carolina Fishing Rules Non-Residents Should Check After Buying
A South Carolina non-resident fishing license does not replace fishing regulations. You still need to check freshwater limits, saltwater size limits, seasons, harvest rules, gear restrictions, public waterbody rules, shrimp baiting rules and crab trap rules.
📘 SC Licenses and Fees
Fishing license and fee guide with freshwater, saltwater, permits and commercial notes.
Open License Guide🏛️ SCDNR Licensing
Official SCDNR licensing page for purchase, account lookup, requirements and FAQs.
Open Licensing Page💳 Go Outdoors SC
Official portal to buy and manage South Carolina licenses, permits and tags.
Buy or Manage LicenseBefore keeping fish or marine resources, check this list
- Are you fishing freshwater or saltwater?
- Does your license match the water type?
- Are you on a licensed public fishing pier or licensed charter vessel?
- Are you harvesting finfish, shrimp, crab, oysters or clams?
- Are you using nongame freshwater devices?
- Do size limits, creel limits or season rules apply?
- Do you need crab trap endorsement, shrimp baiting license or device tags?
South Carolina Non-Resident License Tips for Myrtle Beach, Charleston, Hilton Head, Lake Murray and Santee Cooper
Visitors often search for a South Carolina non-resident fishing license right before a trip. The correct license depends on your destination. Myrtle Beach, Charleston, Hilton Head and Beaufort often point to saltwater rules, while Lake Murray and Santee Cooper usually start with freshwater rules.
Check saltwater license, public pier exception and surf fishing rules before fishing from the beach or pier.
Saltwater rules usually matter first for harbor, creek, pier, crab, shrimp and inshore trips.
Check saltwater license, charter coverage and crab or shellfish rules before harvesting.
Freshwater non-resident license is usually the starting point for rod-and-reel fishing.
Freshwater license rules apply for many lake trips, but check specific waterbody and gear rules.
If your trip includes both a lake and the coast, you may need both freshwater and saltwater coverage.
Common South Carolina Non-Resident Fishing License Mistakes
Most visitor mistakes happen because anglers buy the wrong water type, assume a charter or pier is covered without checking, or ignore special saltwater harvest activities such as shrimp baiting or crab traps.
Freshwater licenses do not cover saltwater marine resource harvest.
Saltwater licenses do not replace a freshwater license for inland lake or river fishing.
Visitors can often save money with 14-day freshwater, 7-day saltwater or 1-day saltwater licenses.
The pier exception applies to licensed public fishing piers, not every dock or private structure.
Confirm the vessel is licensed and that you are fishing while under hire.
Jugs, set hooks, traps, trotlines and gill nets can require extra permits or tags.
How This South Carolina Non-Resident Fishing License Guide Was Checked
This guide was prepared from official SCDNR nonresident license pricing, SCDNR license purchase pages, Go Outdoors South Carolina, South Carolina fishing license regulations and recreational license requirement pages. It explains common visitor questions in plain language, but it does not replace SCDNR regulations or the official checkout page.
- SCDNR nonresident freshwater fishing license fees.
- SCDNR nonresident saltwater fishing license fees.
- Go Outdoors South Carolina purchase portal.
- SCDNR recreational fishing and hunting license requirement page.
- Saltwater license requirement for marine resources.
- Licensed public fishing pier and licensed charter vessel exceptions.
- Under age 16 license note and nongame device exception.
- Freshwater nongame device permit prices.
- Shrimp baiting license and recreational crab trap endorsement fees.
- South Carolina fishing license and fee regulation resources.
Find South Carolina Fishing License Agents Near You
If you do not want to buy online, search for South Carolina fishing license agents near you or use SCDNR’s official licensing resources. Always confirm the seller can issue the exact freshwater, saltwater, device permit or tag you need.
Search South Carolina Fishing License Agent Near Me
Use this as a convenience search, then verify the seller is authorized before visiting.
South Carolina Non-Resident Fishing License FAQs: Cost, Online Buying, Freshwater and Saltwater Rules
How much is a South Carolina non-resident freshwater fishing license?
SCDNR lists the non-resident annual freshwater fishing license at $35, the 3-year freshwater license at $105 and the 14-day freshwater fishing license at $11.
How much is a South Carolina non-resident saltwater fishing license?
South Carolina lists the non-resident annual saltwater fishing license at $75, the 7-day saltwater fishing license at $35 and the 1-day saltwater fishing license at $10.
Can I buy a South Carolina non-resident fishing license online?
Yes. You can buy non-resident fishing licenses online through Go Outdoors South Carolina, the official SCDNR license portal.
Does a South Carolina non-resident freshwater license cover saltwater?
No. Freshwater and saltwater licenses are separate. Buy the license that matches your water type and activity.
Does a South Carolina non-resident saltwater license cover freshwater?
No. A saltwater license covers saltwater marine resource harvest where required. It does not replace a freshwater fishing license for inland waters.
Do non-resident children need a South Carolina fishing license?
SCDNR states that children under age 16 are not required to purchase a recreational hunting or fishing license unless engaged in commercial activity or using certain nongame fish devices.
Do I need my own South Carolina saltwater license on a charter boat?
SCDNR lists an exception for fishing on a licensed charter vessel while under hire. Confirm with the captain and SCDNR before your trip.
Do I need a South Carolina saltwater license on a public pier?
SCDNR lists an exception for fishing on a licensed public fishing pier. The pier must be properly licensed, so confirm before fishing.
How much is a South Carolina non-resident shrimp baiting license?
South Carolina lists the non-resident shrimp baiting license and tags at $500, with season dates applying.
What is the cheapest South Carolina non-resident fishing license for a short trip?
For freshwater, the 14-day non-resident license costs $11. For saltwater, the 1-day non-resident license costs $10 and the 7-day license costs $35.
Final Summary: South Carolina Non-Resident Fishing License Cost Depends on Water Type and Trip Length
The right South Carolina non-resident fishing license starts with your water type. Freshwater visitors can choose $11 for 14 days, $35 annual or $105 for 3 years. Saltwater visitors can choose $10 for 1 day, $35 for 7 days or $75 annual.
If you fish from a licensed public pier or licensed charter vessel while under hire, a saltwater license exception may apply. If you use nongame devices, crab traps, shrimp baiting or shellfish harvest, extra rules may apply. Buy through official SCDNR routes, save proof and check current regulations before fishing.