What You Need to Know About Delaware's Youth Fishing License

Delaware offers a youth fishing license for anglers aged 16 and 17 that costs less than a standard resident license and covers freshwater and saltwater fishing in state waters. You can buy it online through the Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife website, at authorized vendors, or by mail. The license is valid for one year from the date of purchase and does not require a hunting or trapping license.

The youth license gives you the same fishing rights as an adult resident license — you can fish in Delaware's rivers, bays, and coastal areas with the same daily catch limits and seasons that apply to everyone else. The main difference is the price: a youth license costs significantly less than a full resident license, making it an affordable way to start fishing seriously during your mid-teen years.

Key Takeaways

  • Delaware's youth fishing license is available to anyone aged 16 or 17 and covers both freshwater and saltwater fishing in state waters.
  • You can purchase the license online, at sporting goods stores and bait shops, or by mail to the Division of Fish and Wildlife.
  • The license is valid for one calendar year and costs less than a resident adult license.
  • You must carry your license with you while fishing and show it to any wildlife officer who asks.

How to Buy a Youth Fishing License Online

The fastest way to get your license is through the Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife's online licensing system. Go to the division's website, select "Fishing Licenses," and choose the youth option. You will need to provide your name, date of birth, address, and email. Payment is by credit or debit card, and your license is delivered by email immediately — you can print it or show it on your phone while fishing.

The online system is open 24 hours, so you can buy your license at any time before you head out to fish. Make sure your date of birth qualifies you as 16 or 17; if you turn 18 during the license year, your youth license remains valid until its expiration date.

Where to Buy in Person

If you prefer to buy your license face-to-face, you can visit any authorized vendor in Delaware. These include most sporting goods stores, bait and tackle shops, and some Walmart locations. Call ahead to confirm the vendor has youth licenses in stock, since smaller shops may not always carry them.

You will need to bring proof of your age — a driver's license, state ID, or birth certificate. The vendor will print your license on the spot, and you can fish the same day. This route takes about 10 minutes and requires no online account.

Buying by Mail

You can also request a license by mail from the Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife. Send a completed license application form (available on the division's website), a copy of your proof of age, and a check or money order to the address listed on the form. Processing takes about two weeks, so order well before your planned fishing trip.

Mail-in licenses are useful if you live far from a vendor or prefer not to use the internet. Keep a copy of your mailed check or money order receipt until your license arrives, in case you need to follow up.

What the License Covers

Your youth license permits you to fish in Delaware's freshwater areas — rivers, streams, ponds, and lakes — and in saltwater bays and coastal waters. You are subject to the same daily catch limits, size restrictions, and seasonal closures as adult anglers. For example, if largemouth bass season is closed in a particular area, it is closed for you too.

The license does not cover hunting, trapping, or any other activity beyond fishing. If you want to hunt waterfowl or deer later, you will need separate licenses for those activities.

Carrying and Showing Your License

Delaware law requires you to have your license with you at all times while fishing. You can carry a printed copy, show it on your phone, or keep the receipt from your purchase. If a Delaware wildlife officer stops you, you must produce your license on demand. Fishing without a valid license can result in a fine and confiscation of your catch and equipment.

If you lose your printed license, you can print a replacement from your online account or contact the Division of Fish and Wildlife to request a duplicate. Keep your confirmation email or receipt in case you need proof of purchase.

License Expiration and Renewal

Your youth license is valid for one calendar year from the date you purchase it. For example, if you buy it in March, it expires the following March. When your license is about to expire, you can renew it using the same method you used to buy it — online, at a vendor, or by mail.

If you turn 18 before your license expires, you do not need to upgrade to an adult license; your youth license remains valid through its expiration date. After it expires, you will need to purchase an adult resident license if you want to continue fishing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a youth license if I am fishing with my parents?

Yes. Anyone aged 16 or 17 who is actively fishing must have their own valid license, regardless of who they are fishing with. Your parents cannot fish for you on their license.

Can I fish in other states with my Delaware youth license?

No. Your Delaware license is valid only in Delaware waters. If you travel to another state to fish, you will need to purchase that state's license. Each state manages its own fishing licenses and does not recognize licenses from other states.

What happens if I fish without a license?

Fishing without a valid license is a violation of Delaware law. You can be fined, and any fish you catch may be confiscated. Wildlife officers patrol fishing areas and check licenses, so the risk is real. Buying a youth license is much cheaper than paying a fine.

Can I buy a license if I am not a Delaware resident?

Delaware offers non-resident youth licenses at a higher price than resident licenses. Contact the Division of Fish and Wildlife or check their website for current non-resident youth license rates and how to purchase one.

What if I turn 18 before my license expires?

Your youth license remains valid through its expiration date even after you turn 18. You do not need to buy an adult license until your current youth license expires. After that, you will need an adult resident license to continue fishing.