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Before you can start fishing in South Carolina, you’ll need the proper license.
In this article, we’ll cover all you need to know about getting your South Carolina Fishing License, from eligibility requirements and fees to forms and types of licenses available.
Plus, find out why it’s important for everyone to have a valid license and how it helps protect the state’s waters.
Going fishing in South Carolina? Then give a read to our Best Bass Fishing Lakes in South Carolina review.
Table of Contents
Who Needs a Fishing License in South Carolina?
| License Age Requirement | Resident SC Fishing License | Non-Resident SC Fishing License |
| South Carolina Freshwater Fishing License | 16+ Years | 16+ Years |
| South Carolina Saltwater Fishing License | 16+ Years | 16+ Years |
Anglers in South Carolina must have a valid fishing license if they are over the age of 16 no matter their residency.
If you fail to comply with your child support payments, the South Carolina Department of Social Services will revoke all hunting and fishing license privileges, both recreational and commercial.
In order to reinstate your license privileges, you must become compliant with DSS and purchase a new license.
Annual recreational hunting and fishing licenses are valid for one year from the purchase date.
Three-year recreational fishing and hunting licenses are also valid for three years from the date of purchase.
Freshwater
In South Carolina, a Freshwater Fishing License is necessary for almost all freshwater fishing activities, except on private ponds that do not require a permit.
Licenses are required when fishing in commercial pay ponds unless the pond has been permitted by the state Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR).
Saltwater
In South Carolina, a Saltwater Fishing License is necessary when fishing in marine waters for:
- Finfish
- Oysters
- Clams
- Shrimp
- Crab
A SC saltwater fishing license is not required when:
- fishing on a licensed public pier
- Fishing from a charter vessel under hire
- Using three or fewer drop nets
- Using fold-up traps
- Using hand lines with single bait per line (chicken necking)
- While shrimp baiting, as that requires a separate permit
Reciprocal State Fishing Regulations
An agreement between Georgia and South Carolina allows holders of valid freshwater sportfishing licenses and permits issued by either state to fish in the following channels of the Savannah River:
- From its mouth to the confluence of the Tugaloo and Seneca rivers
- The Chattooga River all the way to the boundary line between Georgia and North Carolina
This agreement also applies to:
- Thurmond
- Russell
- Hartwell
- Yonah
- Tugaloo
- Stevens Creek
- New Savannah Bluff Lock & Dam impoundments
However, it does not apply to any tributary streams to these impoundments or tributary streams to the Savannah, Tugaloo and Chattooga Rivers.
What Age Do You Need a Fishing License in South Carolina
Both residents and non-residents under the age of 16 are exempt from needing a license in the state. However, if you are over the age of 16, you will need a license to fish or hunt.
Residents over the age of 64 are able to get a lifetime license if they meet specific criteria.
Lifetime Licenses
Lifetime fishing licenses can be purchased once and never expire for the life of the license holder.
There are several licenses available, with add-ons available to make the most out of a lifetime of fishing.
| Lifetime Licenses | |
| Under Two Years Old | |
| Title | Price |
| Combination Lifetime License. Includes statewide hunting, big game permit, and freshwater fishing privileges. | $300.00 |
| Saltwater Fishing License Add-On to Combination License | $120.00 |
| Migratory Waterfowl Permit Add-On to Combination License (State Duck Stamp) Add-on | $66.00 |
| 2-15 Years Old | |
| Combination Lifetime License. Includes statewide hunting, big game permit, and freshwater fishing privileges. | $400.00 |
| Saltwater Fishing License Add-On to Combination License | $160.00 |
| Migratory Waterfowl Permit Add-On to Combination License (State Duck Stamp) Add-on | $88.00 |
| 16 to 63 Years Old | |
| Freshwater Fishing | $300.00 |
| Saltwater Fishing | $300.00 |
| Combination Lifetime License. Includes statewide hunting, big game permit, and freshwater fishing privileges. | $500.00 |
| Saltwater Fishing License Add-On to Combination License | $200.00 |
| Migratory Waterfowl Permit Add-On to Combination License (State Duck Stamp) Add-on | $110.00 |
| 64 or older | |
| The Gratis License. Available only to residents born on or before 7/1/1940. This license provides privileges for freshwater fishing, freshwater set hook, saltwater fishing, state hunting, big game, and wildlife management area permits, as well as migratory waterfowl. | Free |
| The Senior Combination license provides privileges for freshwater fishing, freshwater set hook, saltwater fishing, state hunting, big game, and wildlife management area permits, as well as migratory waterfowl. | $9.00 |
| The Senior Fishing license provides privileges for freshwater fishing, freshwater set hook, and saltwater fishing. | $9.00 |
Resident
To be considered a resident of South Carolina and eligible for resident hunting and fishing license prices and privileges, an individual must provide proof of residency with a South Carolina driver’s license or identification card.
Alternative forms of proof can be submitted to a South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) license office.
Military members and their dependents who are stationed in South Carolina for at least 30 days, or are residents of the state, can take advantage of resident privileges.
Members must present a valid military id when applying.
Active duty personnel who are residents of South Carolina but stationed outside the state, and on leave, may be granted permission to fish and hunt throughout the state without purchasing hunting, freshwater fishing, or saltwater fishing license.
However, extra permits will still be required to hunt big game, migratory birds/waterfowl, hunt on WMA lands, take deer and/or turkey, use nongame fish devices, and take shrimp over bait.
Non-resident
If you have a resident fishing license, permit, or tag and relocate outside of the state, you can still use the privileges until they expire.
However, if you require additional licenses not covered by your current license and no longer meet the requirements for residency, you must purchase them as a non-resident.
Individuals licensed by another state as a resident are not allowed to hold any South Carolina resident licenses, permits, or tags.
If a student is enrolled full-time in a South Carolina educational institution, regardless of where they are considered domiciled, they are eligible for resident privileges.
When applying for such privileges, they must present a valid student ID card.
How to Buy a South Carolina Fishing License
All applicants for South Carolina hunting and fishing privileges must present a state-issued identification document, such as a driver’s license or passport, when applying.
Applicants from other countries may present their passports in lieu of a state identification document.
Additionally, the disclosure of your social security number or alien identification number is required during the application process.
Online
To purchase an SC fishing license online, go to SC.gov, fill out the application and purchase the license that best meets your needs.
In Person
If you would prefer to purchase your license in person, you can either visit one of the 500 license retailers statewide or go to an SCDNR office location in:
How Much is a Fishing License in South Carolina
There are multiple fishing licenses offered by South Carolina, each with individual prices and descriptions, all of which can be found on its DNR website or below.
| SC Resident Fishing Licenses | ||
| License Title | License Description | Price |
| 3 Year | Freshwater License- Valid 3 years from the date of purchase. | $30.00 |
| Annual | Freshwater License- Valid 1 year from date of purchase. | $10.00 |
| 14-day | Freshwater License- Valid for 14 consecutive days. | $5.00 |
| 3 Year Saltwater Fishing License | Valid 3 years from the date of purchase. | $45.00 |
| Annual Saltwater Fishing License | Valid 1 year from date of purchase. | $15.00 |
| 14-day Saltwater Fishing License | Valid 14 consecutive days. | $10.00 |
| Annual Saltwater Public Fishing Pier License | The Annual Saltwater Public Fishing Pier License is valid for one year and expires on June 30th. This license applies to public fishing piers that are 100 feet or less in length and comes with reporting requirements. | $150.00 |
| Annual Saltwater Public Fishing Pier | The Annual Saltwater Public Fishing Pier License is a one-year license that expires on June 30th. This license applies to public fishing piers that are more than 100 feet in length and comes with reporting requirements. | $350.00 |
| Annual Saltwater Charter Fishing Vessel | The Annual Saltwater Charter Fishing Vessel License is valid for one year and expires on June 30th. This license applies to charter vessels carrying six or fewer paying passengers, and it comes with reporting requirements. | $275.00 |
| Annual Saltwater Charter Fishing Vessel | The Annual Saltwater Charter Fishing Vessel License is valid for one year and expires on June 30th. This license applies to charter vessels carrying 7- 49 paying passengers, and it comes with reporting requirements. | $450.00 |
| Annual Saltwater Charter Fishing Vessel | The Annual Saltwater Charter Fishing Vessel License is valid for one year and expires on June 30th. This license applies to charter vessels carrying 50 or more paying passengers, and it comes with reporting requirements. | $650.00 |
| 3 Year Combination License | The 3-Year Combination License is valid for three years from the date of purchase and includes state hunting, big game hunting, and freshwater fishing. | $75.00 |
| Annual Combination License | The Annual Combination License is valid for one year from the date of purchase and includes state hunting, big game hunting, and freshwater fishing. | $25.00 |
| Annual Junior Sportsman License | The Annual Junior Sportsman License includes state hunting, big game hunting, wildlife management areas, and freshwater fishing for applicants 16-17 years of age. It remains valid regardless of the holder’s age until expiration and expires one year from the date of purchase. | $16.00 |
| 3 Year Sportsman License | The Three Year Sportsman License includes state hunting, big game hunting, wildlife management areas, and freshwater fishing. It is valid for three years from the date of purchase. | $150.00 |
| Annual Sportsman License | The Annual Sportsman License includes state hunting, big game hunting, wildlife management areas, and freshwater fishing. It is valid for one year from the date of purchase. | $50.00 |
| Non-game Freshwater Fishing Permits | ||
| Annual Jug Permit | The Annual Jug Permit allows up to 50 jugs per licensee, subject to the body of water. This permit expires on June 30. | $5.00 |
| Annual Set Hook Permit | The Annual Set Hook Permit allows up to 50 hooks per licensee, subject to the body of water. This permit expires on June 30. | $5.00 |
| Annual Eel Pot Tag | The Annual Eel Pot Tag allows recreational fishing with a limit of 2 pots per licensee. This tag requires reporting requirements and it expires on June 30. | $5.00 |
| Annual Gill Net Tag (Not for Shad or Herring) | The Annual Gill Net Tag (not for Shad or Herring) allows recreational fishing with a limit of 3 nets total, not exceeding 100 yards in length. This tag expires on June 30. | $5.00 |
| Annual Hoop Net Tag | The Annual Hoop Net Tag allows recreational fishing with a limit of 1 net per licensee 65 years and older on the Wateree River only. This tag expires on June 30. | $10.00 |
| Annual Trap Tag | The Annual Trap Tag allows recreational fishing with a limit of 2 traps per licensee. This tag expires on June 30. | $5.00 |
| Annual Trotline Tag | The Annual Trotline Tag allows recreational fishing with a limit of 1 trotline containing a maximum of 50 hooks. This tag expires on June 30. | $2.50 |
| Non-resident Fishing Licenses | ||
| 3 Year Freshwater Fishing License | Valid 3 years from the date of purchase. | $105.00 |
| Annual Freshwater Fishing License | Valid 1 year from date of purchase. | $35.00 |
| 14-day Freshwater Fishing License | Valid 14 consecutive days. | $11.00 |
| Commercial Freshwater License | The Commercial Freshwater License allows for fishing with device quantity limits that apply in freshwater bodies. This license expires on June 30. | $1,000.00 |
| Annual Saltwater Fishing License | Valid 1 year from date of purchase. | $75.00 |
| 7-day Saltwater Fishing License | Valid 7 consecutive days. | $35.00 |
| 1-day Saltwater Fishing License | Valid 1 day. | $10.00 |
| Annual Saltwater Public Fishing Pier | The Annual Saltwater Public Fishing Pier License is valid for one year and expires on June 30th. This license applies to public fishing piers that are 100 feet or less in length and comes with reporting requirements. | $150.00 |
| Annual Saltwater Public Fishing Pier | The Annual Saltwater Public Fishing Pier License is a one-year license that expires on June 30th. This license applies to public fishing piers that are more than 100 feet in length and comes with reporting requirements. | $350.00 |
| Annual Saltwater Charter Fishing Vessel | The Annual Saltwater Charter Fishing Vessel License is valid for one year and expires on June 30th. This license applies to charter vessels carrying 6 or fewer paying passengers, and it comes with reporting requirements. | $550.00 |
| Annual Saltwater Charter Fishing Vessel | The Annual Saltwater Charter Fishing Vessel License is valid for one year and expires on June 30th. This license applies to charter vessels carrying 7- 49 paying passengers, and it comes with reporting requirements. | $900.00 |
| Annual Saltwater Charter Fishing Vessel | The Annual Saltwater Charter Fishing Vessel License is valid for one year and expires on June 30th. This license applies to charter vessels carrying 50 or more paying passengers, and it comes with reporting requirements. | $1,300.00 |
| Non-resident Nongame Freshwater Fishing Permits | ||
| Annual Jug Permit | The Annual Jug Permit allows up to 50 jugs per licensee, subject to the body of water. This permit expires on June 30. | $50.00 |
| Annual Set Hook Permit | The Annual Set Hook Permit allows up to 50 hooks per licensee, subject to the body of water. This permit expires on June 30. | $50.00 |
| Annual Eel Pot Tag | The Annual Eel Pot Tag allows recreational fishing with a limit of 2 pots per licensee. This tag requires reporting requirements and it expires on June 30. | $50.00 |
| Annual Gill Net Tag (Not for Shad or Herring) | The Annual Gill Net Tag (not for Shad or Herring) allows recreational fishing with a limit of 3 nets total, not exceeding 100 yards in length. This tag expires on June 30. | $50.00 |
| Annual Hoop Net Tag | The Annual Hoop Net Tag allows recreational fishing with a limit of 1 net per licensee 65 years and older on the Wateree River only. This tag expires on June 30. | $50.00 |
| Annual Trap Tag | The Annual Trap Tag allows recreational fishing with a limit of 2 traps per licensee. This tag expires on June 30. | $50.00 |
| Annual Trotline Tag | The Annual Trotline Tag allows recreational fishing with a limit of 1 trotline containing a maximum of 50 hooks. This tag expires on June 30. | $50.00 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can you fish without a license in SC?
You can fish without a license in SC if you are younger than 16. All anglers over the age of 16 need a valid fishing license to participate in the sport.
How do I get a free fishing license in SC?
There is only one way to get a free fishing license in SC, and that is if you qualify for the Gratis License. This license is only available only to residents born on or before 7/1/1940.
Do you need a fishing license in South Carolina to fish from the beach?
You do need a fishing license in South Carolina to fish from the beach. You will need a saltwater fishing license.
Final Thoughts
Getting your fishing license in South Carolina is easy, affordable, and important. It’s the law to protect our resources for future generations.
Every angler should take the time to get their license and do their part to ensure the fish population stays healthy for future generations to be able to enjoy.
So make sure you go online or contact your local Department of Natural Resources office today and get your South Carolina fishing license before you head out on your next fishing trip.
Once you do, be sure to download our bass fishing lures cheat sheet. With our cheat sheet, you will always know the best lures to throw, no matter where you’re throwing it.