Anyone aged 16 or older must possess a valid fishing license to fish in Illinois unless exempt. Both residents and non-residents are required to carry either a physical or electronic copy of their license while fishing.
Exemptions
Residents who are legally disabled or blind, owners or tenants fishing on their own land (excluding club or organizational lakes), active-duty military from Illinois on leave, and those fishing at DNR-licensed fee fishing areas are exempt from needing a fishing license.
Non-residents are exempt when fishing on the Illinois side of shared rivers with their home state license, at DNR-licensed fee fishing areas, or during Free Fishing Days announced annually.
License Types and Fees
Residents may purchase an annual fishing license for $15.00, a 24-hour license for $5.50, a senior (65+) license for $7.75, or a senior (75+) license for $1.50. The Sportsmen’s License, which includes both fishing and hunting privileges, costs $26.25.
A lifetime fishing license is available for $435.00. Annual and sportsmen’s licenses are half price for qualifying veterans. Non-residents may obtain an annual license for $31.50, a three-day license for $15.50, or a 24-hour license for $10.50.
Where to Purchase
Licenses can be bought online through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) website or at approved license vendors throughout the state.
Validity
Fishing licenses are valid from March 1 to March 31 of the following year.
Hunting Licenses and Permits in Illinois (2025)
General Hunting License Requirements
Most hunting activities in Illinois require a valid hunting license, including deer hunting. Some landowners and youth may be exempt; details are available from the IDNR.
Deer Hunting Permits
In addition to a hunting license, a valid deer permit is required for deer hunting. Permits are issued through a lottery system with multiple application periods. The first lottery is open to Illinois residents from March 4 to April 30.
The second lottery, from May 12 to June 30, is for residents not successful in the first lottery and nonresidents. The third lottery, from July 11 to August 15, is open to both residents and nonresidents. Remaining permits are sold over-the-counter at vendors starting October 21, until quotas are exhausted.
Landowner Permits
Resident and nonresident landowners may apply for special deer permits, with deadlines typically in September.
Legal Hunting Devices
Legal devices for deer hunting include shotguns (slugs only), muzzleloading rifles (at least .45 caliber), and certain centerfire single-shot rifles and handguns (as of 2023). Archery equipment may be used with a firearm permit on private land only.
Harvest Reporting
Hunters must report harvested deer as required by the IDNR.
Summary Table
| Activity | Who Needs License/Permit | Exemptions/Notes | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fishing | 16+ | See above (disabled, military, landowners) | Online, vendors |
| Hunting (general) | Most hunters | Landowners, youth (varies) | Online, vendors |
| Deer Hunting | All deer hunters | Must have hunting license + deer permit | Lottery, vendors |
Always check for the latest regulations and season dates, as they can change annually. Carry your license or permit while fishing or hunting. Permits for deer hunting are limited and distributed via lottery for most of the year.
Illinois’s 2025 hunting and fishing license laws ensure sustainable wildlife management while providing opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Sources:
- https://dnr.illinois.gov/lpr/deerpermitsfees.html
- https://huntillinois.org/deer
- https://dnr.illinois.gov/hunting/deerhunting.html
- https://www.ifishillinois.org/regulations/FishingDigest.pdf