Introduction

When fishing in NSW waters, both freshwater and saltwater, you're legally required to pay a recreational fishing fee and carry the receipt showing payment. You can renew your 1 or 3 year recreational fishing licence online.

Recreational fishing licences are available as a digital licence. You can view, show, update, and renew your recreational fishing fee, on the Service NSW mobile app. To find out more about digital licences, see Get started with digital licences.

Eligibility

You must pay the recreational fishing fee unless you're:

  • under the age of 18
  • an adult helping a person under the age of 18 to take a fish using a single rod, or to take prawns using a single dip or scoop net
  • a person fishing in a private dam with a surface area of 2 hectares or less
  • a First Nation's person, or
  • the holder of any of the following:
    • Centrelink Pensioner Concession Card
    • Pensioner Concession Card issued by the Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA)
    • DVA Gold Card endorsed 'Totally and Permanently Incapacitated'
    • DVA Gold Card endorsed 'Extreme Disablement Adjustment'
    • a letter from the DVA stating that you receive a disability pension of 70% or higher, or an intermediate pension.
  • holders of Seniors Cards, Health Care Cards and Repatriation Health Cards are not exempt from paying the fishing fee.

What you need

  • your licence number
  • your renewal number (as shown on your renewal notice)
  • a valid credit card to pay the renewal fee.

How to renew

  1. Select the 'Renew online' button.
  2. Complete the online application form.

Note: If you're unable to apply online, call 1300 369 365 and pay your fishing fee over the phone. The number is available 24/7, and payment with MasterCard or Visa is accepted.

Privacy

The Privacy Collection Notice explains how the NSW Department of Primary Industries will handle your personal information.

If you're completing this application on behalf of the licence holder, you must have their consent.

Payment information

For online or phone transactions, you can pay with:

  • credit or debit card (MasterCard or Visa).

Please note that you may need to pay a merchant fee when paying by credit card.

More information

If you renew before your expiry date, your renewal begins from the date your current licence expires (not from the date of payment).

Last updated: 11 March 2024