Texas fishing licenses for kids, seniors and special cases

Texas treats some anglers differently by age or circumstance. A few need no license at all, some pay a lower price, and one group gets a license of its own. This page covers those cases as TPWD lists them, so a family can sort out who needs what before heading to the water.

General information from the TPWD pages listed at the bottom, read on the date shown. It is not legal advice. Prices and rules change with each license year (September 1 to August 31), so check TPWD or the checkout page before you buy.

Kids

A resident under 17 does not need a fishing license, and neither does a non-resident under 17. That covers the child, not the adult next to them. A grown-up who fishes needs a license unless an exemption applies where they are, such as a Texas state park.

One thing a license-free child may still need on the coast is a tag. TPWD says anglers who are exempt from the license can buy an Exempt Angler tag for a large red drum or spotted seatrout. TexCast's no-license guide has the details.

Seniors

• Born before January 1, 1931: a Texas resident in this group does not need a fishing license. It is a very small group today.
• Texas residents 65 and older, born on or after January 1, 1931: senior packages. TPWD's prices for this license year are $12 for the Senior Freshwater package, $17 for Senior Saltwater and $22 for Senior All-Water. Each includes a senior resident license and the endorsement or endorsements named in the package.
• Non-residents 65 and older: not a general discount. TPWD lists two groups who need no license: a Louisiana resident 65 or older with a valid Louisiana Recreational Fishing License, and an Oklahoma resident 65 or older.

Anglers who are legally blind

A Texas resident who is legally blind can buy the Special Resident All-Water Fishing License. TPWD prices it at $7 and says it needs no endorsement and includes one red drum tag and one spotted seatrout tag. TPWD lists its law enforcement sales offices and its retailer finder as the places to get it.

Anglers with an intellectual disability

TPWD lists two situations in which a Texas resident with an intellectual disability does not need a license:

• Fishing as part of medically approved therapy, under the immediate supervision of staff approved or employed by a hospital, residence or school for people with an intellectual disability. The angler carries an authorization that names the group providing the service, such as an ID card with the sponsor's name.
• Fishing under the direct supervision of a licensed angler who is a family member, or who has the family's permission to take the person fishing. The angler needs a doctor's note saying they have been diagnosed with an intellectual disability.

Free days and free places

On the first Saturday in June, TPWD says everyone can fish recreationally with no license or endorsements. Texas state parks also allow license-free fishing from the bank or a pier on their rivers and creeks. Both are covered in the no-license guide below.

Keep reading

• Fishing in Texas without a license
• Which license package to buy
• Fishing with a disability or limits
• Taking a kid fishing: the 90-minute rule
• Check which license you need

For more reading, we suggest these articles

• TPWD: Fishing Licenses and Packages (checked 2026-10-18)
• TPWD: Fishing Licenses, Endorsements & Tags (its Free Fishing Opportunities line) (checked 2026-10-18)

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