Can a Felon Get a Fishing License? (2026) — Rights, Rules & State Laws

If you have a felony conviction and want to go fishing, the good news is clear: in all 50 US states, convicted felons can legally obtain a fishing license. A criminal record does not disqualify you from buying or holding a fishing license. However, there are a few important details to understand about how the licensing process works and some potential restrictions.

Can Felons Get a Fishing License?

Yes — without exception. Every US state issues fishing licenses to applicants regardless of criminal history. Here’s why:

• No background check — Fishing license applications do NOT run a criminal background check
• No felony question — The application form does NOT ask about criminal history
• No conviction exclusion — No state law prohibits felons from holding a fishing license
• No probation/parole restriction — Fishing is not a restricted activity under standard probation or parole conditions (with rare exceptions)

Fishing is a legal right. Unlike firearms, voting, or certain professional licenses, the right to fish is not revoked upon felony conviction in any US state.

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What the Application Requires

When buying a fishing license, you’ll be asked for:

What It Does NOT Ask

• ❌ Criminal history
• ❌ Felony convictions
• ❌ Arrest records
• ❌ Probation/parole status
• ❌ Background check authorization

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Social Security Number Concerns

Many felons worry about providing their SSN when buying a fishing license. Here’s what actually happens:

• Why states require SSN: Federal law (42 USC § 666) requires states to collect SSNs for recreational licenses to enforce child support obligations — not for criminal background checks
• Your SSN is not used for: Criminal record searches, warrant checks, or any law enforcement purpose
• States that don’t require SSN: A few states allow you to buy a license without an SSN, particularly for short-term or tourist licenses

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Potential Restrictions (Rare)

While felons can always get a fishing license, there are a few edge cases to be aware of:

Probation/Parole Travel Restrictions

• If your probation or parole conditions restrict travel, you may not be able to fish in other states without prior approval from your probation officer
• Fishing within your home state is generally unrestricted
• Check with your PO before planning out-of-state fishing trips

Firearms on Fishing Trips

• Felons cannot legally possess firearms, which means:
  • No carrying a handgun while fishing for personal protection
  • No hunting-fishing combo trips that involve firearms
  • Bow fishing IS legal for felons (bows are not classified as firearms under federal law)

Commercial Fishing Licenses

• Some states may conduct additional screening for commercial fishing licenses (which involve business licensing)
• Recreational fishing licenses have no such screening

Watercraft Restrictions

• In rare cases, felons on probation may have restrictions on operating motor vehicles, which could include motorboats
• Fishing from shore, kayak, canoe, or as a passenger on someone else’s boat is always an option

Fishing as Rehabilitation

Fishing is widely recognized as a therapeutic and rehabilitative activity. Many reentry programs and veteran organizations specifically encourage fishing:

• Project Healing Waters — Fly fishing for disabled veterans, including those with felony records
• Reel Recovery — Fishing retreats for cancer survivors and those in recovery
• State reentry programs — Several states include fishing licenses in their reentry support packages
• Therapeutic recreation — Fishing is recommended by mental health professionals for stress reduction and outdoor connection

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a felon get a fishing license? Yes. All 50 US states allow convicted felons to obtain a fishing license. There is no background check, no criminal history question, and no legal prohibition against felons holding a fishing license.

Do they run a background check for a fishing license? No. Fishing license applications do not include criminal background checks. The SSN collected is used for child support enforcement only, not for criminal record searches.

Can you fish while on probation? Yes, in most cases. Fishing is not a restricted activity under standard probation conditions. However, if your probation includes travel restrictions, you may need permission to fish in other states. Check with your probation officer.

Can a felon go deep sea fishing? Yes. Felons can fish on charter boats, party boats, and private vessels. The fishing license (or charter exemption) works the same regardless of criminal history.

Can felons go bow fishing? Yes. Bows are not classified as firearms under federal law, so felons can legally bow fish. A standard fishing license covers bow fishing in all states.

Will my felony come up when I buy a fishing license? No. The license vendor (whether Walmart, state website, or bait shop) processes your purchase through the state’s licensing system, which does not check criminal records. Your felony will not come up during the transaction.

For more on where to buy your license, see our Where to Buy Guide. For penalties for fishing without a license, see our Fishing License Penalties Guide.