Procedure to pick up "Lifetime" fishing license?

 

  Having just purchased my lifetime fishing license, (Last year, had one in possession already) how do get my license for this year?  Go to retailer and inform them I have lifetime license and want a copy?  (I'll need to pay my 2nd rod stamp, I know that)

I think you can do it online. I was looking at getting ing one of these for my daughter before her tenth birthday and it looks like you can do it all online.

I have a (greatly) reduced price license due to my level of disability that I received last year. For this year, I received a renewal notice by mail informing me of payment options, one of which was online. On the online site, I entered a serial number from my license that then identified me. IF it isn't legitimate, it won't work. Then entered CC info, clicked Enter, and received my license within 10 days. November 15 is usually the starting point for getting the license for the next year.

I've had one for about 13yrs now. They stopped mailing it to me ~4yrs ago. You can go to any shop that sells licenses and they will print it for you (providing you have a valid CA ID).

Make sure that you let them know it's a lifetime license when you're picking it up in person.

I made the mistake of assuming that it was a no-brainer while picking it up at a sporting goods store. The cashier selected 'Sport License' instead of the lifetime option (why is there a sport option??). So he wouldn't release the license unless it was paid for and the lifetime was no longer an option -- only reprinting a duplicate which is another charge.

The worst part of it was the cashier, who kept on repeating "why would you need pickup a new license every year if it's a lifetime license". The manager of the store got involved and tried to convince me that a lifetime license did not have to be printed every year and that she had one herself.

One of the worst experiences in my life and I finally got it after an hour of suggesting how they can make the situation right. I'm getting it online from now with the option of having a digital copy until it arrives.

Ugggh, that sucks Keith.
I've been renewing mine (aka having it printed) from the DFG office in Monterey the past few years. Instead of dealing with no-brainer sporting no-goods.

About 8yrs ago, I didn't receive mine in the mail. So I called then went to the DFG office. They claimed it was mailed. And I had to sign an affidavit then give them another $15 bucks to get a duplicate. So...even the system of mailing them is not 100% reliable.

It would seem logical that the price of a lifetime license would go down significantly as one ages and the time left to fish is shortened.  I don't think that's the case?  I guess expecting logic from a government agency is unrealistic.  Considering the amount of fishing I do every year, the license fee is still a good deal compared to most other recreational activities.

It does.  There is also a discount for a child under 10, which is why I'm considering it for my daughter.

https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=75594&inline=1

The price does go down at age 62. I think it's like $510.

I've.had my lifetime license for 10 yrs.. they did have a glitch a few yrs ago mailing them out. They were supposed to have sent out a confirmation letter on your address,  but i didn't get one.I called and resolved the issue quickly. Had it within the first week of January.  I have never had a problem renewing it at the local big five, but always emphasized it was a life time and there should be no charge.

Just purchased my lifetime license December 30th and he printed my 2014 for me there.  Based on some of your replies, I'm not looking forward to next year. 

Just do it through the webpage. They allow you to print a temp license immediately and the actual one comes in the mail. Have had no problems last couple years.

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  If I were to print this years temp license out, online, how can I get my 2nd rod fees covered?  Will shops print new copy with any stamps purchased then?
or will those copies be another $15 to print them?

  If I were to print this years temp license out, online, how can I get my 2nd rod fees covered?  Will shops print new copy with any stamps purchased then?
or will those copies be another $15 to print them?

They aren't literally stamps anymore. They are just printed separately on the blue dfw paper. So:

1.  Print out temp license
2.  Go to retail agent and purchase 2nd rod endorsement. Go fishing.
3.  License arrives in mail. Discard temp. Keep 2nd rod endorsement.

When you put in the order online you can add the 2nd rod fee to your "checkout" basket.  It will print on your temp license and will be on the permanent one once it arrives in the mail.  No "stamp" anymore.