Buying an Extra License to Keep Handy

January 14, 2016

Question: Several years ago, I lost my fishing license and could not locate the
duplicate, so I was forced to purchase a new license. About a month later, I found the lost license, and at that point technically had two licenses for the same year (with ocean enhancement validation, etc). I found that having an extra license gave me piece of mind because as I transitioned from my car to a friend’s, to a boat, to a sport fishing charter, I could keep one in my dry box (that goes from car to boat) and another with my fishing gear. Is there any regulation prohibiting me from doing this intentionally? From an economic point of view, it would be worth the extra cost to me to have the extra piece of mind, and I don’t mind that the funds go to an important state program. Can I purchase more than one fishing license so that I can always be sure to have one in my possession, no matter how forgetful I become? (Brent C., Santa Barbara)

Answer: Unfortunately, you cannot purchase more than one license intentionally. However, if your license is lost, you may purchase a duplicate license.

According to California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Sport Fishing Program Analyst Glenn Underwood, a person is prohibited from obtaining more than one license, tag, permit, reservation or other entitlement of the same type, except for certain short term licenses (Fish and Game Code, section 1053(1)). This section does allow a person to obtain a duplicate license, tag, permit, reservation or other entitlement upon the loss or destruction of the original with the payment of the duplicate fee.

CDFW has an Automated License Data System (ALDS) that keeps track of the licenses a person has purchased and makes obtaining a duplicate sport fishing or hunting license easy from any license agent. The ALDS enforces license rules regarding the number of licenses a person may possess and will not allow a person to purchase a second annual sport fishing or hunting license.

CDFW has an Automated License Data System (ALDS) that keeps track of the licenses a person has purchased

and yet, the Man still b sweatin a bruh to have the paper.  FGC 7145.  Big meanies.

We done conversated bout this topic b4.  Interest in joining a petition to put the burden back on the state to verify licensure upon presentation of ANY validly issued ID?  Demand more return on our tax and license "revenue." 

ALDS Database + Valid ID = enough.  No need to show THE fishing license!! 

Then you've got the need to show THE I.d. same difference.

Then you've got the need to show THE I.d. same difference.

license + ID versus just ID.  2 > 1, yes?   

Then you've got the need to show THE I.d. same difference.

license + ID versus just ID.  2 > 1, yes?   

Just noting that if you didn't have to produce a license because of ALDS, you'd still have to produce a form of I.d. After thinking about it, it's probably best to just produce the license, since sitting there waiting for a warden to check on your licensing via radio sounds shitty to me.

Then you've got the need to show THE I.d. same difference.

license + ID versus just ID.  2 > 1, yes?   

Just noting that if you didn't have to produce a license because of ALDS, you'd still have to produce a form of I.d. After thinking about it, it's probably best to just produce the license, since sitting there waiting for a warden to check on your licensing via radio sounds shitty to me.

That's a Bingo!

I don't have any insider info on this, but I suspect it's a feasibility issue for the wardens.

Well when you reason it like that!  righteous good point about getting the man on his way after contact!   

But think of all the extra $ the state would make when they inevitably run across fishermen w/outstanding warrants...

Saw 2 guys get hauled off the pier in rio vista one night for warrants. The 3rd guy had to beg the wardens to let him get the car keys from his brother to get home... never get them to have any interest in anything but the licence...

Saw 2 guys get hauled off the pier in rio vista one night for warrants. The 3rd guy had to beg the wardens to let him get the car keys from his brother to get home... never get them to have any interest in anything but the licence...

had warrants, probably did not have licenses.  EZ Lesson.  Have warrants = carry license!