Photo ID in Possession While Fishing?

January 17, 2014

Question: While fishing, besides carrying the appropriate license, do I also need to have photo identification in possession or can I leave it in my vehicle? (Gino A.)

Answer: You will need to verify that you are the person holding the fishing or hunting license. Though photo identification is not mandated by law, being able to identify yourself properly is. If you cannot appropriately identify who you are, you may see yourself in an extended contact with the game warden. If you're getting cited for something, the game warden may have to take you to jail until you can be properly identified. The bottom line is even though the law doesn't state you must have photo identification in possession, it would benefit you greatly to carry photo identification, so you may properly identify who you are to the game warden. One exception, commercial fishermen do have to carry photo identification.