Auto-renewing a Fishing License

December 31, 2020

Question: I recently bought my 2021 fishing license at a sporting goods store. I found out after the fact that CDFW is now offering an auto-renewal option. I don’t remember being offered that option when I bought my license. When I buy my hunting license, can I sign up for auto-renewal of both licenses? (Arnold)

Answer: CDFW recently began offering auto-renewal for sport fishing licenses. If you choose this option, the credit card you provide will be charged annually in November and the next year’s fishing license will be mailed to you. This convenient option means that anglers no longer need to worry about lapses in licensure occurring during transitions to new license years. At this time, the option is only available for sport fishing licenses. CDFW expects to expand the program to include hunting licenses and related items in the future.

The only way to enroll in auto-renewal is through our Online License Sales and Services website. License agents, CDFW sales offices and telephone sales representatives cannot set up the required Customer Record Security Settings and credit card information for a customer’s record. However, regardless of how you purchased your license, you have the ability to enroll in auto-renewal at a later date by logging into your customer record through our Online License Sales and Services website.

You can find more information about the new auto-renewal option on CDFW’s website.