LICENSING INFORMATION

New Mexico, anglers aged 12 and older are required to have a valid fishing license to fish in public waters. Licenses are available for both residents and non-residents, with various options to accommodate different needs.

For current updates on regulations or Fees please click on the NMDGF logo.

License Types and Fees

  • Annual Fishing License

    • Residents (12–64 years): $25

    • Non-residents (12 years and older): $56

  • Short-Term Licenses

    • One-Day License (Residents and Non-residents): $12

    • Five-Day License (Residents and Non-residents): $24

  • Junior Annual Fishing License (ages 12–17)

    • Residents: $5

    • Non-residents: $15

  • Senior Annual Fishing License (ages 65–69)

    • Residents: $8

    • Non-residents: Not Available

  • Free Licenses

    • Residents 70 years and older: Available online, by phone, at license vendors, and at all New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (NMDGF) offices.

    • 100% Disabled Resident Veterans: Available by application through the NMDGF Headquarters in Santa Fe.

    • Foster Families: Available at all NMDGF offices. Proof of eligibility is mandatory (e.g., CYFD identification cards, foster placement docs, residency proof).

Additional Validations and Stamps

  • Habitat Management & Access Validation (HMAV): $4

    • Required annually for anglers aged 18 and older, except when holding a free fishing license.

  • Habitat Stamp: $10

    • Mandatory for anglers aged 12 and older when fishing on U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management properties.

  • Second Rod Validation: $4

    • Allows anglers to fish with two rods; required for those aged 12–69, except when holding a free fishing license.

Purchasing a License

Licenses, validations, and stamps can be purchased through the following methods:

Residency Requirements

To qualify for resident license fees, an individual must have resided in New Mexico for at least 90 consecutive days immediately preceding the license application and must not claim residency elsewhere.

Additional Information

  • Anglers under 12 years of age are exempt from licensing requirements.

  • Licenses are valid from April 1 through March 31 of the following year.

  • All anglers must adhere to state fishing regulations, including bag and possession limits.

NMDGF