Apply for your New South Wales fishing licence today

Skip the complexities of traditional application methods. With Fishing Licences NSW, obtaining your licence becomes a breeze. We streamline the process, ensuring accuracy and prompt delivery straight to your email.

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Disclaimer

Fishing Licences NSW is an independent service, assisting individuals in the process of obtaining fishing licences for New South Wales. Please be informed that we are not affiliated, endorsed, or in partnership with the NSW Government or any of its agencies.

For more information please refer to our Terms and conditions.

Who is required to have a NSW fishing licence?

Recreational fishing licences are required in NSW, even if you only fish occasionally. If you're aged 18 or older, and you're engaged in any of the following activities in NSW waters, freshwater or saltwater, you need a recreational fishing licence:

  • Spearfishing
  • Hand lining or hand gathering
  • Trapping
  • Bait collecting
  • Prawn netting
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How our service works

1

Apply online

We gather the necessary details from you to facilitate the fishing licence application process with Service NSW.

2

Submit on your behalf

We review the provided data to ensure it's accuracy and then submit on your behalf to Service NSW.

3

Fishing licence provision

After submitting the application on your behalf, we email you your NSW fishing licence proof of purchase.

Who is eligible to apply for a NSW fishing licence?

You're exempt from paying the NSW recreational fishing fee if you're:

  • aged under 18
  • an adult assisting a person under the age of 18 to take:
    • a fish with a single rod, or
    • prawns with a single dip or scoop net
  • fishing in a private dam less than 2 hectares in surface area
  • an Aboriginal person
  • the holder of one of the following:
    • current pensioner concession card issued by Services Australia or Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA)
    • current DVA Veteran Gold Card marked 'TPI' or 'EDA'
    • letter or statement from the DVA stating the person receives a Disability Compensation payment at more than 70% or is eligible for a Special Rate Disability Pension.
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“We recognise the intricacies and challenges of the traditional fishing licence application process. Our mission is to simplify this journey, providing a streamlined path for enthusiasts.”

Frequently asked questions

Can I start fishing before I receive my licence?

Yes. You can use the receipt provided to you as your licence until you get your plastic card. You can also add your digital licence to your Service NSW app as soon as you complete this application.

How will I receive my licence?

Digital licences are available on an opt-in basis; you'll still receive a physical licence or permit.  You can use the receipt provided to you as your licence until such time as your receive your plastic card in the post.

I’m fishing near NSW waters. Do I require a licence?

Yes. A recreational fishing licence is required to fish in NSW waters, both freshwater and saltwater, for anglers aged 18 years and older. If you’re on or near NSW fishing waters and have fishing gear with you, you'll need to be able to show your licence fee receipt.

How do I prove I’m eligible for an exemption?

If you're eligible for a fishing licence exemption, you'll need to carry the necessary proof when you're fishing, in case you're called upon to show it.