Buy a Tennessee Fishing License Online Through Go Outdoors
This page is a complete online buying guide for Tennessee fishing licenses. It explains the exact official paths, login choices, resident checks, license products, trout decisions, special permits, proof rules and reprint steps before you pay.
Use Go Outdoors Tennessee only for the final action: buy, reprint, manage your account, locate an agent or verify live rules. The practical details are already organized here so the user does not need to jump across multiple official pages just to understand what to buy.
Quick answer: Tennessee fishing licenses can be purchased online through the official Go Outdoors Tennessee licensing system. Existing customers should use Customer Lookup first. New customers create a TWRA customer account before buying.
Before checkout: confirm resident/nonresident status, age, trip length, trout need, special-water permit need, start date and proof method. Most annual licenses and permits are valid for 365 days from purchase unless otherwise noted, so check effective and expiration dates in the cart.
After purchase: the electronic license copy emailed to you is a true and legal copy. You can also log in and choose “reprint my license” to send or print another copy.
What Go Outdoors Tennessee Does and What This Page Helps With
Go Outdoors Tennessee is the official online system for TWRA licensing actions. This article explains the decision-making before you use that system.
Purchase licenses and permits
Use it to buy Tennessee fishing licenses, hunting licenses, trout coverage and special permits when you already know the correct product.
Create or manage account
Existing customers can access their account. New customers create a TWRA customer profile before purchasing.
Free license reprints
Active annual licenses can be reprinted online at no charge by logging into your Go Outdoors Tennessee account.
Locate an agent
The official agent tool searches by city, county or near-me distance and can include check stations or harvest-reporting capability.
Mobile app support
The TWRA On the Go / Go Outdoors app can purchase licenses, store licenses for yourself and others, access regulations and help find places to fish.
Not a rule shortcut
A successful checkout does not replace trout rules, creel limits, bait rules, access permission, special permits or waterbody exceptions.
Before You Buy Online Do These 8 Checks
The official checkout is easiest when you already know what you need. Do these checks first.
Existing account?
If you have ever held a Tennessee hunting/fishing license or registered a vessel, you already have an account. Use customer lookup first.
Resident status
Resident licenses require Tennessee resident eligibility. The online system verifies resident status through Tennessee Department of Safety data.
Age group
Children 12 and under do not need a regular license. Ages 13–15 usually need the Junior Hunt/Fish/Trap license. Age 16+ usually needs an adult product.
Trip length
Residents usually choose annual or 1-day. Visitors usually compare 3-day, 10-day, annual no-trout or annual all-species.
Trout or no trout
Resident trout uses supplemental or all-species products. Nonresidents who may fish trout should buy all-species from the start.
Special water
Gatlinburg, Reelfoot, Tellico-Citico, TWRA State Lakes, Lake Halford, Bedford Lake and South Holston VA-side fishing can need extra products.
Start date
Most annual licenses are valid 365 days from purchase. Buy near your first real trip if you want maximum value.
Proof plan
Phone proof is legal, but save screenshots and one printed copy before fishing in low-signal areas.
Which Official Path Should You Use?
Use the right official page for your task. This prevents going in circles inside the portal.
| Your task | Official path | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Buy a new fishing license | Go Outdoors Tennessee main portal | Start purchase, sign in, create account, choose licenses and permits. |
| Find old account | Customer Lookup | Use date of birth, last name and a third identifier to access an existing customer account. |
| Reprint license | Customer Lookup → account → reprint my license | Print active licenses or send another license email. |
| Buy at a store | Locate an Agent | Search by city, county or near-me distance. |
| Check current fees | TWRA License Structure and Fees | Verify resident, nonresident, senior, youth, trout and special permit prices. |
| Store on phone | TWRA On the Go / Go Outdoors app | Buy, renew, store licenses, access regulations and find outdoor places. |
| Need login help | Go Outdoors support | Call 1-888-891-8972 for login assistance. |
How to Buy a Tennessee Fishing License Online Step by Step
Follow this order. It is designed to prevent wrong-product checkout.
Open the official portal
Go to Go Outdoors Tennessee. Avoid ads, coupon pages or unofficial sites that imitate license help. Payment should happen only on the official portal.
Open official portalUse Customer Lookup if you ever bought before
If you ever held a Tennessee hunting/fishing license or registered a vessel, you already have an account. Use date of birth, last name and a third identifier before creating a new profile.
Customer lookupCreate a customer account only if truly new
New resident and nonresident customers start by creating a TWRA customer account. U.S. citizens must provide Social Security Number information for license purchase.
Confirm resident verification
Resident customers generally need a valid Tennessee Driver License or Tennessee state-issued photo ID. The system verifies residency through the Tennessee Department of Safety’s online system.
Select the fishing product
Choose the correct resident, nonresident, youth, senior, 1-day, 3-day, 10-day, annual, trout or all-species product.
Add trout and special permits if needed
Add Annual Trout Supplemental, all-species, Gatlinburg, Reelfoot, Tellico-Citico, TWRA State Lake, Lake Halford, Bedford Lake or South Holston products before final payment if your trip requires them.
Review cart dates and fees
Check effective date, expiration date, selected license holder, mailing address, processing fees, trout coverage and special permits. Existing licenses must be within 10 days of expiration to be eligible for renewal.
Pay and save proof immediately
After payment, save the email, download or screenshot the license, and print one backup copy. Do not wait until you reach the water.
Online License Picker What Should I Select?
Tap your situation before opening the official checkout page.
Choose your online purchase situation
Information Needed to Buy Online Have This Ready
Online checkout is much faster when you prepare these details before starting.
Customer identity
Date of birth, last name, address, phone and email should match the account information you enter.
Login identifier
Customer Lookup can use date of birth, last name and a third identifier such as last four of SSN, U.S. driver’s license, Customer ID or other option.
SSN rule
U.S. citizens must provide Social Security Number information to purchase a Tennessee hunting or fishing license. Non-U.S. citizens may need other documentation.
Resident verification
Resident customers should have a valid Tennessee Driver License or Tennessee state photo ID. Residency is verified online.
Email access
Use an email you can access immediately. The electronic license copy is sent by email and is legal proof.
Payment method
Have a valid card ready and review processing fees before final submission.
Resident Verification Before You Choose Resident Pricing
Choosing the wrong resident status can create a false-license problem. Verify first.
| Resident route | What official guidance says | Buying advice |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee driver license or state ID | Persons with valid Tennessee Driver License or Tennessee state ID can buy resident licenses. | Enter details exactly as shown on the ID. |
| 90-day proof route | Other proofs can include Tennessee voter registration, vehicle registration/title, I-94, rental/mortgage contract, deed, or real estate tax receipt after the residency period. | Use official guidance if online verification does not work. |
| Active-duty military in Tennessee | Active-duty military personnel in Tennessee and children under 16 residing with them can qualify regardless of Tennessee resident status. | Keep proof available. |
| Students | Students enrolled in a Tennessee school, college or university for at least six months with appropriate student ID can qualify. | Have student ID/proof ready. |
| Native Tennessean nonresident | Nonresidents born in Tennessee may apply for Native Tennessean annual licenses at resident cost after application approval. | First-time applicants must use the official application process. |
| False information | Giving false information to obtain a license is a misdemeanor and can mean a fine and loss of license. | Do not guess; call TWRA if unsure. |
Online Cost Snapshot Most Common Fishing Products
Use this before checkout. Processing fees apply, fees can change, and the official cart controls the final total.
Resident online products
| Product | Listed cost | Who should choose it online | Checkout warning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior Hunt/Fish/Trap, ages 13–15 | $9 | Resident youth ages 13–15. | Must be purchased before 16th birthday. WMA permits may still be needed. |
| 1-Day Fishing – No Trout | $6 | Resident one-day non-trout trip. | Wrong choice if trout may be targeted. |
| 1-Day Fishing – All Species | $11 | Resident one-day trip with trout possibility. | Cleanest one-day trout option. |
| Combination Hunt/Fish Annual | $33 | Resident adults fishing statewide without trout. | Minimum annual resident fishing/small-game base; trout needs supplemental. |
| Annual Trout Supplemental | $21 | Resident anglers fishing for trout with eligible base license. | Must be purchased with eligible base product. |
| South Holston Reservoir Supplemental | $20 | TN residents fishing the Virginia portion of South Holston Reservoir. | Needed even by Sportsman license holders for VA-side fishing. |
| County of Residence Fishing – No Trout | $10 | Very limited resident home-county natural-bait fishing. | County-only, natural bait only, no minnows, no artificial lures, trout supplemental needed for trout. |
| Annual Senior Citizen Hunt/Fish/Trap | $4 | Resident age 65+ wanting annual senior product. | Proof of age/residency required; WMA and quota fees can still apply. |
| Permanent Senior Citizen Hunt/Fish/Trap | $49 | Resident age 65+ wanting one-time senior product. | WMA and quota fees can still apply. |
| Annual Sportsman | $165 | Resident anglers/hunters wanting broad state privileges. | All-inclusive for hunting, trapping and sport fishing without state supplemental licenses or non-quota permits. |
| Senior Sportsman | $49 | Resident age 65+ wanting Sportsman privileges. | Does not remove every possible federal or special-location rule. |
Nonresident online fishing products
| Product | Listed cost | Who should choose it online | Checkout warning | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Junior Hunt/Fish Combination – No Big Game | $10 | Nonresident youth ages 13–15 fishing or small game. | Youth 12 and under do not need a license. | |||
| Annual Fishing – No Trout | $49 | Repeat visitor without trout. | Does not cover – No Big Game | $10 | Nonresident youth ages 13–15 fishing or small game. | You trout. |
| 3-Day Fishing – No Trout | $20 | Short visitor trip without trout. | Do not buy if trout may happen. | |||
| 3-Day Fishing – All Species | $40 | Short visitor trip with trout. | Special permits can still apply. | |||
| 10-Day Fishing – No Trout | $30 | Longer visitor trip without trout. | Compare with annual if returning. | |||
| 10-Day Fishing – All Species | $61 | Longer visitor trip with trout. | Good for multi-day East Tennessee trout trips. | |||
| Annual Fishing – All Species | $98 | Frequent visitor with trout possibility. | Best visitor choice when trout and repeat trips are likely. |
Trout Check Before Online Payment
This is one of the most common online buying mistakes in Tennessee.
Resident trout
Residents usually need an eligible base license plus Annual Trout Supplemental, or a 1-day all-species product for a one-day trout trip.
Visitor trout
Nonresidents should choose an all-species product if trout may be targeted. Do not buy no-trout first and hope to patch it later.
Special trout waters
Gatlinburg and Tellico-Citico can have special permit products in addition to ordinary trout decisions.
Special Permit Check Before You Click Pay
A valid base license may still be incomplete on certain waters.
| Water / place | Product to check online | Listed cost / note |
|---|---|---|
| Tellico River / Citico Creek / Green Cove Pond | Tellico-Citico Trout 1-Day Permit | $6; required for all ages where applicable. |
| TWRA State Lakes | TWRA State Lake Fishing Permit | Daily $6 or Annual $48; required in addition to base license for applicable ages. |
| Bedford Lake | Bedford Lake 1-Day Fishing Permit | $6 for location-specific fishing. |
| Gatlinburg one-day trout | 1-Day Gatlinburg Trout License | $11; only requirement for residents or nonresidents to fish one day in Gatlinburg. Streams closed Thursdays due to stocking. |
| Gatlinburg with base license | 1-Day or 3-Day Gatlinburg Trout Permit | $3 one day or $9 three day; required for ages 13–64 in addition to the proper fishing license unless using 1-day Gatlinburg trout license. |
| Lake Halford | Lake Halford 1-Day or Annual Permit | $6 daily or $48 annual; required for recreation except under 16 and residents 65+. |
| Reelfoot WMA | Reelfoot Preservation Permit | $3 one day, $10 three day, $16 annual; required for many users except under 16, residents 65+, and Sportsman license holders. |
| South Holston Reservoir VA portion | South Holston Reservoir Supplemental | $20 for licensed TN residents fishing the Virginia portion; Sportsman license holders still need it. |
| Slat basket use | Slat Basket Tag | $10 where applicable. |
Free Fishing Day and Free Fishing Week Before Buying for Kids
Before buying for a child or one-time beginner trip, check the free fishing dates.
Bobby Wilson Free Fishing Day
June 6, 2026 is Free Fishing Day. This is useful for beginners, visiting family and one-day trial trips.
Free Fishing Week
Children ages 15 and younger can fish free between June 6–12, 2026.
Rules still apply
Free fishing does not remove creel limits, size limits, bait rules, access rules or private-property permission.
After Buying: Electronic Proof, Reprint and App
Do this immediately after payment. Do not wait until an officer asks for proof.
| Need | What to do | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Show license on phone | Use the electronic copy received by email. | Go Outdoors states the electronic copy is a true and legal copy. |
| Send another license email | Log into account and select reprint my license. | Useful if the original email is lost. |
| Print backup | Use customer lookup and reprint active licenses. | Good for low-signal areas, kids, seniors, guides and boat bags. |
| Use the app | Use TWRA On the Go / Go Outdoors Tennessee app. | Can purchase licenses, store licenses for yourself/others, access regulations and find places to fish. |
| Lost hard copy sportsman license or boat card | Contact the TWRA sales office. | Official FAQ lists sales office help for hard-copy sportsman license or boat registration card issues. |
| Address for physical items | Verify your address at the time of purchase. | Important for cards, mail, and account accuracy. |
Rules After Buying License Is Not the Whole Job
A license lets you participate legally only if every other rule also matches your trip.
Inspection law
TWRA officers can check whether license and wildlife requirements are being followed. Refusing or interfering with inspection is a violation.
Private property
If you fish on private property, obtain permission from the owner. A fishing license does not grant access.
Bait and trash
Do not dump unused bait in the water. Drain bait buckets on land or dispose of bait in the trash.
Do not move bass
It is illegal to intentionally release live fish into public Tennessee waters away from where they were harvested.
Creel and length limits
Check statewide limits and waterbody exceptions before keeping fish. A valid license does not override local limits.
Licenses are not transferable
A license belongs to the license holder. Do not share, transfer or use someone else’s license.
Online Checkout Traps That Cause Wrong Purchases
Read these before paying. They are the real-world mistakes that hurt users.
1. Buying no-trout as a visitor
If you are a nonresident and trout may happen, buy all-species. A cheap no-trout license can become useless for your real trip.
2. Choosing county-only without reading limits
County of Residence Fishing is not a normal statewide license. It is home-county, natural bait only, no minnows and no artificial lures.
3. Ignoring special permits
Reelfoot, Gatlinburg, TWRA State Lakes, Lake Halford, Bedford Lake and Tellico-Citico can need extra products.
4. Creating duplicate accounts
If you bought before, use customer lookup first. Duplicate profiles can complicate license history and reprints.
5. Waiting until the water
Bad cell signal, login failure or payment delay at the boat ramp can ruin a trip. Buy before you leave home.
6. Not saving offline proof
Email proof is legal, but your phone still needs battery and access. Screenshot and print one backup.
7. Ignoring cart dates
Most annual items are 365 days, but some items have fixed dates. Check effective and expiration dates before payment.
8. Using false resident information
False information to obtain a license can mean fines and loss of license privileges.
Go Outdoors Tennessee Troubleshooting Fast Fix Table
Most problems are account, verification, email or product-selection issues.
| Problem | Try this first | When to call |
|---|---|---|
| I cannot find my account | Use customer lookup with DOB, last name and a third identifier such as last 4 SSN, driver license, Customer ID or other option. | Call 1-888-891-8972 for login assistance. |
| I bought before but system asks me to create account | Stop and try lookup again to avoid duplicate account. | Call login help if the old account cannot be found. |
| Resident verification fails | Check Tennessee driver license or state ID details exactly. | Contact TWRA / Go Outdoors support before buying wrong status. |
| System asks for full SSN | Complete the official portal requirement if buying a license as a U.S. citizen. | Do not email SSN to general TWRA email. |
| I chose wrong product | Do not assume refunds, swaps or automatic fixes. Check official help immediately. | Call license section before using the license. |
| No license email arrived | Check spam and email address, then log in and reprint/send another email. | Call if the account shows no active license after payment. |
| Payment failed | Do not repeat payment blindly. Check account/license status and bank card hold. | Call support if unsure whether purchase completed. |
| Need an agent instead | Use Locate an Agent by city, county or near me. | Call the agent before driving if you need a specific product. |
Should You Buy Online or at a License Agent?
Online is faster for most users, but an agent can help if you are uncomfortable with checkout or need in-person support.
Buy online if…
- You know the correct product.
- You have DOB, email, SSN/identifier and payment ready.
- You need a license immediately.
- You want free online reprints.
- You want to store proof on phone.
Use an agent if…
- You are unsure about account setup.
- You have verification problems.
- You prefer in-person help.
- You need someone to confirm product names before purchase.
- You cannot safely complete online payment.
After Buying Checklist Before You Cast
Buying online is not the final step. Do this before fishing.
Confirm product names
Check that your active license includes the right fishing, trout, all-species or special permit product.
Confirm dates
Check effective and expiration dates, especially for short-term licenses and annual 365-day products.
Save proof offline
Screenshot, email, app storage and printed copy are better than trusting cell service.
Check limits
License does not replace creel limits, length limits, trout rules, bait rules or special water exceptions.
Confirm access
A fishing license does not give permission to enter private property or restricted access points.
Handle bait correctly
Do not dump unused bait or move live fish between waters. Drain bait water on land.
Go Outdoors / TWRA Help Contacts and Map
Use these contacts when the official portal cannot solve the issue.
TWRA central office
5107 Edmondson Pike, Ellington Agricultural Center, Nashville, TN 37211
Main: 615-781-6500
Email: Ask.TWRA@tn.gov
Login help
Go Outdoors Tennessee login assistance: 1-888-891-8972
Use this for account lookup, login and profile access issues.
License section
TWRA License Section & Agency Sales: 615-781-5270
Use this for license product or sales questions.
Fisheries
Fisheries Division: 615-781-6575
Use for fisheries, stocking, fishery programs and related questions.
Law enforcement
Law Enforcement Division: 615-781-6580
TWRA officers are dispatched through regional offices rather than public employee phone listings.
Regional offices
Region 1 Jackson: 731-423-5725
Region 2 Nashville: 615-781-6622
Region 3 Crossville: 931-484-9571
Region 4 Morristown: 423-587-7037
Official Links for Final Action
Use these only after you know what you need. The goal is for users to leave only for payment, account access, reprint, agent lookup or live rule verification.
Buy online
Official Go Outdoors Tennessee portal for license purchases, permits, reprints and account management.
Open official portalCustomer lookup / reprint
Use for existing accounts, viewing/printing licenses and sending another license email.
Lookup accountLocate an agent
Use if you prefer in-person help or want to buy from an approved license agent.
Find agentOfficial fees
Use to verify resident, nonresident, youth, senior, trout and special permit costs.
View fee tableFishing rules
Use for creel limits, length limits, bait rules, trout regulations and special water exceptions.
Check regulationsAccessibility licenses
Use for disability, blind fishing, wheelchair-restricted, disabled veteran, SSI and related application-only licenses.
Accessibility infoBuy Tennessee Fishing License Online FAQ
Where do I buy a Tennessee fishing license online?
Buy through the official Go Outdoors Tennessee portal. It is the TWRA online licensing system for fishing licenses, permits, reprints and account access.
Should I create a new account?
Only if you have never bought a Tennessee hunting/fishing license or registered a vessel. If you have ever done either, use Customer Lookup because you already have an account.
What information do I need for customer lookup?
Use date of birth, customer last name and a third identifier such as last four of SSN, U.S. driver’s license, Customer ID or another option offered by the portal.
Do I need a Social Security Number to buy online?
For U.S. citizens, Social Security Number information is required to purchase a Tennessee hunting or fishing license. Non-U.S. citizens may need other documentation.
Can I reprint my Tennessee fishing license online?
Yes. Log into Go Outdoors Tennessee and choose the reprint option. Active annual licenses can be printed online at no charge.
Is an electronic Tennessee fishing license legal?
Yes. The electronic license copy received by email is a true and legal copy of the license. It is still smart to save a screenshot or printed backup.
How long is a Tennessee annual fishing license valid?
Most annual Tennessee licenses and permits are valid for 365 days from the purchase date unless otherwise noted. Some items have fixed expiration dates, so check the cart.
Can nonresidents add trout later?
Nonresidents should buy an all-species product if trout may be targeted. Tennessee does not use a simple separate nonresident trout add-on like the resident supplemental path.
What is the cheapest resident annual Tennessee fishing license online?
For most resident adults fishing statewide without trout, the common base annual product is Combination Hunt/Fish Annual at $33 before processing fees.
Should I buy County of Residence Fishing online?
Only if you understand the limitations. It is county-of-residence only, natural bait only, no minnows, no artificial lures, and does not cover trout unless trout supplemental is added.
Can I buy at a store instead of online?
Yes. Use the official Locate an Agent tool to find a nearby Tennessee hunt and fish licensing agent by city, county or near-me search.
Who do I call for Go Outdoors Tennessee login help?
For Go Outdoors Tennessee login assistance, call 1-888-891-8972. For TWRA License Section & Agency Sales, call 615-781-5270.
Do I still need fishing rules after buying online?
Yes. A license does not replace creel limits, length limits, trout rules, bait rules, special permit rules, access rules or private-property permission.
Can I email TWRA my Social Security Number for help?
No. TWRA specifically warns not to send Social Security Number or other private information through general email.
Final Online Buying Advice
Do not treat Go Outdoors Tennessee as one quick payment button. The correct purchase depends on existing account lookup, resident status, age, trip length, trout, special water, expiration date, proof method and the fishing rules for the exact water.
Best path: customer lookup first → confirm resident/nonresident → choose trip length → solve trout → check special permits → review cart dates and processing fees → pay → save email, screenshot and printed proof before fishing.