Qualifications/Requirements for Each Type of License

For all resident class licenses, applicants must furnish satisfactory "proof of residency" to the license agent. Resident class licenses shall only be issued to bona fide residents of Pennsylvania. A bona fide resident is defined as a permanent resident who has a fixed intent to return to Pennsylvania when he leaves and who maintains a permanent place of residence in Pennsylvania. A person is not a bona fide resident while claiming residence in another state for any purpose.

 When purchasing a resident fishing license, you must possess and be able to present one of the following documents:

1. valid PA driver�s license
2. a valid non-driver photo identification card
3. a current PA firearms permit
4. a previous year�s PA state income tax return showing proof of payment of personal income tax as a resident of PA
5. a previous year�s local earned income tax return showing tax paid to a PA municipality
6. a current PA voter registration card.

If an applicant cannot furnish one of the documents listed above, they may complete a PFBC-L-101, Affidavit of Pennsylvania Residency and/or Affidavit Pertaining to Social Security Number.  The completed affidavit of residency will be investigated by a Waterways Conservation Officer.

Military Personnel who are stationed in PA under permanent change of station order (PCS) of a duration of 6 months or more qualify for a Resident license.  This also includes residents of PA stationed outside of PA as long as they do not become a resident of another state.

Non-resident students attending college in PA are not entitled to resident licenses if their permanent residence is not PA.