Fishing licences
What does the licence cover?
A Victorian recreational fishing licence covers all forms of recreational
fishing in Victorian waters. This includes lakes, rivers and marine waters.
Can I use this licence interstate?
No. This licence is only valid for fishing in Victorian waters.
Can I buy a licence for a future date?
Yes. You can buy a licence for up to 3 months ahead.
Can I sell my licence or give it to someone else?
No. You can buy a licence for someone else, but you can't give or on-sell your own. Licences are for the named user only.
You can't buy a licence for someone else for a fee, commission or reward. Penalties apply.
Why do I have to pay for a licence?
The money collected from Victorian recreational fishing licences is spent on
programs and initiatives to improve fishing in Victoria including:
- better infrastructure, such as jetties and boating facilities
- improved access to waterways
- new fishing reefs
- improved fish production and stocking
- ongoing school education and children’s fishing programs
What happens if I don’t buy a licence?
Victorian Fisheries Authority officers check licences regularly.
If you’re found without a current licence, officers can issue you an infringement notice. In extreme cases, you can be charged.
The Fisheries Act 1995 defines the relevant offences and penalties.
Can I buy my licence in person, instead of online?
Yes. You can still buy recreational fishing licenses at any authorised agent.
However, if you want a digital licence, you must buy it online. You'll be able to access your digital licence immediately if you buy online.
Never pay more than the prices listed here or on the VFA website. If a seller is asking a different price, don't pay and advise them to check with the VFA.
Will I get a physical licence sent to me?
If you purchase a 1- or 3-year licence and choose to get a plastic card, the VFA will send you your physical card.
If you have a Service Victoria account, all licences can be digital.
If you don’t have a Service Victoria account, or don’t want to create one, we’ll email your 3- and 28-day licences.
What should I do if I lose my physical or electronic licence?
Please contact the Victorian Fisheries Authority or fill out our
feedback form.
Plastic cards aren't reissued, but we’ll send you an email with your licence details and help you access your digital licence if you have a Service Victoria account.
Can I lend or transfer ownership of my licence to someone else?
No, but you can buy someone else a licence at the same time you buy yours.
Fishing
What kinds of species can be fished and how many fish can I take?
You can fish most species. Size and catch limits apply.
Check theVictorian Recreational Fishing Guide
to see what you can't take from Victorian waters or download the Recreational Fishing App.
Fisher cards
Can anyone apply for a fisher card?
If you’re under 18 years, you can apply for the junior fisher card.
If you’re 70 years and over, you can apply for the senior fisher card.
If you’re between 18 and 70 years, you’ll need to buy a fishing licence for recreational fishing in Victorian waters.
Can I get a digital fisher card?
No. The fisher cards are plastic only.
Do I need to get a junior fisher card for my child?
Both the junior and senior fisher cards are optional. You don’t have to get one to go fishing.
How we use your info
We collect personal info the Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) needs to issue fishing licences and fisher cards. The Fisheries Regulations 2019 permits VFA to issue fishing licences.
You can’t apply for a fishing licence or fisher card without giving this info.
We’ll share this info:
- with VFA
- where permitted by law
If you have a fishing licence or fisher card and want to access your info, contact us
or VFA.
To learn more about how we handle your info, see our Privacy and Security Policy or the VFA Privacy Policy.
