Issuing a fishing license
Service description
Anyone who wishes to fish in North Rhine-Westphalia must have a valid fishing license and carry it with them while fishing. In North Rhine-Westphalia, the fishing license is issued for life. It becomes valid upon payment of the fishing fee for one or five consecutive calendar years.
In order to obtain a fishing license, you must generally pass the fishing exam first.
When fishing in North Rhine-Westphalia, in addition to a fishing license, you must also carry proof of payment of the North Rhine-Westphalian fishing fee for the corresponding calendar year and an official photo ID (e.g., identity card or passport) or a student ID.
Individuals who passed a fishing exam or have already received a fishing license prior to July 1, 2026, must apply for the new fishing license at their local authority (city or municipality) in order to have their “old” fishing licenses or fishing exam certificates for signs of forgery, must apply for the new fishing license at their local competent authority (city or municipality). The municipality in which the applicant has their permanent residence is responsible for processing the application.
Individuals who have passed the fishing exam on or after July 1, 2026, will be able to apply for a fishing license both at the local authority (city or municipality) and online via BundID using eID login and the corresponding online service.
Applying through the online service is more cost-effective and does not require making an appointment.
Carrying a fishing license is also mandatory when fishing at commercial fishing ponds (e.g. "Forellensee").
In addition to the fishing license, a fishing permit from the fishing rights holder at the respective body of water is also required (e.g. fishing cooperative, water owner, fishing rights leaseholder). The fishing permit can often also be purchased in nearby fishing stores and online.
Reference to Other Types of Fishing Licenses
Issuance of a fishing license with an accompanying person for individuals with a disability that prevents them from taking the fishing exam:
https://meineverwaltung.nrw/leistung/99042017006000Issuance of a fishing license for foreign nationals (annual fishing license) for individuals who are not registered in Germany or have been registered for less than one year : https://meineverwaltung.nrw/leistung/99042018006000
Instructions for obtaining proof of payment of the North Rhine-Westphalia fishing license fee: https://meineverwaltung.nrw/leistung/99042010131000
Special information for the city of KevelaerImportant: Fishing licenses issued before July 1, 2026, remain valid until their expiration date. There is no need to exchange them immediately.
Youth fishing license not required
The current youth fishing license is being abolished. Children and adolescents between the ages of 10 and 15, inclusive, will be permitted to fish in the future when accompanied by a holder of a valid fishing license. When fishing, individuals must carry an official photo ID (e.g., a child’s ID card) or a student ID. Such an ID also serves as proof of eligibility to obtain a fishing permit.
Special Fishing License / Fishing License for Accompanied Fishing
Some people are unable to take the fishing exam due to a physical, mental, or emotional disability. A special fishing license is available for them. As of July 1, 2026, this is officially called a “fishing license with an accompanying person.” With this license, you may only fish when accompanied by a person who holds a valid fishing license.
As of July 1, 2026, responsibility has been transferred to the State Office for Nature, Environment, and Consumer Protection of North Rhine-Westphalia (LAVE).
The fishing license for accompanied fishing can be obtained either online (hyperlink: https://meineverwaltung.nrw/leistung/99042017006000) or by mail from the State Office (hyperlink: https://www.lave.nrw.de/themen/fischerei/leitstelle-fuer-fischereischeinwesen) .
Legal basis
Sections 31, 33, 34, 35, and 36 of the North Rhine-Westphalia State Fisheries Act
Required documents
For online applications:
- Proof of identity via the eID on the national ID card through a digital identity platform (for residents of North Rhine-Westphalia: BundID)
- The access code after successfully passing the fishing exam, effective July 3, 2026
When applying at the local municipality
- Fishing certification, fishing license, or other proof of competence in accordance with Section 31(4) of the North Rhine-Westphalia State Fisheries Act
- Official photo ID (e.g., passport or national ID card) or student ID
- When submitting an application on behalf of a third party: the appropriate power of attorney, including a self-disclosure form for the third party. For more information, see: https://www.lave.nrw.de/themen/fischerei/leitstelle-fuer-fischereischeinwesen
Special information for the city of KevelaerStarting in July 2026, you must carry the following documents with you when fishing :
- Fishing License (digital, printed, or on a debit card)
- Proof of payment of the fishing fee (digital or printed)
- official photo ID (for minors, a student ID is also acceptable)
- a valid fishing permit for the respective body of water
Prerequisite
Special information for the city of KevelaerAnnual Fishing License
- Minimum age: 12 years
- Permanent residence in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia
- a fishing exam recognized and passed in North Rhine-Westphalia
Foreign Fishing License (Annual Fishing License)
Individuals who are not registered in North Rhine-Westphalia, or who have been registered there for less than one year, may be issued a fishing license for foreign nationals (annual fishing license) even without a fishing exam, provided they possess the knowledge necessary for fishing in some other way.
The fishing license for foreign nationals can be applied for either online at (only for individuals residing in another EU country), , or at the relevant local municipality.
Five-year fishing license
- Minimum age: 12 years
- Permanent residence in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia
- a fishing exam recognized and passed in North Rhine-Westphalia
Exceptions apply, among others, to individuals trained in the field of fisheries (see the complete list in § 31(4) of the State Fisheries Act)
Procedure
You can apply for a fishing license either through an online service provided by the State of North Rhine-Westphalia or at your local authority.
For residents of North Rhine-Westphalia, the municipality in which they have their permanent residence has local jurisdiction. If the applicant does not have a permanent residence in North Rhine-Westphalia, the municipality in whose territory the applicant intends to fish has jurisdiction.
To use the online service, you must have a user account with a recognized digital identity platform (e.g., BundID for residents of North Rhine-Westphalia).
To use the online service, you must log in to the digital identity platform using your eID (You must log in using your online ID card).
When using the online service, please make sure you have selected the state of North Rhine-Westphalia.
Please also ensure that your personal data has been transferred from your user account on the digital identity platform without errors and in accordance with the information on your official photo ID. If this is not the case, please update your personal data on the digital identity platform (BundID) before using the online service.Applications / Forms
Online Service Form
https://serviceportal.gemeinsamonline.de/Onlinedienste/Service/Entry?id=FISCHAUSST&location=010020000000Alternatively:
Submit your application in person at the local authority with jurisdiction.Click here to access the "Fishing License Issuance" online service:
Further information
Information on the digitization of fishing licenses:
https://www.lave.nrw.de/themen/fischerei/leitstelle-fuer-fischereischeinwesen
What fees apply?
Special information for the city of KevelaerAs of July 1, 2026, you will pay two separate fees: one for the issuance of the fishing license and one for the fishing fee. Both are cheaper online than in person.
Issuance of a fishing license (one-time)
- Online application: 18 euros
- On-site application: 30 euros
Important: When applying for the first time, you must apply in person at the government office.
Fishing License (for one or five years)
For your fishing license to be valid, you must also pay the fishing fee. You can pay it for one calendar year or for five consecutive calendar years.
For a calendar year:
- Online: 14 euros
- At the venue: 22 euros
For five calendar years:
- Online: 42 euros
- On-site: 50 euros
Foreign Fishing License (Annual Fishing License, including fishing fee)
- Online: 20 euros
- At the venue: 32 euros
Lifetime fishing license with an accompanying person (apply at the State Office)
- Online or by mail: 30 euros
Payment:
Cash and card payments are accepted in person. For online applications, payment is processed through the state’s electronic payment system.