PROVIDENCE – The Department of Environmental Management announced today that recreational anglers can now obtain freshwater fishing licenses online from DEM’s website, www.dem.state.ri.us, or through the state portal at www.RI.gov
Among the freshwater fishing licenses available online are the Rhode Island resident license ($18), non-resident license ($35), tourist three-day license ($16), and two-week non-resident shellfish license ($11). Individuals may also purchase online a Trout Conservation Stamp ($5.50), which is also required of anyone wishing to keep or possess a trout or to fish in a catch-and-release or ‘fly-fishing only’ area.
"Freshwater fishing is a time-honored sport that provides hours of peaceful natural recreation for individuals and families," Governor Donald L. Carcieri said. "I'm very pleased that this is one more opportunity for state government to offer easy, more efficient access to the people it serves. Just as we have begun providing vehicle registration renewals online, we are making progress in other areas of state government as well," he concluded.
"Although recreational fishers can still purchase a license by visiting DEM or a local vendor or town hall, some people prefer the ease and immediacy of online transactions," said DEM Acting Director Frederick Vincent. "The Department also hopes to offer the public the opportunity to purchase hunting licenses on the Internet in the future.â€
The online service allows individuals to select the license type, enter their personal information, pay with their credit card, and generate the official license document on their printer. Prior to this new online service, recreational fishing licenses were available only though local vendors, city and town halls, and at DEM’s boat registration and licensing office.
A 2004 fishing license is required for anglers 15 years of age or older wishing to catch fish in freshwater. Fishing licenses and the $5.50 Trout Conservation Stamp can also be obtained at any city or town clerk's office or authorized agent, such as most bait and tackle shops. Anglers 65 and over must have a license, which for them is free, but do not need a trout stamp. The 65 and over license is not available online and may be obtained in-person only at a town or city hall, or at DEM’s boat registration and licensing office.
DEM also offers several other online services through RI.gov, including boat registration renewals and commercial fishing licenses. RI.gov is a collaborative effort of the state Department of Administration and New England Interactive (NEI) to create an Internet gateway for business and individuals to obtain government-related information as well as to interact with Rhode Island government electronically. Funding comes solely from transaction and/or subscription fees associated with the services.