Check Age, Eligibility and the Real Lifetime Cost
Maine does not sell its standard lifetime license to every adult. Eligibility is mainly limited to children age 15 or younger and Maine residents age 65 or older.
This guide explains the fishing, hunting, archery and trapping prices, the $8 age-70 license, required application documents and the rules that still apply after approval.
Find the Exact Lifetime-License Answer You Need
“`Who Can Buy a Maine Lifetime License?
Maine resident age 0–15
May apply for fishing, hunting, archery hunting, trapping or an available combination at the resident youth price.
Maine resident age 65+
May apply at declining senior prices. Residents turning 70 or older qualify for the one-time $8 senior license.
Nonresident age 0–15
May apply at the nonresident youth price. The standard paid program does not offer an adult nonresident option.
| Applicant | Standard eligibility | Correct next step |
|---|---|---|
| Maine resident age 0–5 | Eligible | Use the resident form and collect the child’s birth certificate plus parent or guardian Maine ID. |
| Maine resident age 6–15 | Eligible | Choose the exact privilege and use the resident application. |
| Maine resident age 16–64 | Not eligible for standard paid lifetime license | Compare annual licenses or check a complimentary or special category. |
| Maine resident age 65–69 | Eligible | Use the age the applicant turns during the calendar year. |
| Maine resident age 70+ | $8 senior lifetime option | Confirm fishing, hunting, archery and trapping qualifications. |
| Nonresident age 0–15 | Eligible | Use the nonresident form and attach the birth certificate. |
| Nonresident age 16+ | Not eligible for standard paid lifetime license | Compare Maine’s annual or short-term nonresident products. |
Common misunderstanding: an adult outside the age brackets cannot obtain the ordinary lifetime license simply by paying a higher fee.
Choose the Task That Matches Your Situation
Buy fishing only
Use the single-privilege price for the applicant’s age and residency.
Buy fishing and hunting
Use the “any two” combination price and prepare hunting-safety proof when required.
Buy for a child
Collect the birth certificate and check whether the next birthday changes the price bracket.
Buy for a senior
Use the age the Maine resident turns during the calendar year, not only today’s age.
Upgrade a junior hunter
Use the separate no-fee adult-upgrade form and include safety-course certificates.
Replace a lost lifetime license
Contact MDIFW; the normal MOSES duplicate service does not print lifetime copies.
Maine Lifetime Fishing and Hunting License Costs
The current applications list fishing, hunting, archery hunting and trapping as individual privileges. Their combination checkboxes cover fishing+hunting, fishing+archery, hunting+archery, or fishing+hunting+archery.
Trapping is separate: the current forms do not place trapping inside the listed two-privilege or all-three combinations. Ask MDIFW before assuming a custom trapping combination can be created.
Maine Resident Youth Prices
| Lifetime privilege | Age 0–5 | Age 6–15 | Planning note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fishing | $150 | $300 | Lifetime inland-fishing privilege subject to current laws. |
| Hunting | $150 | $300 | Safety and adult-upgrade requirements still apply. |
| Archery hunting | $150 | $300 | Does not replace archery-safety prerequisites. |
| Trapping | $150 | $300 | Trapper education and seasonal regulations remain. |
| Fishing + hunting | $250 | $500 | Useful when the holder realistically expects to use both privileges. |
| Fishing + archery hunting | $250 | $500 | Does not include firearms hunting. |
| Hunting + archery hunting | $250 | $500 | Does not include fishing. |
| Fishing + hunting + archery | $400 | $800 | Trapping is not shown inside this combination. |
Nonresident Youth Prices
| Lifetime privilege | Age 0–5 | Age 6–15 | Planning note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fishing, hunting, archery or trapping | $450 each | $900 each | Select only the privilege the child is likely to use in Maine long term. |
| Any listed two-privilege combination | $750 | $1,500 | Available pairs are fishing+hunting, fishing+archery, or hunting+archery. |
| Fishing + hunting + archery | $1,200 | $2,400 | Consider how often a nonresident child is likely to return to Maine. |
Check Eligibility and the Published Lifetime Fee
Maine Lifetime License Calculator
Check the Birthday Before Mailing the Application
The resident fishing-only price changes from $150 in the age 0–5 bracket to $300 in the age 6–15 bracket. The nonresident fishing-only price changes from $450 to $900.
Child is currently age 5
Confirm with MDIFW which bracket applies if the sixth birthday is close to the application or processing date.
Senior turns 65–70 this year
The resident application expressly uses the age the person turns between January 1 and December 31.
Do not backdate or rush incomplete documents. A missing birth certificate, identity copy or signature can delay processing beyond the birthday you were planning around.
Birthday-Bracket Script
“The applicant is currently age [age] and turns [next age] on [date]. If the completed application is mailed or delivered on [date], which lifetime-license fee bracket applies?”
Senior Lifetime License Costs From Age 65 to 70+
| Age during calendar year | Single privilege | Any listed two | Fishing + hunting + archery |
|---|---|---|---|
| 65 | $50 | $80 | $110 |
| 66 | $40 | $64 | $94 |
| 67 | $30 | $48 | $78 |
| 68 | $20 | $32 | $52 |
| 69 | $10 | $16 | $26 |
| 70+ | $8 one-time license for all authorities the resident is qualified to receive | ||
What the Age-70 License Can Cover
The official program describes fishing, hunting, trapping and archery privileges plus listed authorities such as bear hunting, bear trapping, migratory waterfowl, pheasant, turkey, coyote night hunting, crossbow and muzzleloader, when the applicant is qualified.
What Still Requires Action
- Safety-course or qualifying prior-license proof
- Annual moose-permit application
- Annual antlerless-deer process when applicable
- Current seasons, bag limits and wildlife-management rules
- Federal requirements that are separate from the state license
Already bought a senior lifetime license before 70? MDIFW says another $8 payment is not required and the listed age-70 permits become included. Contact MDIFW to confirm any hunting, archery or trapping authority that was not part of the original selection.
Should a Senior Wait for the Next Lower Price?
The lifetime fee falls each year from age 65 through 70, but a person who wants to fish during the waiting year may need the current $30 resident season license.
| Current senior bracket | Buy fishing lifetime now | Buy $30 annual now + next bracket later | Practical result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 65 | $50 | $30 + $40 = $70 | Buying now costs less if fishing this year. |
| 66 | $40 | $30 + $30 = $60 | Buying now costs less if fishing this year. |
| 67 | $30 | $30 + $20 = $50 | Lifetime now equals one current annual fee. |
| 68 | $20 | $30 + $10 = $40 | Buying now is cheaper if fishing this year. |
| 69 | $10 | $30 + $8 = $38 | Fishing-only lifetime now is usually the lower-cost route. |
This comparison excludes agent fees and assumes the applicant needs a fishing license during the waiting year. Waiting may still be reasonable when the person will not fish before the next bracket.
Maine Lifetime Hunting and Fishing Combination Cost
| Applicant | Fishing only | Fishing + hunting | Additional combination cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident age 0–5 | $150 | $250 | $100 |
| Resident age 6–15 | $300 | $500 | $200 |
| Nonresident age 0–5 | $450 | $750 | $300 |
| Nonresident age 6–15 | $900 | $1,500 | $600 |
| Resident age 65 | $50 | $80 | $30 |
| Resident age 69 | $10 | $16 | $6 |
License fee is not safety approval. Hunting authority cannot be used until the holder satisfies the applicable education, age, supervision, prohibited-person and method requirements.
What the Maine Lifetime License Includes
Fishing selection
Provides Maine inland-fishing privileges for life, subject to the same current rules that apply to the equivalent annual license.
Hunting selection
Provides lifetime hunting-license authority after required education and other legal qualifications are satisfied.
Archery selection
Provides lifetime archery-hunting authority, but does not replace archery-safety or method requirements.
Trapping selection
Provides lifetime trapping authority after applicable education, age and season requirements are met.
Equivalent-license rule: the holder receives the privileges available to a person of the same age holding the equivalent annual license and remains subject to current restrictions and prerequisites.
What the Lifetime License Does Not Automatically Include
| Requirement | Automatically covered? | Required action |
|---|---|---|
| Current fishing and hunting rules | No exemption | Review seasons, waters, districts, methods and limits every year. |
| Saltwater recreational registry | No | Register annually unless another exemption applies. |
| Hunter, archery or trapper education | No | Complete and document the appropriate safety requirement. |
| Moose permit | No automatic award | Use the current annual application process. |
| Antlerless deer permit | Not in every situation | Follow the current permit process and senior rules. |
| Private-land permission | No | Obtain permission and follow posted access rules. |
| Boat registration and protection sticker | No | Check watercraft and invasive-species requirements separately. |
| Future new permit or registration | Do not assume | Verify the current law before each trip or season. |
What to Buy if You Do Not Qualify for Lifetime
The official 2026 fee schedule lists these common annual and short-term alternatives before agent fees.
| 2026 product | Resident | Nonresident | Useful when |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season fishing | $30 | $83 | Fishing repeatedly during the license year. |
| Fishing + hunting combination | $48 | $169 | Both annual privileges are needed. |
| One-day fishing | $18 | $18 | One clearly defined inland-fishing date. |
| Three-day fishing | Use resident options shown by MDIFW | $30 | A short visitor trip. |
| Seven-day fishing | Use resident options shown by MDIFW | $62 | A weeklong visitor trip. |
| Fifteen-day fishing | Use resident options shown by MDIFW | $66 | A longer consecutive visitor stay. |
For a national explanation of annual, short-term, resident and nonresident choices, use the fishing license cost and state-rules guide.
Use the Current Maine Lifetime Application Form
| Official form | Revision shown | Pages | Who should use it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident Lifetime License Application | December 22, 2025 | 2 | Maine resident youth age 0–15 and Maine resident seniors age 65+ |
| Nonresident Lifetime License Application | December 5, 2024 | 1 | Nonresident youth age 0–15 |
| Junior Lifetime Upgrade Request | February 4, 2026 | 1 | Junior lifetime hunting, archery or trapping holders moving to adult status |
Old-form risk: do not rely on a PDF saved years ago. Fees, contact details, certifications and submission instructions can change.
Documents Required With the Application
Resident Youth Age 15 or Younger
- Copy of the applicant’s birth certificate with parent or parents listed
- Copy of the parent or legal guardian’s valid Maine driver license or Maine state ID
- Completed resident lifetime application
- Correct license selection and payment
Legal guardian situation: when the guardian is not named on the birth certificate, call MDIFW before mailing to ask whether guardianship documentation is also required.
Nonresident Youth Age 15 or Younger
- Copy of the birth certificate with parent or parents listed
- Completed nonresident application
- Correct privilege selection
- Check or completed credit-card section
Resident Senior Age 65 or Older
- Copy of a valid Maine driver license or Maine state ID
- Hunter-safety certificate or qualifying prior adult firearms license when selecting hunting
- Adult archery-safety certificate or qualifying prior adult archery license when selecting archery
- Trapper-education certificate or qualifying prior trapping license when selecting trapping
- Answers to tidal-water questions when selecting fishing
- Migratory-bird answers and prohibited-person certification when applicable
Information Requested on the Form
- Legal name and date of birth
- Mailing and physical addresses
- Email address and required telephone number
- Gender and eye color
- Height, weight and hair color for senior applicants
- Driver-license information where requested
- Social Security number when applying for trapping
- Correct fee bracket and privilege
- Signature and payment information
Send copies—not original identity documents. Keep the original birth certificate, ID and safety certificate in a secure location.
How to Apply for a Maine Lifetime License
Confirm Age and Residency
Verify that the applicant falls inside the standard resident or nonresident lifetime age brackets.
Select the Exact Privilege
Choose fishing, hunting, archery, trapping or one of the combinations printed on the form.
Download the Current Form
Use the resident or nonresident application from MDIFW rather than the normal MOSES checkout.
Attach Every Required Copy
Add the birth certificate, Maine ID and safety-course or prior-license evidence required for the applicant.
Complete Payment and Certifications
Make a check payable to Treasurer, State of Maine, or complete the major-credit-card section on the current form.
Mail or Hand-Deliver the Package
Send the completed application, document copies and payment to the MDIFW Licensing Division address printed on the form.
Keep Copies and Allow Processing
Both lifetime applications say to allow approximately 30 days when the package is mailed.
A pending application is not a fishing or hunting license. Do not use lifetime privileges until MDIFW has issued valid proof.
Submission-method distinction: the initial resident and nonresident applications direct users to hand-deliver or mail the form. The separate junior-upgrade form also allows email and fax.
Buying a Maine Lifetime License as a Gift
The person paying can be different from the license holder, but every applicant detail and supporting document must belong to the actual recipient.
- Use the recipient’s full legal name and date of birth.
- Choose the form based on the recipient’s residency.
- Use the recipient’s correct age bracket.
- Attach the recipient’s birth certificate.
- For a resident child, attach the parent or guardian’s Maine ID.
- Select privileges based on realistic future use.
- Keep the issued license information with important family records.
Gift-value test: a nonresident all-three license can cost $1,200 or $2,400. Consider whether the child is likely to return to Maine often enough to use each privilege.
For a comparison with a different age-based program, see the California lifetime fishing license guide.
Upgrade a Junior Lifetime License to Adult Status
The current upgrade form applies to junior lifetime hunting, archery and trapping privileges. It requires safety-course proof but does not charge an upgrade fee.
- Copy of the junior lifetime hunting, archery or trapping license
- Copy of each applicable safety-course certificate
- Completed upgrade request form
- Current mailing and physical address
- MOSES ID when available
Timing Rules
- After turning 16, the holder may continue hunting or trapping during that same calendar year before upgrading.
- This includes applicable youth-day participation during that calendar year.
- After turning 17, the holder must upgrade before using the affected hunting authority again.
- Additional species or method permits must be purchased after adult upgrade when required.
Submission Methods for the Upgrade
The February 4, 2026 form allows hand-delivery, mail, email or fax. Questions are directed to 207-287-2571.
“`Does the Lifetime Fishing License Cover Saltwater?
No. Maine DMR specifically states that a lifetime freshwater fishing license does not provide the normal freshwater-license exemption from the saltwater recreational registry.
Lifetime saltwater trap: the holder must qualify for another exemption or complete the saltwater registration annually.
Possible Separate Exemptions
- Angler is under age 16
- Angler holds a qualifying Maine DMR commercial license
- Angler is covered on a properly licensed for-hire vessel
- Angler is fishing from a qualifying licensed smelt wharf or camp
- Angler is registered or licensed in another state or with the National Registry
- Another listed Maine DMR exemption applies
Registration Costs
| Registration route | Listed cost | Practical instruction |
|---|---|---|
| Online through Maine DMR LEEDS | $1 | Save proof before fishing. |
| By mail | $1 | Use the current DMR form and allow mailing time. |
| DMR licensing office | $1 | Verify current office hours before travelling. |
| IFW-appointed agent | $2 | Clarify that only saltwater registration is needed. |
After checking the exemptions, use the official Maine saltwater registry page.
“`Does the License Stay Valid After Moving Away?
Yes. Maine states that a properly purchased lifetime license remains valid for the holder’s life regardless of where the person later lives.
Resident child later moves
The Maine privilege remains available when the holder returns to fish or hunt in Maine.
Senior later changes residence
The valid Maine lifetime license continues, subject to current laws and qualification rules.
State limitation: the license remains a Maine license. It does not authorize fishing, hunting or trapping in the holder’s new state.
Replace or Carry a Maine Lifetime License
Maine allows supported paper or electronic license proof. The license must be carried while participating in the licensed activity or transporting fish or wildlife and shown when lawfully requested.
MOSES Cannot Print a Lifetime Duplicate
The normal duplicate service directs lifetime holders to contact MDIFW. Do not purchase another annual license merely because the lifetime document is missing.
- Prepare the holder’s legal name and date of birth.
- Provide the MOSES ID or old license number when known.
- Identify every lifetime privilege on the original license.
- Ask what temporary proof is accepted.
- Save the replacement for offline use.
Replacement Script
“I need a copy of a Maine lifetime license. The holder is [name], date of birth [date], and the MOSES or license number may be [number]. The privileges are [list]. What is the replacement process and what proof may be used before the replacement arrives?”
Complimentary and Special License Alternatives
Qualifying disabled veterans
Some honorably discharged veterans with qualifying service-connected disability documentation may receive complimentary privileges.
Blind or qualifying disabled applicants
Separate applications exist for listed disability categories.
Enrolled tribal members
Qualifying enrolled members of Maine’s listed federally recognized tribes or nations may receive a complimentary lifetime license.
Military members and families
Resident-rate or discounted options may apply, but military status does not automatically create standard lifetime eligibility at every age.
Separate application required: do not use the standard paid-lifetime calculator for complimentary, veteran, disability, tribal or military programs.
Common Maine Lifetime License Mistakes
The standard paid program excludes resident ages 16–64 and nonresidents age 16+.
The online service does not issue lifetime licenses.
Revision dates, contact details and certifications can change.
The youth applications ask for a copy with parent or parents listed.
The resident youth application requires this residency document.
The form uses the age the resident turns during the calendar year.
Payment does not replace education or prior-license proof.
The current forms list trapping separately.
The lifetime freshwater license does not provide the normal registry exemption.
Mailed applications should be given approximately 30 days.
Privileges cannot be used until valid proof is issued.
Submit copies and retain the originals.
Maine Lifetime License Forms and Contact Help
Lifetime Program and Fees
Verify age eligibility, prices, the $8 senior license and complimentary categories.
Resident Lifetime Application
For Maine resident youth age 0–15 and Maine residents age 65 or older.
Nonresident Lifetime Application
For nonresident applicants age 15 or younger.
Junior Adult Upgrade Form
For no-fee conversion of junior hunting, archery or trapping authority after the required safety education.
Mailing Address and Phone Numbers
Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and WildlifeLicensing Division – Lifetime License
353 Water Street, SHS 41
Augusta, ME 04333
General license help
(207) 287-8000
Junior lifetime upgrade questions
(207) 287-2571
Lifetime-form fax
(207) 287-9037
Application Help Script
“I am applying for a Maine lifetime [privilege] license for a [resident/nonresident] who turns [age] this year. I have [list documents]. Which application and fee should I use, and is any additional proof required before I mail or hand-deliver it?”
Maine Lifetime Fishing License FAQs
Who can buy a Maine lifetime fishing license?
The standard paid program is available to Maine residents age 15 or younger, Maine residents age 65 or older, and nonresidents age 15 or younger. Maine residents ages 16 through 64 and nonresidents age 16 or older generally do not qualify for the standard paid lifetime program.
How much is a Maine resident lifetime fishing license for a child?
The published resident fishing-only fee is $150 for ages 0 through 5 and $300 for ages 6 through 15.
How much is a nonresident Maine lifetime fishing license?
The applicant must be age 15 or younger. The published fishing-only fee is $450 for ages 0 through 5 and $900 for ages 6 through 15.
How much is Maine’s lifetime license at age 70?
A qualifying Maine resident who turns 70 or is older can purchase the senior lifetime license for a one-time $8 fee. It covers the fishing, hunting, archery and trapping authorities the person is qualified to receive.
How much is a Maine lifetime hunting and fishing combination license?
The resident fishing and hunting combination costs $250 for ages 0 through 5, $500 for ages 6 through 15, $80 at age 65, $64 at 66, $48 at 67, $32 at 68 and $16 at 69. Nonresident youth prices are $750 for ages 0 through 5 and $1,500 for ages 6 through 15.
Can I buy a Maine lifetime license online through MOSES?
No. Maine’s MOSES service states that it is not available for lifetime-license applicants. Use the current resident or nonresident application and follow its mailing or hand-delivery instructions.
What documents are required for a Maine lifetime license?
Resident youth applications require a birth certificate showing the parents and a valid Maine driver license or state ID for the parent or legal guardian. Nonresident youth applications require the birth certificate. Resident senior applicants need Maine identification and may need safety-course or prior-license proof.
Does a Maine lifetime fishing license cover saltwater registration?
No. Maine DMR states that a lifetime freshwater license does not provide the normal freshwater-license exemption from the saltwater registry. The holder must qualify for another exemption or register annually.
What happens when a junior lifetime hunter turns 16?
The junior lifetime hunting, archery or trapping authority must be upgraded to adult status. The upgrade is free but requires the appropriate safety-course proof. The current form gives special timing rules for the calendar year the holder turns 16.
Does a Maine lifetime license remain valid after moving away?
Yes. Maine states that a properly purchased lifetime license remains valid for life despite a later change in legal residence, although current rules, permits and safety prerequisites still apply.
Final Maine Lifetime License Checklist
- The applicant’s residency is correct.
- The applicant is inside an eligible standard age bracket.
- The birthday and fee bracket have been checked.
- The correct resident or nonresident form is being used.
- The exact privilege or combination is selected.
- The birth certificate shows the parent or parents where required.
- The resident parent or guardian’s Maine ID is included.
- The senior applicant’s Maine ID is included.
- Required hunting, archery or trapping safety proof is attached.
- The trapping Social Security number field is completed when applicable.
- Required tidal-water and hunting questions are answered.
- The payment and signature sections are complete.
- Only document copies—not originals—are being sent.
- A complete backup copy has been saved.
- The current MDIFW mailing address is used.
- Approximately 30 days are allowed for mailed processing.
- No lifetime privilege will be used before issuance.
- Junior adult-upgrade requirements are saved for future use.
- Saltwater registry requirements are checked separately.
- Current fishing, hunting, archery and trapping laws are reviewed before use.
Final authority: the current MDIFW application, issued lifetime license, Maine statutes and current fishing, hunting, archery, trapping and saltwater rules control over this independent guide and calculator.