Apply for or Renew a Fishing License
Service description
Anyone who wishes to fish in Hesse must have a valid fishing license. The relevant municipality issues or renews this license upon application. A prerequisite is that the applicant has passed a fishing exam administered in Hesse or recognized by Hesse, or that there are circumstances that make taking the fishing exam unnecessary.
If the relevant legal requirements are met, the highest fisheries authority recognizes state or state-recognized fishing exams and fishing licenses from other federal states [see General Ruling of July 21, 2011 (StAnz. 32/2011, p. 1035)].
If you do not hold the fishing rights to the respective body of water, you will also need a fishing permit from the holder of the fishing rights or the lessee of the body of water in order to fish.
Procedure
You can apply for a fishing license, including renewals, at your local municipal office. Depending on the municipality, you may need to appear in person, or you may be able to apply for the fishing license by mail or online:
- After successfully passing the fishing exam, you must apply for a fishing license.
- Submit your fishing license and a recent photo, and provide proof of your identity using an ID card or passport (see the section titled “Required Documents”).
- Your municipal council will review the documents.
- Once you have paid the fees, you will be issued a fishing license.
Special information for the Fulda districtPreparatory Course
Admission to the fishing exam is contingent upon participation in a preparatory course. Unfortunately, no courses are currently offered in the Fulda district. You have the option of taking an online course . For more information, please contact the Hessian Anglers’ Association (Verband Hessischer Fischer e. V.).Prerequisites
- You must be at least 14 years old.
- You have passed a fishing license exam or are exempt from taking it (see the “Required Documents” section)
- There are no grounds for denial (Section 32 of the Hessian Fisheries Act of November 17, 2022).
What documents are required?
Special information for the Fulda districtApplication for Admission to the Fishing Exam (see Applications/Forms)
Consent Form from Legal Guardians (for those under 18))Preparatory Course
Admission to the fishing exam is contingent upon participation in a preparatory course. Unfortunately, no courses are currently offered in the Fulda district. You have the option of taking an online course . For more information, please contact the Hessian Anglers’ Association (Verband Hessischer Fischer e. V.).What deadlines do I have to observe?
A fishing license is issued for 1 year, 5 years, or 10 years. It may be renewed if the requirements for issuance are still met.
Validity period: 1–10 years
Legal basis
Legal remedy
You can find information about possible legal remedies and deadlines in the notice of legal remedies included with your decision.
Additional Information
Applications / Forms