NSW Fishing Licence Exemptions 2026: Under 18, Pensioner Cards and Proof

NSW exemption checks

Do the exemption check before paying. NSW lists several situations where a person may be exempt from the Recreational Fishing Fee, but exact wording and proof matter.

Category to check	Likely fee result	Proof or caution
Under 18	Exempt from paying the fee.	Carry age evidence if it may be requested.
Adult assisting an under-18 angler	Limited exemption may apply.	NSW wording is narrow: single rod or line, or a single prawn dip or scoop net, per child.
Aboriginal person	Listed as exempt.	Carry evidence if current NSW guidance requires it.
Current Centrelink or DVA Pensioner Concession Card holder	Listed exemption category.	Seniors Cards and Health Care Cards are different and do not automatically qualify.
Veteran Gold Card printed TPI or EDA	Listed DVA category.	The printed category matters.
DVA letter or statement for VEA 70%+ or SRDP under MRCA	Listed DVA/disability evidence.	Confirm the current NSW DPIRD wording before fishing.
Private dam up to 2 hectares	Listed private-water exemption.	The dam must be private and within the size condition.
Charter boat, hire boat or fishing guide	You may be covered only by a current NSW exemption certificate.	Ask the operator or guide before fishing.

What does not count

Card or situation	NSW caution
Seniors Card	Not an automatic NSW Recreational Fishing Fee exemption.
Health Care Card	Not an automatic NSW Recreational Fishing Fee exemption.
DVA Veteran White Card	Not enough by itself for the NSW fee exemption.
Listed as a dependant on someone else's Pensioner Concession Card	Do not treat that listing alone as your exemption.
Licence from another state, territory or overseas country	Not a NSW Fishing Fee Receipt.

Before relying on proof

If your proof is...	Check this
Card-based	The exact card name, current status and whether you are the qualifying holder.
DVA-based	Whether the Gold Card says TPI or EDA, or whether your letter/statement matches the listed VEA or MRCA category.
Operator-based	Whether the charter, hire boat or guide holds a current NSW Recreational Fishing Fee Exemption Certificate.
Private dam-based	Whether the water is private and no more than 2 hectares in surface area.

If you are not exempt

Use the NSW fees guide to choose 3 days, 1 month, 1 year or 3 years, then use the Service NSW apply guide. After payment or exemption, still check NSW fishing rules for species, size, bag, closed waters, gear and marine park restrictions.

Official references

Official source	Use it for
NSW DPIRD fee exemptions	Exemption categories, proof and non-qualifying cards.
NSW recreational fishing fee	Receipt and fee context.
NSW recreational freshwater fishing guide 2025-2026	Published NSW DPIRD guide wording for exemptions and proof.
NSW Fisheries Management Act 1994	Legislative background for the fee.
NSW Fisheries Management (General) Regulation 2019	Regulatory background for exemption categories.

Keep in mind

If a NSW exemption clearly applies, carry the proof. If it does not, choose the right Service NSW fee duration before fishing.