Getting Your Licence Online

For the first time, freshwater fishing and hunting licences are available through a single online system — a long-requested change from B.C.’s angling community that brings everything together in one streamlined place.

Recreational fishing licence pre-sales for the 2026–27 season — which begins April 1, 2026 — are now available through the Wildlife Information and Licensing Data system (WILD). WILD is the Province’s secure online service for purchasing freshwater fishing and hunting licences.

 

One ID, One System

To buy a licence in WILD, anglers must have a Fish and Wildlife ID (FWID). The permanent identification number connects to an angler’s personal profile in the system. Those who do not yet have an FWID can register to obtain one. Existing angler numbers will be retired after the current licence year.

All anglers can access WILD using a Basic BCeID. Canadian residents also have the option of using a BC Services Card Account, which offers a streamlined FWID registration process and automatic identity and residency verification for eligible users. The BC Services Card Account is a new login option for WILD and provides a quick, secure way to register for and access an FWID profile.

For those who prefer in-person service, FWIDs can be registered and licences purchased at FrontCounter BC, Service BC or participating vendor locations.

FWID Becomes Proof Of Licence

Beginning April 1, 2026, anglers will no longer need to carry a paper or digital copy of most fishing licences. Instead, their FWID, along with government identification, will serve as proof of authorization for basic angling, classified waters and white sturgeon conservation licences.

There is one exception. Anglers must still carry a paper or digital copy of their licence when fishing under a conservation surcharge stamp. When a conservation surcharge stamp and retention record are required, anglers must carry a paper copy of their licence to record catch details.

Conservation officers will verify anglers’ FWIDs and fishing licence information in the field using a mobile application.

 

What The Integration Means For Anglers

Bringing fishing licences into WILD offers several benefits:

• Streamlined registration and automatic identity and residency verification for eligible users through the BC Services Card Account login.
• Improved and more secure login options.
• Reduced need to carry a printed licence, unless a conservation surcharge stamp is required.
• A single system for both fishing and hunting licences, eliminating the need for multiple profiles and allowing required licences to be purchased in one transaction.
• New account recovery options, including retrieval of a forgotten FWID by email or text message.
• A new option for angling guides to register and purchase fishing licences for non-resident clients, simplifying the process and ensuring proper licensing.

 

Quick Facts

• Freshwater fishing licences for the 2025–26 season, which ends March 31, 2026, remain available exclusively through the Freshwater Fishing E-Licensing System.
• Licence fees for freshwater fishing licences fund research, conservation and education programs, improve angler access and support the provincial stocking program through the Freshwater Fisheries Society of B.C.
• Conservation surcharge stamp fees provide grants for fish conservation projects through the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation.
• An FWID is mandatory and will provide access to licences for approximately 350,000 recreational anglers who fish in B.C. each year.
• There are no changes to fishing licence fees as a result of this transition.