VICTORIA –  

Summary

• Fishing and hunting licences are now available online through the same Wildlife Information and Licensing Data (WILD) system
• Anglers are encouraged to register to get their Fish and Wildlife ID (FWID), which is required to buy licences in WILD
• Anglers can continue to buy licences in person

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For the first time, freshwater fishing licences and hunting licences are available through the same online system, fulfilling requests of the angling community for a streamlined system.

Recreational fishing licence pre-sales are available in the Wildlife Information and Licensing Data system (WILD) for the 2026–27 season, which starts April 1, 2026. WILD is government’s online service that provides a secure way to buy freshwater fishing and hunting licences.

Register for a Fish and Wildlife ID (FWID)

An FWID is required to buy a licence in WILD. Anglers who do not have an FWID can register to obtain one. The permanent identification number links to the angler’s personal profile in the WILD system. Angler numbers will be retired after the current licence year.

All anglers can use a Basic BCeID to access WILD. People who live in Canada also have the option to use a BC Services Card Account, which offers a streamlined FWID registration process and automatic identity and residency verification for eligible users. It is a new login option for WILD users, and provides a quick, secure way to register for and access an FWID profile.

People who prefer in-person service can register for their FWID and buy licences at FrontCounter BC, Service BC or participating vendor locations.

FWID as proof of fishing licences

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

Anglers must still carry a copy of their licence, paper or digital, as proof of authorization for all conservation surcharge stamps. When a conservation surcharge stamp and retention record is required, anglers must carry a paper copy of their licence to record their catch details.

Conservation officers will access and verify angler’s FWIDs and fishing licence details in the field using their mobile application.

Benefits of integrating fishing licences in WILD

• Streamlined registration and automatic identity and residency verification for eligible users is available through the BC Services Card Account login.
• It provides improved, more secure login options.
• It reduces the need to carry a printed licence. Only FWID and an ID are needed unless a conservation surcharge stamp is required.
• A single system to access fishing and hunting services eliminates the need for anglers who also hunt to maintain multiple profiles and allows them to obtain required licences in a single streamlined transaction.
• New account recovery options are available, and anglers can retrieve forgotten FWID by email or text message.
• New option for angling guides to register and buy fishing licences for their non-resident clients simplifies the process for anglers and ensures they have the licences they need.

Quick Facts:

• Freshwater fishing licences for the 2025-26 season, which ends March 31, 2026, continue to be available exclusively in the Freshwater Fishing E-Licensing System.
• Licence fees for freshwater fishing licences help fund research, conservation and education programs, improve angler access and 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 the fishing licence fees because of this transition.

Learn More:

• For more information about WILD, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/sports-culture/recreation/fishing-hunting/wild-system
• To learn how to set up a BC Services Card Account, visit: https://id.gov.bc.ca/account/setup-instruction
• To find out how to register for a Basic BCeID, visit: https://www.bceid.ca/
• In-person registration and sales will continue at:
  • Service BC: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/organizational-structure/ministries-organizations/ministries/citizens-services/servicebc#locations
  • FrontCounter BC: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/natural-resource-use/natural-resource-permits/fcbc-locations
  • Participating retail vendor locations: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/sports-culture/recreation/fishing-hunting/hunting-and-fishing-licence-retail-vendors
• For more information about the Freshwater Fisheries Society of B.C., visit: https://www.gofishbc.com/
• For more information about the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation, visit: https://hctf.ca/