What is the Ontario Outdoors Card?
The Ontario Outdoors Card is a plastic ID card issued by the Ministry of Natural Resources that identifies you as an angler or hunter. Every fishing and hunting licence you buy in Ontario attaches to this card, so it acts as the single record of your licence history. You need a valid Outdoors Card before you can be issued a Sport or Conservation Fishing Licence.
Who needs an Outdoors Card?
Any Canadian resident aged 18 to 64 who wants to fish or hunt in Ontario needs a valid Outdoors Card. Non-residents also need one before buying an Ontario fishing or hunting licence. Kids under 18 and Canadian residents 65+ can fish under Conservation limits without a card, but must carry government-issued photo ID while on the water.
How to get an Outdoors Card
- Online at ontario.ca/outdoorscard
- By phone: 1-800-288-1155
- In person at any ServiceOntario location
- At licensed retailers (bait shops, tackle shops, outdoor stores)
First-time applicants receive a temporary Outdoors Card by email or printout that is valid for 45 days while the plastic card is mailed — you can legally fish right away.
Renewing your Outdoors Card
Your Outdoors Card is valid for three years and expires on December 31 of the third year. You can renew up to 12 months before it expires, through the same channels listed above. Keep your card number handy — it speeds up the renewal.
2026 fees (approximate)
- Outdoors Card (3-year): ~$10
- Resident 1-year Sport Fishing Licence: ~$58
- Resident 1-year Conservation Fishing Licence: ~$35
- Non-resident 1-year Sport Fishing Licence: ~$95
Current fees at ontario.ca/outdoorscard .
Outdoors Card vs. Fishing Licence — what's the difference?
The Outdoors Card is your ID; the Fishing Licence is the permission to fish. You must carry both while fishing in Ontario. The card lasts three years; the licence is renewed yearly and attaches to your existing card each time you buy one. For a full walk-through of licence types, exemptions, and Family Fishing Weeks, see our Ontario Fishing Licence 2026 guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Ontario Outdoors Card?
The Ontario Outdoors Card is a wallet-sized plastic ID card issued by the Ministry of Natural Resources. It links every fishing and hunting licence you buy to a single record. You need a valid Outdoors Card before you can be issued a Sport or Conservation Fishing Licence in Ontario.
Who needs an Outdoors Card in Ontario?
Any Canadian resident aged 18 to 64 who wants to fish or hunt in Ontario needs a valid Outdoors Card. Non-residents also need one before buying an Ontario fishing or hunting licence. Kids under 18 and Canadian residents 65+ do not need an Outdoors Card to fish under Conservation limits, but must carry government-issued photo ID.
How much does an Outdoors Card cost in 2026?
The Ontario Outdoors Card costs approximately $10 and is valid for three years. Your Fishing Licence (Sport ~$58/yr or Conservation ~$35/yr for residents) is purchased separately and attaches to your Outdoors Card each year.
How do I get an Ontario Outdoors Card?
You can get an Outdoors Card online at ontario.ca/outdoorscard, by phone at 1-800-288-1155, at any ServiceOntario location, or from most licensed fishing and hunting retailers. First-time applicants receive a temporary card by email that is valid for 45 days while the plastic card is mailed.
How do I renew my Outdoors Card?
Renew online at ontario.ca/outdoorscard, by phone, at ServiceOntario, or at any authorized retailer. The card expires on December 31 of the third year, and you can renew up to 12 months before it expires. You will need your existing Outdoors Card number and personal details.
Is the Outdoors Card the same as a fishing licence?
No. The Outdoors Card is the ID that identifies you as an angler or hunter; the Fishing Licence is the actual permission to fish. You must carry BOTH — a valid Outdoors Card and a current Sport or Conservation Fishing Licence tag — while fishing in Ontario.
Can I fish while I wait for my plastic Outdoors Card to arrive?
Yes. When you first apply or renew, you receive a temporary Outdoors Card and licence summary by email or printout. This temporary card is valid for 45 days and legally allows you to fish while your permanent plastic card is in the mail.
Next: know the rules
Once your card and licence are sorted, dial in zone-specific seasons, size limits, and slot rules before heading out.