AUSTIN, Texas - Under new Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) rules that took effect Monday, Texans and other customers ages 17+ must now show valid identification to purchase a recreational hunting or fishing license.

What we know: The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission adopted the new identification and residency verification requirements on March 26, 2026.

According to the agency, the changes are intended to help prevent fraud by ensuring only eligible Texas residents receive resident license pricing and to help game wardens by verifying a person's identification at the time of purchase.