Licenses & Fees
(Issuance fee is included in all prices.)
Resident and nonresident licenses are valid for one year from the date of purchase except the bear license, deer/turkey license, and the Virginia migratory waterfowl conservation stamp (which are valid July 1–June 30 only), the apprentice hunting license (valid for 2 years from date of purchase), and lifetime licenses. The bear license and deer/turkey license that are part of a package (e.g. Sportsman’s License or combo licenses) are also only valid July 1–June 30. For information on Hunter Education requirements see www.virginiawildlife.gov/hunting/education. It is unlawful to alter, change, borrow, or lend a hunting license or permit.
Resident Hunting Licenses |
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Licenses |
Fee |
Resident Sportsman’s License (age 16 and older) |
$100.00 |
The Sportsman’s License isn’t all inclusive but offers a hunting license, bear license, deer/turkey license, archery license, muzzleloading license, freshwater fishing license, and trout license. Other licenses/stamps may be required (waterfowl stamps, National Forest stamp, etc.). Purchaser should also ensure that the bear and deer/turkey license tags are valid for intended hunting season. |
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Resident Junior Hunting License* |
$8.50 |
Resident Youth Combination Hunting License (age 12 to 15) |
$16.00 |
Includes hunting license, bear license, deer/turkey license, archery license, and muzzleloading license. |
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Resident Hunting License* (age 16 and older) |
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1-year license |
$23.00 |
2-year license |
$44.00 |
3-year license |
$65.00 |
4-year license |
$86.00 |
Resident County or City Hunting License* (age 16 and older) |
$16.00 |
For county or city of residence only. |
|
Resident Apprentice Hunting License* |
$11.00 |
Valid for 2 years from date of purchase. |
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Resident Senior Citizen Hunting License* (age 65 and over) |
$9.00 |
* Annual bear license, deer/turkey license and all applicable licenses, stamps, or permits are required in addition to this license. |
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Nonresident Hunting Licenses |
|
Licenses |
Fee |
Nonresident Junior Hunting License* (under age 12) |
$13.00 |
Nonresident Junior Hunting License* (age 12 to 15) |
$16.00 |
Nonresident Youth Combination Hunting License (under age 16) |
$31.00 |
Includes hunting license, bear license, deer/turkey license, archery license, and muzzleloading license. |
|
Nonresident Hunting License* (age 16 and older) |
$111.00 |
Nonresident 3-Day Hunt License* (age 16 and older) |
$60.00 |
Must be 3 consecutive days |
|
Nonresident Apprentice Hunting License* |
$21.00 |
Valid for 2 years from date of purchase. |
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Nonresident Annual Hunting License for 70% or Greater Service-Connected Partially Disabled Veterans and Service-Connected Totally and Permanently Disabled Veterans |
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Nonresident Veterans rated 70% or greater or as Total and Permanent Service-Connected by the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs Administrative Office may apply for a discounted annual hunting license by application only. Please note this license does not include bear, deer/turkey, archery, muzzleloading or other applicable licenses, stamp, and/or permits. *Special Annual Basic Freshwater Fishing & Hunting Licenses for Partially Disabled Veterans *Special Annual Basic Freshwater Fishing & Hunting License for Nonresident Totally and Permanently Please visit www.virginiawildlife.gov for applications listed above, instructions, and prices. Applications may be mailed or brought into our Henrico office location only. |
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* Annual bear license, deer/turkey license and all applicable licenses, stamps, or permits are required in addition to this license. |
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For Legacy, Lifetime, and Veterans Lifetime Licenses and information please see below.
Miscellaneous Licenses, Permits, and Stamps
One or more of the following may be required in addition to a resident or nonresident hunting license.
Licenses |
Fee |
All blind licenses are available for purchase online at www.gooutdoorsvirginia.com or through any number of DWR license agents throughout the state. There is an option to select if a metal plate is needed (new or replacement). If purchased online or through a license agent you will receive a license showing your blind information; the decal and metal plate (if requested) will be mailed separately within 5 to 7 business days. |
|
Stationary Blind |
$23.50 |
When purchasing a stationary blind license you must provide GPS coordinates along with a description of where the blind is located. These coordinates are needed to help evaluate whether blinds are within the required distances, and they will help in future improvements of the blind licensing process. Coordinates should be reported as latitude and longitude and can be entered in one of three formats: 1) Degrees, minutes, seconds (35° 45’ 52”), 2) Degrees and decimal minutes (35° 45.87’), or 3) Decimal degrees (35.76°). |
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Floating Blind |
$41.00 |
Offshore Blind Stake (limit 4 per licensee) |
$6.00 |
Nonresident Hunting Preserve |
$23.00 |
To hunt within the boundaries of a licensed shooting preserve, in lieu of other required licenses. |
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Permits |
Fee |
National Forest Permit |
$4.00 |
To hunt and trap within National Forest. Not required of residents under the age of 16 to trap; residents who have an annual senior citizen hunting license ($9.00). |
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Virginia State Forest Use Permit (age 16 or older) |
$16.00 |
Allows hunting, trapping, fishing, mountain biking, and horse riding. No motorized vehicles on gated roads/trails (open or closed). Sold in cooperation with the Virginia Department of Forestry. |
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Access Permit |
$4.00 per day |
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Stamps |
Fee |
Federal Migratory Duck E-Stamp |
$28.00 |
To take migratory waterfowl; required of persons 16 years of age and over in addition to hunting license. Valid July 1 through June 30. See General Information. |
|
Virginia Migratory Waterfowl Conservation Stamp |
$10.00 |
Required of persons 16 years of age and older, unless license exempt. Valid July 1 through June 30. |
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Lifetime Licenses
Legacy Lifetime
- Available to Virginia residents and non-residents under the age of 2 years upon date of application receipt to Department of Wildlife Resources.
- The legacy hunting lifetime license is valid until the individual’s 12th birthday at which time they must complete an approved hunter education course or equivalent, then transfer the legacy to a regular hunting lifetime at no additional charge.
Lifetime
- Virginia resident and non-resident lifetime licenses available.
- Virginia residents may purchase their lifetime licenses online through www.gooutdoorsvirginia.com provided their Virginia residency status can be verified through Virginia DMV.
- The lifetime hunting license equals the state hunting licenses; all other applicable licenses, stamps, or permits are required in addition to this license.
- Resident Junior Lifetime Hunting license is available to Virginia residents under the age of 12. This license will expire on their 12th birthday, and is transferable when they complete and submit the Youth Hunter Education Compliance form and a copy of their Hunter Safety or equivalent completed certificate.
Senior Combo Lifetime
- Available to Virginia residents 80 years of age and older.
- All other licenses, stamps, and permits (except the bear license and deer/turkey license) are required in addition to this license.
Resident Service-Connected Disability Veteran Lifetime
- Virginia residents who are disabled due to a service-connected disability rated 30% or greater by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs office may apply for a lifetime license to hunt.
- Discounted fees for the licenses are based upon the individual’s current U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs disability rating.
- The veteran’s lifetime hunting license includes small game, deer, turkey, bear, and privilege to hunt during the special archery and muzzleloading hunting seasons.
Please visit www.virginiawildlife.gov for applications, prices, and further instructions when applying for a lifetime license.
What Licenses Do I Need?
To Hunt Dove, Woodcock, Snipe, Gallinules, or Rails
A hunting license (unless license exempt), and a HIP registration is required. A National Forest Permit or State Forest Use Permit may also be required.
To Hunt Waterfowl
A hunting license (unless license exempt), a HIP registration, a Federal Duck stamp (16 years and older), and a Virginia Duck Stamp (16 years and older, unless license exempt) are required. A National Forest Permit or State Forest Use Permit may also be required.
Where to Obtain a License
Online
- Create Your Customer Account: The new Go Outdoors Virginia site allows you to create a unique customer account to access licenses and products that apply to you based on age and residency.
- Existing Customers: Log in using your date of birth and either your DWR Customer ID or your previous year’s DWR license number and license year. Select the license(s) you want, pay with your credit card and print your license if needed.
In Person
Sold by some clerks of the Circuit Court, at license agents across Virginia, and DWR headquarters. Not sold at DWR regional offices. To find a license agent visit: https://license.gooutdoorsvirginia.com/Licensing/LocateAgent.Aspx
By Phone /Mobile Phone
(804) 367-1000 during regular business hours, or use your GoOutdoors Virginia mobile app.
