License Fees
License 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), the apprentice hunting license (valid for 2 years from date of purchase), and lifetime licenses. Bear license and deer/turkey license that are part of a package (e.g. Sportsman’s License or combo licenses) are also valid July 1–June 30. See information on Hunter Education requirements or go to www.virginiawildlife.gov/hunting/education. It is unlawful to alter, change, borrow, or lend a hunting license or permit. All licenses are sold not subject to exchange or refund.
For Legacy, Lifetime, and Veterans Lifetime Licenses and information please see below.
Resident Hunting Licenses
License |
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. Purchaser should also ensure that the bear and deer/turkey license tags are valid for intended hunting season. |
|
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. |
|
Resident Hunting License* (age 16 and older) |
|
1-year license |
$23.00 |
2-year license |
$44.00 |
3-year license |
$65.00 |
4-year license |
$86.00 |
3-day license (must be three consecutive days) |
$12.00 |
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. |
|
Resident 65 and Older Hunting License* (age 65 and over) |
$9.00 |
Resident Fox Hunting License |
$23.00 |
To hunt foxes on horseback with hounds without firearms. Not required of an individual holding a basic license to hunt. |
|
One or more of the following may be required in addition to a resident hunting license. |
|
License |
Fee |
Resident Bear License |
$21.00 |
Valid July 1 through June 30. |
|
Resident Junior Bear License (ages 12–15) |
$6.50 |
Valid July 1 through June 30. |
|
Resident Deer/Turkey License |
$23.00 |
Not required for holders of Resident Service-Connected Disability Veteran Lifetime License. Valid July 1 through June 30. |
|
Resident Junior Deer/Turkey License (age 12 to 15) |
$8.50 |
Valid July 1 through June 30. |
|
Resident Archery License |
$18.00 |
Resident Muzzleloading License |
$18.00 |
Nonresident Hunting Licenses
License |
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. |
|
Nonresident Annual Hunting License for 70% or Greater Service-Connected Partially Disabled Veterans and Service-Connected Totally and Permanently Disabled Veterans |
|
Nonresident Veterans rated 70% or greater or as Total and Permanent Service-Connected disabled veteran 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. Please visit www.virginiawildlife.gov for applications listed above, instructions, and prices. Applications may be mailed or brought into our Henrico office location. |
|
Nonresident Fox Hunting License |
$111.00 |
To hunt foxes on horseback with hounds without firearms. Not required of an individual holding a general license to hunt. |
|
Nonresident Foxhound Training Preserve License |
$18.00 |
To hunt within the boundaries of a licensed foxhound training preserve, in lieu of other required licenses. |
|
Nonresident Shooting Preserve License |
$23.00 |
To hunt within the boundaries of a licensed shooting preserve, in lieu of other required licenses. |
|
One or more of the following may be required in addition to a nonresident hunting license. |
|
License |
Fee |
Nonresident Bear License |
$151.00 |
Valid July 1 through June 30 |
|
Nonresident Junior Bear License (ages 12–15) |
$6.50 |
Valid July 1 through June 30. |
|
Nonresident Deer/Turkey License |
|
Valid July 1 through June 30. |
|
Age 16 and older |
$86.00 |
Age 12 to 15 |
$16.00 |
Under age 12 |
$13.00 |
Nonresident Archery License |
$31.00 |
Nonresident Muzzleloading License |
$31.00 |
Trapping Licenses |
|
One or more of the following is required to trap. Other licenses or permits may also be required. |
|
License |
Fee |
County or City Resident Trapping License |
$21.00 |
For county or city of residence. |
|
Resident Trapping License |
|
1-year license |
$46.00 |
2-year license |
$90.00 |
3-year license |
$134.00 |
4-year license |
$178.00 |
Resident Junior Trapping License (under age 16) |
$11.00 |
Resident 65 and Older Trapping License (age 65 and over) |
$9.00 |
Nonresident Trapping License |
$206.00 |
Miscellaneous Licenses, Permits, and Stamps |
|
One or more of the following may be required in addition to a hunting license. |
|
Permits |
Fee |
Resident Bonus Deer Permit (6 antlerless tags) |
$18.00 |
See Deer Hunting Regulations for more information. |
|
Nonresident Bonus Deer Permit (6 antlerless tags) |
$31.00 |
See Deer Hunting Regulations for more information. |
|
National Forest Permit |
$4.00 |
To hunt and trap within National Forest. Not required of residents under the age of 16 to trap or residents who have an annual senior citizen hunting license ($9.00). If fishing in the National Forest this permit is required in addition to other fishing licenses (unless a resident is under 16 or over 65, or a nonresident under 16 accompanied by a person with a valid license to fish). |
|
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. |
|
Public Access Lands for Sportsmen (PALS) |
$18.00 |
See Public Hunting Lands for more information. |
|
Access Permit (see Public Ranges on WMA and National Forests for permit requirements) |
$4.00 per day / $23.00 per year |
Daily group rates are available. For more information go to: www.virginiawildlife.gov/access-permit |
|
Stamps |
Fee |
Federal Migratory Duck E-Stamp |
|
To take migratory waterfowl; required of persons 16 years of age and over in addition to hunting license. Valid July 1 through June 30. |
|
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. |
|
Federal Electronic or “E-Stamp” Duck Stamp Program
A Federal Duck Stamp is required for all persons 16 years and older in order to hunt waterfowl. A convenient online option is available whereby hunters can obtain an E-stamp for. The electronic Federal Duck Stamp is valid through June 30, 2026. Your physical stamp will be sent to your designated mailing address after March 10, 2026. Waterfowl hunters can still purchase their Federal Duck Stamp at some U.S. Post Offices.
To obtain the Federal Migratory Duck E-Stamp go to the Department’s website (www.gooutdoorsvirginia.com) and click on hunting and fishing licenses or visit one of over 800 license agents throughout the Commonwealth.
The winning 2025–2026 Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp art is an acrylic painting of a pair of spectacled eiders by Adam Grimm of Wallace, South Dakota.
Image by © Adam Grimm, used by USFWS with permission.
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 license at no additional charge.
Lifetime
- Virginia resident and non-resident lifetime licenses available.
- Certain 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 applicable 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/licenses/lifetime/ for applications, prices, and more information regarding lifetime licenses.
As a purchaser of a lifetime license, you will be entitled to hunt, fish, or trap for your lifetime, even if you move out of state. Please note that lifetime license holders may still need to purchase annual licenses for bear, deer or turkey, archery, muzzleloader, or other permits as required.
