What Virginia fishing licenses cost

A Virginia resident fishing license costs $24.97 for a full year. A non-resident license is $54.97 for the same period. Virginia also sells short-term licenses: a 7-day non-resident license runs $19.97, and a 3-day non-resident license is $11.97. Resident licenses are not sold for shorter periods.

These prices are current as of 2024, but the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources updates them periodically. You can confirm the exact current price on their website or by calling their licensing office at 804-367-1000 before you buy.

You do not need a license if you are fishing in a pond or lake on your own property, or if you are under 16 years old. Residents 65 and older can buy a lifetime license for $50 instead of paying annually.

Key Takeaways

  • Virginia resident annual licenses cost $24.97; non-resident annual licenses are $54.97.
  • Non-residents can buy 7-day ($19.97) or 3-day ($11.97) licenses if they do not want a full year.
  • You can buy licenses online through the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources website, by phone, or at authorized vendors like sporting goods stores and bait shops.
  • Licenses are delivered when ready when you buy online, so you can fish the same day.
  • A resident lifetime license costs $50 and is available to anyone 65 or older.

Where to buy a Virginia fishing license

The fastest way to buy is online through the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources licensing portal at dwr.virginia.gov. You enter your information, pay by credit card, and receive your license number when ready by email. You can print it or show it on your phone when you fish.

You can also buy in person at authorized vendors throughout Virginia. These include Walmart, Dick's Sporting Goods, Bass Pro Shops, local bait and tackle shops, and many sporting goods retailers. Call ahead to confirm they have licenses in stock, since smaller shops sometimes run out during peak season.

You can buy by phone by calling the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources at 804-367-1000 during business hours. They accept credit cards and will mail your license or provide a temporary number you can use while waiting for the physical copy.

What type of license you need

If you are a Virginia resident—meaning you have lived in the state for at least 12 months—you need a resident license. Residency is based on your driver's license address or state ID, not where you own property.

If you are visiting from another state or country, you need a non-resident license. The 7-day and 3-day options are designed for visitors who do not want to commit to a full year. If you plan to fish more than a few times during your stay, the annual non-resident license is often the better value.

Some people hold licenses in multiple states. Virginia will not stop you from buying a Virginia license if you also have a license from another state, but you must follow Virginia's rules when fishing in Virginia waters.

What your license covers

A Virginia fishing license covers freshwater fishing in the state's rivers, lakes, and ponds. It does not cover saltwater fishing. If you want to fish in the ocean or brackish waters near the coast, you need a separate saltwater license, which costs $27.97 for residents and $54.97 for non-residents annually.

Your license covers most common fish: bass, catfish, crappie, sunfish, and trout. Some fish have special rules—trout in certain streams, for example, or striped bass in tidal waters—but your basic license lets you fish for them. Check the Virginia fishing regulations guide for any species-specific limits or seasons before you go.

Your license does not cover fishing with a net, trap, or other commercial gear. Those require separate permits from the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.

Checking your license status and renewal

If you bought your license online, check your email for the confirmation. Your license number is in that email. Write it down or take a screenshot so you have it when you fish.

If you bought in person and did not get a printed copy, ask the vendor for a receipt with your license number on it. Keep that receipt until your physical license arrives in the mail, which usually takes one to two weeks.

Virginia licenses expire on December 31 of the year you buy them, regardless of when you purchase. A license bought in January and one bought in November both expire on the same date. You can renew starting December 1 of the year your license expires, either online or at any authorized vendor.

Discounts and special licenses

Virginia offers a lifetime resident license for $50, available to anyone 65 or older. This is a one-time purchase that never expires. If you plan to fish regularly for many years, it pays for itself in about two years.

Military members on active duty can buy a resident license at the resident price even if they are stationed in Virginia but not technically residents. Bring a military ID to an authorized vendor or mention it when buying online.

Virginia does not offer discounted licenses for low-income residents, students, or other groups. The prices listed above explore to all adults who do not may have access to for the lifetime or military discount.

What to do if you lose your license

If you lose your printed license, you can get a replacement by calling the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources at 804-367-1000. They will issue a new one for a $5 replacement fee. You can also buy a new license online for the full price and use the new number when ready while the old one is still technically active.

If you bought your license online and only have the email confirmation, that email is proof of purchase. You do not need the physical copy to fish—the license number in your email is all a game warden needs to see. Take a screenshot or write down the number so you have it on the water.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish without a license if I am visiting for just one day?

No. Non-residents must buy at least a 3-day license, which costs $11.97. There is no single-day option. If you are a resident, you still need a license even for one day of fishing.

Do I need a separate license for each type of fish?

No. One fishing license covers all freshwater species in Virginia, with the exception of saltwater fish, which require a separate saltwater license. Some species have seasonal closures or catch limits, but those are rules within your single license, not separate licenses.

What happens if I fish without a license?

Fishing without a valid license is a violation of Virginia law. A game warden can issue a citation, which typically results in a fine. The fine varies depending on the circumstances, but it is usually more expensive than buying a license. Always carry your license number or printed copy when you fish.

Can I buy a license as a gift for someone else?

Yes. You can buy online using the other person's information and have the license sent to their email, or you can buy a printed license at a vendor and give it to them. The license is tied to that person's name, so they will need to present it or their license number when fishing.

Do I need a license to fish from a boat in Virginia?

Yes. The boat does not change the requirement. Anyone fishing in Virginia waters, whether from shore, a dock, or a boat, needs a valid license. The boat operator does not need a license unless they are also fishing.