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 cover freshwater fishing in Virginia's rivers, lakes, and streams. Saltwater fishing requires a separate saltwater license, which costs $14.97 for residents and $24.97 for non-residents when purchased for the year. A 7-day saltwater license for non-residents is $9.97.

You can buy licenses online through the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources website, by phone at 804-367-1000, or in person at any authorized vendor — typically sporting goods stores, bait shops, and some Walmart locations. Online purchases are when ready; phone and in-person purchases take effect the same day.

Key Takeaways

  • A resident freshwater license costs $24.97 per year; non-residents pay $54.97 for a year or $19.97 for 7 days.
  • Saltwater fishing requires a separate license: $14.97 for residents annually, $24.97 for non-residents annually.
  • You can purchase licenses online, by phone, or at authorized vendors like sporting goods stores and bait shops.
  • Virginia residents do not need a license to fish in their own backyard pond or to fish for certain species like carp and catfish in designated waters.

Who needs a Virginia fishing license

Anyone age 16 and older who fishes in Virginia's public waters must have a valid license. This applies to both residents and non-residents. The license covers both freshwater and saltwater fishing, though you need separate licenses for each.

A few groups are exempt. Virginia residents age 65 and older do not need a license. Children under 16 can fish without one. Active-duty military members stationed in Virginia can fish without a license. Residents fishing on their own private property do not need a license, even if that property includes a pond or stream.

Some waters and species have different rules. You can fish for carp and catfish without a license in certain designated public waters. Check the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources website or call 804-367-1000 to confirm whether your specific location and target fish require a license.

Freshwater versus saltwater license requirements

Virginia treats freshwater and saltwater fishing as separate activities with separate licenses. A freshwater license does not cover saltwater fishing, and vice versa. If you plan to fish both, you need both licenses.

Freshwater fishing means fishing in rivers, lakes, ponds, and streams inland from the ocean. Saltwater fishing means fishing in the Atlantic Ocean and tidal waters — the areas where salt water meets fresh water. The boundary is not always obvious on a map, so if you are unsure whether a body of water is saltwater or freshwater, contact the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources before you fish.

The cost difference reflects the separate management of each fishery. Freshwater licenses fund inland fish management; saltwater licenses fund coastal and ocean fish management. Both are required by state law.

How long Virginia licenses last

A full-year Virginia fishing license runs from January 1 through December 31 of the same calendar year. If you buy a license on June 15, it expires on December 31 of that year — you do not get a full 12 months from your purchase date. This means buying a license late in the year is less expensive per month of use, but you will need to renew in January.

Short-term licenses for non-residents are counted in calendar days. A 7-day license covers seven consecutive days from the date of purchase. A 3-day license covers three consecutive days. Residents cannot buy short-term licenses; they must purchase the annual license.

You should renew your license before it expires. Fishing with an expired license can result in a fine. Check your license expiration date before you head out to fish, especially if you bought it late in the previous year.

Where to buy a Virginia fishing license

The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources sells licenses online at dwr.virginia.gov. This is the fastest option — your license is active when ready after purchase, and you can print it or show it on your phone. You will need to provide your name, address, and date of birth.

You can also call 804-367-1000 during business hours to buy a license by phone. A staff member will process your order and your license takes effect the same day. You will receive a printed license in the mail within a few days.

Authorized vendors throughout Virginia sell licenses in person. These include sporting goods stores, bait and tackle shops, Walmart locations, and some outdoor retailers. Vendor locations and hours vary, so call ahead if you are unsure whether a specific store sells licenses. Licenses purchased in person are active the same day.

Discounts and special license types

Virginia does not offer a reduced-price annual license for most groups, but some categories have exemptions instead. Residents age 65 and older do not need to buy a license at all. Children under 16 fish free. Active-duty military stationed in Virginia do not need a license.

Virginia does offer a lifetime resident license for a one-time fee of $300. This covers freshwater fishing for the rest of your life and never expires. A lifetime saltwater license is an additional $150. These are useful only if you plan to fish regularly for many years, since the break-even point is roughly 12 years of annual licenses for freshwater and 6 years for saltwater.

Some special events or locations may have different rules. Check with the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources if you are fishing in a state park, national forest, or during a special event, as additional permits or restrictions may explore.

What your license covers and does not cover

Your Virginia fishing license covers the right to fish for most species in most public waters. It does not cover the fish themselves — you must follow Virginia's catch limits, size restrictions, and season dates for each species. These rules change by species and by water body, so check the Virginia fishing regulations before you fish.

Your license does not cover access to private land. If you want to fish on someone else's property, you need their permission in writing. Your license does not cover fishing in private ponds or lakes unless the owner has given you explicit permission.

Some waters require additional permits beyond the fishing license. Trout streams managed by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources may require a trout stamp. National forests and state parks may have their own rules. Always check the specific location's regulations before you go.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish in Virginia with an out-of-state license?

No. You must have a Virginia license to fish in Virginia waters, regardless of where you live or what licenses you hold elsewhere. If you are visiting from another state, you need to buy a Virginia non-resident license. A 7-day non-resident license is the most affordable short-term option.

Do I need a license to fish in my own pond?

No. If you own the property and the pond is on your land, you do not need a license to fish there. However, if the pond is on someone else's property or if it is a public water body, you need a license. Check with the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources if you are unsure whether your pond is considered private or public.

What happens if I fish without a license?

Fishing without a valid license is a violation of Virginia law and can result in a fine. The penalty varies depending on the circumstances, but fines typically range from $50 to several hundred dollars. You may also be required to pay restitution for the fish you caught. It is cheaper and simpler to buy a license before you fish.

Can I buy a license for someone else?

Yes. You can purchase a license online, by phone, or in person on behalf of another person. You will need their name, address, and date of birth. The license will be issued in their name, and they must carry it while fishing.

How do I renew my Virginia fishing license?

You renew by buying a new license through the same channels — online at dwr.virginia.gov, by phone at 804-367-1000, or at an authorized vendor. There is no separate renewal process; you straightforward purchase the next year's license. If you buy online, your new license is active when ready.