What Virginia Fishing Licenses Cost

A Virginia resident fishing license costs $24.96 for a full year. A non-resident license costs $54.96 for the same period. Virginia also sells short-term licenses: a 7-day non-resident license runs $19.96, and a 1-day license costs $11.96 for either residents or non-residents.

These prices are set by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources and have remained stable, though the department can adjust them. If you plan to fish more than a few times in a year, the full-year resident license usually costs less per trip than buying multiple short-term licenses.

Some people do not need a license at all. Virginia exempts children under 16, people over 65 with a Virginia ID, and residents fishing on their own property. Active-duty military members stationed in Virginia can fish without a license. If you fall into one of these groups, you can fish legally without buying one.

Key Takeaways

  • A Virginia resident fishing license costs $24.96 per year; non-residents pay $54.96 per year.
  • Short-term options exist: 7-day non-resident licenses cost $19.96, and 1-day licenses cost $11.96.
  • Children under 16, people over 65 with a Virginia ID, and active-duty military do not need a license.
  • You can buy a license online through the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources website, by phone, or at authorized retailers like sporting goods stores and bait shops.

Where to Buy a Virginia Fishing License

The fastest way to get a license is online through the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources website. You can purchase and print your license when ready, and it is valid as soon as you print it. You will need a valid Virginia ID or driver's license to prove residency.

If you prefer not to buy online, you can call the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources at 804-367-1000 during business hours. They can process your order over the phone and mail the license to you, though this takes several days.

You can also buy a license in person at authorized retailers throughout Virginia. These include Walmart, Dick's Sporting Goods, Bass Pro Shops, and local bait and tackle shops. Call ahead to confirm the store carries licenses, since not every location does.

What Information You Need to Buy a License

To purchase a license, you will need a valid government-issued ID showing your Virginia residency or your home state if you are a non-resident. Have your Social Security number ready as well — Virginia requires it for all license purchases.

If you are buying online, you will also need a payment method: credit card, debit card, or electronic check. The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources website accepts all three. In-person purchases at retailers typically accept cash, card, or check, though policies vary by store.

Non-residents should have their home state ID available to prove they do not live in Virginia. This determines which price tier applies to your purchase.

How Long Your License Lasts

A full-year Virginia fishing license runs from January 1 through December 31 of the same calendar year. If you buy a license in June, it expires on December 31 of that year — you do not get a full 12 months from your purchase date. This means buying late in the year is less economical than buying early.

Short-term licenses work differently. A 7-day license is valid for seven consecutive days from the date you purchase it. A 1-day license is valid only on the day you buy it. Both types are useful if you are visiting Virginia for a short trip or want to try fishing before committing to a full-year license.

Special Licenses and Exemptions

Virginia offers a lifetime fishing license for residents, which costs $499.96 as a one-time purchase. This is worth considering if you plan to fish regularly for many years, since it pays for itself in about 20 years of annual licenses.

Disabled veterans and Purple Heart recipients can fish without a license. Virginia residents who are blind or have a disability that prevents them from holding a rod can also fish without a license. You will need to provide documentation of your status to the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.

If you own land in Virginia and fish only on your own property, you do not need a license. However, if you fish on anyone else's land — even with permission — you must have a valid license.

What Your License Covers

A Virginia fishing license allows you to fish in freshwater and saltwater throughout the state. It covers most common fish species, including bass, catfish, crappie, and trout. However, some species require additional stamps or permits beyond the base license.

If you want to fish for trout in designated trout waters, you need a trout stamp in addition to your fishing license. A trout stamp costs $15.96 and is valid for the same calendar year as your license. You can buy it at the same places you buy your fishing license.

Saltwater fishing in Virginia requires the same license as freshwater fishing, so you do not need a separate permit to fish in the ocean or coastal areas.

Renewing Your License

You can renew your Virginia fishing license at any time during the year, even before your current one expires. Renewing early does not extend your license past December 31 — it straightforward gives you a new license to use when the old one runs out. Many people renew in November or December to avoid the rush in January.

Renewal follows the same process as buying a new license. You can renew online, by phone, or in person at an authorized retailer. You will need the same ID and payment information as you did for your original purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Virginia does not require a license if you fish only on land you own. However, if you fish on someone else's property — even with their permission — you must have a valid license. The exemption applies only to your own land.

Can I buy a Virginia fishing license if I live out of state?

Yes. Non-residents can buy a 1-day, 7-day, or full-year license. You will need a valid government-issued ID from your home state to prove you are not a Virginia resident. Non-resident licenses cost more than resident licenses.

What happens if I fish without a license?

Fishing without a required license is a violation of Virginia law. Penalties can include fines and confiscation of fishing equipment. The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources enforces these rules, and game wardens patrol fishing areas.

Can I get a refund if I buy a license and do not use it?

Virginia does not issue refunds for unused licenses. Once purchased, a license is non-refundable. If you are unsure whether you will fish, consider buying a short-term license first to test it out before committing to a full-year license.

Is there a senior discount on fishing licenses?

Virginia residents age 65 and older do not need to buy a license at all — they can fish for free with a valid Virginia ID. This is an exemption rather than a discount, so no purchase is necessary.