What Virginia fishing licenses cost

A Virginia resident fishing license costs $24.97 for a year. A non-resident license costs $54.97 for a year. Virginia also sells short-term licenses: a 7-day non-resident license is $19.97, and a 3-day non-resident license is $14.97. A one-day license does not exist in Virginia.

These prices are set by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources and have remained stable, though the department can adjust them. Prices do not vary by county or region within the state.

You do not need a license if you fish in a private pond on your own property, or if you are under 16 years old. Residents 65 and older can fish for free with a senior license, which you request from the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.

Key Takeaways

  • A Virginia resident annual license costs $24.97; a non-resident annual license costs $54.97.
  • Non-residents can buy a 7-day license for $19.97 or a 3-day license for $14.97 if they do not plan to fish year-round.
  • You must buy your license before you fish, not after—fishing without one is a violation.
  • You can buy a license online through the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources website, by phone, or at authorized retailers like sporting goods stores.
  • Residents 65 and older may have access to for a free senior license by contacting the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.

Where to buy a Virginia fishing license

The fastest way to buy a license is online through the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources website at dwr.virginia.gov. You can print it when ready or have it sent to your email. You will need a valid Virginia driver's license or ID number to complete the purchase online.

You can also buy a license by phone by calling the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources at 804-367-1000. A staff member will process your order and mail the license to you, which takes about a week.

Authorized retailers throughout Virginia also sell licenses in person. These include Walmart, Dick's Sporting Goods, Bass Pro Shops, and many local bait and tackle shops. Call ahead to confirm the retailer has licenses in stock, since some smaller locations may not carry them.

What information you need to buy a license

You will need to provide your full name, date of birth, and a valid Virginia driver's license or ID number. If you do not have a Virginia ID, you can use a Social Security number instead, though you will need to provide additional proof of residency.

Proof of residency means a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or voter registration card showing your current Virginia address. If you are buying online, the system will ask for your driver's license number and will verify your residency through state records automatically.

Non-residents do not need to prove residency—only a valid photo ID from any state or country.

Resident versus non-resident licenses

Virginia considers you a resident if you have lived in the state for at least 183 days in the past 12 months, or if you hold a valid Virginia driver's license. If you moved to Virginia recently but do not yet have a Virginia license, you can still buy a resident license if you have proof you have been here for six months.

Non-residents are people who live outside Virginia and do not hold a Virginia driver's license. The 7-day and 3-day licenses are designed for non-residents visiting for a short trip. A non-resident can also buy an annual license if they plan to fish in Virginia multiple times throughout the year.

What your license covers

A Virginia fishing license allows you to fish in freshwater and saltwater throughout the state. It covers rod-and-reel fishing, fly fishing, and hand-line fishing. The license does not cover spearfishing, trapping, or commercial fishing—those require separate permits.

Your license does not include the right to fish for certain species without additional stamps. If you want to fish for trout in designated trout waters, you need a trout stamp, which costs $14.97 and is sold separately. If you want to fish for striped bass, you need a striped bass stamp, which costs $14.97. Some anglers buy both stamps along with their base license.

Your license is valid for one year from the date of purchase, not from January 1. If you buy a license on March 15, it expires on March 14 of the following year.

Fishing without a license and penalties

Fishing without a valid license in Virginia is a Class 4 misdemeanor. A first offense can result in a fine of up to $250 and loss of fishing privileges for up to one year. A second offense within five years carries a fine of up to $500 and loss of privileges for up to two years.

Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources officers patrol public fishing areas and check licenses. If you are caught fishing without one, you will be cited on the spot. The fine is separate from the cost of the license you should have bought.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish in Virginia with a license from another state?

No. You must have a Virginia license to fish in Virginia waters, even if you hold a valid license from another state. The only exception is if you are a non-resident under 16 years old, who can fish without a license.

Do I need a license to fish in a private pond?

No. If you own the pond or have written permission from the owner, you do not need a state license. You do need permission from the landowner, and that permission should be in writing if you are not the owner.

What if I lose my license before the year is up?

Contact the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources at 804-367-1000 and request a replacement. They will issue a new one with the same expiration date as your original. There is no replacement fee.

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

Yes. You can buy a license online or at a retailer and give it to someone else. The person who will use it needs to provide their own name and date of birth when you purchase it, so the license is issued in their name.

Do senior citizens really get a free license?

Yes. Virginia residents 65 and older can fish for free. Contact the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources at 804-367-1000 to request a senior license. You will need to provide your date of birth and proof of Virginia residency.