California hunting licenses are issued by the Department of Fish and Wildlife, and you buy them online, by phone, or in person at authorized vendors

You need a hunting license before you can legally hunt in California. The Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) issues these licenses, and you can purchase one through their website at wildlife.ca.gov, by calling 1-888-334-2258, or at any of the hundreds of authorized vendors across the state — mostly sporting goods stores, bait shops, and some grocery stores with hunting sections.

The license itself is not free. A resident hunting license costs around $16 for the year, though prices vary slightly by license type and change annually. Non-residents pay more — typically $150 or higher depending on the duration. You will also need to buy tags for specific animals you plan to hunt, which are separate from the license and vary in cost by species and season.

The entire process takes minutes if you buy online, or a few minutes in person at a vendor. You do not need to pass a test to buy the license itself, though California does require all hunters born after January 1, 1957 to complete a hunter safety course before they can hunt.

Key Takeaways

  • California hunting licenses are sold by the Department of Fish and Wildlife through their website, by phone, or at authorized vendors like sporting goods stores.
  • You must complete a hunter safety course if you were born after January 1, 1957, and you must do this before you hunt, not after you buy the license.
  • The license itself is separate from tags — you need both the license and the specific tag for the animal and season you plan to hunt.
  • Resident licenses cost around $16 per year, while non-resident licenses cost significantly more and may have shorter validity periods.

Hunter safety course requirements and where to take one

If you were born after January 1, 1957, you must complete a hunter safety course before you can hunt in California. This is a legal requirement, not optional. The course covers firearm safety, hunting ethics, wildlife laws, and field skills. It typically takes four to eight hours and can be completed in one day or spread across multiple sessions, depending on the provider.

You can take the course through the CDFW's official hunter safety program, which offers in-person classes at locations throughout California. You can also take an online course through an approved provider — the CDFW website lists all certified instructors and programs. Once you complete the course, you receive a certificate of completion, which you will need when you buy your license if you were born after 1957.

The course costs vary by provider. In-person classes through CDFW are typically free or very low cost. Online courses through private providers usually cost between $15 and $50. You do not need to take the course again if you already completed one in California or another state — your certificate is valid for life.

What information and documents you need to buy a license

To buy a hunting license in California, you will need a valid California driver's license or state ID. If you are a non-resident, you will need a valid ID from your home state or country. You will also need to provide your date of birth and Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

If you were born after January 1, 1957, have your hunter safety certificate number ready — you will enter it when you purchase. If you are buying online, you can have the certificate number from your course completion email or printed certificate. If you are buying in person at a vendor, bring the physical certificate or have the number written down.

You do not need to bring anything else to buy the license itself. However, before you actually hunt, you will need to know which tags you need for the animal and season you plan to hunt, and you will buy those separately through the same channels.

Online purchase through the CDFW website

The fastest way to buy a hunting license is through the CDFW website at wildlife.ca.gov. Go to the "Hunting" section and look for the link to buy licenses and tags. You will create an account or log in if you already have one. Enter your personal information, driver's license number, and date of birth.

If you were born after 1957, enter your hunter safety certificate number. Select the license type you need — resident or non-resident, and the duration (annual, short-term, or lifetime if you are a resident). Review the cost, add any tags you need, and pay by credit or debit card. Your license will be emailed to you when ready as a PDF, and you can print it or show it on your phone when you hunt.

The online system is open 24 hours a day. There is no waiting period — you can buy your license and hunt the same day if you have already completed your hunter safety course.

Buying a license by phone or at a vendor

You can buy a hunting license by calling the CDFW at 1-888-334-2258. Have your driver's license, date of birth, and hunter safety certificate number (if required) ready. The staff will walk you through the purchase, take your payment by credit or debit card, and email your license to you. This usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.

You can also buy a license in person at any authorized vendor. These include sporting goods stores like Cabela's and Bass Pro Shops, local bait and tackle shops, some Walmart locations, and certain grocery stores with hunting departments. The vendor will ask for the same information and can issue your license on the spot — you will receive a printed copy when ready. Vendors accept cash, credit, and debit cards.

To find a vendor near you, use the CDFW vendor locator on their website. Search by city or zip code to see which stores in your area sell licenses. Vendor hours vary, so call ahead if you are going to a small shop.

License types and which one you need

California offers several hunting license types. A resident annual license is valid for one year from the date of purchase and costs around $16. You must be a California resident for at least six months to buy a resident license. A non-resident license is available for visitors and costs significantly more — typically $150 or higher for a year, or less for shorter periods like 10 days or one day.

Residents can also buy a lifetime hunting license, which is valid for the rest of your life and costs several hundred dollars upfront. This is worth considering if you plan to hunt regularly for many years. There are also discounted licenses for seniors (age 61 and older), disabled hunters, and low-income residents — check the CDFW website for current prices and requirements.

Choose the license type based on where you live and how long you plan to hunt. If you are a California resident and plan to hunt this year, the annual resident license is the standard choice. If you are visiting from out of state, buy a non-resident license for the duration of your trip.

Tags and seasons — what you need in addition to your license

A hunting license alone does not let you hunt any animal in any season. You also need a tag for the specific animal you plan to hunt, and that tag is only valid during the designated season for that animal. For example, if you want to hunt deer, you need a deer tag. If you want to hunt waterfowl, you need a waterfowl tag. Tags are sold separately from the license and have their own costs and season dates.

California has different seasons for different animals — deer season, elk season, waterfowl season, upland game season, and so on. Each season has specific dates, bag limits (how many animals you can take), and sometimes specific areas where hunting is allowed. You can view all current seasons and tag prices on the CDFW website under "Hunting Seasons and Regulations."

You buy tags through the same channels as your license — online, by phone, or at a vendor. Some tags are first-come, first-served and can sell out. Others are issued through a draw system where you enter a lottery for the chance to hunt in a specific area. Check the CDFW website well before the season you want to hunt to understand the tag system for that animal.

What happens after you buy your license

Once you have your license and tags, you are legally allowed to hunt in California during the designated seasons. Keep your license and tags with you whenever you hunt — you must be able to show them to a wildlife officer if asked. If you bought your license online, print it or keep it on your phone. If you bought it in person, you will have a physical copy.

Your license is valid only during the dates printed on it. If you buy an annual license on March 15, it expires on March 14 of the next year. If you plan to hunt after that date, you will need to buy a new license. Non-resident licenses have shorter validity periods — check your specific license to see the expiration date.

You are responsible for knowing and following all hunting regulations, including bag limits, weapon restrictions, and area closures. The CDFW publishes a hunting regulations booklet each year, available free on their website. Read it before you hunt — ignorance of the law is not a defense if you break a regulation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a hunter safety certificate to buy a license, or only to hunt?

If you were born after January 1, 1957, you need the certificate before you buy the license. You cannot complete the purchase without entering your certificate number. If you were born in 1957 or earlier, you do not need a safety certificate at all. If you have not taken the course yet, take it first, then buy your license.

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

No. The license must be purchased by the person who will use it, because it requires their personal information, driver's license number, and date of birth. However, you can give someone a gift card or cash to buy their own license, or you can take them to a vendor and help them purchase it.

What if I lose my hunting license before the season ends?

Contact the CDFW or return to the vendor where you bought it and request a duplicate. You will need to provide your name, date of birth, and driver's license number. There is usually a small fee for a duplicate, and you can get a replacement the same day in person or within a few days by mail.

Can I hunt with a license from another state while I am in California?

No. You must have a California hunting license to hunt in California, even if you have a valid license from your home state. Buy a non-resident California license before you hunt.

How much does a hunting license cost if I am a senior or disabled?

Discounted licenses are available for California residents age 61 and older, disabled residents, and low-income residents. Prices vary by category and change annually. Check the CDFW website or call 1-888-334-2258 to see current prices and what documentation you need to prove may be able to access.