Utah hunting licenses are issued by the Division of Wildlife Resources and sold through their website, by phone, or at authorized vendors across the state

You can get a Utah hunting license in three ways: online through the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources website (wildlife.utah.gov), by phone at 1-800-221-0659, or in person at a vendor location. The online route is fastest — you receive your license when ready as a PDF you can print or show on your phone. Phone orders take one business day. In-person purchases at sporting goods stores, hardware stores, and other authorized vendors are when ready if you bring the required documents.

You must be at least 12 years old to hunt in Utah. If you were born after December 31, 1985, you are required to complete a hunter safety course before you can buy a license. If you were born before that date, the course is not required but is still recommended. The course takes about six hours and covers firearm safety, wildlife ethics, and Utah hunting laws.

Key Takeaways

  • Utah hunting licenses are sold online, by phone, and at physical vendors, with online being the fastest option.
  • If you were born after December 31, 1985, you must complete a hunter safety course before purchasing a license.
  • You will need a valid photo ID and a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number to buy a license.
  • License costs vary by age and game type, ranging from around $30 for a youth resident license to over $600 for a nonresident big game license.
  • Your license is valid for one calendar year, and you must carry it with you while hunting.

Hunter safety course requirements and how to complete one

If you were born after December 31, 1985, Utah law requires you to pass a hunter safety course before you can purchase any hunting license. The course covers firearm handling, hunting ethics, wildlife identification, and Utah-specific hunting regulations. You do not need to own a gun to take the course.

You can complete the course in two ways. The in-person option runs about six hours and is offered by the Division of Wildlife Resources and certified instructors throughout the state. You attend a classroom session, take a written test, and receive a certificate on the same day if you pass. The online option lets you complete the coursework at your own pace on the Division's website, then you schedule a 30-minute in-person skills check with a certified instructor to verify you understand firearm safety. Both routes result in the same certificate, which you will need when you buy your license.

The course costs around $15 to $20, depending on whether you choose in-person or online instruction. Once you pass, your certificate is valid for life — you do not need to retake the course to renew your license each year.

What documents and information you need to bring

To buy a hunting license online, by phone, or in person, you will need a valid photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card) and either a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. If you are buying in person at a vendor, bring the photo ID with you. For online or phone purchases, you will enter this information into the system.

You will also need to know your date of birth and current mailing address. If you are buying a license for someone else (such as a parent buying for a child), you will need that person's information instead. Vendors cannot issue a license without these details, so have them ready before you call or visit.

License types and costs in Utah

Utah offers several license types depending on your age, residency, and what you want to hunt. A resident hunting license costs around $30 for adults and $15 for youth (ages 12–17). A nonresident hunting license costs around $155 for adults. These are general licenses that allow you to hunt most game animals during their open seasons.

If you want to hunt big game (deer, elk, moose, or antelope), you need a separate big game tag in addition to your hunting license. Resident big game tags cost around $40 to $60 depending on the animal and hunt type. Nonresident big game tags are significantly higher, ranging from around $300 to over $600. You draw these tags through a lottery system — you do not straightforward buy them. Small game and waterfowl hunting use only the general hunting license, with no additional tag required.

Utah also offers a combination license that bundles hunting and fishing privileges at a discount compared to buying them separately. Prices vary by age and residency. Check the Division of Wildlife Resources website for the current year's exact prices, as they change annually.

How to buy your license online through the Division website

Go to wildlife.utah.gov and look for the "Buy a License" or "Licenses and Permits" section. You will be directed to the online licensing system. Select "Hunting License" and choose your license type (resident or nonresident, adult or youth). Enter your personal information, including your name, date of birth, Social Security number, and mailing address.

Review the hunting regulations summary for the current year — this confirms you understand the seasons and bag limits for the animals you plan to hunt. Pay by credit or debit card. Once your payment processes, you will receive a PDF license when ready. Print it or save it to your phone. You must carry this license with you while hunting. The license is valid from January 1 through December 31 of the year you purchase it.

Buying a license by phone or at a vendor location

To buy by phone, call the Division of Wildlife Resources at 1-800-221-0659 during business hours. Have your photo ID number, Social Security number, and payment information ready. The staff will walk you through the license type selection and process your payment. They will mail your license to you, which typically arrives within one business day.

To buy in person, visit an authorized vendor near you. The Division's website has a searchable vendor locator. Bring your photo ID and Social Security number or ITIN. The vendor will enter your information into the system, process your payment, and print your license on the spot. You can hunt when ready with the printed license.

What happens after you buy your license

Once you have your license, you must carry it with you every time you hunt. Game wardens can ask to see it, and hunting without a valid license is a violation. Keep it in a waterproof pocket or bag so it does not get damaged in the field.

Before you hunt, check the current hunting season dates and bag limits for the specific animal and area you plan to hunt. These change each year and vary by region within Utah. The Division publishes a hunting guidebook each year that lists all open seasons, weapon types allowed, and bag limits. You can read it free from their website or pick up a printed copy at a vendor.

Your license is valid only for the calendar year you purchase it. If you plan to hunt in the following year, you will need to buy a new license. The Division does not send renewal reminders, so mark your calendar or set a phone reminder before the year ends if you hunt regularly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a separate license to hunt different animals?

No. A single hunting license covers most game animals — deer, elk, upland birds, waterfowl, and small game. However, if you want to hunt big game (deer, elk, moose, or antelope), you need an additional big game tag, which you obtain through a drawing system rather than buying directly.

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

Yes. You can buy a license for another person online or by phone if you have their personal information (name, date of birth, Social Security number, and address). At a physical vendor, the person whose name is on the license typically needs to be present with their ID, though policies vary by vendor — call ahead to confirm.

What if I lose my hunting license while I'm out hunting?

Contact the Division of Wildlife Resources at 1-800-221-0659 to report it lost. They can issue a replacement, usually within one business day. In the meantime, if a game warden stops you, explain that you have reported it lost and provide your name and the date you purchased it. Carry your replacement as soon as you receive it.

Can I hunt on public land and private land with the same license?

Yes. Your hunting license is valid on both public and private land. However, you must have the landowner's permission to hunt on private property. Public lands managed by the Division of Wildlife Resources, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Bureau of Land Management are open to hunting during designated seasons, though some areas have special restrictions — check before you go.

Do I need a license to hunt on tribal land in Utah?

No. The Ute Indian Tribe and Navajo Nation manage their own hunting programs and issue their own licenses. If you want to hunt on tribal land, you must obtain a tribal hunting license from that nation instead of a state license. Contact the tribe directly for their requirements and costs.