California hunting licenses are issued by the Department of Fish and Wildlife, and you can obtain one online, by phone, or in person at a license vendor

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) issues hunting licenses, and the process takes about 15 minutes if you do it online. You will need a valid California driver's license or ID, a hunting safety certificate (if you were born after June 30, 1981), and a way to pay the license fee. The license is not mailed to you — you receive a confirmation number when ready, and that number is your proof of purchase until your physical license arrives in the mail, which takes about two weeks.

You have three ways to get your license: the CDFW website at wildlife.ca.gov, by calling the CDFW license hotline at 1-888-334-2258, or by visiting a license vendor in person. License vendors are sporting goods stores, bait and tackle shops, and some grocery stores throughout California. Calling or visiting in person takes longer than the website but does not require you to print anything or manage a confirmation number.

Key Takeaways

  • You must have a valid California driver's license or ID and a hunting safety certificate if you were born after June 30, 1981.
  • The online process through wildlife.ca.gov takes about 15 minutes and gives you a confirmation number when ready that serves as proof until your physical license arrives.
  • License fees vary by age and license type — resident hunting licenses cost less than non-resident licenses, and reduced fees are available for seniors and disabled hunters.
  • Your confirmation number is valid proof of purchase for hunting when ready after you buy it, even though the physical license takes two weeks to arrive by mail.
  • If you were born after June 30, 1981, you must complete a hunter safety course and pass the test before you can purchase any hunting license.

Hunter safety certificate requirements

If you were born after June 30, 1981, California law requires you to complete a hunter safety course and pass the test before you purchase a hunting license. The CDFW offers both in-person classes and an online course. The online course takes about three hours and costs around $15 to $20, depending on the provider. You take the test at the end, and if you pass, you receive a certificate number when ready that you will need when you buy your license.

In-person classes are taught by volunteer instructors and are free, though some instructors may ask for a small donation. Classes typically run four to six hours and cover firearm safety, hunting laws, wildlife conservation, and field skills. You must attend the entire class and pass the written test to receive your certificate. The CDFW website lists class schedules by county, and you can register online or call ahead to reserve a spot.

If you took a hunter safety course in another state or country, you may be able to use that certificate instead. Contact the CDFW at 1-888-334-2258 to ask whether your out-of-state certificate is recognized. Some states have reciprocal agreements with California, but not all do.

License types and fees

California offers several hunting license types, and the one you need depends on whether you are a resident, how long you want to hunt, and what you plan to hunt. A resident annual hunting license costs around $47 and is valid for one calendar year. A resident one-day hunting license costs around $17. Non-residents pay significantly more — an annual non-resident hunting license costs around $172, and a non-resident one-day license costs around $35. These fees change each year, so check the CDFW website for current prices.

Reduced fees are available for California residents who are 65 or older, disabled, or on CalFresh (food information). A senior annual license costs around $12, and a disabled resident license also costs around $12. You will need to provide proof of age, disability status, or CalFresh enrollment when you purchase. Military members on active duty stationed in California may also may have access to for reduced rates.

Your license is valid only for the calendar year it covers, so a license purchased in November expires on December 31 of that year. If you hunt in multiple seasons, you may need more than one license depending on when you purchase it.

Purchasing your license online

Go to wildlife.ca.gov and click on "Get a License" in the top menu. You will be asked to create an account or log in if you already have one. Enter your name, date of birth, California driver's license or ID number, and address. You will also need to provide your hunting safety certificate number if you were born after June 30, 1981.

Select the license type you want — annual resident, one-day, non-resident, or another option. Review the hunting regulations for the season and area you plan to hunt, because some regions have specific rules about what species you can hunt and when. Pay the fee using a credit or debit card. You will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Write down or save this number — it is your proof of purchase and is valid for hunting when ready.

Your physical license will arrive by mail within two weeks. Until it arrives, your confirmation number and the email receipt are sufficient proof that you own a valid license. Some hunters print the email receipt and carry it with them. If your physical license does not arrive within three weeks, call the CDFW at 1-888-334-2258 to request a replacement.

Buying a license at a vendor or by phone

License vendors are located throughout California and include sporting goods stores, bait and tackle shops, Walmart, and some grocery stores. Bring your California driver's license or ID and your hunting safety certificate number (if required). The vendor will enter your information into the CDFW system, take payment, and give you a receipt. Your receipt is your proof of purchase, and you can hunt when ready. Your physical license will arrive by mail within two weeks.

To buy by phone, call the CDFW license hotline at 1-888-334-2258. Have your driver's license or ID number, hunting safety certificate number, and a credit or debit card ready. The process takes about 10 minutes. You will receive a confirmation number over the phone, and the representative will mail your license. Write down the confirmation number and keep it with you while hunting until your physical license arrives.

What to do if you lose your license or need a replacement

If your physical license is lost, stolen, or damaged, contact the CDFW at 1-888-334-2258 or visit wildlife.ca.gov. You will need to provide your name, date of birth, and driver's license number. A replacement license costs around $10 and will be mailed to you within two weeks. If you need to hunt before the replacement arrives, ask the CDFW whether they can issue a temporary license number over the phone.

If you purchased your license online and have your confirmation number but have not received your physical license after three weeks, call the CDFW to request a replacement. Keep your confirmation email and receipt in case you need to prove you purchased a valid license.

Hunting regulations and tag requirements

Your hunting license allows you to hunt, but some game requires an additional tag or stamp. For example, deer and elk hunting requires a deer tag or elk tag, which is purchased separately and costs extra. Waterfowl hunting requires a state waterfowl stamp in addition to your license. Check the CDFW website or the current hunting regulations booklet to see which tags you need for the species and season you plan to hunt.

Hunting seasons vary by region and species. The CDFW publishes an annual hunting regulations booklet that lists all open seasons, bag limits (the number of animals you can take), and area-specific rules. You can read the booklet from wildlife.ca.gov or pick up a printed copy at any license vendor. Read the regulations for your area before you hunt — ignorance of the rules is not a defense if you break a hunting law.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hunt with my confirmation number before my physical license arrives?

Yes. Your confirmation number is valid proof of purchase when ready after you buy your license online, by phone, or at a vendor. You can hunt with just the confirmation number and your receipt or email confirmation. The physical license takes about two weeks to arrive by mail, but you do not need to wait for it.

Do I need to renew my hunting license every year?

Yes, if you buy an annual license. Annual licenses are valid only for the calendar year they cover and expire on December 31. If you want to hunt the following year, you must purchase a new license. One-day licenses are valid only for the single day you specify when you purchase them.

What if I was born outside the United States — do I still need a hunting safety certificate?

If you were born after June 30, 1981, you need a California hunting safety certificate regardless of where you were born, as long as you are hunting in California. You can take the online course or an in-person class through the CDFW. If you completed a hunter safety course in another country, contact the CDFW to ask whether that certificate is recognized.

Can I buy a hunting license for someone else?

No. Each person must purchase their own license using their own driver's license or ID number. You cannot buy a license on behalf of another person, even a family member. The person who will be hunting must be present or complete the purchase themselves online.

What happens if I hunt without a valid license?

Hunting without a valid license is a violation of California Fish and Game Code and can result in fines, criminal charges, and confiscation of your equipment. The penalties increase if you are caught hunting protected species or during a closed season. Always carry your confirmation number or physical license with you while hunting.