Every person who is required to have a license must carry such license and shall show the license immediately upon request of any officer whose duty it is to enforce the game and inland fish laws, or upon the demand of any owner or lessee, or any employee or representative of such owner or lessee, upon whose land or water such person may be hunting, trapping, or fishing.
Any person who is required to carry certain hunting, trapping, or fishing licenses or a hunter education certificate on their person can meet the requirement by carrying an electronic copy of the relevant license or certificate. We recommend the electronic carrying of licenses through the use of our app. Electronic carry does not require a signature.
Residency Qualifications
Persons meeting the following criteria may purchase a state resident license.
- Individuals who, for two or more months immediately prior to purchasing a license, have been a domiciliary resident of Virginia and who execute a certificate of residency.
- Members of the U.S. armed forces, their spouse, and their dependents when the armed forces member (i) resides in Virginia, (ii) is on active duty, and (iii) is stationed at a military base within or on a ship based in Virginia.
Persons meeting the following criteria may purchase a city or county resident license.
- U.S. citizens who have been a bona fide resident of the city or county for six months immediately prior to purchasing a license for that city or county.
- Legal voter of the city or county for which license is purchased.
- Residents of a city whose limits are wholly within the county for which the license is purchased, provided the resident has physically resided within the city at least six consecutive months immediately preceding purchase.
- Any student regularly enrolled in and boarding at a preparatory school or institution of higher education located in Virginia may purchase a city or county license for the city or county in which the school is located upon presenting a certificate of enrollment to the licensing agent.
License Exemptions
All persons, except those listed below, must purchase the proper licenses before hunting or trapping. Where exempt, the exemption means the individual is exempt from the basic hunting license; bear license, deer/turkey license, archery license; muzzleloading license; trapping license; and Virginia Migratory Waterfowl Conservation Stamp. All seasons, bag limits, and harvest reporting requirements apply.
- Resident or nonresident landowners, their spouses, their children and grandchildren and the spouses of such children and grandchildren, or the landowner’s parents, resident or nonresident, do not need a license to hunt, trap or fish (on inland waters) within the boundaries of their own lands.
- Tenants, renters, or lessees on lands they reside on, are not required to have a license, but must have the written permission of the landowner. Persons who lease property and do not permanently reside there are not exempt from license requirements.
- Residents, 65 years of age and over, do not need a license to hunt or trap on private property in their county or city of residence.
- Resident hunters under the age of 12 are not required to have a hunting license or hunter education. Nonresident hunters under the age of 12 need a hunting license but do not need hunter education to purchase one. All hunters under the age of 12 may not hunt unless accompanied and directly supervised by a licensed adult.
- Residents under the age of 16 are not required to have a license to trap when accompanied by any person 18 years of age or older who possesses a valid Virginia trapping license.
- Any person who is not hunting, but is aiding a disabled person to hunt when such disabled person possesses a valid Virginia Disabled Resident Lifetime hunting license or a Virginia Resident Disabled Veteran Lifetime license is not required to have a license.
- Any Indian who “habitually” resides on an Indian reservation or a member of the Virginia-recognized tribes who resides in the Commonwealth is not required to have a hunting or trapping license; however, such Indian must have on his person an identification card or paper signed by the chief of his tribe, a valid tribal identification card, written confirmation through a central tribal registry, or certification from a tribal office.
- Stockholders owning 50 percent or more of the stock of any domestic corporation owning land in Virginia, his or her spouse and children and minor grandchildren, resident or nonresident, do not need a license to hunt, trap and fish within the boundaries of lands and inland waters owned by the domestic corporation.
Which Licenses Do I Need?
To hunt in Virginia, a resident or nonresident hunting license is required, unless you are license exempt. Other licenses, permits, or stamps may also be required depending on species hunted and location of hunt. Before purchasing a hunting license or permit, make sure you understand what qualifies as a Virginia residency, that you really need a license or permit based on the exemptions, and you have met the hunter safety requirements.
To Hunt Small Game
A hunting license is required. A National Forest Permit or State Forest Use Permit may also be required.
To Hunt Dove, Woodcock, Snipe, Gallinules, or Rails
A hunting license and HIP authorization are required. Register for HIP online at www.gooutdoorsvirginia.com or call 844-802- 4193. A National Forest Permit or State Forest Use Permit may also be required.
To Hunt Bear, Deer, or Turkey
A bear license and/or a deer/turkey license is required in addition to a hunting license. (These licenses are valid from July 1–June 30 only.) A National Forest Permit, State Forest Use Permit, or Bonus Deer Permits may also be required.
To Hunt With Archery Tackle
An archery license is required in addition to a hunting license when using archery tackle during a designated archery season for bear, deer, turkey and bobcat. A bear license, deer/turkey license, National Forest Permit, State Forest Use Permit, or Bonus Deer Permits may also be required.
To Hunt With a Muzzleloader
A muzzleloading license is required in addition to the hunting license if hunting with a muzzleloading firearm during a designated muzzleloader deer or bear season. A bear license, deer/turkey license, National Forest Permit, State Forest Use Permit, or Bonus Deer Permits may also be required.
If hunting with archery tackle or muzzleloading rifle during any firearms deer season, you do not need an archery or muzzleloading license.
To Trap
A trapping license is required. A National Forest Permit or State Forest Use Permit may also be required.
To Hunt Waterfowl
A hunting license, Federal Duck Stamp, Virginia Migratory Waterfowl Conservation Stamp and HIP authorization are required. Register for HIP online at www.gooutdoorsvirginia.com or call 844-802-4193. A National Forest Permit or State Forest Use Permit may also be required.
Apprentice Hunting License
The apprentice hunting license is a one-time purchase and serves as a first-time Virginia resident or nonresident hunting license and is good for two years. Previous Virginia hunting license holders are not eligible to purchase an apprentice license. Apprentice license holders have two years to take an approved Hunter Safety course.
The apprentice license holder must be accompanied and directly supervised by an adult over the age of 18 who has, on his person, a valid Virginia hunting license. “Accompanied and directly supervised” means the adult maintains close visual and verbal contact with, provides adequate direction to, and can immediately assume control of the firearm from the apprentice hunter. When buying a hunting license, the apprentice hunting license cannot be used as proof of previously purchasing a hunting license.
However, if you purchase an apprentice hunting license and then complete hunter education, you may use the apprentice license as a basic license to hunt until it expires. You will not need supervision unless otherwise required by law to be supervised, such as in the case of hunting on a youth/apprentice hunting weekend. You must carry proof of hunter education while hunting unsupervised with an apprentice license.
Replacement Licenses
If you purchased a license from a retail license agent, online, or by phone you can visit GoOutdoorsVirginia.com, select “Manage Your Account” and reprint your license anytime. You can also visit any retail license agent that sells hunt/fish licenses or call the Headquarters office at (804) 367-1000 during normal business hours.
Where to Get a License
Online: GoOutdoorsVirginia.com
- New Customers: Create a unique customer account to access licenses and other products.
- Existing Customers: Log in using your date of birth, last name and either your DWR Customer ID, the last 4 digits of your SSN or driver’s license number.
Select the license(s) you want, pay with your credit card and print your license if needed.
In Person:
Sold by some clerks of the Circuit Court, at license agents across Virginia, and DWR headquarters.
Not sold at DWR regional offices.
By Phone/Mobile Phone:
(804) 367-1000 during regular business hours, or use your GoOutdoorsVirginia mobile app.
License Fees
Resident and nonresident licenses are valid for one year from the date of purchase except the bear license, deer/turkey license, and the Virginia Migratory Waterfowl Conservation Stamp (which are valid July 1–June 30), the apprentice hunting license (valid for 2 years from date of purchase), and lifetime licenses. Bear license and deer/turkey license that are part of a package (e.g. Sportsman’s License or combo licenses) are also valid July 1–June 30. For information on Hunter Education requirements, go to the Hunter Education section of this website. It is unlawful to alter, change, borrow, or lend a hunting license or permit. All licenses are sold not subject to exchange or refund.
More information:
Issuance fee is included in all prices, when applicable.
| License or Permit | Fee Prior to October 1, 2026 | Fee as of October 1, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| One-year Resident License to Hunt, for licensees 16 years of age or older | $23.00 | $28.00 |
| Two-year Resident License to Hunt, for licensees 16 years of age or older | $44.00 | $54.00 |
| Three-year Resident License to Hunt, for licensees 16 years of age or older | $65.00 | $80.00 |
| Four-year Resident License to Hunt, for licensees 16 years of age or older | $86.00 | $106.00 |
| Resident Three-Day Trip License to Hunt | $12.00 | $17.00 |
| County or City Resident License to Hunt in County or City of Residence Only, for licensees 16 years of age or older | $16.00 | $21.00 |
| Resident Senior Citizen Annual License to Hunt, for licensees 65 years of age or older | $9.00 | $9.00 |
| Resident Junior License to Hunt, for licensees 12 through 15 years of age, optional for licensees younger than 12 years of age | $8.50 | $8.50 |
| Resident Youth Combination License to Hunt, and to hunt bear, deer, and turkey, to hunt with archery equipment during archery hunting season, and to hunt with muzzleloading guns during muzzleloading hunting season, for licensees younger than 16 years of age | $16.00 | $16.00 |
| Resident Sportsman License to Hunt and Freshwater Fish, and to hunt bear, deer, and turkey, to hunt with archery equipment during archery hunting season, to hunt with muzzleloading guns during muzzleloading hunting season, to fish in designated stocked trout waters | $100.00 | $130.00 |
| Resident Infant Lifetime License to Hunt | $130.00 | $130.00 |
| Resident Junior Lifetime License to Hunt, for licensees younger than 12 years of age at the time of purchase | $260.00 | $260.00 |
| Resident Lifetime License to Hunt — through 44 years of age at the time of purchase | $265.00 | $270.00 |
| Resident Lifetime License to Hunt — 45 through 50 years of age at the time of purchase | $215.00 | $220.00 |
| Resident Lifetime License to Hunt — 51 through 55 years of age at the time of purchase | $165.00 | $170.00 |
| Resident Lifetime License to Hunt — 56 through 60 years of age at the time of purchase | $115.00 | $120.00 |
| Resident Lifetime License to Hunt — 61 through 64 years of age at the time of purchase | $65.00 | $70.00 |
| Resident Lifetime License to Hunt — 65 years of age and older at the time of purchase | $25.00 | $30.00 |
| Totally and Permanently Disabled Resident Special Lifetime License to Hunt | $15.00 | $15.00 |
| Service-Connected Totally and Permanently Disabled Veteran Resident Lifetime License to Hunt or Freshwater Fish | no fee | no fee |
| License or Permit | Fee Prior to October 1, 2026 | Fee as of October 1, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Resident Deer and Turkey Hunting License, for licensees 16 years of age or older | $23.00 | $28.00 |
| Resident Junior Deer and Turkey Hunting License, for licensees younger than 16 years of age | $8.50 | $8.50 |
| Resident Archery License to Hunt with archery equipment during archery hunting season | $18.00 | $23.00 |
| Resident Bear Hunting License | $21.00 | $26.00 |
| Resident Muzzleloading License to Hunt during muzzleloading hunting season | $18.00 | $23.00 |
| Resident Bonus Deer Permit | $18.00 | $18.00 |
| Resident Fox Hunting License to hunt foxes on horseback with hounds without firearms (not required of an individual holding a general License to Hunt) | $23.00 | $23.00 |
| Resident Elk Hunt Lottery Application | $15.00 | $20.00 |
| Resident Special Elk Hunting License (not required outside of the Elk Management Zone and only awarded to individuals through a department elk license program) | $41.00 | $41.00 |
| License or Permit | Fee Prior to October 1, 2026 | Fee as of October 1, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Nonresident License to Hunt, for licensees 16 years of age or older | $111.00 | $136.00 |
| Nonresident Three-Day Trip License to Hunt | $60.00 | $75.00 |
| Nonresident Youth License to Hunt — younger than 12 years of age | $13.00 | $13.00 |
| Nonresident Youth License to Hunt — 12 through 15 years of age | $16.00 | $16.00 |
| Nonresident Youth Combination License to Hunt, and to hunt bear, deer, and turkey, to hunt with archery equipment during archery hunting season, and to hunt with muzzleloading guns during muzzleloading hunting season, for licensees younger than 16 years of age | $31.00 | $31.00 |
| Nonresident Annual Hunting License for Totally and Permanently Disabled Veterans | $28.50 | $28.50 |
| Nonresident Infant Lifetime License to Hunt | $275.00 | $275.00 |
| Nonresident Lifetime License to Hunt | $580.00 | $630.00 |
| License or Permit | Fee Prior to October 1, 2026 | Fee as of October 1, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Nonresident Deer and Turkey Hunting License — 16 years of age or older | $86.00 | $136.00 |
| Nonresident Deer and Turkey Hunting License — 12 through 15 years of age | $16.00 | $16.00 |
| Nonresident Deer and Turkey Hunting License — younger than 12 years of age | $13.00 | $13.00 |
| Nonresident Bear Hunting License | $151.00 | $176.00 |
| Nonresident Archery License to Hunt with archery equipment during archery hunting season | $31.00 | $46.00 |
| Nonresident Muzzleloading License to Hunt during muzzleloading hunting season | $31.00 | $46.00 |
| Nonresident Shooting Preserve License to Hunt within the boundaries of a licensed shooting preserve | $23.00 | $28.00 |
| Nonresident Bonus Deer Permit | $31.00 | $31.00 |
| Nonresident Fox Hunting License to hunt foxes on horseback with hounds without firearms (not required of an individual holding a general License to Hunt) | $111.00 | $111.00 |
| Nonresident Elk Hunt Lottery Application | $20.00 | $25.00 |
| Nonresident Special Elk Hunting License (not required outside of the Elk Management Zone and only awarded to individuals through a department elk license program) | $401.00 | $401.00 |
| License or Permit | Fee Prior to October 1, 2026 | Fee as of October 1, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Waterfowl Hunting Stationary Blind in Public Waters License | $23.50 | $28.50 |
| Waterfowl Hunting Floating Blind in Public Waters License | $41.00 | $46.00 |
| Foxhound Training Preserve License | $18.00 | $18.00 |
| Public Access Lands for Sportsmen Permit to Hunt, Trap, or Fish on Designated Lands | $18.00 | $23.00 |
| Virginia Migratory Waterfowl Conservation Stamp | $10.00 | $15.00 |
| License or Permit | Fee Prior to October 1, 2026 | Fee as of October 1, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| One-year Resident License to Trap, for licensees 16 years of age or older | $46.00 | $51.00 |
| Two-year Resident License to Trap, for licensees 16 years of age or older | $90.00 | $100.00 |
| Three-year Resident License to Trap, for licensees 16 years of age or older | $134.00 | $149.00 |
| Four-year Resident License to Trap, for licensees 16 years of age or older | $178.00 | $198.00 |
| County or City Resident License to Trap in County or City of Residence Only | $21.00 | $26.00 |
| Resident Junior License to Trap, for licensees younger than 16 years of age | $11.00 | $11.00 |
| Resident Senior Citizen License to Trap, for licensees 65 years of age or older | $9.00 | $9.00 |
| Resident Senior Citizen Lifetime License to Trap, for licensees 65 years of age or older | $25.00 | $30.00 |
| Totally and Permanently Disabled Resident Special Lifetime License to Trap | $15.00 | $15.00 |
| Service-Connected Totally and Permanently Disabled Veteran Resident Lifetime License to Trap | $15.00 | $15.00 |
| Nonresident License to Trap | $206.00 | $256.00 |