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 who have been a bona fide resident of the city, county, or state for six consecutive months immediately preceding the date of purchasing a license.
- Persons who have been domiciliary residents of the state for at least two months upon approval of a completed affidavit to be furnished by the Department.
- Legal voters in Virginia.
- Any member of the armed forces of the United States, or a member of the immediate family of such a member as defined in § 2.2-3101, upon execution of a certificate of residence if the member (i) resides in the Commonwealth, (ii) is on active duty, and (iii) is stationed at a military installation within, or in a ship based in, the Commonwealth.
- Students (including nonresident students boarding on campus) residing in Virginia who are enrolled in bona fide Virginia schools.
- Any unnaturalized person who owns real estate in the county or city and who has actually resided there not less than five years preceding the date of the application for the license in the county or city.
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 Go Outdoors Virginia or call (888) 7889772. 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 Go Outdoors Virginia or call (888) 788-9772. 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 Go Outdoors Virginia, 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.
To find a license agent visit Go Outdoors Virginia’s list of license agents.
By Phone/Mobile Phone:
(804) 367-1000 during regular business hours, or use your Go Outdoors Virginia 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 only), the apprentice hunting license (valid for 2 years
from date of purchase), and lifetime licenses. The bear license and deer/turkey license that are part of a package (e.g. Sportsman’s License
or combo licenses) are also only valid July 1-June 30. It is unlawful to alter, change, borrow, or lend a hunting license or permit.
Issuance fee is included in all prices.
More information:
Resident Hunting Licenses
| License | Fee |
|---|---|
| Resident Sportsman’s License (age 16 and older)
The Sportsman’s License isn’t all inclusive but offers a hunting license, bear license, deer/turkey license, archery license, muzzleloading license, freshwater fishing license, and trout license. Other licenses/stamps may be required (waterfowl stamps, National Forest stamp, etc.). Purchaser should also ensure that the bear and deer/turkey license tags are valid for intended hunting season. |
$100.00 |
| Resident Junior Hunting License*
(age 12 to 15; optional for under 12 years old) |
$8.50 |
| Resident Youth Combination Hunting License (age 12 to 15)
Includes hunting license, bear license, deer/turkey license, archery license, and muzzleloading license. |
$16.00 |
| Resident Hunting License* (age 16 and older) |
|
| Resident County or City Hunting License* (age 16 and older)
For county or city of residence only. |
$16.00 |
| Resident Apprentice Hunting License*
Valid for 2 years from date of purchase. |
$11.00 |
| Resident Senior Citizen Hunting License* (age 65 and over) | $9.00 |
| Resident Fox Hunting License
To hunt foxes on horseback with hounds without firearms. Not required of an individual holding a basic license to hunt. |
$23.00 |
* Annual bear license, deer/turkey license and all applicable licenses, stamps, or permits are required in addition to this license.
One or more of the following may be required in addition to a resident hunting license.
| License | Fee |
|---|---|
| Resident Bear License | $21.00 |
| Resident Junior Bear License (ages 12-15) | $6.50 |
| Resident Deer/Turkey License
Not required for holders of Resident Service-Connected Disability |
$23.00 |
| Resident Junior Deer/Turkey License (age 12 to 15)
Valid July 1 through June 30. |
$8.50 |
| Resident Archery License | $18.00 |
| Resident Muzzleloading License | $18.00 |
Nonresident Hunting Licenses
| License | Fee |
|---|---|
| Nonresident Junior Hunting License* (under age 12) | $13.00 |
| Nonresident Junior Hunting License* (age 12 to 15) | $16.00 |
| Nonresident Youth Combination Hunting License (under age 16)
Includes hunting license, bear license, deer/turkey license, archery license, and muzzleloading license. |
$31.00 |
| Nonresident Hunting License* (age 16 and older) | $111.00 |
| Nonresident 3-Day Hunt License* (age 16 and older)
Must be 3 consecutive days. |
$60.00 |
| Nonresident Apprentice Hunting License*
Valid for 2 years from date of purchase. |
$21.00 |
| Nonresident Annual Hunting License for 70% or Greater Service-Connected Partially Disabled Veterans and Service-Connected Totally and Permanently Disabled Veterans
Nonresident Veterans rated 70% or greater or as Total and Permanent Service-Connected disabled veteran by the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs Administrative Office may apply for a discounted annual hunting license by application only. Please note this license does not include bear, deer/turkey, archery, muzzleloading or other applicable licenses, stamp, and/or permits. Please visit the Forms page for applications listed above, instructions, and prices. Applications may be mailed or brought into our Henrico office location only. |
|
| 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 |
| Nonresident Foxhound Training Preserve License
To hunt within the boundaries of a licensed foxhound training preserve, in lieu of other required licenses. |
$18.00 |
| Nonresident Hunting Preserve License
To hunt within the boundaries of a licensed shooting preserve, in lieu of other required licenses. |
$23.00 |
* Annual bear license, deer/turkey license and all applicable licenses, stamps, or permits are required in addition to this license.
One or more of the following may be required in addition to a nonresident hunting license.
| License | Fee |
|---|---|
| Nonresident Bear License | $151.00 |
| Nonresident Deer/Turkey License
Valid July 1 through June 30 |
|
| Nonresident Archery License | $31.00 |
| Nonresident Muzzleloading License | $31.00 |
Trapping Licenses
One or more of the following is required to trap. Other licenses or permits may also be required.
| License | Fee |
|---|---|
| County or City Resident Trapping License
For county or city of residence. |
$21.00 |
| Resident Trapping License |
|
| Resident Junior Trapping License (under age 16) | $11.00 |
| Resident Senior Citizen Trapping License (age 65 and over) | $9.00 |
| Nonresident Trapping License | $206.00 |
Miscellaneous Licenses, Permits, and Stamps
One or more of the following may be required in addition to a hunting license.
| Permits | Fee |
|---|---|
| Resident Bonus Deer Permit (6 antlerless tags)
See Deer for more information. |
$18.00 |
| Nonresident Bonus Deer Permit (6 antlerless tags)
See Deer for more information. |
$31.00 |
| National Forest Permit
To hunt and trap within National Forest. Not required of residents under the age of 16 to trap or residents who have an annual senior citizen |
$4.00 |
| Virginia State Forest Use Permit (age 16 or older)
Allows hunting, trapping, fishing, mountain biking, and horse riding. No motorized vehicles on gated roads/trails (open or closed). Sold in cooperation with the Virginia Department of Forestry. |
$16.00 |
| Public Access Lands for Sportsmen (PALS) | $18.00 |
| Access Permit
Daily group rates are available. See Access Permit for more information. |
|
| Stamps | Fee |
|---|---|
| Federal Migratory Duck E-Stamp
To take migratory waterfowl; required of persons 16 years of age and over in addition to hunting license. Valid July 1 through June 30. |
$28.00 |
| Virginia Migratory Waterfowl Conservation Stamp
Required of persons 16 years of age and older, unless license exempt. Valid July 1 through June 30. |
$10.00 |