You need a license in Virginia if you’re 16 or older, with resident freshwater permits at $23 (1 year), $44 (2), $65 (3) and $86 (4), resident saltwater $17.50, and a Sportsman’s bundle $100; nonresidents pay $47 freshwater, $25 saltwater, or short-term $8 (1 day) / $21 (5 day), plus a $23 nonresident trout add-on where required. Exemptions and lifetime or veteran options exist; continue for purchasing, residency rules, and replacement details.

Who Needs a Fishing License in Virginia

If you’re 16 or older, you must carry a valid Virginia fishing license when fishing in state waters; residents younger than 16, legally blind individuals, and certain tribal members are exempt.

You should treat this as a basic fishing regulations overview: the requirement applies statewide for public waters and enforces compliance with state conservation objectives.

Age restrictions explained: 16+ triggers the licensing duty, while under-16 residents are explicitly exempt.

Additional exemptions include active-duty armed forces members on leave—except when trout fishing, which still requires a trout stamp or license—and landowners or their family members fishing on their own property.

Tenants may fish with written permission from the landowner.

Fishing on private land or with the landowner’s permission is treated separately from public-waters regulations and typically doesn’t require a license.

You must verify status-specific conditions before fishing, since exemptions and species-specific rules (trout) affect whether a license or stamp is legally required.

Residency Qualifications and Exemptions

You’ll need to meet specific residency criteria to qualify for a Virginia resident fishing license—generally being domiciled in the state for at least two months or serving in the U.S. armed forces and stationed here with dependents.

Local licenses have a six-month bona fide residency requirement, though enrolled students can qualify with proof of enrollment.

Several exemptions apply: anglers under 16, certain active-duty service members on leave (except when trout fishing), landowners and permitted tenants on private property, legally blind individuals, and qualifying tribal members are exempt from freshwater license requirements.

Residency Eligibility Criteria

Because residency status determines which fishing licenses you can buy and which exemptions apply, Virginia requires clear domicile or local residency proof: generally you must be domiciled in the state for at least two months to qualify for a resident license, while U.S. armed forces members stationed in Virginia and their dependents are treated as residents.

Local licenses are available to legal voters of a city or county and to students enrolled in Virginia institutions with enrollment proof. U.S. citizens must have lived in the city or county at least six months to get a local license.

You should confirm your status against resident requirements to establish fishing eligibility before purchasing. Documentation typically includes voter registration, military orders, student enrollment, or proof of domicile.

• Check military orders or dependent ID for armed forces residency.
• Use voter registration or six-month proof for local licenses.
• Present student enrollment or two-month domicile evidence for resident licenses.

License Exemptions Summary

Now that you’ve confirmed residency status, check who’s exempt from buying a freshwater license so you only purchase what’s required.

Virginia law defines clear exemption categories tied to specific fishing privileges. Landowners and immediate family fishing on their property don’t need a license; tenants can fish without one only with written permission from the landowner.

Residents under 16 are exempt from trout license requirements, but may need other permits for non-trout species. Active-duty armed forces on leave may fish license-free except when targeting trout, which still requires a license.

Legally blind individuals and certain tribal members are also exempt from freshwater license requirements.

Verify documentation and scope of each exemption category before you fish to guarantee compliance with state regulations and avoid penalties.

Resident License Types and Fees

Residents have several fishing-license options depending on water type, age, and duration. You’ll choose between freshwater licensing options and separate saltwater permit costs, with clear fee schedules: one-year freshwater $23.00; two years $44.00; three years $65.00; four years $86.00.

Residents choose freshwater or saltwater permits with age and duration-based fees: one- to four-year freshwater options.

A resident saltwater license is $17.50. If you’re 65 or older, an annual reduced freshwater permit is $39.50. The Sportsman’s License bundles multiple hunting and fishing privileges for residents at $100.00. If you’re under 16, you don’t need a fishing license.

• Know which water body you’ll use: freshwater vs. saltwater affects required permit.
• Confirm age-based rates: reduced fee for 65+ and exemption under 16.
• Consider multi-year or Sportsman’s License for cost efficiency and regulatory coverage.

You should verify current regulations before purchase; these fees reflect standard resident rates and govern lawful fishing privileges.

Nonresident License Types and Fees

If you’re fishing in the state as a nonresident, you must buy the appropriate license for the water type and duration: single-year freshwater licenses are $47 and saltwater licenses are $25, with short-term freshwater options of $8 for one day (not valid in stocked trout waters) or $21 for five days.

You’ll need separate licenses for freshwater and saltwater; one doesn’t cover both. These non resident fees reflect regulatory distinctions by waterbody and license duration, so pick the permit that matches your trip.

If you’ll fish in designated trout waters between October 1 and June 15, add a non-resident trout license for $23. That trout permit supplements—doesn’t replace—your freshwater license.

When planning, verify target species and waterbody status, choose single-year or short-term duration accordingly, and keep proof of purchase while fishing. Follow posting and possession rules that accompany each permit to guarantee compliance.

Special Permits and Additional Fees

When fishing in certain managed areas or on specific public lands, you’ll need extra permits and may pay modest additional fees: You should plan for special permit requirements and understand additional fee structures before you go.

Daily Permits (e.g., Clinch Mountain, Douthat State Park) run $8.00 and cover short visits to fee fishing areas. National Forest Permits cost $4.00, with statutory age exceptions—confirm eligibility on site. The Virginia State Forest Use Permit is $16.00 and authorizes multiple uses including fishing.

Daily permits $8, National Forest $4 (age exceptions), and Virginia State Forest $16 — check rules before fishing.

Access Permits grant entry to designated fishing areas at $4.00 per day or $23.00 annually, useful if you fish frequently. County Dip Net Permits (for shad, herring, mullet) are $4.50 and are species- and method-specific.

• Check which permit applies to the public land you’ll enter.
• Verify age exceptions, species rules, and permit duration.
• Keep receipts; enforcement relies on presenting valid permits.

Follow posted regulations to avoid citations.

Lifetime and Specialty Lifetime Licenses

Lifetime and specialty lifetime licenses let you avoid annual renewals by securing permanent fishing (and in some cases hunting) privileges. Virginia offers several types — including regular lifetime licenses for residents and non-residents, a Legacy Lifetime for those under age 2, a Senior Combo Lifetime for residents 80+, a Resident Junior Hunting Lifetime that terminates at the holder’s 12th birthday, and a Service‑Connected Disability Veteran Lifetime — each with specific eligibility and documentation requirements you must confirm before applying.

You’ll gain clear lifetime benefits: permanent fishing authority without yearly fees, and for some categories combined hunting privileges. The Legacy Lifetime secures lifelong access for infants; the Senior Combo grants combined privileges to qualifying seniors; the Resident Junior Hunting license provides a limited-term lifetime-style credential that expires at age 12; the Service‑Connected Disability Veteran license confers full lifelong privileges for eligible veterans.

Each license category includes specialty features and distinct age, residency, or disability documentation standards administered under state regulations. Verify eligibility criteria and supporting evidence against current regulatory guidance before relying on the license for long-term access.

Where and How to Buy or Replace a License

After you’ve confirmed eligibility and gathered required documentation for a lifetime or specialty lifetime license, you’ll need to know where and how to buy or replace your fishing credential.

You can complete online purchasing through Go Outdoors Virginia (website or mobile app) to apply, pay, and print credentials; the app also lets you check application status.

If you prefer in-person service, visit Circuit Court clerks, authorized license agents, or DWR headquarters (note: DWR regional offices don’t issue licenses).

You may also call 804-367-1000 during business hours to buy a license by phone.

Replacement policy is straightforward: you can reprint a lost license via Go Outdoors Virginia or obtain a duplicate at retail license agents with no extra charge.

Keep proof of identity and transaction details when requesting a replacement to meet regulatory requirements.

• Use Go Outdoors Virginia for fastest processing and license replacement.
• Bring ID and documentation to in-person agents.
• Call 804-367-1000 for phone purchasing and guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Fish on Private Ponds Without a License?

Generally yes, you can fish on private ponds without a license only if local private pond regulations exempt you; check state-specific fishing license exemptions, property ownership rules, and any bait/stocking or size/season restrictions before angling.

Are Fishing Licenses Refundable if Unused?

Generally no — like small print in a contract, most agencies deny refunds. You should check each state’s license refund policy: some allow prorated returns for unused permits with strict deadlines and documentation, others prohibit refunds outright.

Do Children Need a License While on a Parent’s Boat?

Generally, no — you’ll need to follow children’s fishing regulations; some states grant parental fishing exemptions allowing minors to fish on a parent’s boat without a separate license, so you should check your specific state rules.

Are License Fees Tax-Deductible for Guides?

Generally, you can deduct license fee deductions if they’re ordinary, necessary business expenses for guides; check tax implications with IRS rules and local regulations, keep receipts, and document business use to support deductions during audits.

Does My License Cover Fishing in Neighboring States?

Short answer: not usually. You’ll need to check interstate fishing regulations and any reciprocal fishing agreements before you go. States often require their own license; exceptions depend on specific compact terms and documented reciprocity.

Conclusion

You’re required to carry the proper Virginia fishing license unless you’re explicitly exempt — and 88% of anglers report buying a license online, showing digital access is now the norm. Check residency rules, fees for resident versus nonresident permits, special and lifetime options, and short-term passes before you fish. Follow regulations, carry proof, and replace lost licenses promptly to avoid citations. Staying informed protects resources and keeps your outings legal and hassle-free.