In order to fish in Virginia waters, all anglers must possess a valid Virginia fishing license. These can be obtained by phone, by mail, online, or in-person from the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.
The pricing for Virginia freshwater fishing licenses is outlined in the table below.
|
License Type |
Resident Price |
Non-resident Price |
|
One Day |
N/A |
$8 |
|
Five Day |
$14 |
$21 |
|
Annual |
$23 |
$47 |
|
Two year |
$44 |
N/A |
|
Three year |
$65 |
N/A |
|
Four year |
$86 |
N/A |
Virginia residents can purchase annual freshwater fishing licenses for their city or county of residence for only $16. Trout fishing licenses are required for all anglers fishing for trout, including resident seniors who do not need a regular fishing license and can be purchased for $23 per year.
Combination licenses are available for both residents and non-residents of Virginia. A sportsman’s license which includes a freshwater fishing license, a trout license, and a hunting license is also available for Virginia residents only for $100 per year.
Combination freshwater and saltwater licenses are also available for both residents and non-residents outlined in the table below.
|
Freshwater/Saltwater Combo License Time Period |
Resident Price |
Non-resident Price |
|
Five Day |
$24 |
$31 |
|
Annual |
$39.50 |
$71 |
Any angler regardless of residential status, who has at least a 70% disability related to military service and can provide proper documentation can obtain a VA freshwater fishing license for free. Applications are only accepted in person or also by mail.
Virginia Fishing License Online
Firstly, you can purchase a Virginia fishing license on the Go Outdoors Virginia website portal hosted by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. You will need to set up an account using either your social security number, DWR customer ID, or birthday.
Once your account is set up, you can purchase your fishing license and any additional licenses issued by the DWR such as a trout or hunting license. Once your license has been paid for, you will have the option of printing it off at home or retaining a digital copy on your account.
Having access to your digital license via your DWR account will allow you to carry all of your licenses on your phone instead of having to keep track of paper copies.
Virginia Fishing License Age
Any angler over the over of fifteen, whether resident or non-resident, is required to possess a valid VA fishing license when fishing in state waters. This applies to both freshwater and saltwater bodies that are publicly owned by the state.
Senior citizens over the age of 64 who are residents of VA may obtain a freshwater fishing license at a discounted rate of $9 per year. Additionally, senior residents do not have to obtain a saltwater fishing license for Virginia but do need to adhere to the requirements of the Virginia Fisherman Identification Program.
Virginia Saltwater Fishing License
Virginia also offers saltwater fishing opportunities. If you don’t purchase a combination freshwater/saltwater fishing license, you need to possess a Virginia saltwater fishing license in order to fish in marine waters owned by the state of Virginia.
The pricing for Virginia saltwater fishing licenses is outlined in the table below.
|
License Type |
Resident Price |
Non-Resident Price |
|
Ten Day |
$10 |
$10 |
|
Annual |
$17.50 |
$25 |
Persons who are not required to possess a saltwater fishing license, whether by age or other exemption, need to comply with the Virginia Marine Resources Commission Virginia Fisherman Identification Program. This is a free registration that helps the MRC keep track of all of the saltwater anglers in addition to those possessing a license.
This program is not required for freshwater anglers. Finally, you do not need to register with the National Saltwater Angler Registry if you have a Virginia FIP number.
