Fishing License Guide

Virginia fishing license: cost, who needs one and how to buy

Checked Nov 4, 20262026 prices. Facts link to their source: how we check.

  • Free
  • Official sources first
  • Checked monthly
  • Independent, not a state website
Virginia2026

Do I need a license?

Yes, if you're 16 or older, in fresh or salt water.

No license needed for:

  • Anyone under 16 (also no trout license; no saltwater FIP registration)
  • Anglers 65 and over in salt water (no paid license, but free FIP registration needed) (salt water only)
  • Legally blind people
  • Fishing in salt water from a public pier holding a VMRC pier license (FIP registration needed)
  • Resident active-duty military on official leave (a trout license is still needed in designated trout waters)

All 15 exemptions

Sold by Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (fresh water) and Virginia Marine Resources Commission (salt water)Checked Nov 4, 2026

Cheapest for visitors

Fresh water

  • 1 day$20
  • 7 days$72
  • Year$72

Salt water

  • 1 day$10
  • 7 days$10
  • Year$25

Fresh and salt

  • 1 day$30
  • 7 days$82
  • Year$96

Adult visitor prices, including required stamps. DWR says the issuance fee is included in all listed prices.

Buy from DWR / VMRC (official site)

What will it cost? Calculator

Pick your trip and we'll work out the cheapest licenses to buy, including any required stamps.

Do you live in Virginia?
Water
How many days will you fish?
Estimated total$36.00
  • DWR says the issuance fee is included in all listed prices.

You may not need a license if:

  • Landowners, and certain family members, fishing on their own land and inland waters.
  • Tenants fishing on land they rent, with the landowner's written permission.
  • Guests fishing in individually owned private ponds.
  • Legally blind people.
  • Members of Virginia tribes, in fresh water (a saltwater license is still needed).
  • Stockholders owning 50% or more of a domestic corporation that owns Virginia land, and their spouse, children and minor grandchildren, on that land.
  • People not fishing themselves but helping a disabled license holder.
  • Anyone during Virginia's Free Fishing Days (June 5-7 in 2026).

Estimate only, for 2026 prices. Buy only from the state: DWR / VMRC official license sales.

Licenses and prices

Checked Nov 4, 2026

Prices for 2026. DWR says the issuance fee is included in all listed prices.

Where these prices come from: Freshwater and combined prices from the DWR license page; saltwater prices from VMRC. Some prices (e.g. 10-day saltwater) were not shown on both pages.

How long annual licenses last: Fishing licenses are valid for one year from the date of purchase (or a chosen future start date). Multi-year and lifetime licenses differ. Official source

Non-residents (visitors)

LicenseWaterLengthPriceNotes
Non-resident freshwater fishing license Fresh Annual $72 Official source
Non-resident freshwater fishing license, 1 day Fresh 1 day $20 Official source
Non-resident freshwater fishing license, 5 consecutive days Fresh 5 days $36 Official source
Non-resident freshwater and saltwater fishing license FreshSalt Annual $96 Official source2
Non-resident freshwater and saltwater fishing license, 5 consecutive days FreshSalt 5 days $46 Official source2
Non-resident individual saltwater fishing license Salt Annual $25 Official source
Temporary 10-day saltwater fishing license (non-resident) Salt 10 days $10 Official source
Non-resident special lifetime freshwater fishing license Fresh Lifetime $630 Official source
Age-limited licenses
Non-resident lifetime saltwater fishing license, under 45 Under 45 Salt Lifetime $500 Official source
Non-resident lifetime saltwater fishing license, age 45 to 50 Ages 45–50 Salt Lifetime $240 Official source
Non-resident lifetime saltwater fishing license, age 51 to 55 Ages 51–55 Salt Lifetime $180 Official source
Non-resident lifetime saltwater fishing license, age 56 to 60 Ages 56–60 Salt Lifetime $120 Official source
Non-resident lifetime saltwater fishing license, age 61 to 64 Ages 61–64 Salt Lifetime $60 Official source
Special licenses (conditions apply; not used by the calculator)
Non-resident disabled lifetime saltwater fishing license Salt Lifetime $10

Only for: For anglers with a qualifying disability.

Official source
Recreational boat saltwater license (non-resident) Salt Annual $76

Only for: Licenses a Virginia-registered boat: covers the owner, and passengers fish without a paid license (FIP registration still needed).

Official source
Tidal boat sport fishing license (non-resident, fresh and salt) FreshSalt Annual $201

Only for: Licenses a boat in tidal waters; a Virginia-registered boat is not needed.

Official source2
Non-resident annual license for totally and permanently disabled veterans Fresh Annual $12.50

Only for: For non-resident veterans who are totally and permanently disabled.

Official source
Non-resident infant lifetime license Fresh Lifetime $275

Only for: For infants only; see DWR for the age limit and what it covers.

Official source
Special guest fishing license Fresh Annual $60

Only for: Special-purpose license; check DWR for who it covers and how long it lasts.

Official source

Residents

LicenseWaterLengthPriceNotes
Resident freshwater fishing license Fresh Annual $28 Official source
Resident freshwater fishing license, 3 years Fresh 3 years $80 Official source
Resident freshwater fishing license, 5 consecutive days Fresh 5 days $19 Official source
Resident freshwater and saltwater fishing license FreshSalt Annual $44.50 Official source2
Resident freshwater and saltwater fishing license, 5 consecutive days FreshSalt 5 days $28 Official source2
Resident individual saltwater fishing license Salt Annual $17.50 Official source
Resident individual saltwater fishing license, 3 years Salt 3 years $49.50 Official source
Temporary 10-day saltwater fishing license (resident) Salt 10 days $10 Official source
Age-limited licenses
Resident freshwater fishing license, age 65 and over Ages 65+ Fresh Annual $9 Official source
Resident special lifetime freshwater fishing license, under 45 Under 45 Fresh Lifetime $270

A special lifetime stocked trout waters license is sold at the same prices.

Official source
Resident special lifetime freshwater fishing license, age 45 to 50 Ages 45–50 Fresh Lifetime $220

A special lifetime stocked trout waters license is sold at the same prices.

Official source
Resident special lifetime freshwater fishing license, age 51 to 55 Ages 51–55 Fresh Lifetime $170

A special lifetime stocked trout waters license is sold at the same prices.

Official source
Resident special lifetime freshwater fishing license, age 56 to 60 Ages 56–60 Fresh Lifetime $120

A special lifetime stocked trout waters license is sold at the same prices.

Official source
Resident special lifetime freshwater fishing license, age 61 to 64 Ages 61–64 Fresh Lifetime $70

A special lifetime stocked trout waters license is sold at the same prices.

Official source
Resident special lifetime freshwater fishing license, age 65 and over Ages 65+ Fresh Lifetime $30

A special lifetime stocked trout waters license is sold at the same prices.

Official source
Resident lifetime saltwater fishing license, under 45 Under 45 Salt Lifetime $276 Official source
Resident lifetime saltwater fishing license, age 45 to 50 Ages 45–50 Salt Lifetime $132 Official source
Resident lifetime saltwater fishing license, age 51 to 55 Ages 51–55 Salt Lifetime $99 Official source
Resident lifetime saltwater fishing license, age 56 to 60 Ages 56–60 Salt Lifetime $66 Official source
Resident lifetime saltwater fishing license, age 61 to 64 Ages 61–64 Salt Lifetime $35 Official source
Resident lifetime saltwater fishing license, age 65 and over (optional) Ages 65+ Salt Lifetime $5

Optional: anglers 65 and over need no paid saltwater license, only free FIP registration. This license replaces the FIP requirement.

Official source
Special licenses (conditions apply; not used by the calculator)
Resident county or city freshwater fishing license Fresh Annual $21

Only for: Valid only in the county or city where you live.

Official source
Resident Sportsman license (hunting plus freshwater and stocked trout) Fresh Annual $130

Only for: Hunting combination. Shown for hunters; the calculator quotes the fishing-only license.

Official source
Resident infant lifetime license Fresh Lifetime $130

Only for: For infants only; see DWR for the age limit and what it covers.

Official source
Resident totally and permanently disabled lifetime freshwater license Fresh Lifetime $15

Only for: For residents who are totally and permanently disabled.

Official source
Resident service-connected disabled veteran lifetime hunting and freshwater fishing license Fresh Lifetime Free

Only for: For qualifying service-connected disabled veterans.

Official source
Resident disabled lifetime saltwater fishing license Salt Lifetime $10

Only for: For anglers with a qualifying disability.

Official source
Recreational boat saltwater license (resident) Salt Annual $48

Only for: Licenses a boat: covers the registered owner, and passengers fish without a paid license (FIP registration still needed).

Official source
Tidal boat sport fishing license (resident, fresh and salt) FreshSalt Annual $126

Only for: Licenses a boat in tidal waters for fresh and salt water.

Official source2

Extra stamps and permits

Checked Nov 4, 2026

  • Resident trout license (designated stocked trout waters)

    $28

    Needed to fish for trout in waters stocked by DWR, and in South Holston Reservoir. Not needed under 16.

    Residents · fresh water Official source2

  • Non-resident trout license (designated stocked trout waters)

    $48

    Needed to fish for trout in waters stocked by DWR, and in South Holston Reservoir. Not needed under 16.

    Non-residents · fresh water Official source2

  • Non-resident special lifetime stocked trout waters license

    Annual $580
    Lifetime $580

    Lifetime alternative to the yearly non-resident trout license.

    Non-residents · fresh water Official source

  • One-day permit for designated stocked trout fee areas

    Annual $13
    1 day $13

    For board-designated stocked trout fee areas; daily use fees are extra.

    Everyone · fresh water Official source

  • Public Access Lands for Sportsmen (PALS) permit

    $23

    Needed to fish or hunt on PALS lands.

    Everyone Official source

Who doesn't need a license

Checked Nov 4, 2026

  • Anyone under 16 (also no trout license; no saltwater FIP registration)

    FreshSalt Everyone Official source2

  • Anglers 65 and over in salt water (no paid license, but free FIP registration needed)

    Salt Everyone · Proof: Fisherman Identification Program (FIP) registration number Official source2

  • Legally blind people

    Fresh Everyone · check this applies to you Official source

  • Resident active-duty military on official leave (a trout license is still needed in designated trout waters)

    Fresh Residents · check this applies to you · Proof: Leave papers Official source2

  • Fishing in salt water from private property as owner, renter, immediate family or non-paying guest (FIP registration needed)

    Salt Everyone · check this applies to you Official source

  • Fishing in salt water from a public pier holding a VMRC pier license (FIP registration needed)

    Salt Everyone · check this applies to you Official source

  • Passengers on a private boat with a Virginia saltwater boat license (FIP needed), or on a licensed charter or headboat (no FIP)

    Salt Everyone · check this applies to you Official source

  • Landowners, and certain family members, fishing on their own land and inland waters

    Fresh Everyone Official source

  • Tenants fishing on land they rent, with the landowner's written permission

    Fresh Everyone Official source

  • Guests fishing in individually owned private ponds

    Fresh Everyone Official source

  • Members of Virginia tribes, in fresh water (a saltwater license is still needed)

    Fresh Everyone Official source

  • Stockholders owning 50% or more of a domestic corporation that owns Virginia land, and their spouse, children and minor grandchildren, on that land

    Fresh Everyone Official source

  • People not fishing themselves but helping a disabled license holder

    FreshSalt Everyone Official source

  • Holders of certain Maryland saltwater licenses (with FIP) or Potomac River Fisheries Commission licenses, in Virginia tidal waters

    Salt Everyone Official source

  • Anyone during Virginia's Free Fishing Days (June 5-7 in 2026)

    FreshSalt Everyone Official source

Fishing licenses from other states aren't valid in Virginia, except under the border-water agreements below.

Free fishing days

Checked Nov 4, 2026

Dates can move, and some free days are for residents only. Confirm with DWR / VMRC before you go.

Confirm the dates

Next dates not yet announced. Check the official page.

The rule: Three days in early June, set each year by DWR and VMRC.

No fishing license of any kind (including DWR access permits) is needed for rod-and-reel fishing in fresh and salt water. DWR fee fishing areas still charge, and charter boats, headboats, rental boats and fee piers are not covered. All limits still apply. 2027 dates not yet announced.

Official source2

Residents and visitors

Checked Nov 4, 2026
Who counts as a resident
You count as a Virginia resident if you have been domiciled in Virginia for two months or more immediately before buying the license. (at least 60 days)
Military
Active-duty military stationed in Virginia, and their spouse and dependents, can buy resident licenses.
Also
County or city licenses need six months' residence in that locality.

Official source2

How to buy a Virginia fishing license

Checked Nov 4, 2026

Freshwater, saltwater and combined licenses are sold through Go Outdoors Virginia online, on the Go Outdoors Virginia app, by phone (804-367-1000), at license agents, some circuit court clerks and DWR headquarters. DWR regional offices do not sell licenses.

Online
Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (fresh water) and Virginia Marine Resources Commission (salt water) license sales
Phone
804-367-1000
App
Go Outdoors Virginia
License on your phone
Accepted

You may carry an electronic copy, a printed paper license or an annual hard card. Lost licenses can be reprinted online through 'Manage Your Account'.

Official source

Residents can also buy 2-year ($54) and 4-year ($106) freshwater licenses, and 2-year ($33.50) and 4-year ($65.50) saltwater licenses.

The Fisherman Identification Program (FIP) is free registration with VMRC for saltwater anglers 16 and over who fish without a paid license (for example seniors, or from a licensed pier or boat). Register at mrc.virginia.gov/FIP.

A National Forest permit is needed to fish on National Forest lands, with some exceptions (residents under 16 and over 65, non-residents under 16, and some named waters). Price not shown on DWR's license page.

Optional VMRC saltwater gear licenses for cast nets only, or eel pots only, are $10 each.

Fresh and salt water are split at the freshwater-saltwater line set by law in tidal rivers: DWR licenses cover fresh water, VMRC licenses salt water.

Charters, guides and piers

Checked Nov 4, 2026

Usually not: the boat's license covers its passengers.

In salt water, passengers on a licensed charter boat or headboat need no license or FIP registration. Anglers on a public pier with a VMRC pier license, or on a private boat with a Virginia saltwater boat license, need no paid license but must register with the free Fisherman Identification Program (FIP). In fresh water, check the guide's arrangements: there is no general charter exemption on DWR's page.

Official source

Charter rules depend on the boat and where you fish. Ask the captain, and check DWR / VMRC's rules before you book.

Check the official rules

Border waters

  • Kerr (Buggs Island) and Gaston reservoirs (North Carolina)

    Virginia or North Carolina fishing licenses and permits are honored on these waters, from the Dan River area to Gaston Dam. Each state's rules apply on its own side. Official source

  • South Holston Reservoir (Tennessee)

    A Virginia or Tennessee resident freshwater license plus the South Holston Reservoir license ($21 a year) covers the impounded waters of both states. A Virginia trout license is needed for trout. Under 13s need no license or permit. Official source

  • Potomac River (Maryland and DC)

    Upper Potomac: Virginia or Maryland resident freshwater licenses are honored, and Maryland rules apply. Between the Woodrow Wilson Bridge and Little Falls a DC fishing license is needed. In tidal waters, certain Maryland saltwater licenses (with FIP) and Potomac River Fisheries Commission licenses are honored in Virginia. Official source2

Seasons and limits

Checked Nov 4, 2026

Limits change, and many lakes, rivers and coastal areas have their own rules. Check DWR / VMRC's current rules before you keep a fish.

Check the official rulesRecent changes

Statewide freshwater rules (DWR 2026) and tidal saltwater rules (VMRC / Virginia Administrative Code). Many named waters have their own rules. Freshwater limits are per person per day. Saltwater limits are per person (possession), with vessel limits where shown.

SpeciesWhereSizeDaily bagSeason
Largemouth and smallmouth bass Fresh Statewide No statewide minimum 5 combined –
Many waters differ (e.g. Kerr, Gaston, Smith Mountain: only 2 of the 5 may be under 14"); some rivers have slot limits. Official source Largemouth bass limits in other states
Spotted (Alabama) bass Fresh Statewide No minimum No daily limit –
Official source
Striped bass and hybrid striped bass (inland) Fresh Statewide 20" minimum 4 combined –
Striped bass and hybrid striped bass (inland) Kerr Reservoir 20" to 26" (October 1 to May 31); no length limit June 1 to September 30 2 (October 1 to May 31); 4 (June 1 to September 30) –
Striped bass and hybrid striped bass (inland) Smith Mountain Lake None between 30" and 40" from November 1 to May 31; no length limit June 1 to October 31 4 combined –
Gaston and Claytor also have seasonal rules. Official source Striped bass limits in other states
White bass Fresh Statewide No minimum 5 –
White bass Kerr and Gaston 14" minimum 10 –
South Holston: catch and release only. Official source
Walleye and saugeye Fresh Statewide 18" minimum 5 combined –
Sauger: 2 a day, no minimum. Claytor and the New River above Fries Dam: 2 a day, none between 19" and 28". Official source Walleye limits in other states
Muskellunge Fresh Statewide 40" minimum 1 –
New River (Claytor Dam to the West Virginia line) has stricter seasonal rules. Official source Muskellunge (muskie) limits in other states
Northern pike and chain pickerel Fresh Statewide No minimum 5 –
Kerr and Gaston: no daily limit. Official source Northern pike limits in other states
Crappie (black and white) Fresh Statewide No statewide minimum 25 combined –
Several lakes have 9" or 10" minimums (e.g. Kerr, Flannagan, South Holston). Official source Crappie limits in other states
Bluegill and other sunfish Fresh Statewide No minimum 50 combined –
Official source
Yellow perch Fresh Statewide No minimum No daily limit –
Yellow perch Tidal Chesapeake Bay rivers below the fall line 9" minimum No daily limit –
Lake Moomaw: 10 a day. Official source Yellow perch limits in other states
Channel, white and flathead catfish Fresh Statewide No minimum 20 –
Official source Catfish limits in other states
Blue catfish Fresh Statewide No minimum 20 –
Blue catfish Kerr Reservoir and tributaries Only 1 over 32" 20 –
Blue catfish Tidal James River below the fall line, and Gaston Only 1 over 32" No daily limit –
Official source Catfish limits in other states
Trout Fresh Statewide 7" minimum 6 –
Special regulation trout waters differ. South Holston: 7 a day (only 2 lake trout), no minimum. A trout license is needed in designated stocked waters. Official source Trout limits in other states
Red drum Salt
Also: redfish, puppy drum		 Virginia tidal waters 18" to 26" total length 3 (possession) –
Official source Red drum (redfish) limits in other states
Speckled trout (spotted seatrout) Salt
Also: spotted seatrout, specks		 Virginia tidal waters 14" minimum; only 1 of 24" or more 5 Closed April 1 to June 30, 2026
The spring closure is set by VMRC and may change; check VMRC before fishing. Official source Spotted seatrout limits in other states
Black drum Salt Virginia tidal waters 16" minimum 1 –
Official source
Sheepshead Salt Virginia tidal waters No minimum 4 (possession)
Boat: 4 x people legally able to fish, when catch is pooled		 –
Official source
Striped bass (tidal and coastal) Salt Set each year: check here. Seasons, slots and limits are set by VMRC each year and differ between Chesapeake Bay, its rivers and the coast. Check VMRC before fishing.
Summer flounder Salt Set each year: check here. Size, bag and season are set each year under coastwide (ASMFC) management. Check VMRC before fishing.
Black sea bass Salt Set each year: check here. Season, size and bag are set each year. Check VMRC before fishing.
Cobia Salt Set each year: check here. Season, size and bag (and any reporting rules) are set by VMRC. Check VMRC before fishing.

Compare Virginia with other states

Neighboring states, side by side: prices, age rules, free days and shared waters.

Questions

Do I need a fishing license in Virginia?

Yes, if you are 16 or older and fish public waters in Virginia, unless an exemption applies. No license is needed for: Anyone under 16 (also no trout license; no saltwater FIP registration); Anglers 65 and over in salt water (no paid license, but free FIP registration needed).

How much is a non-resident fishing license in Virginia?

For an adult fishing fresh water, the cheapest options for 2026 are $20 for one day (Non-resident freshwater fishing license, 1 day); $72 for seven days (Non-resident freshwater fishing license); $72 for a year (Non-resident freshwater fishing license). DWR says the issuance fee is included in all listed prices.

Do seniors need a fishing license in Virginia?

Senior options for residents: Free (salt): Anglers 65 and over in salt water (no paid license, but free FIP registration needed); Resident freshwater fishing license, age 65 and over: $9 (ages 65+); Resident special lifetime freshwater fishing license, age 65 and over: $30 (ages 65+); Resident lifetime saltwater fishing license, age 65 and over (optional): $5 (ages 65+). Non-resident seniors: Free (salt): Anglers 65 and over in salt water (no paid license, but free FIP registration needed).

How do I get a fishing license in Virginia?

Buy it from Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (fresh water) and Virginia Marine Resources Commission (salt water): Freshwater, saltwater and combined licenses are sold through Go Outdoors Virginia online, on the Go Outdoors Virginia app, by phone (804-367-1000), at license agents, some circuit court clerks and DWR headquarters. DWR regional offices do not sell licenses.

Do I need a license to fish on a charter in Virginia?

Usually not: the boat's license covers its passengers. In salt water, passengers on a licensed charter boat or headboat need no license or FIP registration. Anglers on a public pier with a VMRC pier license, or on a private boat with a Virginia saltwater boat license, need no paid license but must register with the free Fisherman Identification Program (FIP). In fresh water, check the guide's arrangements: there is no general charter exemption on DWR's page.

Sources and checks

Every fact on this page comes from Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (fresh water) and Virginia Marine Resources Commission (salt water) unless it's marked secondary. We use a secondary source only when the official site doesn't show something, and we name it.

Licenses and prices
Checked Nov 4, 2026 (prices for 2026)
Free fishing days
Checked Nov 4, 2026
Seasons and limits
Checked Nov 4, 2026
All 12 source pages

Spotted something out of date? Tell us.

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