HookedinFishing » Fishing License for Veterans

Fishing License for Veterans – Eligibility & Price

Fishing is a great activity for veterans. Many states offer free or discounted licenses to encourage veterans to fish more. We’ve researched the requirements and pricing for veteran licenses for each state.

Our research found:

  • 25 offer free licenses for veterans
  • 24 states offer discounted licenses veterans
  • Oregon is the only state that doesn’t offer discount fishing licenses for veterans

The map below shows which states offer discounts and which states offer free fishing for veterans.

Map of states offering free or discounted veteran fishing licenses

Veteran License Price & Eligibility by State

StatePriceRestrictions
Alabama$3.1520% or more
AlaskaFree50% or more
ArizonaFree - 100% service connected disability. $42 for less than 100% service connected disability.Free - 100% service connected disability. $42 for less than 100% service connected disability.
Arkansas$1.50100%
California$8.3850% or more
ColoradoFree60% or more
Connecticut$28Active Duty
DelawareFree60% or more
Florida$20Active and Veterans
GeorgiaFreeAll Veterans
HawaiiFreeActive Duty
Idaho$5.0040% or more
IllinoisFree10% or more
Indiana$2.75Disabled
Iowa$7.000% or more
KansasFree30% or more
Kentucky$12.0050% or more
LouisianaFree for Disabled or $17 for ActiveDisabled or Active Duty
MaineFree50% or more
MarylandFreeActive Duty
MassachusettsFreeBlind, Paraplegic
MichiganFree100% or active duty
MinnesotaFree100% or active duty
MississippiFree50% or more
MissouriFree60% or more
Montana$8.00Disabled
Nebraska$5.00, free for disabled64 and older or 50% or more
Nevada$15.0050% or more or active duty
New Hampshire$10.00100%
New JerseyFreeDisabled
New Mexico$10.00100%
New York$5.0040% or more
North Carolina$10.0050% or more
North Dakota$3.00100%
OhioFree100%
OklahomaFree60% or more
OregonN/AN/A
PennsylvaniaFree100%
Rhode IslandFree100%
South CarolinaFreeActive Duty
South Dakota$10.0040% or more
TennesseeFree100% or 30% due to war service
TexasFree50% or more
Utah$12.0020% or more
VermontFreeActive Duty
Virginia50% or more
Washington$11.34Disabled
West VirginiaFree100%
Wisconsin$3.0070% or more
WyomingFree50% or more

Eligibility for Veteran Fishing License

The eligibility requirements for veteran fishing licenses vary state to state. Some states limit eligibility based on the extent of service-related disability. The disability rating is assessed by Veterans Affairs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a veteran fishing license cost?

The average cost of a fishing license for veterans is $9.26. There are 25 states that offer free licenses to vets.

Learn more about who needs a fishing license.

Note: State laws are subject to change through the passage of new legislation, ballot initiatives, rulings in courts, and other means. While we strive to provide the most up to date information available, please consult a lawyer or verify the state law(s) you are researching.

We strive to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information possible. We routinely review and update our articles but don’t always make corrections as soon as they happen. If you see incorrect information please help us by submitting a correction form.