Virginia Hunting License

How Do I Get My State Hunting License?

Depending on your age, you may be required to have the Hunter Education Certificate in order to legally buy a license or permit to hunt.

1. Complete the Virginia hunter education certification requirements.
2. Choose the correct license type.
3. Buy the license through the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources website or a Virginia–approved agent.

Types of Virginia Hunting Licenses

Virginia Resident

A resident is a person who has lived in Virginia for at least six months. Non-resident full-time students who attend an institution in Virginia and active-duty military members are considered residents. Visit the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources website for more information on residency requirements.

All Virginia residents age 12 or older must have a resident hunting license. Additional licenses may be required. Visit the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources website for exceptions.

Non-Resident

All non-residents must have a non-resident hunting license. Additional licenses may be required.

Youth Hunting License

Virginia residents under the age of 12 are not required to have a hunting license or hunter education. Non-residents under the age of 12 must have a hunting license but do not need hunter education. All hunters under the age of 12 must be accompanied by a licensed adult.

Virginia residents and non-residents ages 12 to 15 may purchase a junior hunting license. Additional licenses may be required. Visit the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources website for more details.

Senior Hunting License

Virginia residents age 65 or older may purchase the reduced-fee Resident Senior Citizen Hunting License. Additional licenses may be required.

Disability License

Virginia residents who are totally and permanently disabled may apply for the Totally and Permanently Disabled Resident Special Hunting Lifetime License. Additional licenses may be required. Visit the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources website for more details.

Military and Veteran License

Active-duty military members who are stationed in Virginia may purchase a resident hunting license.

Resident veterans with a service-connected disability may apply for the reduced-fee Resident Annual Hunting License for 70 Percent Partially Disabled Veterans or the free Service-Connected Totally and Permanently Disabled Veteran Resident Lifetime Hunting License. Additional licenses may be required.

Non-resident veterans with a service-connected disability may apply for the reduced-fee Nonresident Annual Hunting License for 70 Percent Partially Disabled Veterans and the reduced-fee Service-Connected Totally and Permanently Disabled Nonresident Veteran Annual Hunting License. Additional licenses may be required.

Visit the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources website for more information about military and veteran licenses.

Migratory Waterfowl Requirements

All hunters age 16 or older must purchase the Virginia Migratory Waterfowl Conservation Stamp and the Federal Duck Stamp when hunting migratory waterfowl. In addition, hunters are required to have proof of their participation in the Harvest Information Program (HIP).

License Expiration

Hunting licenses are good for one year from the date of purchase. Bear and deer/turkey licenses are good from July 1 to June 30 of the next year. Virginia residents and non-residents are able to purchase a lifetime hunting license.

Where to Buy a Virginia Hunting License

• Visit the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources website.
• Call 1-866-721-6911.
• Visit certain clerks at the Circuit Court or an approved license agent.
• Mail in a paper application.