Non-Resident Disabled Veteran Fishing License by State

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For disabled veterans passionate about fishing, understanding the regulations and costs associated with non-resident fishing licenses is crucial. 

This guide provides an overview of obtaining a non-resident disabled veteran fishing license (for all 50 US states).

We included official links for each state to help you quickly access state-specific fishing information about fishing licenses, permits, and more.

Whether you’re a disabled veteran seeking special rates or a non-resident willing to pay a fee, this guide will help you navigate the diverse regulations across the country!

Non-Resident Disabled Veteran Fishing License By State

Thirteen US States offer special veteran fishing privileges to certain non-resident disabled veterans. 

These states include Alabama, California, Georgia, Maine, Missouri, Montana, New Mexico, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Texas, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin. 

In some of these states, there are special fishing privileges (such as reduced rates) for a non-resident disabled veteran fishing license. In some states, it depends on your VA rating, while other states offer non-resident disabled veterans reciprocity with neighboring states. 

Alabama

In Alabama, special fishing license rates may apply to Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee residents.

For more pricing details and regulations, visit the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources official website.

Alaska

There are no non-resident disabled veteran reduced rates in Alaska. 

Be sure to check the latest regulations on the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website for any updates.

Arizona

Arizona does not offer reduced rates for non-resident disabled veterans.

For more information on fees and regulations, visit the Arizona Game and Fish Department official website.

Arkansas

Arkansas does not offer reduced rates for non-resident disabled veterans.

Visit the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission website for detailed pricing and regulations.

California

California offers reduced fees for non-resident disabled veterans.

Check the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website for the most current information on rates and regulations.

Colorado

Colorado does not offer any reduced cost for non-resident disabled fishing licenses.

For more detailed pricing and regulations, visit the Colorado Parks and Wildlife official website 

Connecticut

Connecticut does not offer reduced rates for non-resident disabled veterans.

Visit the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection website for specific pricing details and regulations.

Delaware

Non-resident disabled veterans with at least a 60% service-connected disability rating are eligible for a veteran fishing license exemption in Delaware.

For up-to-date information on fees and regulations, visit the Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife official website.

Florida

Florida doesn’t offer discounted licenses for non-resident disabled veterans.

Check the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website for the latest pricing and regulations.

Georgia

Veterans with a permanent and total disability rating from the VA (or another government agency) for a physical or mental impairment are eligible for a 3-year disability sportsman’s license at a steep discount from regular license cost.

Veterans disabled for mental impairment may obtain a discounted disability fishing license.

Visit the Georgia Department of Natural Resources official website for specific details on fees and regulations.

Hawaii

Hawaii does not offer reduced rates for non-resident disabled veterans.

For information on eligibility and regulations, visit the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources website.

Idaho

Idaho state doesn’t offer discounted licenses for non-resident disabled veterans.

Check the Idaho Department of Fish and Game website for specific pricing details and regulations.

Illinois

Illinois does not offer reduced rates for non-resident disabled veterans.

Visit the Illinois Department of Natural Resources official website for the most current information on fees and regulations.

Indiana

Indiana does not offer reduced rates for non-resident disabled veterans.

For detailed pricing and regulations, visit the Indiana Department of Natural Resources official website 

Iowa

Iowa does not offer reduced rates for non-resident disabled veterans.

Check the Iowa Department of Natural Resources website for specific details on fees and regulations.

Kansas

Kansas does not offer reduced rates for non-resident disabled veterans.

Visit the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism official website for up-to-date information on fees and regulations.

Kentucky

Kentucky does not offer reduced rates for non-resident disabled veterans.

For the latest pricing and regulations, visit the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources website.

Louisiana

Louisiana does not offer reduced rates for non-resident disabled veterans.

Check the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries website for specific details on rates and regulations.

Maine

Special fishing privileges are available to residents of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island, Texas, and any other state that has a reciprocal agreement with Maine.

Visit the  Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife website for detailed information on fees and regulations.

Maryland

Maryland does not offer reduced rates for non-resident disabled veterans.

For up-to-date pricing and regulations, visit the Maryland Department of Natural Resources website.

Massachusetts

Massachusetts does not offer reduced rates for non-resident disabled veterans.

Check the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife website for the latest information on fees and regulations.

Michigan

Michigan does not offer reduced rates for non-resident disabled veterans.

 Visit the Michigan Department of Natural Resources website for specific details on rates and regulations.

Minnesota

Minnesota does not offer reduced rates for non-resident disabled veterans. 

For information on eligibility and regulations, visit the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website.

Mississippi

Mississippi does not offer reduced rates for non-resident disabled veterans.

Check the  Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks website for up-to-date information on fees and regulations.

Missouri

Missouri provides discounted fishing licenses for non-resident disabled veterans having a service-related disability of 60% or greater or who were a prisoner of war or currently assigned as a patient to a Warrior Transition Brigade, Warrior Transition Unit, or a military medical center.

Visit the Missouri Department of Conservation website for specific pricing details and regulations.

Montana

In Montana, nonresident veterans who have been awarded a Purple Heart, regardless of age, may fish and hunt upland game birds with a Conservation License issued by FWP during expeditions arranged by a nonprofit organization that uses fishing and hunting as part of rehabilitation.

For the latest information on rates and regulations, visit the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks website.

Nebraska

Nebraska does not offer reduced rates for non-resident disabled veterans. 

Check the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission website for specific details on fees and regulations.

Nevada

Nevada does not offer reduced rates for non-resident disabled veterans.  

Visit the Nevada Department of Wildlife website for up-to-date information on fees and regulations.

New Hampshire

New Hampshire does not offer reduced rates for non-resident disabled veterans. 

For specific pricing details and regulations, visit the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department website

New Jersey

New Jersey does not offer reduced rates for non-resident disabled veterans. 

Check the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife website for the latest information on rates and regulations.

New Mexico

Members or veterans of the US Armed Forces in rehabilitation programs that include the learning and practice of fishing skills are eligible for free fishing licenses

Visit the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish website for detailed information on eligibility and regulations.

New York

New York does not offer reduced rates for non-resident disabled veterans. 

For specific pricing details and regulations, visit the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation website

North Carolina

A resident or nonresident who served as a member of the Armed Forces and who separated under honorable conditions is exempt from the Mountain Heritage Trout fishing license requirements while fishing in waters designated by the Wildlife Resources Commission as Mountain Heritage Trout waters. 

To qualify the individual needs valid documentation of their service with them at all times while fishing.

Check the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission website for up-to-date information on all fishing fees and regulations.

North Dakota

North Dakota does not offer reduced rates for non-resident disabled veterans. 

Visit the North Dakota Game and Fish Department website for specific details on rates and regulations.

Ohio

Ohio does not offer reduced rates for non-resident disabled veterans. 

For information on eligibility and regulations, visit the  Ohio Department of Natural Resources website.

Oklahoma

Oklahoma does not offer reduced rates for non-resident disabled veterans. 

Check the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation website for specific pricing details and regulations.

Oregon

Oregon does not offer reduced rates for non-resident disabled veterans. 

Visit the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife website for the latest information on fees and regulations.

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania does not offer reduced rates for non-resident disabled veterans. 

For specific pricing details and regulations, visit the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission website HERE.

Rhode Island

Rhode Island offers special fishing privileges for non-resident disabled veterans who have a current 100% disability. Check the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management website for detailed information on eligibility and regulations.

South Carolina

South Carolina does not offer reduced rates for non-resident disabled veterans.  

Visit the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources website for up-to-date information on fees and regulations.

South Dakota

South Dakota does not offer reduced rates for non-resident disabled veterans. 

For specific pricing details and regulations, visit the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks website 

Tennessee

Tennessee does not offer reduced rates for non-resident disabled veterans. 

Check the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency website for the latest information on rates and regulations.

Texas

Texas offers special fishing privileges for non-resident disabled veterans. 

Visit the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website for detailed information on eligibility and regulations.

Utah

Utah does not offer reduced rates for non-resident disabled veterans. 

For specific pricing details and regulations, visit the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources website 

Vermont

In Vermont non-resident veterans with at least a 60% VA rating, may have free permanent fishing license if they meet the requirements and must also provide a statement on letterhead from the Fish and Wildlife Department of the State in which they are a resident, stating that they provide a reciprocal privilege for Vermont residents

Check the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department website for the latest information on fees and regulations.

Virginia

Non-resident disabled veterans rated at least 70% by the VA may be eligible for reduced fishing license fees in Virginia.

Visit the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources website for specific pricing details and regulations.

Washington

Washington offers special fishing privileges for non-resident disabled veterans with at least 30% service-connected disability or 65 years of age or older with a service-connected disability.

For information on eligibility and regulations, visit the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife website 

West Virginia

West Virginia does not offer reduced rates for non-resident disabled veterans. 

Check the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources website for up-to-date information on fees and regulations.

Wisconsin

Wisconsin provides any nonresident Purple Heart recipient who exhibits proof at a DNR Service Center of having received a Purple Heart medal is eligible to purchase a nonresident Conservation Patron license for $161 and other hunting, trapping, and fishing approvals at resident rates.

Visit the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website for specific pricing details and regulations.

Wyoming

Wyoming does not offer reduced rates for non-resident disabled veterans. 

For the latest information on rates and regulations, visit the Wyoming Game and Fish Department website.

Conclusion

In the vast tapestry of America’s natural beauty, fishing stands as a timeless pursuit, offering solace, serenity, and a deep connection to the great outdoors.

This guide focused on the non-resident disabled veteran fishing license by state to help you navigate the fishing licenses, fees, and regulations with ease when you are traveling out-of-state.

For more information about veteran and disabled veteran benefits in your home state (including disabled veteran hunting licenses) see our State Veteran Benefits guide for your state by clicking the link below!

Happy fishing and thank you for your service!

More State Veteran Resources!

Other Veteran Fishing License (FAQs) Frequently Asked Questions 

Do Any States Offer a Free Fishing License for Veterans?

Yes, veterans in Alaska, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Connecticut, Illinois, Kansas, Maryland, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming can obtain free fishing licenses based on specific criteria related to disability ratings or military service-connected disabilities.

Is There a Lifetime Fishing License for Disabled Veterans?

Resident disabled veterans in Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming can obtain lifetime fishing licenses under specific criteria related to disability ratings or military service-connected disabilities. 

These licenses are often available at reduced fees or no cost for veterans meeting the designated eligibility requirements, contributing to the long-term enjoyment of fishing for those who have served our nation.

Are there any additional perks or discounts associated with veteran fishing licenses?

Yes, in addition to reduced or free fishing licenses, some states offer veterans special discounts on fishing-related gear, guided trips, and other outdoor activities. 

These perks are designed to enhance the overall fishing experience for veterans and show appreciation for their service.

Can disabled vets use their disabled veteran fishing licenses in multiple states?

Some states have reciprocal agreements that allow disabled veterans to use their nonresident disabled veteran fishing license in multiple states without purchasing additional licenses. 

Veterans should check with the respective state wildlife agencies to understand the details of these agreements and ensure compliance with regulations when fishing across state lines.

Are there specific seasons or regulations that apply to veteran fishing licenses?

While veteran fishing licenses often come with certain exemptions and privileges, veterans are still required to adhere to state-specific fishing regulations, such as size limits, bag limits, and seasonal restrictions. 

How can veterans apply for fishing licenses online?

Most states offer online platforms where veterans can easily apply for fishing licenses. Veterans can visit the official website of their state’s wildlife agency, fill out the necessary forms, provide proof of service or disability, and pay any applicable fees online.

The online application process is designed to be user-friendly, providing veterans with a convenient way to obtain their fishing licenses from the comfort of their homes.

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