Virginia fishing licenses are issued by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (VA DWR) for freshwater fishing and the Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC) for saltwater fishing. This guide explains how to buy, renew, or reprint your Virginia fishing license online, what licenses cost, how saltwater licensing works, and what Virginia fishing rules require.
Visit the official Virginia fishing license page →
Quick Virginia Fishing License Information
| Category | Virginia Fishing License Details |
|---|---|
| Freshwater Licenses Issued By | Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (VA DWR) |
| Saltwater Licenses Issued By | Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC) |
| Online System | HuntFishVA.com (freshwater) |
| Online Purchase Available? | Yes |
| Digital Licenses Accepted? | Yes |
| Minimum License Age | 16 years old |
| Resident Annual Freshwater License | $23.00 |
| Nonresident Annual Freshwater License | $47.00 |
| License Year | January 1 – December 31 |
| Saltwater License Required? | Yes — separate license from VMRC |
| Trout License Required? | Yes — for designated stocked trout waters |
Always verify current pricing through the official VA DWR and VMRC websites before purchasing. Virginia license fees can change periodically.
How to Buy a Virginia Fishing License Online
Virginia freshwater fishing licenses can be purchased online through the official HuntFishVA system at HuntFishVA.com, operated by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. Licenses are typically issued immediately after purchase and can be displayed digitally on your phone.
- Visit HuntFishVA.com — Go to the official VA DWR online licensing portal.
- Create or log in to your account — Enter your Virginia ID or driver’s license number and personal information.
- Select your license type — Choose resident or nonresident, annual or short-term, and add a trout license if needed.
- Complete payment online — Pay using a debit or credit card.
- Download or display your license — Virginia accepts digital fishing licenses displayed on a mobile device.
Access the official VA DWR HuntFishVA licensing system →
What Is HuntFishVA?
HuntFishVA.com is the official online licensing portal operated by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (VA DWR). It is used to purchase, renew, and manage Virginia freshwater fishing licenses, hunting licenses, and related outdoor permits.
If you are searching for “Virginia fishing license online,” “VA DWR fishing license,” “HuntFishVA fishing license,” or “Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources license,” the official freshwater licensing portal is HuntFishVA.com.
Note that VA DWR was formerly known as the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF). References to “VDGIF fishing license” in older materials refer to the same agency, now called VA DWR.
Virginia Fishing License Costs
Virginia fishing license costs vary based on residency, age, and license type. The following prices reflect common Virginia fishing license options.
| License Type | Resident Fee | Nonresident Fee | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Freshwater Fishing License | $23.00 | $47.00 | Jan 1 – Dec 31 |
| 5-Day Freshwater License | $9.00 | $18.00 | 5 days |
| 1-Day Freshwater License | $6.00 | $6.00 | 1 day |
| Senior Annual License (age 65+) | $4.00 | N/A | Jan 1 – Dec 31 |
| Trout License (add-on) | $23.00 | $47.00 | Jan 1 – Dec 31 |
| Saltwater Recreational Fishing License | $18.00 | $37.50 | Jan 1 – Dec 31 |
| Lifetime Freshwater License | Varies by age | N/A | Lifetime |
License fees can change. Always verify current pricing through the official VA DWR and VMRC websites before purchasing.
See our fishing license cost by state guide for nationwide comparisons.
Virginia Saltwater Fishing License
Virginia saltwater fishing is regulated separately from freshwater fishing. A standard Virginia freshwater fishing license does not cover saltwater or tidal water fishing.
Anglers fishing Virginia’s saltwater — including the Chesapeake Bay, Virginia Beach coastline, the Eastern Shore, tidal rivers, and Atlantic Ocean waters — need a Virginia Saltwater Recreational Fishing License issued by the Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC).
The saltwater recreational fishing license costs $18.00 for residents and $37.50 for nonresidents and can be purchased online through the VMRC licensing system or through authorized agents.
Anglers who fish both freshwater and saltwater in Virginia need licenses from both VA DWR (freshwater) and VMRC (saltwater).
See our saltwater fishing license guide for more on coastal fishing requirements by state.
Virginia Trout Fishing License
Virginia requires a separate Trout Fishing License for anglers fishing designated stocked trout waters — streams and lakes managed under Virginia’s trout stocking program. A standard freshwater fishing license alone does not cover fishing in these designated trout waters.
The Virginia trout fishing license costs $23.00 for residents and $47.00 for nonresidents and is available through HuntFishVA.com.
Popular trout fishing destinations in Virginia include the Shenandoah Valley, Blue Ridge Mountains, George Washington National Forest streams, the New River, and numerous stocked trout waters throughout western and central Virginia.
See our trout stamp cost guide for more on trout license requirements by state.
Why Buying Online Is the Fastest Option
- Immediate access — Licenses are typically issued instantly after purchase
- No travel required — Skip the trip to a sporting goods store or DWR office
- 24/7 availability — Buy anytime, including the morning of a fishing trip
- Digital convenience — Virginia accepts licenses displayed on a mobile device
- Easy renewals and reprints — Access your HuntFishVA account anytime
How to Renew a Virginia Fishing License Online
Virginia fishing licenses expire on December 31 each year. Renewal is available online through HuntFishVA.com. Anglers are encouraged to renew before January 1 to avoid any gap in coverage.
- Visit HuntFishVA.com
- Log in to your VA DWR account
- Select your renewal license type
- Complete payment online
- Download or display your renewed license
For additional guidance, see our fishing license renewal guide, renew fishing license online guide, and fishing license expiration guide.
How to Reprint a Virginia Fishing License
If you lose your Virginia fishing license or need another copy, you can usually reprint or redownload it through your HuntFishVA account.
- Visit HuntFishVA.com and log in to your account
- Locate your fishing license in your purchase history
- Select your license
- Download or print a replacement copy
See our reprint fishing license guide and replace lost fishing license guide.
Who Needs a Virginia Fishing License?
Most anglers age 16 and older need a valid Virginia fishing license while fishing public waters.
- Virginia residents age 16+ need a resident freshwater fishing license
- Nonresidents age 16+ need a nonresident Virginia fishing license
- Children under 16 do not need a fishing license in Virginia
- Virginia residents age 65+ qualify for a significantly discounted senior annual fishing license at $4.00
- Trout anglers fishing designated stocked trout waters need a separate trout fishing license
- Saltwater anglers need a separate VMRC saltwater recreational fishing license
- Certain disability exemptions may apply — review current VA DWR eligibility rules
Related guides:
- Do You Need a Fishing License?
- Do Kids Need a Fishing License?
- Fishing License Age Requirements
- Senior Fishing License Guide
Virginia Nonresident Fishing License
Out-of-state anglers fishing in Virginia must purchase a nonresident fishing license through HuntFishVA. Virginia attracts nonresident anglers for Chesapeake Bay fishing, Blue Ridge Mountain trout fishing, Shenandoah River smallmouth bass fishing, striped bass fishing, and coastal saltwater fishing along Virginia Beach and the Eastern Shore.
Nonresident options include an annual freshwater license at $47.00, a 5-day license at $18.00, and a 1-day license at $6.00. A nonresident saltwater license costs $37.50 through VMRC.
Fishing across state lines? See our fishing license reciprocity guide.
Virginia Fishing License Expiration
Virginia annual fishing licenses expire on December 31 each year. The new license year begins January 1. Virginia uses a fixed calendar-year licensing system.
Anglers who purchase late in the year — in October, November, or December — receive less than a full year of coverage. A 1-day or 5-day license may be more cost-effective for late-year or occasional fishing trips.
Related guides:
Virginia Fishing License Rules and Exemptions
- Carry your license while fishing — Virginia requires proof of licensing when requested by a conservation officer
- Digital licenses accepted — VA DWR allows fishing licenses displayed on a mobile device
- Freshwater and saltwater licenses are separate — confirm you have the right license for where you are fishing
- Trout license required for stocked trout waters — confirm requirements before fishing designated trout streams
- Free Fishing Days — Virginia designates Free Fishing Days when no license is required; see our free fishing days guide
- Follow species regulations — bag limits, size limits, and seasons vary by species and water body
Before fishing, review current regulations through the official VA DWR fishing regulations page.
Related guides:
- Fishing Regulations by State
- Free Fishing Days in Every State
- What Happens If You Fish Without a License?
Where to Buy a Virginia Fishing License In Person
Virginia fishing licenses are also available from authorized license agents throughout the state.
- Walmart sporting goods counters
- Dick’s Sporting Goods
- Bass Pro Shops
- Cabela’s
- Local bait and tackle shops
- Authorized VA DWR license agents statewide
Vendor participation varies by location. Calling ahead before visiting is recommended.
See our guide on where to buy a fishing license near you.
How This Virginia Fishing License Guide Is Maintained
Virginia fishing license fees, regulations, exemptions, and digital licensing rules can change periodically. This guide is reviewed and updated using official Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (VA DWR) and Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC) information and current Virginia fishing regulations. BuyFishingLicense.org is an independent informational website and is not affiliated with VA DWR, VMRC, or any government agency. If you notice outdated information, please contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a Virginia fishing license?
A Virginia resident annual freshwater fishing license costs $23.00. A nonresident annual freshwater license costs $47.00. A 1-day license costs $6.00. A senior resident license for anglers age 65 and older costs $4.00. A trout fishing license costs $23.00 for residents and $47.00 for nonresidents. A saltwater recreational fishing license costs $18.00 for residents and $37.50 for nonresidents. Always verify current pricing through HuntFishVA.com and VMRC.
Where can I buy a Virginia fishing license online?
Virginia freshwater fishing licenses are purchased online through the official VA DWR licensing system at HuntFishVA.com. Saltwater fishing licenses are purchased through the Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC).
What is VA DWR?
VA DWR stands for the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, the state agency that issues Virginia freshwater fishing licenses and manages inland fish and wildlife. VA DWR was formerly known as the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF).
Do I need a separate saltwater fishing license in Virginia?
Yes. A standard Virginia freshwater fishing license does not cover saltwater or tidal water fishing. A separate Saltwater Recreational Fishing License from the Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC) is required for fishing the Chesapeake Bay, Atlantic Ocean, and tidal waters.
Do I need a trout license in Virginia?
Yes, for fishing designated stocked trout waters. A standard freshwater fishing license does not cover these waters. The trout fishing license costs $23.00 for residents and $47.00 for nonresidents.
When does a Virginia fishing license expire?
Virginia annual fishing licenses expire on December 31 each year. The new license year begins January 1.
Do seniors need a fishing license in Virginia?
Virginia residents age 65 and older qualify for a significantly discounted senior annual fishing license at $4.00. Registration is still required.
Do kids need a fishing license in Virginia?
No. Children under age 16 do not need a fishing license in Virginia.
Can nonresidents buy a Virginia fishing license online?
Yes. Out-of-state anglers can purchase Virginia nonresident freshwater fishing licenses online through HuntFishVA.com.
Can I show my Virginia fishing license on my phone?
Yes. Virginia accepts fishing licenses displayed on a mobile device while fishing.
Related Virginia Fishing Guides
- Online Fishing License Directory
- Where to Buy a Fishing License Near Me
- Saltwater Fishing License Guide
- How Much Is a Fishing License?
- Fishing License Cost by State
- Trout Stamp Cost Guide
- Fishing License Renewal
- Reprint Fishing License
- Free Fishing Days in Every State
- Does Walmart Sell Fishing Licenses?
- Senior Fishing License Guide
- Lifetime Fishing License Guide