Veterans Fishing License Discounts & Exemptions (2024): All States

Getting out on the water and fishing is good for all of us, but particularly for our 19 million US veterans.

To help veterans take advantage of fishing opportunities, we’ve researched which states offer discounted fishing licenses and set them out both in map and table form.

The findings of this research were:

• 30 out of 50 states offer free licenses or exemptions to having a license for veterans
• 19 out of 50 states offer discounted licenses for veterans
• Only 1 state (Massachusetts) has no publicly available veterans exemption or discount scheme

Check the map below to see which states offer exemptions and discounts to resident veterans and the table below that to get further info.

Keep in mind that in almost all cases, there are eligibility requirements based on the extent of service-related disability that a veteran has to meet to avail themselves of the discount or exemption.

These are often phrased in terms of the disability rating or level of compensation as assessed by Veterans Affairs (typically 50% through to 100%).

There are quite extensive differences between states, and it really pays to check the links on the state names in the table we’ve compiled to learn more.

See also:

• Senior Discounts on Fishing Licenses: Full Table and List
• How to Get a Fishing License at Walmart
• Alaskan Fishing Licenses: Costs, How to Buy and Who Needs One

To provide an example of these restrictions, here is the qualifying clause from Alaska: “The State of Alaska honors our resident disabled veterans (DV) by providing a complimentary hunting and fishing license/card to those who meet the Department of Fish and Game’s residency definition and who are certified 50% disabled or greater. ”

And the qualifying clause from Arizona: “Disabled Veteran – A person must show certification from the Veteran’s Administration confirming permanent service-connected disabilities rated as 100 percent disabling, plus one or more consecutive years as a bona fide Arizona resident immediately preceding application for license.”

Some states extend discounts on fishing licenses or offer additional discounts to Purple Heart recipients of former Prisoners of War. These can be discounts or exemptions.

And other states, such as Texas, offer exemptions and discounts to veterans from out of state too. In the case of Texas, veterans from out of state can fish free (subject to disability requirements), while in other states, the discount is offering resident prices to non-resident veterans – typically a discount of 50% or so.

Please note we have strived to ensure the accuracy of the information here. Please advise us if you discover any errors or updates required.