FishKillFlea· Guides · 4 min read
Military & Veterans Fishing License Guide (2026) — Free Licenses, Discounts & Benefits by State
Complete guide to free and discounted fishing licenses for veterans, active-duty military, disabled vets, National Guard, and military families across all 50 states.
America’s veterans and active-duty military members deserve recognition — and many states show their gratitude with free or deeply discounted fishing licenses. This guide covers every state’s military fishing benefits so you can find what you qualify for.
States With FREE Fishing Licenses for Disabled Veterans
The most generous benefit is a completely free lifetime fishing license for service-connected disabled veterans:
| State | Disability Threshold | License Provided | Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas | 30%+ VA rating | Free lifetime | VA disability card |
| Texas | 60%+ VA rating | Free Super Combo (hunt + fish + all stamps) | VA letter |
| Florida | 100% P&T | Gold Sportsman’s (all activities) | VA certification |
| Georgia | 50%+ VA disability | Free honorary license | VA card + GA ID |
| Tennessee | Service-connected | Free Type 28 license | VA letter |
| Oklahoma | 60%+ VA rating | Free lifetime combo | VA documentation |
| North Carolina | 50%+ VA disability | Free lifetime | VA card |
| Virginia | 100% P&T | Free lifetime | VA letter |
| Alabama | 40%+ VA disability | Free all-around license | VA form |
| Ohio | 60%+ VA disability | Reduced fee ($10) | VA documentation |
| Michigan | 100% P&T | Free all-species | VA letter + MI ID |
| Pennsylvania | Service-connected | Free reduced fee ($2.97) | VA documentation |
| Indiana | 50%+ VA disability | Free fishing license | VA card |
| Colorado | 60%+ VA disability | Free small game/fishing | VA documentation |
| Wisconsin | 70%+ VA disability | Free conservation patron | VA card |
| Minnesota | 100% P&T or 50%+ | Free angling license | VA letter |
| Mississippi | Any VA disability | Free all-game/fish | VA documentation |
| Nebraska | 100% P&T | Free permit | VA letter |
| West Virginia | 50%+ VA disability | Free license | VA card |
Bring your documentation — a VA disability rating letter or VA card is required at point of purchase.
Active-Duty Military Benefits
Active-duty service members often qualify for resident rates even when stationed in a state that isn’t their legal home:
| Benefit | Typical Rule | States |
|---|---|---|
| Resident rate while stationed in-state | Show military orders + base ID | Most states |
| Home state resident rate regardless of station | Military ID + home state address | Most states |
| Free license on active duty | National Guard on active deployment | Kansas, Oklahoma, select others |
| Discounted license | Reduced rate for all active duty | Several states |
Key State Examples
- Texas: Active-duty stationed in TX = resident rate ($30 vs. $68 NR). Active-duty TX residents stationed anywhere = TX resident rate
- Florida: Military stationed in FL = resident rates. On-leave military = free freshwater/saltwater
- Colorado: Active-duty stationed in CO = resident rates ($36.08 vs. $98.63 NR)
- Alaska: Active-duty stationed in AK = resident rate ($29 vs. $145 NR)
National Guard & Reserve Benefits
| Status | Typical Benefit |
|---|---|
| National Guard on active state duty | Free license in Kansas, Oklahoma, and select others |
| National Guard (drilling status) | Resident rates in home state |
| Reserves (active orders) | Same as active-duty in most states |
| Reserves (inactive) | Standard civilian rates apply |
Gold Star & Military Family Benefits
Some states extend benefits to military families:
| Benefit | States | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Gold Star family free license | Texas, Florida, select others | Free license for surviving spouse/children of KIA service members |
| Military spouse resident rate | Most states | Spouse gets resident rate when service member is stationed in-state |
| Purple Heart recipients | Michigan, Virginia | Free or reduced license |
| POW/MIA survivors | Texas, Florida | Free lifetime license |
How to Get Your Military Fishing License
Online
- Visit your state’s fish & wildlife website
- Select “Military” or “Veterans” license category
- Upload or enter your VA disability rating / military ID information
- Complete the purchase (free or discounted)
In Person
- Visit any Walmart, Bass Pro, or state wildlife office
- Bring your military ID or VA disability letter
- Ask for the military/veteran fishing license
- Some states issue the license on the spot; others may need to verify VA status
Required Documentation
| License Type | What to Bring |
|---|---|
| Disabled veteran free license | VA disability rating letter or VA ID card showing percentage |
| Active-duty resident rate | Military ID (CAC) + PCS orders showing current station |
| National Guard free license | Active-duty orders + military ID |
| Gold Star family | Gold Star ID card or DoD letter |
Armed Forces Recreation Centers
In addition to state licenses, military members have access to exclusive fishing at:
- Military base lakes and ponds — Often require only a base fishing permit ($5–$15), not a state license
- Army Corps of Engineers recreation areas — State license required but military discounts often available
- Military R&R resorts — Shades of Green (FL), Edelweiss (Germany) — some have private fishing access
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all states offer free fishing licenses to veterans? No — benefits vary widely. Some states offer completely free licenses to disabled veterans, while others offer discounts. A few states have no special military provisions. Check the tables above for your state.
What VA disability rating do I need for a free fishing license? It varies by state — from 30% (Kansas) to 100% permanent and total (Florida, Virginia). The most common threshold is 50–60%.
Can retired military get free fishing licenses? Retired military (not disabled) typically pay standard rates in most states. The free license benefit is usually tied to VA disability rating, not retirement status alone.
Do I need to renew a veteran’s free fishing license each year? In most states, yes — you need to renew annually even if it’s free. Some states (Texas, North Carolina) issue a lifetime free license that never needs renewal.
Can I use my military fishing license in other states? No — each state’s license is valid only in that state. But you may qualify for resident rates or discounts in any state where you’re stationed. See our non-resident guide.
Where can I buy a military fishing license? Online through your state’s portal, at Walmart, Bass Pro, or your state wildlife office. Bring your military ID or VA documentation.
Check your state’s specific veteran benefits on our state pages, or see all exemptions by state.