Virginia Fishing License Cost 2026: Resident, Nonresident, Freshwater, Saltwater and Trout Fees
Trying to understand Virginia fishing license cost before buying? Virginia has separate freshwater, saltwater, fresh/saltwater combination, short-term, trout, tidal boat and special permit options.
This guide breaks down 2026 Virginia resident and nonresident fishing license fees, including 1-year, 2-year, 3-year and 4-year resident freshwater licenses, nonresident freshwater, saltwater, 5-day, 10-day, trout, National Forest, access permit and tidal boat fees.
Use these shortcuts before checkout. Virginia’s license cost depends on whether you fish freshwater, saltwater, both, designated stocked trout waters, National Forest lands or tidal waters from a boat.
How Much Is a Virginia Fishing License in 2026?
Virginia DWR lists the resident state freshwater fishing license at $23 for 1 year and the nonresident state freshwater fishing license at $47 for anglers age 16 or older. Resident multi-year freshwater options are listed at $44 for 2 years, $65 for 3 years and $86 for 4 years.
For saltwater, Virginia lists the resident saltwater fishing license at $17.50 and the nonresident saltwater fishing license at $25. A fresh/saltwater combination license is $39.50 for residents and $71 for nonresidents. Trout fishing in designated stocked trout waters from October 1 through June 15 requires an additional $23 trout license.
Virginia Fishing License Cost Quick Facts for 2026
Virginia fishing license prices are fairly direct, but the rules can become confusing around stocked trout waters, saltwater boundaries, tidal boats, National Forest waters and short-term visitor licenses.
What This Virginia Fishing License Cost Guide Covers
Official Virginia Fishing License Cost Links
Use official Virginia DWR and VMRC links before buying. License prices, trout rules, saltwater requirements, boat-license rules and permit needs can change.
🎣 Virginia Fishing License Fees
Official Virginia DWR page with resident, nonresident, freshwater, trout and permit fees.
Check DWR Fees💳 Go Outdoors Virginia
Virginia DWR’s approved online license provider for fishing and hunting licenses.
Buy Online🧾 DWR Buy Licenses
Official page with online purchase link, customer service and license agent information.
Open Buy Licenses🌊 VMRC License Fees
Virginia Marine Resources Commission fee table for saltwater recreational fishing licenses.
Check VMRC Fees⚓ Saltwater License Rules
VMRC page for saltwater recreational license fees, exemptions, boat rules and FIP notes.
Read Saltwater Rules💵 State Cost Guide
Compare Virginia fishing license cost with other state fishing license prices.
Compare State CostsVirginia Fishing License Cost: Resident and Nonresident Fees
Virginia DWR says resident and nonresident licenses are valid for one year from the date of purchase unless otherwise noted. The issuance fee is included in the listed prices below.
| Virginia License / Permit | Resident Fee | Nonresident Fee | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| State Freshwater Fishing, 1-Year | $23.00 | $47.00 | Most anglers fishing Virginia inland freshwater. |
| State Freshwater Fishing, Multi-Year | $44.00 2-year; $65.00 3-year; $86.00 4-year | Not listed as standard multi-year | Virginia residents who fish every year. |
| County/City Resident Freshwater | $16.00 | Not available | Fishing only in county or city of residence. |
| State Fresh/Saltwater Fishing | $39.50 | $71.00 | Anglers fishing both inland and tidal/saltwater. |
| Saltwater Fishing | $17.50 | $25.00 | Virginia tidal saltwater and Atlantic coastal fishing. |
| 5-Day Freshwater Fishing | $14.00 | $21.00 | Short freshwater trips; check trout restrictions. |
| 1-Day Freshwater Fishing | Not listed as standard resident product | $8.00 | One-day nonresident freshwater fishing, not valid in designated stocked trout waters. |
| 10-Day Saltwater Fishing | $10.00 | $10.00 | Short tidal saltwater or coastal trips. |
| 5-Day Fresh/Saltwater Fishing | $24.00 | $31.00 | Short trips needing both fresh and saltwater access. |
| Trout Fishing | $23.00 | $23.00 | Designated stocked trout waters from October 1 through June 15. |
| Resident 65+ Annual Freshwater | $9.00 | Not available | Virginia residents age 65 and over. |
| National Forest Permit | $4.00 | $4.00 | Fishing on many National Forest lands when required. |
Virginia Resident Fishing License Cost in 2026
Virginia resident anglers can choose annual or multi-year freshwater licenses, a fresh/saltwater license, saltwater license, 5-day short-term options, senior freshwater license and special permits.
$23: Resident state freshwater fishing license for age 16 and older.
$44 / $65 / $86: Resident 2-year, 3-year and 4-year freshwater options.
$39.50: Resident combination license for both inland and tidal/saltwater fishing.
$17.50: Resident individual saltwater fishing license.
$14: Resident short-term freshwater fishing, not valid in designated stocked trout waters.
$9: Resident 65 and over annual freshwater fishing license.
Virginia Nonresident Fishing License Cost in 2026
Nonresidents pay higher freshwater fees but have several short-term options. The right choice depends on whether the trip is freshwater, saltwater, both, or stocked trout water.
Freshwater visitor
Nonresident freshwater is $47 annually, $21 for 5 days or $8 for one day.
Trout license extra if neededSaltwater visitor
Nonresident saltwater is $25 annually or $10 for a 10-day temporary license.
Fresh/salt combo: $71$47: Nonresident state freshwater fishing for age 16 or older.
$8: Nonresident 1-day freshwater license, not valid in designated stocked trout waters.
$21: Nonresident 5 consecutive day freshwater license.
$31: Nonresident 5-day combined fresh/saltwater license.
$10: Nonresident 10 consecutive day saltwater license.
$71: Nonresident annual combination license for both fresh and saltwater.
Virginia Freshwater Fishing License Cost and Rules
Freshwater licenses are managed by Virginia DWR and cover inland waters where a freshwater fishing license is required. Anglers age 16 and older generally need a proper license unless an exemption applies.
$23: Main freshwater license for most Virginia residents.
$47: Main freshwater license for most nonresident visitors age 16 or older.
$16: Allows fishing only in the county or city of residence.
$8 / $21: Nonresident 1-day or 5-day freshwater license options.
Virginia Saltwater Fishing License Cost and VMRC Rules
Virginia Marine Resources Commission lists individual resident saltwater at $17.50 and individual nonresident saltwater at $25. The 10-day temporary saltwater license is $10 for both residents and nonresidents.
| Virginia Saltwater License | Resident Fee | Nonresident Fee | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual Saltwater | $17.50 | $25.00 | Annual tidal saltwater and Atlantic Ocean fishing. |
| 10-Day Temporary Saltwater | $10.00 | $10.00 | Short saltwater trips. |
| Fresh/Saltwater Combination | $39.50 | $71.00 | Fishing both inland waters and tidal saltwater. |
| 5-Day Fresh/Saltwater Temporary | $24.00 | $31.00 | Short trips needing both fresh and saltwater. |
| Saltwater Recreational Boat | $48.00 | $76.00 | Boat owners; nonresident boat must be registered in Virginia. |
| Tidal Boat Sport Fishing | $126.00 | $201.00 | Tidal boat sport fishing coverage. |
Virginia Trout Fishing License Cost and When You Need It
Virginia DWR lists the resident and nonresident trout fishing license at $23. It is required in addition to other resident or nonresident licenses only when fishing in designated stocked trout waters from October 1 through June 15.
$23: Required in addition to other resident licenses only for designated stocked trout waters during the season.
$23: Required in addition to nonresident licenses only when fishing designated stocked trout waters.
October 1-June 15: DWR lists this as the stocked trout license requirement period.
Important: Some short-term freshwater licenses are not valid in designated stocked trout waters.
Virginia Boat Fishing License Cost: Saltwater, Recreational Boat and Tidal Boat
Virginia has boat-related saltwater and tidal license options that can be useful for boat owners and passengers. VMRC states that passengers on a licensed saltwater boat may fish without an additional paid license, but unlicensed passengers must comply with Fisherman Identification Program requirements.
$48: Resident saltwater recreational boat license.
$76: Nonresident saltwater recreational boat license, but the nonresident’s boat must be registered in Virginia.
$126: Resident tidal boat sport fishing license.
$201: Nonresident tidal boat sport fishing license.
Virginia Special Fishing Permits: National Forest, Access and Fee Areas
Some Virginia waters require special permits in addition to regular fishing licenses. These are easy to miss because they are not the same as the standard resident or nonresident fishing license.
$4: Required for fishing on many National Forest lands, with listed exceptions.
$8: Required at Clinch Mountain, Crooked Creek and Douthat State Park Fee Fishing Areas.
$4 per day or $23 per year: Required for some access situations listed by DWR.
$16: Allows certain activities including fishing, mountain biking and horse riding on Virginia state forest areas.
How to Buy a Virginia Fishing License Online or In Person
Virginia DWR says Go Outdoors Virginia is the approved and sole provider of online fishing and hunting licenses for the Commonwealth. DWR also says anglers can buy licenses in person from hundreds of license agents around Virginia.
Open Go Outdoors Virginia
Start at the official Go Outdoors Virginia license portal or the Virginia DWR Buy Licenses page.
Choose resident or nonresident
Select the correct residency status before comparing fees. Resident and nonresident license prices are different.
Choose freshwater, saltwater or both
Pick the license based on the water you will fish, not only the cheapest price.
Add trout or special permits if needed
Add the trout license, National Forest permit, access permit or fee area permit if your exact location requires it.
Save proof before fishing
Keep your license proof available on your phone and print a backup for remote waters or weak-service areas.
Virginia Fishing Rules to Check After Paying the License Cost
A Virginia fishing license gives license coverage, but it does not replace fishing regulations. You still need to check seasons, creel limits, slot limits, saltwater boundaries, trout-stocked waters, National Forest rules and gear restrictions.
Before fishing Virginia, check this list
- Are you fishing freshwater, saltwater or both?
- Are you resident or nonresident?
- Are you age 16 or older?
- Are you fishing designated stocked trout waters from October 1 through June 15?
- Do you need a National Forest Permit?
- Do you need a daily permit for a fee fishing area?
- Are you fishing from a licensed saltwater or tidal boat?
- Do you need Fisherman Identification Program registration?
- Are you using legal gear for that water?
- Can you show license proof if asked?
Common Virginia Fishing License Cost Mistakes
Most Virginia license mistakes happen when anglers buy only the cheapest license, choose the wrong water type, skip trout licensing, forget special permits or assume boat passengers never need any registration.
Freshwater and saltwater licenses are different. Use the fresh/saltwater license only when you need both.
Designated stocked trout waters require the $23 trout license from October 1 through June 15.
Some 1-day or 5-day freshwater products are not valid in designated stocked trout waters.
Fishing on many National Forest lands requires the $4 National Forest Permit with listed exceptions.
Licensed boat passengers may avoid an extra paid saltwater license, but VMRC FIP registration rules can still apply.
Saltwater anglers age 65 or older may not need a license, but VMRC says they need no-cost FIP registration before fishing unless another listed option applies.
How This Virginia Fishing License Cost Guide Was Checked
This guide was prepared using official Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources fishing license fee pages, Virginia DWR license purchase pages, Go Outdoors Virginia, and Virginia Marine Resources Commission saltwater recreational license fee pages. The focus is cost because that is the main search intent behind “virginia fishing license cost.”
- Resident state freshwater fishing license fee.
- Resident 2-year, 3-year and 4-year freshwater fees.
- Nonresident state freshwater fishing license fee.
- Resident and nonresident saltwater fishing license fees.
- Resident and nonresident fresh/saltwater combination fees.
- Resident and nonresident 5-day fresh/saltwater fees.
- Nonresident 1-day and 5-day freshwater fees.
- Resident and nonresident 10-day saltwater fees.
- Resident and nonresident trout license cost and stocked trout rule.
- National Forest Permit, access permit and fee fishing area permit costs.
- Tidal boat and saltwater recreational boat license fees.
- Go Outdoors Virginia online license source and DWR customer service details.
Find Virginia Fishing License Agents Near You
If you do not want to buy online, Virginia DWR says licenses can be bought in person from hundreds of license agents around the Commonwealth. Call before visiting because hours, printer support and license products can vary.
Search Virginia Fishing License Agents
Use this map for a general search, then confirm through Virginia DWR or Go Outdoors Virginia before relying on a vendor location.
Virginia Fishing License Cost FAQs: Resident, Nonresident, Freshwater and Saltwater
How much is a Virginia resident freshwater fishing license in 2026?
Virginia DWR lists the resident state freshwater fishing license at $23 for 1 year, $44 for 2 years, $65 for 3 years and $86 for 4 years.
How much is a Virginia nonresident freshwater fishing license?
Virginia DWR lists the nonresident state freshwater fishing license for age 16 or older at $47. The nonresident 1-day freshwater license is $8 and the nonresident 5-day freshwater license is $21.
How much is a Virginia saltwater fishing license?
Virginia lists the resident individual saltwater fishing license at $17.50 and the nonresident individual saltwater fishing license at $25. The 10-day temporary saltwater license is $10 for both residents and nonresidents.
How much is a Virginia fresh and saltwater combination license?
The resident state fresh/saltwater fishing license is $39.50, and the nonresident state fresh/saltwater fishing license is $71. A 5-day fresh/saltwater license is $24 for residents and $31 for nonresidents.
How much is a Virginia trout license?
Virginia DWR lists resident and nonresident trout fishing at $23. It is required in addition to other licenses only when fishing in designated stocked trout waters from October 1 through June 15.
How much is the Virginia National Forest Permit?
The Virginia National Forest Permit is listed at $4. It is required for fishing on many National Forest lands, with listed exceptions.
How much is a Virginia tidal boat sport fishing license?
Virginia lists tidal boat sport fishing at $126 for residents and $201 for nonresidents.
Where can I buy a Virginia fishing license?
Virginia DWR says Go Outdoors Virginia is the approved and sole online provider for Virginia fishing and hunting licenses. Licenses can also be bought from hundreds of license agents around the Commonwealth.
Do Virginia saltwater anglers age 65 or older need a license?
VMRC says anglers age 65 or older do not need a saltwater license, but they must obtain no-cost Fisherman Identification Program registration before fishing unless they have the optional resident 65+ lifetime saltwater license.
Where should I verify Virginia fishing license fees?
Use Virginia DWR fishing license fee pages, Go Outdoors Virginia, the DWR Buy Licenses page and Virginia Marine Resources Commission saltwater license fee pages before buying.
Final Summary: Virginia Fishing License Cost in 2026
Virginia resident freshwater fishing costs $23 for 1 year, while nonresident freshwater fishing costs $47. Resident saltwater is $17.50 and nonresident saltwater is $25. If you need both fresh and saltwater privileges, the combination license is $39.50 for residents and $71 for nonresidents.
Short-term visitors can compare nonresident 1-day freshwater at $8, 5-day freshwater at $21, 10-day saltwater at $10 and 5-day fresh/saltwater at $31. If you fish designated stocked trout waters from October 1 through June 15, add the $23 trout license. For the safest purchase, use Go Outdoors Virginia and verify your exact water, species and permit needs before fishing.