Hunting License Virginia- Steps to Buy Your VA License & Tags

David Harrison  ·  Updated on May 21, 2025

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hunting license virginia

Follow these straightforward steps to obtain a Virginia hunting license:


VA Hunter Education Certification

Skip having to attend an in-person field-day course with our 3 hour interactive Hunter Safety course.

We provide all the resources to get you fully certified online, and your hunter education certificate is accepted by Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources for use in Virginia for VA residents and non-residents alike.

After completing the Hunter Ed course and passing the final exam, you’ll receive your temporary Hunter Education Certificate.

We submit your course results to the state, which also manages fishing licenses and permits. The state will issue and email you your permanent Hunter Education Certificate (Card), which serves as part of the requirements for obtaining Virginia permits. This is valid for use in all 50 USA States (including Virginia), Mexico, Canada, and any other country or US Territory that has reciprocity with IHEA-USA & State Issued Hunter Education Certificates.


Select Your VA Hunting License

Virginia offers a variety of hunting licenses, including a trapping license and a fox hunting license, for different age groups, residency statuses, and hunting preferences, all governed by specific hunting regulations.

Virginia residents under the age of 12 are not required to have a hunting license or hunter education. Non-residents under the age of 12 must have a hunting license but do not need hunter education. All hunters under the age of 12 must be accompanied by a licensed adult.

Virginia residents and non-residents ages 12 to 15 may purchase a junior hunting license. Additional licenses may be required.

Below is an overview of the primary license types available:​

Resident Licenses

A resident is a person who has lived in Virginia for at least six months. Non-resident full-time students who attend an institution in Virginia and active-duty military members are considered residents. All Virginia residents age 12 or older must have a resident hunting license. Additional licenses may be required.

  • Resident County or City Hunting License – Required for Virginia residents aged 16 and older to hunt within their county or city of residence.
  • Resident Statewide Hunting License – Allows residents to hunt statewide; required for those hunting outside their county or city of residence.
  • Resident Apprentice Hunting License – A one-time, two-year license for residents aged 16 and older who have not completed hunter education; must be accompanied by a licensed adult.
  • Resident Senior Citizen Hunting License – Available to residents aged 65 and older; valid for hunting statewide.
  • Resident Sportsman’s License – Combines hunting, fishing, and other privileges into one license for residents.
  • Resident Lifetime Hunting License – Provides lifetime hunting privileges for residents; additional permits may be required for specific game species.

Non-Resident Licenses

All non-residents must have a non-resident hunting or fishing license. Additional licenses may be required.

  • Non-Resident Statewide Hunting License – Required for non-residents aged 16 and older to hunt statewide in Virginia.
  • Non-Resident Apprentice Hunting License – A one-time, two-year license for non-residents aged 16 and older who have not completed hunter education; must be accompanied by a licensed adult.
  • Non-Resident Youth Hunting License – Available for non-residents under age 16; allows hunting of legal game species.
  • Non-Resident Lifetime Hunting License – Provides lifetime hunting privileges for non-residents; additional permits may be required for specific game species.

Youth Licenses & Requirements

  • Resident Youth Hunting License – Available for residents under age 16; allows hunting of legal game species.
  • Non-Resident Youth Hunting License – Available for non-residents under age 16; allows hunting of legal game species.
  • Hunter Education Requirement – Individuals born on or after January 1, 1972, must complete a hunter education course, which includes safety training, before obtaining a hunting license application.
  • Apprentice Hunting License – Allows individuals to hunt under supervision without completing a hunter education course; available to those aged 16 and older; valid for two years and can be obtained once.

Senior Licenses & Discounts

  • Resident Senior Citizen Hunting License – Available at a reduced fee for residents aged 65 and older; allows hunting statewide.
  • Resident Senior Lifetime Hunting License – Provides lifetime hunting privileges for residents aged 65 and older; additional permits may be required for specific game species.

Lifetime Licenses

  • Resident Lifetime Hunting License – Available to residents; provides lifetime hunting privileges; additional permits may be required for specific game species.
  • Non-Resident Lifetime Hunting License – Available to non-residents; provides lifetime hunting privileges; additional permits may be required for specific game species.
  • Resident Junior Lifetime Hunting License – Available to residents under age 12; provides lifetime hunting privileges; additional permits may be required for specific game species.

Disability & Military Licenses

  • Resident Disabled Lifetime Hunting License – Available to residents with a permanent disability; provides lifetime hunting privileges; additional permits may be required for specific game species.
  • Resident Disabled Veteran Lifetime Hunting License – Available to resident veterans with a service-connected disability; provides lifetime hunting privileges; additional permits may be required for specific game species.
  • Non-Resident Disabled Veteran Lifetime Hunting License – Available to non-resident veterans with a service-connected disability; provides lifetime hunting privileges; additional permits may be required for specific game species.
  • Active-Duty Military Privileges – Active-duty military members stationed in Virginia may purchase hunting licenses at resident rates.

Required Endorsements & Tags

  • Deer/Turkey License – Required in addition to a hunting license to hunt deer and turkey; includes tags for each species.
  • Bear License – Required to hunt bears; must be purchased in addition to the hunting license.
  • Archery License – Required to hunt during archery seasons; must be purchased in addition to the hunting license.
  • Muzzleloader License – Required to hunt during muzzleloader seasons; must be purchased in addition to the hunting license.
  • Bonus Deer Permit – Allows the harvest of additional antlerless deer; must be purchased in addition to the hunting license.
  • Elk License – Required to hunt elk; available through a quota drawing system.
  • Migratory Waterfowl Conservation Stamp – Required to hunt migratory waterfowl; hunters aged 16 and older must also possess a Federal Duck Stamp.
  • HIP Registration – Required to hunt migratory birds; must be renewed annually.
  • National Forest Permit – Required to hunt on National Forest lands in Virginia.
  • State Forest Use Permit – Required to hunt on State Forest lands in Virginia.
  • Public Access Lands for Sportsmen (PALS) Permit – Required to hunt on certain public access lands in Virginia.

VA Hunting licenses, including the muzzleloading license, are good for one year from the date of purchase. Bear and deer/turkey licenses are good from July 1 to June 30 of the next year. Virginia residents and non-residents are able to purchase a nonresident lifetime hunting license.


Where to buy your Virginia Hunting License

To hunt in Virginia, you can purchase your license either online through the official licensing platform Go Outdoors Virginia or in person at an authorized licensing agent. A comprehensive list of in-person agents is available here: Locate a Virginia Hunt & Fish Licensing Agent.

Below are some suggested authorized in-person hunting license agents in the state of Virginia: