VA Fishing Licenses

Fishing licenses in Virginia, explained — saltwater, freshwater, combo, and pier fishing. Buy online atGoOutdoorsVirginia.com.

Buy Your License Online

Virginia DWR (freshwater) and VMRC (saltwater) use the Go Outdoors Virginia portal for all license sales.

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Types of VA Fishing Licenses

Virginia requires different licenses depending on where and how you fish. Here's the breakdown for Tidewater anglers.

Saltwater Fishing License (VMRC)

Required for fishing in Virginia's coastal waters — the Chesapeake Bay, Atlantic Ocean, tidal rivers below the saltwater line, and coastal creeks. This is the license most Tidewater visitors need.

  • • Surf fishing from the beach
  • • Fishing from a boat in the Bay or ocean
  • • Fishing from piers that don't sell blanket licenses
  • • Crabbing with collapsible traps (certain limits)

Freshwater Fishing License (DWR)

Required for fishing in inland waters — freshwater lakes, rivers, and streams above the saltwater-freshwater demarcation lines. Needed for Lake Drummond, Northwest River, Lake Prince, and other Tidewater freshwater spots.

  • • Freshwater lakes and ponds
  • • Rivers above the line of demarcation
  • • Trout stamp required for designated trout waters

Pier Fishing — No License Needed

Virginia's major fishing piers (Virginia Beach Fishing Pier, Ocean View Pier, Buckroe Pier, Sandbridge Little Island Pier) hold a blanket pier fishing license that covers all anglers fishing from the pier. You pay a small surcharge in your pier pass — no individual saltwater license required.

  • • Pier admission includes blanket license coverage
  • • Just pay your pier fee and fish — that's it
  • • Applies only while you're on the pier structure

Fresh/Saltwater Combo License

The best value for anglers who fish both freshwater and saltwater. Covers everything — lakes, rivers, the Chesapeake Bay, and the ocean — in one license. No need to guess which license applies where.

Commercial License Info →

License Pricing (2026)

Current VMRC and DWR pricing for the most common scenarios. Full pricing atGoOutdoorsVirginia.com.

License TypeResidentNon-ResidentDuration
Saltwater Fishing (VMRC)$17.50$25.00Annual
Saltwater — 5-Day (Nonresident)—$24.005 consecutive days
Freshwater Fishing (DWR)$23.00$47.00Annual
Freshwater — 5-Day (Nonresident)—$14.005 consecutive days
Freshwater — 1-Day$8.00$8.001 day
Fresh/Saltwater Combo$39.50$102.50Annual — covers both fresh + saltwater

Prices reflect the current VMRC/DWR fee schedule and are subject to change. Verify at purchase.

Who Needs a License?

You DO need a license

  • • Anyone 16 or older fishing in Virginia waters
  • • VA residents fishing in the Chesapeake Bay, ocean, or tidal rivers
  • • Non-residents fishing any VA waters
  • • Anyone using recreational commercial gear (check VMRC requirements)
  • • Anglers 65+ — still need a license, but may qualify for senior pricing

You do NOT need a license

  • • Children under 16 — check DWR/VMRC rules; generally exempt but verify
  • • Fishing from a licensed pier (blanket license included in pier fee)
  • • Fishing on Free Fishing Days (June 5–7, 2026)
  • • Landowners fishing in ponds entirely on their own property
  • • Anyone fishing from a for-hire vessel with a blanket license (charter boats)

Senior & Disability Exemptions

Virginia offers reduced-fee licenses for residents 65 and older. Disabled veterans and permanently disabled residents may qualify for discounted licenses — check theGoOutdoorsVA portal for eligibility details. Virginia DWR and VMRC each have their own senior and disability programs, so verify with the appropriate agency.

What License Do I Need?

Answer a few quick questions and we'll tell you exactly which license to buy.

Question 1 of 425%

How old are you?

Age determines whether you need a license at all.

Fishing with Gear? Need a Commercial License?

If you want to use crab pots, gill nets, or other commercial gear, or sell your catch, you'll need a Virginia commercial fishing license from VMRC. Commercial licenses have different requirements, fees, and endorsements than recreational licenses.

Commercial License Guide →

Common Questions

Do I need a license to fish from a Tidewater pier?

No. Virginia's major fishing piers (Virginia Beach Fishing Pier, Ocean View Pier, Buckroe Pier, Sandbridge Little Island Pier) hold a blanket pier license. Your pier admission fee covers the license — just pay and fish.

Do I need a license to surf fish on the beach?

Yes. Surf fishing from the beach in Virginia's coastal waters requires a saltwater fishing license from VMRC. A 5-day nonresident license ($24) is perfect for most vacation trips.

Do kids need a license?

Generally, children under 16 do not need a fishing license in Virginia, but rules vary between DWR (freshwater) and VMRC (saltwater). Check the specific agency rules before your trip. When in doubt, verify at GoOutdoorsVirginia.com.

Can I use my Maryland or other state license in VA?

No. Virginia does not have reciprocity with other states for recreational fishing licenses. You must purchase a Virginia license to fish in VA waters, regardless of what other state licenses you hold.

Where can I buy a license in person in Tidewater?

Licenses are sold at most tackle shops, Walmart, and some sporting goods stores. However, the fastest way is online atGoOutdoorsVirginia.com — you can print your license immediately or save it to your phone.

Official Resources