Virginia Hunting License: Cost, Requirements & How to Apply
Complete guide to Virginia hunting licenses — costs, seasons, and how to buy through Virginia DWR.
Virginia Hunting License — Quick Facts
- Resident: from $11.00 — Non-Resident: from $111.00
- Managed by: Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources
- License year: 2026-2027 (valid for dates within this period)
- Hunter education required for first-time buyers — verify with the state agency
- Discounts available for: senior, youth, disabled veteran, active military
- Buy online through the agency-linked portal at https://gooutdoorsvirginia.com/
Virginia Hunting License Fees (2026-2027)
Virginia hunting licenses are managed by the Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR). Virginia uses a tiered license system with separate hunting, deer/turkey, archery, muzzleloading, and bear licenses, so the base license is not always the full hunting cost. The Sportsman License ($99) bundles many annual resident hunting privileges, while non-residents pay $111 for the base hunting license before add-ons. Virginia offers lifetime hunting, fishing, and trapping products, and DWR says lifetime holders may continue to hunt, fish, or trap even after moving out of state. DWR also warns that lifetime license holders may still need annual bear, deer or turkey, archery, muzzleloader, or other permits as required.
| License Type | Resident | Non-Resident | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resident Deer and Turkey License (16+) | $22.00 | — | 1 year | |
| Resident Junior Deer/Turkey (under 16) | $7.50 | — | 1 year | |
| NR Hunting License (16+) | — | $111.00 | 1 year | |
| NR 3-Day Hunt License (16+) | — | $60.00 | 3 days | |
| NR Junior Hunting (under 12) | — | $13.00 | 1 year | |
| NR Junior Hunting (12-15) | — | $16.00 | 1 year | |
| NR Youth Combo (under 16) | — | $31.00 | 1 year | Hunt + bear + deer/turkey + archery + muzzle |
| Resident Archery License | $17.00 | — | 1 year | |
| Resident Muzzleloading License | $17.00 | — | 1 year | |
| Resident Bear Hunting License | $20.00 | — | 1 year | |
| Resident Sportsman License | $99.00 | — | 1 year | All licenses bundled |
| Disabled Veteran Hunting | $11.00 | — | 1 year | |
| Lifetime Hunting (65+) | $25.00 | — | Lifetime | |
| Lifetime Hunting (61-64) | $65.00 | — | Lifetime | |
| Lifetime Hunting (through 44) | $265.00 | — | Lifetime |
Prices from Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. Last verified: 2026-06-13. Always confirm current fees with the official state agency before purchase.
When does your Virginia license expire? See our license validity guide →
Hunter Education Requirements
Required for all first-time buyers. Apprentice license available for 2 years ($21 NR).
How to Buy a Virginia Hunting License
- 1
Complete Hunter Education
If required, complete a state-approved hunter education course before purchasing your license.
- 2
Gather Required Documents
Have your government-issued photo ID, Social Security Number, and proof of residency (if applicable) ready.
- 3
Visit the Official Portal
Go to Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources or an authorized retail agent listed by the state agency.
- 4
Select License Type & Pay
Choose the appropriate license type for your needs, add any required endorsements or tags, and complete payment.
- 5
Print or Save Your License
Print your license or save a digital copy. You must carry your valid license while hunting in Virginia.
Need help? Call Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources at 804-367-1000
Not sure what you need? Use our License Cost Calculator to get a personalized estimate →
Step-by-step: How to buy your hunting license online for any state →
Virginia Hunting Seasons (2026-2027)
| Species | Method | Start Date | End Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White-tailed Deer | Archery | October 3 | January 2, 2027 | 2026-27 dates |
| White-tailed Deer | Firearms (General) | November 14 | January 2, 2027 | 2026-27 dates |
| White-tailed Deer | Muzzleloader | October 31 | November 13 | 2026 dates |
| Black Bear | Archery | October 3 | November 13 | 2026 dates |
| Black Bear | Firearms | November 23 | January 2, 2027 | 2026-27 dates |
| Turkey | Spring | April 11 | May 16 | 2026 dates |
| Turkey | Fall | October 3 | November 7 | 2026 dates |
| Duck | General | October 31 | January 30, 2027 | 2026-27 dates |
| Dove | General | September 1 | January 15, 2027 | Annual dates |
View full Virginia season regulations on DWR
Compare deer tag costs and season dates across all 50 states →
Compare turkey license costs and season dates across all states →
Discounts & Exemptions
| Group | Benefit | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Senior | Lifetime ($25) | Virginia residents 65+ — lifetime license for just $25 |
| Youth | Reduced ($7.50) | Junior deer/turkey license for under 16 |
| Disabled Veteran | Reduced ($11) or Free | Partially disabled: $11; Service-connected totally disabled: free lifetime |
| Active Military | Resident rates | Active duty military stationed in Virginia |
Virginia Hunting Regulations Overview
Bag Limits
Check species-specific bag limits in the Virginia official regulations. Limits vary by species, management unit, and season.
Legal Methods
Approved hunting methods include firearm, archery, and muzzleloader. Crossbows are legal. Specific rules apply to each method.
Safety Requirements
Blaze orange is required during firearms deer season.
Shooting Hours
Hunting is generally permitted from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. Check local variations.
- Blaze orange hat, vest, or coat required during firearms deer season.
- Sunday hunting now allowed statewide on private and public lands.
- Virginia has one of the strongest black bear populations in the Southeast.
- Earn-A-Buck requirements apply in some counties for antlerless deer.
Read full Virginia regulations on DWR
Not sure if you qualify for a discount? Take the Eligibility Quiz →
Virginia Proof Checklist
Use official owner pages for license, access, education, season, and transport decisions before entering the field.
Use the official portal
Confirm the state agency, product year, cart items, receipt, and field-proof rules before buying.
Open guideVerify access owner
Check public-land, WMA, refuge, road, closure, parking, camping, and private-boundary rules at the source.
Open guideSolve transport early
Save CWD, carcass, meat, head, cape, waterfowl, transit-state, processor, and proof requirements.
Open guide
Virginia Hunting License FAQ
How much does a hunting license cost in Virginia?
Virginia uses a tiered system. Deer/turkey is $22, archery $17, bear $20. The Sportsman License at $99 bundles everything. Non-residents pay $111 for base hunting.
Do I need hunter education to hunt in Virginia?
Yes, hunter education is required for all first-time license buyers. An apprentice license is available for non-residents ($21, valid 2 years).
Can non-residents hunt in Virginia?
Yes. Non-resident base hunting is $111. A 3-day option is $60. The non-resident youth combo ($31) covers all license types for under 16.
What is the deer season in Virginia?
Archery from October through early January. Muzzleloader in early November. Firearms from mid-November through early January. Exact dates vary by county.
Are there free hunting licenses in Virginia?
Service-connected totally and permanently disabled veterans get free lifetime licenses. Seniors 65+ get lifetime licenses for just $25. Confirm the exact application and any annual add-ons with Virginia DWR before hunting.
Does a Virginia lifetime hunting license cover everything?
No. Virginia DWR says lifetime license holders may still need annual licenses for bear, deer or turkey, archery, muzzleloader, or other permits as required. DWR also says the lifetime privilege can continue even if the holder moves out of state.
Can I hunt on Sundays in Virginia?
Yes, Sunday hunting is now allowed statewide on both private and public lands. This change was made in recent years.