How to apply for California Reduced-Fee Hunting and Fishing Licenses for Disabled Veterans

Who it's for

California sells sharply discounted hunting and sport-fishing licenses to honorably discharged veterans with a VA service-connected disability rating of 50% or more. For the 2026 seasons, the reduced-fee license is $10.54 — compared with $64.54 for the regular resident hunting license and $64.54 for the regular resident sport-fishing license. A veteran prequalifies once with CDFW by sending a VA benefit letter showing the honorable discharge and the rating; after that, the discounted license can be bought each year online, at CDFW offices, or from any license agent. The hunting license also requires proof of hunter education.

What you'll need

• VA Benefit Summary Letter showing honorable discharge and a service-connected disability rating of 50% or greater
• Driver's license or state ID
• GO ID number from a previous California license, or a new CDFW customer record created online
• For the hunting license: proof of completing California's hunter education requirement

Where to apply

What to say when you call

“Hello, I'm calling to ask about California Reduced-Fee Hunting and Fishing Licenses for Disabled Veterans. I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need va benefit summary letter showing honorable discharge and a service-connected disability rating of 50% or greater, driver's license or state id, go id number from a previous california license, or a new cdfw customer record created online — is anything else required? What is the best next step?”

Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.

Step by step

1. Gather your required documents: your VA Benefit Summary Letter showing an honorable discharge and a service-connected disability rating of 50% or greater, your driver's license or state ID, and — if applying for a hunting license — proof of completing California's hunter education requirement.
2. Locate your GO ID number from a previous California hunting or fishing license. If you do not have one, create a new CDFW customer record online before you apply.
3. Complete the one-time disabled-veteran prequalification with CDFW by submitting your VA Benefit Summary Letter. This step is only done once — not every year.
4. Apply for your reduced-fee license online or by calling CDFW at 916-928-5805. You can also visit a CDFW office or any authorized license agent in person.
5. Pay the reduced license fee at the time of purchase. Keep your license in a safe place so you have it available while hunting or fishing.

What to expect: After your one-time prequalification is confirmed by CDFW, you can purchase a reduced-fee license each year without repeating the prequalification process. Licenses are available online, by phone at 916-928-5805, at CDFW offices, or through any authorized license agent. Because processing times can vary, contact CDFW directly for an estimate if you need your license by a specific date. Remember that the discount applies only to veterans with an honorable discharge and a service-connected disability rating of 50% or greater — nonresident disabled veterans and recovering service members are also eligible under the same program. Each license is valid for one season, so plan to purchase a new one each year.

Renewals

annual license purchase; the disabled-veteran prequalification with CDFW is done once