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.

Renewals

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