How to apply for Illinois Free Hunting and Fishing Licenses for Disabled Veterans

Who it's for

Illinois provides fishing and hunting licenses free of charge to veterans who receive VA compensation for a service-connected disability of 10% or greater, or a VA pension for total disability. The benefit applies regardless of the veteran's state of residency. To use it, get a Disability Affidavit (the Illinois Hunting and Fishing Privilege card) through a local IDVA Veteran Service Office — bring the DD-214 and current verification of VA compensation or pension. Veterans who do not meet the disability threshold can still buy Illinois resident hunting and fishing licenses at half the regular fee.

What you'll need

• DD-214 (Certificate of Discharge)
• Current verification of VA compensation or pension
• Disability Affidavit (Illinois Hunting and Fishing Privilege card) issued by IDVA — request it through a local Veteran Service Office

Where to apply

Step by step

1. Confirm eligibility — the free license requires VA compensation for a service-connected disability of 10% or greater, or a VA pension for total disability. Veterans below that threshold can still get Illinois resident hunting and fishing licenses at half the regular fee.
2. Gather your documents — you will need your DD-214 (Certificate of Discharge) and current verification of your VA compensation or pension.
3. Visit a local Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs (IDVA) Veteran Service Office to request your Disability Affidavit, also called the Illinois Hunting and Fishing Privilege card. Bring your DD-214 and VA compensation or pension verification to that appointment.
4. Apply for your free hunting and fishing license online through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). Have your Disability Affidavit ready during the application.
5. Keep your IDVA Disability Affidavit on hand as proof of eligibility whenever you hunt or fish.
6. If you plan to hunt deer, turkey, or other species that require special permits, complete those permit applications separately through the normal IDNR permit process.

What to expect: After you submit your online application through IDNR, you will receive your free hunting and fishing license for the current license year. Processing times can vary, so contact IDNR directly if you need a time estimate. Because licenses run by license year, you will need to renew each year. Keep your IDVA Disability Affidavit available, as it serves as your ongoing proof of eligibility at renewal time. Note that this benefit is open to qualifying disabled veterans regardless of which state they live in.

Renewals

licenses run by license year — keep the IDVA Disability Affidavit available as proof