How to apply for North Carolina Disabled Veteran Lifetime Hunting & Fishing License ($10)

Who it's for

North Carolina residents who are 50% or more disabled veterans, as determined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, can buy a lifetime combination hunting and inland fishing license for a one-time $10 fee. The license covers statewide hunting and inland fishing privileges and stays valid for life. Apply by mail or in person — not online — with certification of the disability rating from the VA. Residents who are totally and permanently disabled under Social Security rules have a separate $10 lifetime license, even without military service.

What you'll need

• Application for the Lifetime Hunting & Fishing License for Resident Disabled Veterans (mail or in person)
• Certification from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs showing a disability rating of 50% or more
• Proof of North Carolina residency

Where to apply

What to say when you call

“Hello, I'm calling to ask about North Carolina Disabled Veteran Lifetime Hunting & Fishing License ($10). 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 application for the lifetime hunting & fishing license for resident disabled veterans (mail or in person), certification from the u.s. department of veterans affairs showing a disability rating of 50% or more, proof of north carolina residency — 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. Confirm eligibility: you must be a North Carolina resident and have a disability rating of 50% or more as determined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
2. Gather your required documents: the completed Application for the Lifetime Hunting & Fishing License for Resident Disabled Veterans, your VA certification showing a disability rating of 50% or more, and proof of North Carolina residency.
3. Choose how to apply — by mail or in person. This license cannot be purchased online.
4. Submit your completed application and documents, along with the one-time $10 fee, either by mailing them to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission or by visiting an authorized license agent in person.
5. If you have questions about the process or need help confirming what activities your license covers, call the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission at 833-950-0575.

What to expect: Once your application is reviewed and approved, you will receive a lifetime combination hunting and inland fishing license — no renewals are ever needed. The one-time $10 fee is all that is required. Keep in mind that this license covers statewide hunting and inland fishing privileges; coastal fishing and some special activities may require additional licenses or stamps. Call the Wildlife Resources Commission at 833-950-0575 to confirm what a specific activity requires. Processing times vary, so contact the agency directly for an estimate after submitting your application.

Renewals

one-time $10 purchase; valid for life