How to apply for New Jersey Disabled Veteran Free Hunting & Fishing Licenses

Who it's for

New Jersey gives free hunting and fishing licenses, permits, and stamps to honorably discharged resident veterans with a VA service-connected disability of any degree. After a one-time certification by mail with NJDEP Fish & Wildlife, the licenses can be picked up each year online or at any license agent, with no license fee and no agent transaction fee. The certification requires proof of the service-connected disability (VA letter or card), proof of honorable discharge (DD-214), and proof of New Jersey residency.

What you'll need

• Completed Disabled Veteran Certification application (mailed to NJDEP Fish & Wildlife in Trenton)
• Proof of a VA service-connected disability (VA certification letter or wallet card)
• DD-214 or other proof of honorable discharge
• New Jersey driver's license or other proof of residency

Where to apply

What to say when you call

“Hello, I'm calling to ask about New Jersey Disabled Veteran Free Hunting & Fishing Licenses. 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 completed disabled veteran certification application (mailed to njdep fish & wildlife in trenton), proof of a va service-connected disability (va certification letter or wallet card), dd-214 or other proof of honorable discharge — 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 New Jersey resident, honorably discharged veteran, and have a VA service-connected disability of any degree. Even a 0% service-connected rating may qualify — Fish & Wildlife confirms this during the certification process.
2. Gather your required documents: the completed Disabled Veteran Certification application, a VA certification letter or wallet card showing your service-connected disability, your DD-214 or other proof of honorable discharge, and a New Jersey driver's license or other proof of New Jersey residency.
3. Mail your completed Disabled Veteran Certification application and all supporting documents to NJDEP Fish & Wildlife in Trenton for the one-time certification review.
4. Wait for NJDEP Fish & Wildlife to confirm your certification. Processing times vary — contact the agency at 609-292-2965 for an estimate.
5. Once certified, pick up your free hunting and fishing licenses, permits, and stamps each year online or at any license agent. No license fee and no agent transaction fee apply. Note that online orders do carry a small shipping and handling charge.

What to expect: After your one-time mail-in certification is approved by NJDEP Fish & Wildlife, you will be able to get your free licenses, permits, and stamps every year — either online or at any local license agent — at no license cost and no agent transaction fee. You do not need to repeat the certification process each year. If you order online, expect a small shipping and handling charge. For questions about your certification status or processing time, contact NJDEP Fish & Wildlife directly at 609-292-2965.

Renewals

annual — licenses are picked up each year at no cost after the one-time certification