How to apply for Pennsylvania Disabled Veteran Fishing License (Free or Reduced Fee)

Who it's for

Pennsylvania resident veterans with a service-connected disability can fish for little or nothing. Veterans rated 60% to 99% disabled by the VA pay a reduced fee (currently $2.97) for a resident fishing license. Veterans certified 100% disabled — or with the loss of one or more limbs, the loss of use of one or more limbs, or total blindness — receive the license free, along with a free Combination Trout/Lake Erie Permit. The disability does not need to be combat-related; it only needs to be service-connected and certified by the VA. Apply first through a county treasurer, the Fish and Boat Commission's Harrisburg office, or one of its six regional offices.

What you'll need

• Written VA certification of the qualifying service-connected disability
• Proof of Pennsylvania residency (driver's license preferred)

Where to apply

Step by step

1. Confirm your eligibility: veterans rated 60%–99% service-connected disabled by the VA qualify for a reduced-fee license ($2.97). Veterans with a 100% VA certification, loss or loss of use of one or more limbs, or total blindness qualify for a free license and a free Combination Trout/Lake Erie Permit. The disability must be service-connected and VA-certified, but does not need to be combat-related.
2. Gather your required documents: your written VA certification of your qualifying service-connected disability, and proof of Pennsylvania residency (a driver's license is preferred).
3. Note the first-time application rule: your first application must go through a Pennsylvania county treasurer or a Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) office — either the Harrisburg office or one of its six regional offices. Bring your documents in person.
4. If you are unsure whether your VA rating falls exactly at 60%, confirm your eligibility directly with the county treasurer before applying, as 60% is the minimum rating for the reduced fee.
5. After your first license is issued, renew your license annually. Renewal may be completed online through the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.

What to expect: After you submit your application and documents at a county treasurer's office or a PFBC office, staff will review your VA certification and residency proof. If approved, eligible veterans rated 60%–99% will receive a reduced-fee fishing license, while those who qualify at the 100% level — or due to limb loss, loss of use of a limb, or total blindness — will receive a free license along with a free Combination Trout/Lake Erie Permit. Processing times vary, so ask the office for an estimate when you apply. Because this is an annual license, you will need to renew each year to keep your fishing privileges active.

Renewals

annual license