How to apply for Pennsylvania Disabled Veteran Hunting License (Free or $2.97)

Who it's for

Pennsylvania resident veterans with a service-related disability from a war or armed conflict can hunt for far less than the standard license cost. Veterans rated 60% to 99% disabled by the VA pay a reduced fee of $2.97 for the Disabled Veteran hunting license. Veterans certified 100% disabled — or who lost a limb or the use of a limb — receive the license free. The license includes an antlered deer tag, fall and spring turkey tags, and small game privileges for the license year. Disabled Veteran licenses are issued only by county treasurers and Game Commission offices, and eligibility proof is validated each year.

What you'll need

• VA certification showing the disability rating (60%-99% for the reduced fee; 100% for the free license)
• Proof of Pennsylvania residency (driver's license or state ID)

Where to apply

Step by step

1. Confirm eligibility: your service-related disability must have been incurred during a war or armed conflict, and you must be a Pennsylvania resident. Veterans rated 60%–99% disabled by the VA qualify for the reduced $2.97 fee. Veterans certified 100% disabled — or who lost a limb or the use of a limb — qualify for the free license. If your VA rating is near the 60% threshold, contact your county treasurer to confirm eligibility before applying.
2. Gather your required documents: your VA certification showing your disability rating and proof of Pennsylvania residency, such as a driver's license or state ID.
3. Apply online through the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Note that even though the application process starts online, the Disabled Veteran license itself is issued only at a county treasurer's office or a Game Commission office — plan to visit one of those locations to complete the process and receive your license.
4. Present your VA certification and residency proof at the county treasurer's office or Game Commission office when you pick up your license.
5. Renew your license each year. Eligibility proof is validated every license year, so bring your current VA certification and residency documents at renewal time.

What to expect: After submitting your application and visiting a county treasurer's office or Game Commission office with your documents, staff will validate your eligibility and issue your Disabled Veteran hunting license. The license covers the full license year and includes an antlered deer tag, fall and spring turkey tags, and small game privileges. Processing times vary, so ask the office for an estimate when you visit. Because eligibility is verified every year, you will need to repeat this process — and bring current proof of your VA disability rating and Pennsylvania residency — each time you renew.

Renewals

annual — eligibility proof is validated each license year