As a veteran, you may be eligible for reduced-fee or even free fishing licenses in California. The state offers these benefits to honor the service and sacrifice of those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. In this article, we’ll explore the eligibility requirements, application process, and other important details to help you take advantage of these discounts.
Eligibility for Reduced-Fee Fishing Licenses
To qualify for a reduced-fee fishing license in California, you must meet the following criteria:
Be an honorably discharged veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces
Have a service-connected disability rating of 50% or greater, as determined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
If you meet these requirements, you can purchase a reduced-fee fishing license for $8.38 in 2024. This license allows you to fish in California’s inland and ocean waters, subject to the same regulations and restrictions as a regular fishing license.
Eligibility for Free Fishing Licenses
In addition to reduced-fee licenses, California also offers free fishing licenses to certain disabled veterans. You may qualify for a free license if you meet any of the following criteria:
Have a central vision acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye with the aid of the best possible correcting glasses
Are so severely physically disabled as to be permanently unable to move from place to place without the use of a wheelchair, walker, or prosthetic device
If you qualify for a free fishing license, you can obtain it at no cost, but you may need to purchase additional validations or cards for certain species or areas at the regular fee.
Applying for a Reduced-Fee or Free Fishing License
To apply for a reduced-fee or free fishing license, you’ll need to provide the following documentation:
A photocopy of your driver’s license and GO ID number (from a previously issued fishing or hunting license)
A letter from the VA documenting your honorable discharge and service-connected disability rating of 50% or greater
For free licenses, a certification of blindness from an optometrist or ophthalmologist, or a physician’s verification of your disability
You can submit your application and documentation by mail, in person at a CDFW license sales office, by fax, or through a secure document upload. Once your eligibility is verified, your customer record will be updated, and you’ll be able to purchase your reduced-fee or free fishing license from any authorized license agent.
Renewing Your Fishing License
If you qualify for a reduced-fee or free fishing license based on your disability, you’ll need to renew your license each year. To do so, you’ll need to provide updated documentation of your eligibility, such as a new letter from the VA or a physician’s verification.
It’s important to note that the reduced-fee and free fishing licenses are subject to change each year, so be sure to check the current fees and requirements before applying.
Additional Resources for Veterans
In addition to fishing license discounts, California offers several other benefits and resources for veterans, including:
Reduced-fee hunting licenses for disabled veterans and recovering service members
Free State Park Passes for disabled veterans who served during wartime, Prisoners of War, and Congressional Medal of Honor recipients
Assistance from county Veterans Services offices in applying for reduced-price licenses and passes
To learn more about these and other veteran benefits in California, contact your local Veterans Services office or visit the California Department of Veterans Affairs website.