Can I Buy a Virginia Fishing License for Someone Else in 2024?

In 2024, Virginia offers a variety of fishing licenses for residents and non-residents alike. While you can purchase a fishing license for yourself, you may be wondering if it’s possible to buy one for someone else. The answer is yes, you can purchase a Virginia fishing license for others, making it convenient for family and friends to enjoy the state’s abundant fishing opportunities together.

Purchasing a Fishing License for Yourself

Before diving into purchasing a license for someone else, let’s briefly cover the process of getting your own fishing license in Virginia. You have several options to obtain your license:

Online: Visit the official Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) website or the Go Outdoors Virginia portal to purchase your license electronically. This is the most convenient method, allowing you to print your license or access it through the Go Outdoors Virginia mobile app.
In Person: Many license agents across Virginia, including some Circuit Court clerks and DWR headquarters, offer over-the-counter sales of fishing licenses. You can find a list of authorized license agents on the DWR website.
By Phone: Call the DWR at 804-367-1000 during regular business hours to purchase your license over the phone.

The cost of a Virginia fishing license varies depending on your residency status and the duration of the license. For example, a one-year resident freshwater fishing license costs $23, while a non-resident one-day license is $8.

Purchasing a Fishing License for Someone Else

Now, let’s discuss the process of purchasing a fishing license for someone else in Virginia:

Determine the Recipient’s Needs: Consider the recipient’s fishing preferences and the type of license they require. Virginia offers various licenses, including freshwater, saltwater, and combination licenses, as well as short-term and annual options.
Gather Necessary Information: To purchase a license for someone else, you’ll need their name, date of birth, and a second identifier, such as their driver’s license number or the last four digits of their Social Security number.
Choose a Purchase Method: You can buy a fishing license for someone else using the same methods available for purchasing your own license: online, in person, or by phone.
Complete the Transaction: When purchasing the license online or by phone, you’ll need to provide the recipient’s information. If buying in person, the license agent will assist you with the process.
Delivery of the License: Once the transaction is complete, the recipient will receive their fishing license via email. They can then print the license or store it on their smartphone using the Go Outdoors Virginia mobile app.

It’s important to note that the recipient must meet the residency requirements and age restrictions for the type of license being purchased. For example, a resident license requires the recipient to have been a domiciliary resident of Virginia for at least two months prior to purchasing the license.

Purchasing a fishing license for someone else in Virginia is a thoughtful gesture that allows you to share the joy of fishing with family and friends. Whether it’s a birthday gift, a Father’s Day surprise, or a way to introduce someone to the sport, buying a fishing license for another person is a simple process that can create lasting memories on the water.