Do Senior Citizens Need a Fishing License in West Virginia in 2024?

As a senior citizen in West Virginia, you may be wondering if you need a fishing license in 2024. The answer depends on your age and residency status. In this article, we’ll explore the fishing license requirements for seniors in the Mountain State and provide you with all the information you need to enjoy your golden years fishing in West Virginia’s beautiful waters.

Fishing License Requirements for West Virginia Residents Age 65 and Older

According to the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR), West Virginia residents who turn 65 on or after January 1, 2012, are eligible for the lifetime Senior Hunting/Trapping/Fishing License (Class XS). This license entitles the holder to hunt, trap, and fish for all legal species in West Virginia, with some exceptions.

To be eligible for the Class XS license, you must have been a domiciled resident of West Virginia for at least 30 consecutive days immediately prior to applying for the license. Additionally, you must provide a valid West Virginia driver’s license or photo ID card.

The fee for the Class XS license is $25. This is a one-time fee, and the license is valid for the lifetime of the purchaser without any additional fees for the privileges associated with the Class X license, Class CS stamp, or Class O stamp.

Fishing License Requirements for West Virginia Residents Who Turned 65 Before 2012

West Virginia residents who turned 65 on or before December 31, 2011, can voluntarily purchase the Class XS license, entitling them to the same privileges and restrictions as any other Class XS licensee.

If you are a West Virginia resident who turned 65 before 2012 and do not wish to purchase the Class XS license, you are still required to purchase a fishing license if you wish to fish in West Virginia waters.

Fishing License Requirements for Non-Resident Seniors

If you are a non-resident senior visiting West Virginia, you are required to purchase a non-resident fishing license to fish in West Virginia waters. The WVDNR offers several types of non-resident fishing licenses, including daily, three-day, and annual licenses.

Non-resident seniors can purchase their fishing licenses online through the WVDNR’s Licensing and Game Check System. Alternatively, they can print the application form from the WVDNR website, complete it, and mail it to the address provided along with the appropriate fee and any additional documentation requirements.

Applying for the Senior Lifetime License

To apply for the Class XS Senior Lifetime License, you can either purchase it online through the WVDNR’s Licensing and Game Check System or print the application form from the WVDNR website.

If you choose to apply online, you must log in to your account and select the Senior Lifetime License (Class XS) from the list of available products. If you have previously purchased licenses online, you can use your existing account. If you are a first-time online purchaser, you will need to create a new account.

If you prefer to apply by mail, you can print the application form from the WVDNR website, complete it, and mail it to the address provided along with the appropriate fee and any additional documentation requirements.

The application form requires you to provide your name, driver’s license number or WV non-driver’s ID number, social security number, sex, eye color, hair color, and hunter education card number (if applicable). You must also sign the form, declaring under penalty of perjury that the information provided is true and that you have been a domiciled resident of West Virginia for at least 30 days immediately prior to the date of application.

If you choose the plastic card option, it will be mailed to the address on file. If you choose the paper copy option, you can print your license immediately after completing the transaction.

Conclusion

In summary, West Virginia residents who turn 65 on or after January 1, 2012, are eligible for the lifetime Senior Hunting/Trapping/Fishing License (Class XS) for a one-time fee of $25. This license allows them to hunt, trap, and fish for all legal species in West Virginia, with some exceptions.

West Virginia residents who turned 65 before 2012 can voluntarily purchase the Class XS license or purchase a regular fishing license if they wish to fish in West Virginia waters.

Non-resident seniors visiting West Virginia are required to purchase a non-resident fishing license to fish in West Virginia waters.

To apply for the Class XS license, you can either purchase it online through the WVDNR’s Licensing and Game Check System or print the application form from the WVDNR website and mail it to the address provided along with the appropriate fee and any additional documentation requirements.