California Free And Reduced-Fee
Licenses Sport Fishing

The Department offers free and reduced-fee fishing licenses to eligible persons. For example, reduced-fee fishing licenses are available to certain low-income seniors at least 65 years of age, and honorably-discharged veterans with a service-connected disability of at least 70 percent. Free fishing licenses are available to eligible persons who are blind; low-income American Indians; wards of the State residing in a State hospital; developmentally disabled persons receiving services from a State regional center, and residents who are so severely physically disabled that they are permanently unable to move from place to place without the use of a wheelchair, walker, forearm crutches, or a comparable mobility-related device. Proof of eligibility of all free and reduced-fee licenses are required. For more information about reduced-fee and free fishing licenses, contact the nearest Department of Fish and Game office.

For further information, contact the License and Revenue Branch at (916) 227-2244.

New Eligibility Requirements For Free
Fishing Licenses In California.

Thanks to a new law, the eligibility requirements for free fishing licenses were expanded beginning January 1, 1996. Under previous law, disabled persons who were permanently unable to move from place to place without the aid of a wheelchair, walker, or forearm crutches were eligible for a free fishing license. The new law enables disabled person who are unable to move from place to place without the use of a comparable mobility related device to qualify for a free fishing license.

At times, we've had to deny free fishing licenses for disabled persons because the eligibility criteria was so strict. Persons who used underarm crutches or prosthetics for comfort were not eligible for free licenses, simply because they chose to use equipment different from that listed in law. The new change makes it fair and equitable for all persons with mobility-related disabilities to qualify for a free fishing license.

In order to ensure that only persons eligible for free fishing licenses can obtain the license, beginning this year we are requiring all physically disabled persons applying for free fishing licenses to obtain a physician's or surgeon's verification that they are permanently disabled. For our customers' convenience, we've modified the free fishing license application so the physician can simply sign the application (we'll also accept a separate letter from the physician). The physician's verification is required only once; beginning in 1997, any person with a 1996 free fishing license will be able to present it as proof of eligibility for a 1997 free fishing license.

Also, we offer group fishing permits to groups of physically and/or mentally disabled persons under the care of: A) a certified state, federal, county, or private care center; B) nonprofit organizations operating under Section 501(c)(3) of the federal Internal Revenue Code; or C) schools or school districts. Care centers must provide proof that they are legitimate care centers, and nonprofit organizations must provide proof of tax-exempt status.

If you would like to receive a free fishing license application, please contact your nearest Department of Fish and Game office.

Disabled Veteran Hunting Licenses In California

A $4.00 disabled hunting license is available for qualified disabled veterans. To be eligible, applicants must submit: (1) a letter from the Veteran Administration verifying that the applicant has a 70 percent or greater service-connected disability and was honorably discharged from the United Stated armed forces; and (2) evidence of meeting California hunter safety requirements. Applicants renewing this license may submit their disabled veteran hunting license form the previous year as proof of meeting eligibility requirements. The reduced-fee provisions do not apply to hunting tags or species stamps. Disabled veteran hunting licenses are issued only through Department of Fish and Game offices.

Mobility Disabled Persons Motor
Vehicle License For Hunting

• Applications: Applications for a Motor Vehicle Hunting License for mobility disabled persons shall be on a form supplied by the Department (Mobility Impaired Disabled Persons Motor Vehicle Hunting License Application, FG1460-10/95). The application shall include the applicant's name, address, physical description, a description of the qualifying disability, and a certified statement from a licensed physician describing the applicant's permanent disability. It shall be unlawful for any person to falsify an application for a Motor Vehicle Hunting License.

• Terms of the License: The Motor Vehicle Hunting License shall specify conditions under which said license shall be used and shall include but not be limited to the following provisions:

  (A) The licensee shall be accompanied by an able bodied assistant who shall immediately retrieve, and tag if necessary, all game taken. (Possession of the licensee's tag, required in this subsection, shall not be considered an unlawful possession of a tag or license issued to another person).

  (B) The assistant shall not possess a firearm, crossbow or archery equipment unless he/she is a licensed hunter and possesses any necessary license or tag for the area being hunted. The assistant shall not discharge a firearm or release a bolt or an arrow from the vehicle. If licensed, the assistant may dispatch wounded game which has moved out of range of the licensee.

  (C) The vehicle must be stopped and the engine must be shut off prior to the licensee discharging a firearm or releasing a bolt from a crossbow or an arrow from archery equipment.

  (D) The licensee shall notify the Department, at the regional office having responsibility for the area where the licensee intends to hunt, at least 48 hours prior to hunting or contact the department's 24-hour dispatcher at the number indicated on the license. The licensee shall specify the locality, vehicle description, and the approximate time frame during which such hunt shall take place.

  (E) The licensee or assistant shall not pursue any animal or drive or herd animals to any other hunters with a motor vehicle.

  (F) This license does not grant permission to trespass on private property or permission to use a motor vehicle while in any area where the use of motor vehicles is restricted or prohibited.

  (G) This license does not grant permission to discharge a firearm in any place or manner that would otherwise be unlawful, or to possess a loaded firearm in violation of any other city, county or state law.

  (H) The licensee shall have the license in possession while hunting from a motor vehicle.

• License Fee: A license fee of $25.00, as adjusted annually pursuant to Section 713 of the Fish and Game Code, shall be charged for processing and issuing the Mobility Impaired Disabled Person Motor Vehicle Hunting License. Licenses shall be issued only by the Director or his/her designee. Licenses shall be permanent and have no expiration date.