License Structure and Fees
Quick Links
- Fishing, Hunting, and Trapping - General License Requirements
- Tennessee Resident License Fees
- Nonresident License Fees
- Native Nonresident Tennessean License
- Buy a License or Permit Online
- Information About Quota Hunts
- Federal Duck Stamp & Migratory Bird Permits
- Boating Registration Information
- Lifetime Sportsman License
- What To Do If Your License Is Lost?
Quick Links
Most licenses are available via the On The Go APP, GoOutDoorsTennessee, at a TWRA Licensed Agent or at a Regional Office, at county clerks, sporting goods stores, hardware stores, and boat docks. Some exceptions are specialty licenses, such as Wheelchair, Disabled Veteran, Intellectually Disabled, and Blind Fishing licenses, and the Lifetime Sportsman License. The Lifetime Sportsman License cannot be purchased at general license agents. Learn more about Tennessee's Lifetime Sportsman's License by clicking here.
Notice of inspection law: It is the duty of every person participating in the privileges of taking or possessing wildlife to permit agency officers to ascertain whether the requirements of this title are being faithfully complied with, including the possession of a proper license. It is a violation of law to refuse such inspection or to interfere with an officer attempting such inspection. TCA 70-6-101(b)(1).
Special Licenses and Permits
- Disabled Veterans License Application
- Blind, Wheelchair Restricted, and Intellect Disability Licenses Application
- Native Tennessean Application
- Fishing, Hunting, and Trapping - Guide License
- Commercial Fishing License Application
- Senior Commercial Fish License and Slat Basket Tag Application
- Taxidermist and Other Captive Wildlife Permit Applications
- High Impact Habitat Conservation Permit
- Farmland License Exemption
100% of license dollars go to support wildlife conservation in Tennessee.
License Expiration Dates: Annual licenses and permits are valid 365 days from the date of purchase unless otherwise noted. Example: If you purchase an annual license on February 1 that license expires on February 1 the following year. Some items, such as Migratory Bird Permits, have fixed expiration dates regardless of the date of purchase. Please take note of the effective and expiration dates of the licenses in the cart prior to checkout.
Renewal Eligibility: Existing licenses must be within 10 days of expiration in order to be eligible for renewal.
Seasons are subject to change & license fees are subject to change. The exceptions to the change are Captive Wildlife Permits, Migratory Bird Permits, and Federal Duck Stamp which will expire on June 30 of each year. Purchased GoOutDoorsTennessee.
Slat Basket Tags will expire on June 30 of each year and can be purchased online at GoOutDoorsTennessee.
If you take, or attempt to take fish or game (including crayfish and salamanders) by any method or if you assist someone else to do so, you must have a valid fishing or hunting license. Hunting licenses are valid from the date of purchase until 365 days after purchase for most license types. Seasons are subject to change. License fees are subject to change. Migratory bird seasons are determined by federal regulations.
Most licenses, except the Lifetime Sportsman License and specialty licenses, such as Wheelchair, Disabled Veteran, SSI (Supplemental Security Income), and Blind Fishing licenses, are available from most county clerks, sporting goods stores, hardware stores, marinas, On The Go APP, GoOutDoorsTennessee, at a TWRA Licensed Agent or at a Regional Office,
Resident licenses can be purchased by:
• Persons who possess a valid Tennessee driver’s license or Tennessee state ID issued by the Department of Safety. Tennessee state law requires drivers to obtain a Tennessee driver's license within 30 days of residency. Out-of-state driver's licenses are only accepted for Military Personnel and Students meeting the criteria below.
• Persons who do not drive, do not possess a valid driver's license, do not have a TN state ID, or a driver's license or ID from another state, but who have lived in Tennessee for 90 consecutive days with the genuine intent of making Tennessee their permanent home, may prove residency by presenting to a TWRA license agent any two of the following documents:
• Current Tennessee voter registration card;
• Current Tennessee vehicle registration or title;
• Form I-94 issued by the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Service;
• Current rental/mortgage contract or receipt including deed of sale for property or receipt for payment of Tennessee real estate taxes within last year.
• Military personnel on active duty in Tennessee and children under 16 years of age who reside with them, regardless of Tennessee resident status.
• Students who are enrolled in a Tennessee school, college, or university for at least six (6) months, with an appropriate student ID.
• Nonresidents that were born in the State of Tennessee, upon completion of an application for a Native Tennessean license.
Note: A Social Security Number is required by federal law to purchase a Tennessee hunting or fishing license. Processing fees apply to all license purchases, ranging from $.50 to $5.00.
There are some license exemptions
• Residents or nonresidents under 13 years of age.
• Landowners, their spouses, children, and children's spouses who fish or hunt on their own farmland. The aforementioned must be residents of Tennessee but need not reside on the land. This license exemption does not apply if the farmland is owned jointly or in common by unrelated persons. For more information on the Farmland Owner Exemption for Fishing, Hunting and Trapping.
• Tenants, their spouses, and their dependent children who fish or hunt on farmland which is owned by an individual or a family. The aforementioned must be residents of Tennessee and must actually reside on the land and have permission from the land owner to fish or hunt. A tenant is a person who, for money, free renter, and other considerations, cares for farmland. The tenancy must be agricultural in nature.
• Resident grandchildren (under the age of 16) and resident great-grandchildren (under the age of 16) who fish or hunt on farmland which is owned by their resident grandparents or great-grandparents.
• First cousins who own farmland jointly or in common may fish or hunt on the farmland. Their children may fish or hunt as well.
• On military leave, carry a copy of your leave orders. A pass does not meet this requirement.
• A resident who was born before March 1, 1926. (To qualify for this exemption, you must carry proof of your age and residency to show to a wildlife officer, if requested.
• It’s Bobby Wilson Free Fishing Day! June 7, 2025
• It’s Free Fishing Week! All children, ages 15 and younger can fish for free between June 7–13, 2025
• Free Hunting Day! August 24, 2024
NOTE: Giving false information to obtain a license is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine and loss of license. Licenses are not transferable.
Native Tennessean Annual Fishing, Hunting, and Trapping Licenses
Nonresidents who were born in Tennessee may apply for Native Tennessean annual licenses. These licenses provide non-residents born in the state but no longer residing in the state, the opportunity to purchase annual Tennessee hunting/ fishing/trapping licenses at the same cost as a resident.
- First-time applicants must apply by using the Native Tennessean Annual License Application.
- Native non-residents who have previously applied can renew their licenses via the On The Go APP, GoOutDoorsTennessee, at a TWRA Licensed Agent or at a Regional Office
Resident Fishing, Hunting and Trapping Licenses
Processing fees apply to all license purchases, ranging from $.50 to $5.00.
| Description | Cost |
|---|---|
| Junior Hunt, Fish & Trap (Ages 13-15) Good for hunting all game, fishing, and trapping. Must be purchased before 16th birthday. No supplemental licenses are required, but WMA permits will need to be purchased in addition to this license. |
$9.00 |
| Annual Hunting and Fishing Combination (ages 16-64) Minimum license required to fish and/or hunt small game - Supplemental Licenses (Waterfowl, BG Gun, BG Archery or BG Muzzleloader) is required and must be purchased, in addition to a Hunting and Fishing Combination license, in order to hunt deer, bear, boar (feral hog), turkey, and waterfowl. The type of hunting equipment to be used determines which supplemental license is necessary. |
$33.00 |
| One-Day Fishing - No Trout (ages 13-64)- |
$6.00 |
| One-Day Fishing - All Species (ages 16-64) - | |
| Supplemental Waterfowl License *Purchase with Hunting & Fishing Combination License in order to hunt deer, elk, bear, turkey, and waterfowl, or to trap game. Annual Sportsman and Lifetime License holders are exempt. |
$37 |
| Supplemental Big Game Gun License Purchase with Hunting & Fishing Combination License in order to hunt deer, elk, bear, turkey, and waterfowl, or to trap game. Annual Sportsman and Lifetime License holders are exempt. |
$33 |
| Supplemental Big Game Archery License Purchase with Hunting & Fishing Combination License in order to hunt deer, elk, bear, turkey, and waterfowl, or to trap game. Annual Sportsman and Lifetime License holders are exempt. |
$33 |
| Supplemental Big Game Muzzleloader License Purchase with Hunting & Fishing Combination License in order to hunt deer, elk, bear, turkey, and waterfowl, or to trap game. Annual Sportsman and Lifetime License holders are exempt. | $33 |
| Supplemental Trapping Purchase with Hunting & Fishing Combination License in order to hunt deer, elk, bear, turkey, and waterfowl, or to trap game. Annual Sportsman and Lifetime License holders are exempt. |
$33 |
| Annual Supplemental Trout This license allows an angler to fish for trout. This license must be purchased with either the combo hunt/fish, county of residence license or the one-day fishing no trout. |
$21.00 |
| South Holston Reservoir Supplemental - This license allows licensed TN resident anglers to fish the VA portion of South Holston Reservoir. This is essentially a VA license sold by TWRA, therefore all license holders, including the sportsman’s license holders, would need to purchase this additional license if fishing in VA. | $20.00 |
| County of Residence Fishing - No Trout This license allows an angler to fish in his/her county of residence with natural bait (worms, crickets, corn, etc.), but not minnows. No artificial lures can be used. A supplemental license is required to fish for trout. |
$10.00 |
| Annual Senior Citizen Hunt/Fish/Trap Available at all license agents and can only be purchased when 65th birthday is reached. A valid Tennessee driver’s license or proof of age and residency is required. No supplemental licenses are required, but WMA permits will need to be purchased in addition to this license. Fees apply when applying for quota hunt permits as well as “left over” permits. |
$4.00 |
| Permanent Senior Citizen Hunt/Fish/Trap Available at all license agents and can only be purchased when the 65th birthday is reached. A valid Tennessee driver's license or proof of age and residency is required. No supplemental licenses are required, but WMA permits will need to be purchased in addition to this license. Fees apply when applying for quota hunt permits and "leftover" permits. |
$49.00 |
| Annual Sportsman (ages 16-64) An all-inclusive license valid for hunting, trapping, and sport fishing without any state supplemental licenses or non-quota permits and allows holders to apply for quota permits at no additional fee. |
$165 |
| Senior Sportsman (ages 65 and over) An all-inclusive license valid for hunting, trapping, and sport fishing without any state supplemental licenses or non-quota permits and allows holders to apply for quota permits at no additional fee. |
$49 |
Tennessee Lifetime Sportsman License - Resident Fishing, Hunting and Trapping
Processing fees apply to all license purchases, ranging from $.50 to $5.00.
The Lifetime Sportsman License is available to any individual who has resided in Tennessee continuously for the twelve (12) consecutive months immediately preceding the purchase of the Lifetime Sportsman License.
- Applicants under the age of three (3) years must have at least one parent or designated guardian who was a resident of Tennessee for the 12 months immediately preceding the purchase of the license.
- The Lifetime Sportsman License entitles the holder to all the hunting and fishing privileges afforded holders of an Annual Sportsman License.
- It is non-transferable and fees are non-refundable.
- This license is good for the life of the holder even if the license holder moves out of state.
- In addition to the Lifetime Sportsman License card, applicants will receive a certificate suitable for framing, which makes this special license a natural gift for children or grandchildren.
- The fee for a Lifetime Sportsman License must be paid in full in either cash, check, or credit card when submitting the application.
Applicants must submit a legible copy of their current Tennessee Driver's License in existence for at least twelve (12) months or other proof of twelve (12) months of residency with this application. If the applicant is under the age of sixteen (16) and does not have a Tennessee Driver's License, you must include (1) a Legible photocopy of a parent's or guardian's Tennessee Driver's License in existence for at least twelve (12) months or other proof of twelve (12) month residency and (2) A legible photocopy of the applicant's birth certificate.
Applications for this new license may be obtained by calling the TWRA Nashville Office (615-781-6500), or any of the four regional offices, or you can download the application and mail it in or fax it to (615) 837-4262.
Applications cannot be processed without the Social Security of the applicant. TWRA does accept applications through email at lifetime.license@tn.gov. Please be advised that the Lifetime License application requires personally identifiable information to be included on the application. Although the State of Tennessee and TWRA do the absolute best to keep our email environment secure, we cannot be held liable for any identity theft exposure that may occur should you choose to email the application, and the message is compromised. The email sender assumes all risks involved when submitting applications via an email service.
The Lifetime Sportsman License cannot be purchased at the online license center at this time. Fees are listed in the application form found here.
| Description - Download the Application and Submit it via mail or email | Cost |
|---|---|
| Infant Under 3 years | $320.00 |
| Toddler Ages 3-6 | $659.00 |
| Youth Ages 7-12 | $988.00 |
| Adult Ages 13-50 | $1,976.00 |
| Older Adult Ages 51-64 | $1,153.00 |
| Senior Ages 65 & over | $329.00 |
| Adopted child under 13 Must provide proof that adoption occurred within 3 years of application. | $320.00 |
Resident Disability Fishing, Hunting & Trapping Licenses
Processing fees apply to all license purchases, ranging from $.50 to $5.00.
The following licenses are available only by application. Please Read the Entire Application and submit it with appropriate certifications to the TWRA Sales Office located in Nashville, 5107 Edmondson Pike, Ellington Agricultural Center, Nashville, TN 37211.
They are available for a one-time fee and are valid for the rest of the license holder's life. They are not Lifetime Sportsman Licenses. Additional permits may be required. A trout license is not required.
| License | Cost |
|---|---|
Annual Resident Hunting & Fishing Disabled Under 18 Renewable annually with the current fee. Permits where required. |
$5.00 |
| Sport Fishing Certified Blind | $10.00 |
Wheelchair Hunting and Fishing Resident License A certificate from a physician licensed to practice medicine in Tennessee is required. The certificate must state that the applicant is permanently restricted to a wheelchair or suffered an amputation of 75% or more of a lower limb and must accompany the submission of the Miscellaneous License Application |
$10.00 |
| Resident Disabled Veteran Hunting and Fishing Available to resident veterans certified by the VA as 30 percent disabled by reason of war service or 100% service-connected. |
$10.00 |
| Resident Permanent SSI Intellectually Fishing Sport fish only. Must be receiving SSI Benefits due to intellectual disability. |
$10.00 |
| Hunt and Fish Intellectually Disabled Resident The application must be accompanied by a doctor's statement verifying that the applicant is intellectually disabled. |
$10.00 |
Nonresident Fishing, Hunting and Trapping Licenses
Processing fees apply to all license purchases, ranging from $.50 to $5.00.
License and Permits can be purchased via the On The Go APP, GoOutDoorsTennessee, at a TWRA Licensed Sales Agent or at a Regional Office
|
Federal Duck Stamp
Processing fees apply to all license purchases, ranging from $.50 to $5.00.
Federal law requires each waterfowl hunter, age 16 and over, to carry on his/her person, in addition to a hunting license and state migratory bird permit, a valid Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (Federal Duck Stamp). The Duck Stamp Modernization Act of 2023 modifies provisions regarding the Duck Stamp, now allowing an individual to carry their E-stamp certification for the entire waterfowl hunting season rather than for just 45 days post-purchase.
| Description | Cost |
|---|---|
| Federal Duck Stamp These can be purchased at GoOutdoorsTennessee.com from July 1 to Feb. 11 or at the Post Office. You immediately get a temporary stamp and the physical stamp will be sent after March 10. | $30.50 |
Migratory Bird Permits
Resident and nonresident hunters must possess a Tennessee Migratory Bird (HIP) Permit to hunt waterfowl and other migratory birds. License and permits are available for purchase On The Go APP, GoOutDoorsTennessee, at a TWRA Licensed Agent or at a Regional Office. Expires on June 30 of each year.
The following do not need this permit but are encouraged to acquire this permit, (1) Landowners hunting on their own land (2) Disabled veterans (3) Tennessee residents 65 years of age or older (4) Tennessee residents under 13 years of age (5) Lifetime Sportsman license holders (6) Military personnel on leave or furlough (with leave papers).
| Description | Cost |
|---|---|
| Migratory Bird Permit |
$1.00 |
| Migratory Bird Permit Available only to Sportsman License holders |
No Fee |
Special Fishing Permits (Resident and Nonresident)
Processing fees apply to all license purchases, ranging from $.50 to $5.00.
If you purchase one of the following special permits, you must also have all applicable licenses. Holders of a Lifetime, Annual, or Annual Senior Citizen Sportsman’s License do not need to purchase the permits below. Resident anglers 65 years of age and older do not need a permit but are required to have a fishing license. Anglers under the age of 16 do not need a lake permit but anglers ages 13 to 15 are required to have a Junior Fish/Hunt license.
- License and Permits can be purchase via the On The Go APP, GoOutDoorsTennessee, at a TWRA Licensed Agent or at a Regional Office
|
Wildlife Management Area Permits (resident and nonresident)
Processing fees apply to all license purchases, ranging from $.50 to $5.00.
- Everyone who hunts in a Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is required to have a WMA permit except for Lifetime or Annual Sportsman License holders and youths under the age of 16 hunting small game and waterfowl.
- Youth hunters must be accompanied by an adult with a valid WMA small game permit.
- Youths under 6 may not hunt big game on a WMA.
- All ages need a WMA Non-quota Big-Game permit for WMA big game seasons.
- - License and Permits can be purchased On The Go APP, GoOutDoorsTennessee, at a TWRA Licensed Agent or at a Regional Office
| Description | Cost |
|---|---|
| WMA Small Game / Waterfowl | $61.00 |
| WMA Small Game / Waterfowl 1-Day | $12.00 |
| WMA Small Game Only | $20.00 |
| WMA Big Game (Non quota) Required for WMA (Non quota) big game hunts, including Cherokee. |
$24.00 |
| Cherokee WMA Big Game (Non quota) Valid only for Cherokee WMA (Non quota) big game hunts. |
$18.00 |
Reelfoot Preservation Permit
This permit is required for all users of Reelfoot WMA, except those under 16 years of age, residents 65 years or older, and Sportsman license holders. The Permit cost is the same for residents and non-residents.
License and Permits can be purchased On The Go APP, GoOutDoorsTennessee, at a TWRA Licensed Agent or at a Regional Office
| Description | Cost |
|---|---|
| 1-Day Reelfoot Preservation Permit | $3.00 |
| 3-day Reelfoot Preservation Permit | $10.00 |
| Annual Reelfoot Preservation Permit | $16.00 |
Land Between the Lakes
License and Permits can be purchased On The Go APP, GoOutDoorsTennessee, at a TWRA Licensed Agent or at a Regional Office
| Description | Cost |
|---|---|
| Annual Hunter Use Permit All Hunters 16 years and older are required to purchase Land Between the Lakes Hunter Use Permit. |
$50.00 |
Tennessee and Cross Creek National Wildlife Refuge
| Description | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tennessee Federal Refuge - NWR/Cross Creeks NWR This permit is required for Tennessee National Refuge and Cross Creeks National Refuge for all hunters including Lifetime and Annual Sportsman license holders. |
$14.00 |
High-Impact Habitat Conservation Permits
A High Impact Habitat Conservation Permit is required for riding hooved animals, bicycling, and off-highway vehicles (OHV) used in designated wildlife management areas. Persons holding a valid hunting license with an appropriate permit to hunt in a wildlife management area and youths under age thirteen (13) are exempt. At least one occupant of an Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) must possess the proper permit(s). No permit shall be required on roads/trails as designated. OHVs are any vehicles capable of traveling off highways within the state. The term includes all-terrain vehicles, motorcycles, dune buggies, and other four-wheeled vehicles used for off-road activities.
This permit is required on the following WMAs (Note: not all activities are permitted on each WMA requiring this permit) refer to the individual listing for each WMA for more specific information on which activities are permitted. Bear Hollow, Bridgestone Firestone - Big Bottom Unit, Catoosa, Cheatham, Forks of the River, Keyes-Harrison, Laurel Hill, Luper Mountain, Mt. Roosevelt, North Chickamauga Creek - Patton Unit, North Cumberland, Pea Ridge, Skinner Mountain, Williamsport, and Yanahli.
| Description | Cost |
|---|---|
| Resident Annual Permit | $73.00 |
| Resident Daily Permit | $15.00 |
| Non-Resident Annual Permit | $232.00 |
| Non-Resident Daily Permit | $37.00 |
Apprentice Hunter Education Permit
Processing fees apply to all license purchases, ranging from $.50 to $5.00.
| Description | Cost |
|---|---|
| Apprentice Hunter Education Permit This is a supplemental license instead of a hunter education certificate. All other applicable hunting licenses and/or permits are required. This license is available to all hunters 10 years of age or older who have not completed the mandatory hunter education course. It exempts the hunter from the mandatory hunter education requirement for one (1) year from the date of purchase, but may only be purchased for up to three (3) consecutive years during the lifetime of the hunter. Hunters who possess this license must be accompanied by an adult, 21 years of age or older, who must meet the hunter education requirements and be able to take immediate control of the hunting device. |
$11.00 |
Order a Hunter Education Card or a Duplicate License
Processing fees apply to all license purchases, ranging from $.50 to $5.00.
You may reprint all active licenses at any time by logging into your GoOutdoorsTennesse.com account 24/7/365. You can also replace your license with any license agent. Please verify your address at the time of purchase.
To replace a Hunter Education Card, first, contact your TWRA Regional Office during normal business hours. Verify that your Hunter Education number has been updated in the TWRA license system. Then you may go to a TWRA license agent and purchase a Hunter Education Card Replacement. You may also purchase a replacement card online at GoOutDoorsTennessee.
| Description | Cost |
|---|---|
| Hunter Education Card, Duplicate or Replacement Card | $7.00 |
Shooting Range Permits
Processing fees apply to all license purchases, ranging from $.50 to $5.00.
Required for anyone 16 years of age and older using a TWRA Range. Tier 1 Permits are not required for annual license holders. Contact a range near you to see what permit is required and purchase your permits online at GoOutDoorsTennessee.
| Description | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tier 1 Range 2 hr - | $5.00 |
| Tier 1 Range Annual | $100.00 |
| Tier 2 Range 2 hr | $7.50 |
| Tier 2 Range Annual | $150.00 |
| Tier 3 Range 1 hr | $9.50 |
| Tier 3 Range Annual | $300.00 |
| Use our Shooting Range page to find a range near you. |
Fishing, Hunting, and Trapping Guide Licenses
Processing fees apply to all license purchases, ranging from $.50 to $5.00.
A guide is an individual who accepts compensation for assisting another in any act of hunting, fishing, and/or trapping. Guides are required to possess a guide license in addition to any other required licenses. Entities employing individuals as guides may purchase such resident and non-resident guide licenses as applicable.
| Description Use Miscellaneous License Application | Cost |
|---|---|
| Resident Guide License | $150.00 |
| Non-Resident Guide License | $650.00 |
Farmland Owner Exemption for Fishing, Hunting and Trapping
TCA 70-2-204. Hunting and fishing on farmland — License exemption to the owner, tenants, and their spouses and children. –
The owners and tenants of farmlands, and their spouse and children, have the right to engage in the sport of hunting and fishing, subject to all the provisions of all laws or regulations concerning wildlife, upon such lands and waters thereon of which they or their spouses or parents are the bona fide owners or tenants with the permission of the landowner, during the season when it is lawful to do so, without procuring a hunting and sport fishing license. Tenants and their spouses and their dependent children must be bona fide residents of the state and must actually reside on the land. Owners and their spouses and children must be bona fide residents of the state. Land may qualify as farmland only if it is owned by no more than one (1) individual or a family; provided, that if the land is owned jointly or in common by persons who are first cousins related by blood, then such cousins and their children may hunt small game and fish on such land under the provisions of this subsection. “Family” means any combination of kinship within the third degree including any spouse who has an interest in the property. “Tenant” means an individual who receives compensation such as free rent or money for acting either in the place of or at the direction of the landowner in tending to the requirements needed to care for the farmland. The primary purpose of the tenancy shall be agricultural in nature.
Thank you for buying a license. Without your support, Tennessee would not have fish and wildlife management programs!
The TWRA is funded by two primary sources: license/permit sales and federal excise taxes (Pittman-Robertson and Wallop-Breaux). Tennessee's allocation of these federal taxes is based in part, on the number of hunters and fishermen in the state. The TWRA does not receive any funding from the State's general fund (i.e. state sales tax).
Go Outdoors Tennessee is the approved and authorized provider of online fishing and hunting licenses for the state of Tennessee.
