Tennessee Hunting & Fishing License Information
Hunting Licenses | Fishing Licenses | Lifetime Sportsman License
Hunting and fishing licenses go on sale February 18 each year, the beginning of prime fishing, and are valid until the last day of February the following year. 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, boat docks, this Web site, and from all TWRA offices.
The Lifetime Sportsman License cannot be purchased online. Applications for this new license may be obtained by calling the TWRA Nashville Office (615-781-6500), any of the four regional offices, or you can download an application and mail it in.
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). Thank you for buying a license. Without your support, Tennessee would not have fish and wildlife management programs.
License Ordering By Phone Or Internet
Now charge your license(s) to Visa, Discover, or Mastercard! Call Toll Free: 1-888-814-8972. An authorization number will allow you to begin fishing or hunting (in season) the minute you hang up. Please note, regular license fees plus a $3.95 processing fee will be charged to your credit card when you use the toll-free number above.
Licenses may also be purchased online. There is a $3.25 processing fee for online license sales.
What To Do If You've Misplaced Your License
All hunting and fishing licenses can be replaced, including the Lifetime Sportsman License. Please verify your address at the time of purchase. Go to any TWRA license agent or TWRA Regional Office for a replacement. All duplicate licenses cost $7.00.
Resident License Requirements
Resident licenses can be purchased by:
Persons who possess a valid Tennessee driver's license.
Persons who have lived in Tennessee for 90 consecutive days with the genuine intent of making Tennessee their permanent home. Proof of residency required.
Military personnel on active duty in this state and their immediate families, who reside with them, regardless of resident status.
Students who are enrolled in a Tennessee school, college, or university for at least six months.
A Social Security Number is required to purchase a Tennessee hunting or fishing license.
Ammunition Tax Stamps
State law requires that all persons, firms, and corporations engaged in the business of buying, selling, distributing, storing, receiving, having in possession or using shotgun shells or metallic cartridges, shall pay a special privilege tax in addition to all other taxes in an amount or equal to 10 cents per individual container on all center-fire ammunition, all shotgun shells, and rim-fire ammunition. For more information about Ammunition Tax Stamps and how to obtain them, please contact the TWRA Revenue Office at 1-800-648-8798.
Becoming An Authorized TWRA License Agent
If you are interested in becoming a TWRA License Agent, please contact the TWRA Revenue Office at 1-800-648-8798.
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