North Dakota offers free fishing licenses to disabled veterans

North Dakota does not charge disabled veterans for a fishing license. Instead of buying an annual license, you obtain a disabled veteran license at no cost by showing proof of your disability rating and military service to the North Dakota Game and Fish Department. This applies to both resident and non-resident disabled veterans.

The license covers the same fishing rights as a paid license — you can fish in public waters across the state during open seasons. You still follow all other regulations: season dates, catch limits, and gear restrictions remain the same.

Key Takeaways

  • Disabled veterans receive a free North Dakota fishing license if they have a service-connected disability rating from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
  • You need to present your VA disability rating letter and a military ID or discharge papers (DD Form 214) to the Game and Fish Department.
  • The license is issued in person at the Game and Fish Department office in Bismarck or through authorized license vendors across the state.
  • Your free license is valid for the same calendar year as a paid license and must be renewed each year with current documentation.

What documentation you need to bring

Bring your VA disability rating letter — this is the document from the Department of Veterans Affairs that states your service-connected disability percentage. If you do not have a printed copy, you can request one from the VA or print it from VA.gov using your login credentials.

You also need proof of military service. A military ID card works if it is current. If your ID has expired or you do not have one, bring your DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) or any official military discharge document. A state ID showing your veteran status also counts.

Bring the original documents or certified copies — photocopies are usually not accepted. If you are applying on behalf of a disabled veteran who cannot travel, contact the Game and Fish Department to ask about options; policies on proxy applications vary.

Where to get your license in person

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department main office is located at 100 North Bismarck Expressway, Bismarck, ND 58501. You can walk in during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed state holidays) without an appointment.

You can also visit any of the department's regional offices or authorized license vendors — these include many sporting goods stores, bait shops, and outdoor retailers across the state. Not all vendors issue disabled veteran licenses on the spot; call ahead to confirm the vendor near you handles them. The Game and Fish Department website lists current vendors by region.

Processing takes only a few minutes if your documents are in order. You will receive your license immediately and can begin fishing the same day.

Renewal each year

Your disabled veteran license expires on December 31 of each year, the same as any other North Dakota fishing license. To renew, return to the Game and Fish Department or an authorized vendor with your current VA disability rating letter and military ID or discharge papers. Renewal is free, just like the initial license.

If your VA disability rating changes or is terminated, your license status may change. Contact the Game and Fish Department if you have questions about how changes to your rating affect your license.

What the license covers and does not cover

Your disabled veteran license allows you to fish in all public waters in North Dakota during open seasons. You can use rod and reel, bow and arrow, or other legal methods depending on the species and season. The license covers both warm-water species (walleye, northern pike, bass) and cold-water species (trout).

The license does not cover hunting, trapping, or other wildlife activities — those require separate licenses. It also does not exempt you from special permits if you want to fish in certain restricted areas or use specific methods like netting. You must still follow all posted regulations, including catch limits, size restrictions, and seasonal closures.

If you live out of state

Non-resident disabled veterans can also receive a free North Dakota fishing license. The process is the same: bring your VA disability rating letter and military documentation to the Game and Fish Department or an authorized vendor. You do not need to be a North Dakota resident to may have access to.

If you cannot travel to North Dakota in person, contact the Game and Fish Department at (701) 328-6300 to ask whether they can process your application by mail. Some states allow mail-in applications for disabled veterans; North Dakota's current policy may vary, so calling ahead saves time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a certain disability percentage to get the free license?

No. Any service-connected disability rating from the VA qualifies you, whether it is 10 percent or 100 percent. You must have a rating letter showing the VA has recognized your disability as service-connected, but the percentage does not matter.

What if my VA disability rating letter is old or I cannot find it?

Contact the VA directly at 1-800-827-1000 or log into VA.gov to request a current rating letter. The Game and Fish Department needs a document showing your current rating, not an old one. The VA can email or mail you a copy within a few business days.

Can I buy a license online instead of going in person?

North Dakota does not currently issue disabled veteran licenses online. You must apply in person at the Game and Fish Department office or an authorized vendor with your documentation. Call (701) 328-6300 to confirm whether this has changed.

What happens if my disability rating is terminated?

If the VA terminates your service-connected disability rating, you would no longer be may be able to access for the free license. Contact the Game and Fish Department to discuss your options; you may be able to purchase a standard license at that time.

Does the disabled veteran license work in other states?

No. A North Dakota disabled veteran license is valid only in North Dakota. If you fish in other states, you will need to check each state's rules for disabled veteran licenses or purchase a non-resident license.