What You Need to Know About Virginia's Nonresident Saltwater License
Virginia issues a separate nonresident saltwater fishing license for people who do not live in the state but want to fish in its coastal waters. You can buy it for one day, three days, or a full year, depending on how long you plan to fish. The license covers saltwater species in Virginia's tidal waters and the Atlantic Ocean out to the state's jurisdiction limit.
You do not need a license if you fish from a licensed charter boat or party boat where the captain holds the appropriate permit, or if you fish from a public pier that has a blanket license. If you plan to keep fish, the license gives you the right to do so under Virginia's bag and size limits. The license itself does not cover freshwater fishing — that requires a separate freshwater license if you want to fish inland waters.
Key Takeaways
- Nonresident saltwater licenses are sold for one day, three days, or one year, with prices varying by duration.
- You can buy a license online through the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources website, by phone, or at authorized vendors across the state.
- The license covers saltwater species in tidal waters and state ocean waters but does not cover freshwater fishing.
- You do not need a license if you fish from a licensed charter or party boat, or from a public pier with a blanket license.
Where to Buy Your Nonresident Saltwater License
The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (VDWR) sells nonresident saltwater licenses through three main channels. The fastest option is to buy online at the VDWR website, where you can purchase any duration and print or save your license immediately. You will need a valid email address and a payment method — credit card or debit card.
You can also call the VDWR licensing office during business hours to buy over the phone. Authorized vendors — bait and tackle shops, sporting goods stores, and some marinas — stock licenses and can sell them in person. Vendor locations and hours vary, so calling ahead is worth the time if you are buying the day before you fish.
License Types and How Long They Last
Virginia offers three nonresident saltwater options. A one-day license covers a single calendar day and is the cheapest option if you are visiting for just one fishing trip. A three-day license is valid for three consecutive calendar days and costs less per day than buying three one-day licenses. A one-year license runs from the date of purchase and covers the full calendar year, making it the best value if you plan multiple trips over several months.
The exact price for each duration changes periodically and varies slightly depending on whether you buy online or through a vendor. Check the VDWR website or call their licensing office for current prices before you buy. Prices are generally lower when you purchase online compared to buying through a vendor.
What Waters and Species Your License Covers
Your nonresident saltwater license covers fishing in Virginia's tidal waters — the portions of rivers, creeks, and bays where saltwater reaches — and in the Atlantic Ocean within Virginia's jurisdiction. This includes popular spots like the York River, James River estuary, Eastern Shore bays, and offshore waters accessible by boat.
The license covers all saltwater fish species, but you must follow Virginia's specific bag limits and minimum size requirements for each species. Striped bass, flounder, speckled trout, and drum are common targets, but regulations differ by season and location. The VDWR publishes a saltwater fishing guide that lists current limits and closed seasons — download it before you fish or ask a tackle shop for a printed copy.
When You Do Not Need a License
You are exempt from needing a nonresident saltwater license in two situations. If you fish from a licensed charter boat or party boat, the captain's permit covers all passengers, so you do not buy your own license. This applies whether you book a half-day, full-day, or multi-day charter.
If you fish from a public pier with a blanket license, the pier operator's license covers all anglers fishing from that pier. Virginia has several public piers along the coast and in tidal rivers where this applies. Call ahead to confirm the pier has a blanket license before you go, because not all public piers do.
Bringing Your License and What to Carry
You must have your license with you while you fish — it is not enough to own one at home. If you buy online, you can print the license and carry the paper, or save the digital copy on your phone and show it to a wildlife officer if asked. If you buy a physical license from a vendor, keep it in your wallet or tackle bag.
A wildlife officer can stop and check your license at any time while you are fishing. Fishing without a valid license or with an expired license can result in a fine. If you lose your license, you can buy a replacement through the same channels where you bought the original.
Freshwater Fishing and Additional Permits
Your nonresident saltwater license does not cover freshwater fishing in Virginia's rivers, lakes, and ponds. If you want to fish inland waters — such as the Rappahannock River above the tidal zone, or lakes like Smith Mountain Lake — you need a separate nonresident freshwater license.
Some species, such as striped bass in certain freshwater areas, require an additional stamp or permit beyond the base license. Check the VDWR website or ask a local tackle shop whether the fish you want to target requires extra documentation. These stamps are usually inexpensive and sold alongside the main license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy a nonresident saltwater license the day I arrive in Virginia?
Yes. You can buy a one-day license online through the VDWR website and print it immediately, or visit an authorized vendor the morning you plan to fish. Many tackle shops open early to serve anglers, so calling ahead to confirm hours is a good idea if you are arriving early.
What happens if I fish without a license?
Fishing without a valid license is a violation of Virginia law and can result in a fine. A wildlife officer can check your license at any time. If you realize you forgot your license, stop fishing and buy one before continuing — do not risk a citation.
Does my nonresident license work if I fish from a boat I own or rent?
Yes, as long as you are fishing in saltwater. Your license covers you whether you fish from shore, a private boat, or a rental boat. You do not need a license if you are a passenger on a licensed charter or party boat, but you do if you are operating your own vessel or fishing from someone else's private boat.
Can I fish for striped bass with my nonresident saltwater license?
Yes, but striped bass in Virginia have specific bag limits, size requirements, and seasonal closures that change year to year. Check the current VDWR saltwater fishing guide before you fish to make sure you are following the rules for the season you are visiting.
What if I want to fish both saltwater and freshwater during my trip?
You need both a nonresident saltwater license and a nonresident freshwater license. You can buy both online at the same time, or buy them separately at different vendors. The cost is lower than buying a resident license, but you will need both to fish both types of water legally.