VetUnlock
State Benefit·Rhode Island·🌲Recreation & Parks

Free Hunting and Fishing Licenses

No-cost permanent freshwater fishing, hunting, or combo license for veterans with 100% VA disability; saltwater fishing license exempt entirely.

Verified May 12, 2026againstdem.ri.gov

At a glance

Benefit type
Recreation & Parks — Rhode Island
Who it's for
Veterans
VA rating needed
100% or higher
Estimated value
Permanent (lifetime) license - $18-$35/year value
Where it applies
Rhode Island
Last verified
May 12, 2026

What is Free Hunting and Fishing Licenses?

Free Hunting and Fishing Licenses is a Rhode Island recreation & parks benefit for veterans. No-cost permanent freshwater fishing, hunting, or combo license for veterans with 100% VA disability; saltwater fishing license exempt entirely. Requires 100%+ VA disability rating. The listed value is Permanent (lifetime) license - $18-$35/year value.

Who qualifies

Veterans
  • Requires 100%+ VA disability rating
  • Rhode Island residency

How to apply

Apply through the official Rhode Island agency.

Open application

Who is eligible

Eligibility

100% disability status from the VA. Issued as a permanent license for freshwater fishing, hunting, or freshwater fishing/hunting combo. 100% disabled veterans are exempt from needing a license for saltwater fishing entirely but must carry the original document of the final VA decision. Apply through Rhode Island Outdoors (RIO).

What Free Hunting and Fishing Licenses covers

Legal Basis

RIGL 20-2-31.

Verified information & sources

Last verified: May 12, 2026

Official source: dem.ri.gov

Compiled and fact-checked against the official source linked above. Benefit rules and dollar amounts change over time — always confirm current details at the official source before applying. A county Veterans Service Officer (VSO) is a free, accredited advocate who can review your eligibility and help you file at no cost.

Frequently asked questions about Free Hunting and Fishing Licenses

Who qualifies for Free Hunting and Fishing Licenses?▾
Free Hunting and Fishing Licenses is for Veterans; requires 100%+ VA disability rating; rhode island residency. See the eligibility details on this page and confirm with the official source before applying.
What VA disability rating do I need for Free Hunting and Fishing Licenses?▾
Requires 100%+ VA disability rating.
How much is Free Hunting and Fishing Licenses worth?▾
The listed value is Permanent (lifetime) license - $18-$35/year value. Amounts can change — confirm the current figure at the official source linked on this page.
How do I apply for Free Hunting and Fishing Licenses?▾
Apply through the official source linked on this page. A county Veterans Service Officer (VSO) can review your eligibility and help you file at no cost.
Where can I verify Free Hunting and Fishing Licenses?▾
Benefit rules and dollar amounts change, so always confirm current details at the official source linked on this page. A free, accredited county or state Veterans Service Officer (VSO) can also verify your eligibility and help you apply.

Other Rhode Island Recreation & Parks

Free State Parks, Beaches, and Parking

No fee at RI state parks, recreational facilities, and beaches for 100% disabled veterans.

Free Golf at Goddard Memorial State Park

No greens fees at Goddard Memorial State Golf Course for veterans with documented disability (golf cart rental still applies).

$15-$40 per round, unlimited

See every benefit you qualify for in Rhode Island

Get a personalized list of federal, state, and local veteran benefits based on your service history, disability rating, and Rhode Island residency — in under 2 minutes.

Find My Rhode Island Benefits