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.

State BenefitRhode IslandRecreation & Parks

Verified May 12, 2026 against dem.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 in person or by mail at DEM's Boating Registration and Licensing Office, 235 Promenade St., Providence, RI 02908.

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.

How VetUnlock verifies benefits

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.