What the 5-Day License Covers

Virginia's 5-day nonresident fishing license lets you fish freshwater in the state for five consecutive calendar days without holding a year-round permit. The license covers most freshwater species — largemouth and smallmouth bass, catfish, crappie, bluegill, and others — in lakes, rivers, and ponds across the state. It does not cover saltwater fishing or tidal waters; those require separate licenses.

The license is valid for exactly five days from the date of purchase, and those days must be consecutive. You cannot split the license across two separate trips or pause it mid-week. If you buy the license on a Wednesday, it expires the following Sunday. The cost varies slightly by year but is significantly less than a full nonresident annual license, making it practical for a long weekend or a short fishing trip.

You must carry the license with you while fishing and show it to a Virginia Game Warden if asked. Digital copies on your phone are acceptable; you do not need a printed card, though some anglers prefer to print one anyway.

Key Takeaways

  • The 5-day license covers freshwater only and runs for five consecutive calendar days from the date you purchase it.
  • You can buy the license online through the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources website, by phone, or at authorized retailers across the state.
  • The license does not cover saltwater or tidal waters, and you still must follow all Virginia fishing regulations for seasons, bag limits, and size restrictions for each species.
  • You must have the license in your possession while fishing and can show it as a digital copy on your phone or as a printed card.

Where to Buy the License

The easiest route is the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources website, where you can buy the license online and receive it immediately as a digital document. You provide your name, address, and date of birth, and the license is emailed to you right away. This method works if you are buying a few days before your trip or even the morning you plan to fish.

You can also buy the license by phone through the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources at their licensing office. Call ahead to confirm current hours, as phone availability varies by season. This option is useful if you prefer to speak with someone or have questions about regulations before you purchase.

Authorized retailers throughout Virginia — including sporting goods stores, bait and tackle shops, and some Walmart locations — sell the license in person. If you are already in Virginia or passing through, stopping at a local tackle shop is often the fastest option and gives you a chance to ask about current fishing conditions in the area where you plan to fish.

What Information You Need to Provide

When you buy the license, you will need your full name, date of birth, and a current mailing address. If you are buying online or by phone, you will also need a valid payment method — credit card or debit card. The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources does not require proof of residency at the time of purchase; your out-of-state address is sufficient to may have access to you for the nonresident rate.

Some retailers may ask for a phone number or email address to complete the transaction, but this is not required by the state. If you are buying in person at a tackle shop or sporting goods store, bring a photo ID. The retailer will record your information and issue the license on the spot.

Fishing Regulations You Still Must Follow

The 5-day license gives you permission to fish, but it does not override Virginia's fishing regulations. You must still follow all season dates, bag limits, and size restrictions for each species. For example, largemouth bass in most Virginia waters have a five-fish daily bag limit and a 12-inch minimum size. Catfish have different rules depending on the water body. Crappie seasons and limits vary by region.

Virginia publishes a detailed fishing guide each year that lists every species, every water body, and the specific rules for each. You can download this guide free from the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources website before your trip. Many tackle shops also have printed copies. Reading the guide for the specific waters where you plan to fish takes 15 minutes and prevents costly mistakes.

Some waters have special restrictions — catch-and-release only, fly-fishing only, or closures during certain months. These are listed in the guide and posted at public access points. If you are fishing a lake or river you have never visited, ask at a local tackle shop or call the regional Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources office to confirm current conditions and any recent changes to regulations.

Where You Can Fish With This License

The license covers freshwater fishing across Virginia — lakes, rivers, ponds, and streams. Major destinations include the James River, the Shenandoah River, Smith Mountain Lake, Claytor Lake, and dozens of smaller impoundments and public waters. State parks and wildlife management areas throughout Virginia allow fishing with a valid license, though some have additional rules or require a separate permit for certain activities.

Public access varies by water body. Some lakes and rivers have free public boat ramps; others require a day-use fee or have limited parking. Before you go, check the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources website or call the regional office for the area where you plan to fish. They can tell you which access points are open, whether you need a parking permit, and what the current conditions are.

Private land requires the owner's permission, as always. If you are planning to fish on private property, arrange that before your trip. Many Virginia landowners allow fishing for friends and family but not strangers, so do not assume access is open.

Cost and Payment Methods

The 5-day nonresident license costs less than a full annual nonresident license but more than a single-day license. The exact price changes year to year and may vary slightly depending on where you buy it. Online purchases through the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources website typically have no additional fees beyond the license cost itself. Buying in person at a retailer may include a small processing fee, though many retailers do not charge one.

Payment methods accepted online include Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. By phone, the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources accepts the same cards. In-person retailers accept cash, card, or check depending on the individual shop.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy the license if I live in Virginia but am visiting from out of state temporarily?

No. The nonresident license is for people whose primary residence is outside Virginia. If you live in Virginia, you need a resident license even if you are buying it while temporarily out of state. Your mailing address on the license determines your residency status.

What happens if I lose my license or my phone dies while I am fishing?

If you bought the license online, you can access it again through your email or by logging into the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources website. Take a screenshot or print a copy before you go fishing so you have a backup. If your phone dies and you have no printed copy, a Game Warden may issue a citation, though you can usually resolve it by showing proof of purchase later.

Does the 5-day license cover fishing in tidal waters near the coast?

No. Tidal waters and saltwater fishing require a separate saltwater license. The 5-day freshwater license is for inland waters only. If you plan to fish both freshwater and saltwater during your trip, you will need both licenses.

Can I extend the license if I want to stay longer than five days?

No. The 5-day license is valid for exactly five consecutive days and cannot be extended. If you want to fish beyond that, you must buy a new 5-day license or purchase a full annual nonresident license, which is more economical if you plan to fish more than two or three times per year in Virginia.

Do I need a separate license for each person in my group?

Yes. Each person fishing must have their own valid license. If three people are fishing together, all three need a 5-day license. Children under 16 may be exempt from licensing requirements in some states, but Virginia requires a license for all anglers regardless of age, though discounted youth licenses are available.