Annual Renewal
You can renew your lifetime license (at no cost of course) at any CDFW License Agent, CDFW license sales office or ONLINE.
- If you renew your license at a license agent of CDFW office, having your previous license with you will speed the transaction, as the clerk can scan your license to retrieve your customer record and renew you license very quickly.
- If you renew your license online, log in using your last name, date of birth and GO ID (from your fishing or hunting license). Select "Purchase Licenses" from the menu near the top. Select your lifetime license and any other privileges you wish to renew (or purchase). After you have made all your selections, click on "Check Out" and complete the transaction. The transaction is not complete until you select "Submit Payment". After this you will receive a notice that the transaction is complete and your license will be mailed to you. At this time, you have the option to print a temporary license that is valid for 30 days. You can use your temporary license until your permanent license arrives in the mail.
What is a Lifetime License?
There are two types of lifetime licenses: the Lifetime Fishing License and the Lifetime Hunting License. The Lifetime Fishing License entitles the angler to a sport fishing license each year for the remainder of his or her life. The Lifetime Hunting License entitles the hunter to a hunting license each year for the remainder of his or her life.
Lifetime license fees are based on your age at the time of purchase. For fees, refer to the Lifetime License Application (PDF).
You can also purchase one or more "additional privilege packages" that include several stamps, harvest report cards and tags. By purchasing one of these privilege packages you receive the included privileges each year for the remainder of your life.
The Additional Sport Fishing Privileges include a Second-Rod Validation, Ocean Enhancement Validation, North Coast Salmon Report Card, and Steelhead Report Card.
The Additional Bird Hunting Privileges include a California Duck Validation and an Upland Game Bird Validation.
The Additional Big Game Hunting Privileges include a First-Deer Tag Application and a Wild Pig Validation. The deer tag application may be used to apply for a deer tag in our annual automated drawing or to pick up an over-the-counter tag.
Lifetime licenses enable California's dedicated sportsmen and women to have a license entitling them to fish or hunt for the rest of their lives and save money by avoiding future price increases. Lifetime license fees provide funding for the protection and conservation of future fish and wildlife populations.
If you'd like to order your lifetime license, download an Lifetime License Application (PDF) and return it to CDFW. You need to provide proof of your age (such as a copy of your birth certificate, passport, or driver's license). Please note, proof of hunter education is not required at the time of purchase of a Lifetime Hunting Package. However, proof of hunter education is required prior to the issuance of your lifetime hunting license. If you have questions about the lifetime license program, contact the CDFW at (916) 928-5805 or LRB@wildlife.ca.gov.
License Fees and Application
Lifetime Fishing Licenses
| License Package |
2024 Fee |
2025 Fee |
Description |
| Ages 0-9 |
$679.75 |
$691.75 |
Available to residents of California. Lifetime fishing licenses are valid for 365 days from the date of issuance. |
| Ages 10-39 |
$1,112.00 |
$1,131.75 |
| Ages 40-61 |
$1,001.75 |
$1,019.50 |
| Ages 62+ |
$679.75 |
$691.75 |
| Lifetime Fishing Privilege Package |
$459.25 |
$467.25 |
Lifetime licensees who purchase the Fishing Privilege Package receive a Second-Rod Validation, an Ocean Enhancement Validation, a North Coast Salmon Report Card and a Steelhead Report Card. The Second-Rod Validation and Ocean Enhancement Validation are valid for 365 days from the date of issuance. |
Lifetime Hunting Licenses
| License Package |
2024 Fee |
2025 Fee |
Description |
| Ages 0-9 |
$679.75 |
$691.75 |
Available to any resident showing proof of completion of hunter education training. Lifetime hunting licensees receive an annual hunting license each year for life. Lifetime Hunting Packages must first be purchased from a CDFW License Sales Office.
Note: Applicants for a Lifetime Hunting Package are not required to provide proof of hunter education at the time of purchase. However, proof of hunter education is required prior to the issuance of the lifetime hunting license. |
| Ages 10-39 |
$1,112.00 |
$1,131.75 |
| Ages 40-61 |
$1,001.75 |
$1,019.50 |
| Ages 62+ |
$679.75 |
$691.75 |
| Lifetime Bird Hunting Privilege Package |
$394.50 |
$401.50 |
Lifetime licensees who purchase the Lifetime Bird Hunting Privilege Package receive Upland Game Bird and California Duck Validations each year for life. |
| Lifetime Big Game Hunting Privilege Package |
$827.50 |
$842.25 |
Lifetime licensees who purchase the Big Game Hunting Privilege Package receive a First Deer Tag Application and a Wild Pig Validation each year for life. This privilege package may be purchased for applicants under 12 years of age. However, the tag and validation cannot be redeemed until the applicant is 12 years of age or older. |