Hunting License CA - Steps to Buy in California

David Harrison  ·  Updated on May 18, 2025

Hunting LicenseGuidesHunter Education

Follow these straightforward steps to obtain a California hunting license:

 

California Hunter Education Certification

Skip having to attend an in-person field-day course with our 3 hour interactive Hunter Safety course.

We provide all the resources to get you fully certified online, and your hunter education certificate is accepted by California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) for use in California for CA residents and non-residents alike.

After completing the Hunter Ed course and passing the final exam, you’ll receive your temporary Hunter Education Certificate.

We submit your course results to the state. The state will issue and email you your permanent Hunter Education Certificate (Card). This is valid for use in all 50 USA States (including California), Mexico, Canada, and any other country or US Territory that has reciprocity with IHEA-USA & State Issued Hunter Education Certificates.


Select Your Hunting License CA

California offers a variety of hunting licenses to accommodate different hunters based on residency, age, and specific needs.

For hunters pursuing big game, additional tag licenses are required.

Below is an overview of the main types:​

Resident Licenses

A resident is a person who has lived in California for at least 6 months. Active-duty military members are considered residents.

All California residents must have a resident hunting license.

  • Resident Hunting License: Required for California residents aged 16 or older to hunt birds and mammals.
  • Junior Hunting License: For residents and non-residents under 16 years old.
  • Lifetime Hunting License: Available to residents; provides hunting privileges for life. Fees vary by age.

Non-Resident Licenses

All non-residents must have a non-resident hunting license.

  • Non-Resident Hunting License: For non-residents aged 16 or older.
  • Two-Day Non-Resident Hunting License: Allows non-residents to hunt small game and furbearers for two consecutive days.

Special Licenses and Permits

  • Disabled Archer Permit: For hunters with permanent disabilities affecting archery hunting.​
  • Mobility Impaired Disabled Persons Motor Vehicle Hunting License: Permits hunting from a motor vehicle for those with mobility impairments.​
  • Visually Disabled Muzzleloader Scope Permit: Allows visually impaired hunters to use scopes on muzzleloading rifles. ​

Validations and Tags

Depending on the game, additional validations or tags may be required:

  • Upland Game Bird Validation: Required to hunt upland game birds.
  • California Duck Validation: Required to hunt waterfowl.​
  • Harvest Information Program (HIP) Validation: Required for hunting migratory game birds; available at no cost.​
  • Big Game Tags: Required for hunting species like deer, elk, bear, and pronghorn.

Hunting licenses, which must adhere to specific regulations, are good from July 1 to June 30 of the following year. California residents may buy a lifetime hunting license.


Where to buy your Californian Hunting License

To hunt or fish in California, you can purchase your hunting or fishing license either online through the official licensing platform California Department of Fish and Wildlife Online License Sales, through the CDFW License Sales Offices or in person at an approved license sales agent. A comprehensive list of these agents can be found on the Find a License Agent page. Telephone License Sales: (800) 565-1458

Below are some suggested authorized in-person hunting license agents:


Where to Find Additional Resources

California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Contact Information:

 Phone: (916) 928-5805 Email: [email protected] Website: wildlife.ca.gov