Maryland fishing licenses for veterans

What the agency says

• Disabled veterans

  Complimentary lifetime fishing licence for Maryland-resident veterans with a total service-connected rating or VA unemployability.

  A complimentary lifetime license is available to Maryland residents who are 100% service-connected disabled veterans or former prisoners of war or are deemed unemployable by the US Department of Veterans Affairs.

  Maryland Department of Natural Resources, read October 20, 2026

• Former prisoners of war

  Maryland-resident former prisoners of war also qualify for the complimentary lifetime licence.

  A complimentary lifetime license is available to Maryland residents who are 100% service-connected disabled veterans or former prisoners of war or are deemed unemployable by the US Department of Veterans Affairs.

  Maryland Department of Natural Resources, read October 20, 2026

• Purple Heart recipients

  Discount on Maryland hunting and fishing licences for Maryland veterans awarded the Purple Heart.

  Any Maryland veteran who has received a Purple Heart for injuries sustained defending our nation now qualifies for a 50 percent discount on Maryland hunting and fishing licenses.

  Maryland Department of Natural Resources, read October 20, 2026

• Residents serving away, home on leave

  Maryland residents on active duty may fish without a licence while on leave with official leave orders.

  If you are a resident of Maryland on active duty with the armed forces and are on leave with official leave orders, you may fish without a fishing license in Maryland.

  Maryland Department of Natural Resources, read October 20, 2026

Maryland Department of Natural Resources: licenses

Quoted from the agency's own page; rules, ratings and fees change, so confirm with the agency before you buy.

Fishing in Maryland

Veteran-owned and veteran-serving guides and shops in Maryland

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