Photo credit
Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing veterans at Rapidan Camp, Shenandoah National Park, Virginia. Photo: N. Lewis, National Park Service, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Rhode Island fishing licenses for veterans
What Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management says about free or reduced fishing licenses for veterans, disabled veterans, service members and their families.
What the agency says
Disabled veterans
No-cost permanent freshwater licence for veterans with a current total disability.
Veterans with a current 100% disability, or Individuals with 100% Permanent Disability (permanent) No cost
Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, read October 20, 2026Active duty
Current armed forces members pay the resident freshwater licence rate.
RI Resident (or current member of the U.S. armed forces)
Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, read October 20, 2026Service members stationed in the state
Active military stationed in Rhode Island get a free saltwater licence.
The is no fee for RI residents who are over the age of 65, or active military personnel stationed in RI, must obtain a free license.
Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, read October 20, 2026Residents serving away, home on leave
Anglers on leave from active military duty need no recreational saltwater licence.
No license is required for: ... Anglers who are on leave from active military duty
Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, read October 20, 2026
Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management: licenses
Quoted from the agency's own page; rules, ratings and fees change, so confirm with the agency before you buy.
Fishing in Rhode Island
Veteran-owned and veteran-serving guides and shops in Rhode Island