Tennessee provides a lifetime hunting license for veterans. This license offers potential long-term savings and convenience for veterans who hunt in the state. Understanding the eligibility criteria and application process is important for those considering this benefit.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for a Tennessee lifetime hunting license for veterans, applicants must satisfy requirements concerning military service and state residency. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) mandates that applicants be Tennessee residents.
An honorable discharge from the U.S. Armed Forces—Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, Coast Guard, their reserve components, or the Tennessee National Guard—is also necessary. The TWRA will verify this discharge status.
Tennessee Code Annotated Section 70-2-104 outlines special licenses for residents, including veterans.1Justia Law. Tennessee Code § 70-2-104 (2024) – Persons Entitled to License Without Fee or at Reduced Fee Specific conditions or fee arrangements for veterans can depend on their service history and disability status. For instance, certain disability statuses may qualify veterans for different license types or fee waivers. Veterans should identify the lifetime license category that applies to them, as veteran status can affect eligibility or benefits.
Documents Needed
Applicants must submit verifiable proof of military service and discharge status. The primary document for this is the DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty). This form serves as standard evidence of the required honorable discharge.
Proof of Tennessee residency is also necessary. A valid Tennessee driver’s license or state-issued ID card is commonly used. Other acceptable documents might include a Tennessee voter registration card, current vehicle registration, or utility bills showing a Tennessee address. Applicants should verify current residency proof requirements with the TWRA, ensuring documents demonstrate any stipulated period of continuous residency, such as 90 days.
Application Process
After gathering documents, veterans can apply for the license through the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA). Applications are generally accepted at TWRA regional offices or by mail. Veteran lifetime licenses often require mail or in-person submission at a TWRA office for thorough document review.
The official application form can be downloaded from the TWRA website or obtained from a TWRA office.2Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. TN Lifetime Sportsman License Application Accurate completion is necessary to prevent processing delays. For mail applications, sending to the address specified by TWRA, often their main Nashville office, using a trackable method is recommended.
The TWRA reviews each application to confirm eligibility. This verification is detailed due to the license’s long-term nature. Processing times depend on application volume and completeness. If issues arise, the TWRA will contact the applicant, which may extend the timeline. Upon approval, the veteran receives the lifetime license.
Fees and Payment
Fee structures for the Tennessee lifetime hunting license for veterans are set by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) and state law. Notably, certain disabled veterans qualify for a lifetime sport combination hunting and fishing license at a significantly reduced cost. Resident veterans with a 100% permanent and total service-connected disability, or a disability rating of 30% or more from wartime service, can obtain this license for a one-time $10 fee.3Tennessee Department of Veterans Services. Hunting and Fishing Licenses
This specialized license for disabled veterans differs from the standard Lifetime Sportsman License for other Tennessee residents, which varies in cost by age: $1,976 for adults (13-50), $1,153 for older adults (51-64), and $329 for seniors (65+), based on recent schedules.4Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. Upcoming 2025-26 License Structure and Fees The $10 fee for eligible disabled veterans offers a considerable saving. Additional processing fees, between $0.50 and $5.00, may apply to any license purchase.5eRegulations. License Fees – Tennessee Hunting
Payment is due at the time of application. The TWRA accepts checks, money orders, or credit cards for mail or in-person applications, while credit or debit cards are common for online or phone transactions. Applicants should confirm current accepted payment methods and any processing charges with the TWRA directly or via its website.