Free hunting and fishing licenses for disabled veterans in SC and NC: who qualifies
Disabled veterans who live on the Grand Strand can hunt and fish for little or nothing, but the rules differ across the state line. As of Oct. 30, 2026, the S.C. Department of Natural Resources, or SCDNR, issues a free disability license, valid three years, to South Carolina residents of at least 365 days who are declared disabled and receive disability benefits from an agency on its list, including the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. In North Carolina, residents rated 50% or more disabled by the VA can buy lifetime licenses that start at $15, per the N.C. Wildlife Commission (NCWRC).
How do the two states compare?
| South Carolina (Horry, Georgetown) | North Carolina (Brunswick) | |
|---|---|---|
| Who qualifies | Resident 365+ days, declared disabled and receiving disability benefits from a listed agency such as the VA | Resident rated 50% or more disabled by the VA |
| Cost | Free | $15 to $144, plus a $5 transaction fee |
| How long | 3 years from issue; lifetime for paraplegic, quadriplegic or legally blind applicants with a doctor’s statement | Lifetime, as long as the rating stays at 50% or more |
| What it covers | Combination license: freshwater and saltwater fishing, state hunting, big game, Wildlife Management Areas and the migratory waterfowl permit; a fishing-only version exists | Depends on the license you buy (table below) |
| Proof | Disability certification dated within the past 12 months | VA certification of 50% or more, plus form NCDMVA-50 from a veterans service office |
| How to apply | Secure email to [email protected] | By mail or in person |
What does the South Carolina license include?
The full Combination disability license covers freshwater and saltwater fishing, state hunting, big game, Wildlife Management Area hunting and the migratory waterfowl permit, per SCDNR. Holders automatically get a base set of free deer tags each year; turkey tags must be ordered each year.
To apply, SCDNR uses an encrypted email process:
- Email [email protected] with your name and phone number.
- Open the encrypted reply and choose the one-time passcode option.
- Download and fill out the application PDF; SCDNR warns it is not fillable in Firefox.
- Reply to all with your documents attached. For VA benefits, include a current copy of your disability certification dated within the past 12 months, per the application instructions (rev. October 2025).
- The license arrives by mail.
Problems: call SCDNR at 803-734-3833.
What does North Carolina charge?
| Lifetime license for disabled veterans | Price |
|---|---|
| Inland fishing | $15 |
| Coastal recreational fishing | $15 |
| Hunting and inland fishing combination | $15 |
| Sportsman (statewide hunting and inland fishing) | $131 |
| Sportsman plus coastal recreational fishing | $144 |
Source: NCWRC disabled veteran application, checked Oct. 30, 2026. A $5 transaction fee applies to each purchase.
For a Brunswick County angler who fishes the surf and the Intracoastal Waterway, the coastal recreational fishing license is the one that matters.
Send the application with a copy of your VA certification of 50% or more disability and form NCDMVA-50 (rev. April 2025), which a county or state veterans service office can complete. Brunswick County Veterans Services in Bolivia takes appointments at 910-253-2233. For hunting privileges you also need a hunter education certificate number or a North Carolina hunting license that took effect before July 1, 2013. Disabled licenses are available only by mail or in person, per NCWRC; mail to NCWRC, 1707 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1700, with a check payable to NCWRC. Questions: 833-950-0575, weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
I’m on active duty. Do I get resident rates?
In South Carolina, service members and dependents stationed in the state for 30 days or more, or living here, get resident privileges with a valid military ID, per SCDNR military pricing. South Carolina residents stationed elsewhere and home on leave can fish and hunt without a license if they carry an earnings and leave statement listing South Carolina as home, but they still need big game, migratory bird, waterfowl and WMA permits and tags.
Does the license change seasons or limits?
Yes. A license does not change seasons, bag limits or size limits. Check SCDNR or NCWRC regulations before each trip.
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Questions and answers
- Do disabled veterans fish free in South Carolina?
- Residents of at least 365 days who receive VA disability benefits can get a free three-year disability license from SCDNR that covers freshwater and saltwater fishing.
- How much is a North Carolina lifetime license for disabled veterans?
- Residents rated 50% or more disabled by the VA pay $15 for inland fishing, coastal fishing or a hunting and inland fishing combination, and $131 to $144 for Sportsman licenses, plus a $5 fee.
- How do I apply for the SCDNR disability license?
- Email [email protected], complete the application through the encrypted reply and attach a disability certification dated within the past 12 months.
- Do active-duty service members get South Carolina resident licenses?
- Yes, if stationed in South Carolina for 30 days or more or living here, with a valid military ID.