How to Get Your Virginia Apprentice Hunting License

May 5, 2026

Two hunters draw bows in the woods, how to get your Virginia apprentic hunting license concept.

To get a Virginia apprentice hunting license, you can purchase the license online or through an authorized license agent. This license allows first-time hunters to try hunting under the direct supervision of an experienced mentor before committing to a hunter education course.

The Virginia apprentice license is only for first-time hunters who have not completed a state-approved hunter education course, and it encourages hands-on learning for youth and adults seeking initial field experience.

Let's take a closer look at how to get the Virginia apprentice hunting license, who qualifies, and review what the license holder can and can't do.

Two hunters in the woods with firearms and decoys, Virginia apprentice hunting license concept.

How to Get a Virginia Apprentice Hunting License

There are two ways to purchase a Virginia apprentice hunting license: online and in person.

Online Purchase (Easiest Method)

The fastest, most convenient way to get your license is to buy it online through the Go Outdoors Virginia website.

Complete the following steps to get your Virginia Hunting License online:

Create an account. You'll need your date of birth, last name, and identification information, such as your driver's license number or the last four digits of your Social Security number.
Choose "Apprentice Hunting License" from the list of available license options.
Pay the required fee. Virginia residents pay $11 for the license, and non-residents pay $21.
Print your license at home or store a digital copy on your smartphone with the Go Outdoors Virginia mobile app.

If you purchase your license online, it'll be ready as soon as you complete the steps above. However, if you don't want to buy the Virginia apprentice hunting license online, you can get it at several authorized locations.

In-Person Purchase Options

If an online purchase isn't ideal, there are plenty of spots to buy a license in person.

Purchase the apprentice hunting license from the following locations:

Clerks of the Circuit Court
Authorized retail agents, including local sporting goods stores or national retailers such as Walmart, Cabela's, or Bass Pro Shops
Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) headquarters

In-person purchases are ideal if you need assistance or have questions about licensing requirements.

What Is a Virginia Apprentice Hunting License?

Virginia's apprentice hunting license allows first-time hunters to legally hunt and temporarily bypass the hunter education course requirement. However, the apprentice license holder must be under the direct supervision of an adult mentor at all times during the hunt.

This type of hunting license gives beginners the chance to try real-world hunting experiences and develop basic hunting skills. With guidance from an adult with a valid hunting license, the apprentice develops fieldcraft and safety skills to become a successful hunter.

Who Qualifies for the Apprentice License?

While the Virginia apprentice license is available to both residents and non-residents, it is only for first-time hunters. Anyone who previously held a hunting license in Virginia or any other state is ineligible to purchase an apprentice license, and the apprentice license cannot be renewed or repurchased.

The apprentice license is best for:

First-time hunters
Youth who want to gauge their interest in hunting before committing to a hunter education course
Adults who are interested in trying hunting but don't have a previous hunting license or are uncomfortable hunting alone

If you're not sure how age requirements apply to the Virginia apprentice hunting license, it's helpful to know how old you need to be to get a hunting license before you get started.

Are There Any Rules or Restrictions?

Before you purchase a Virginia apprentice hunting license, here are a few things you should know.

One-Time Use

Virginia law states that a hunter may purchase an apprentice license only once in their lifetime. The license is a short-term learning tool, not a long-term replacement for an approved hunter education program.

Validity Period

The apprentice license is valid for two years from the date of purchase. This timeframe allows new hunters up to two seasons to gain experience and learn from a mentor before enrolling in a formal hunter education course.

Supervision Requirement

A licensed adult hunter who is at least 18 years old must always accompany the apprentice hunter. The mentor has to be within arm's reach and maintain visual and verbal contact at all times during the hunt.

These requirements help ensure the apprentice receives immediate guidance and maintains safe hunting practices.

Education Requirement

After two years, you must complete a Virginia DNR-approved hunter education course to purchase a standard hunting license.

However, if you choose to complete your hunter education course during the two years, the apprentice license automatically converts to a basic license. Then, you'll be able to hunt unsupervised for the duration of the license.

Do I Need Additional Permits?

Like the basic license, the Virginia apprentice hunting license is not universal-use.

If you want to pursue species other than small game, you will need additional licenses or tags to hunt whitetail deer, turkey, bears, migratory birds, or waterfowl. Virginia may also require land access permits to hunt in certain parts of the state.

Two guys walking with hunting gear, how to get your Virginia apprentice hunting license concept.

How to Properly Use the Apprentice License

The Virginia apprentice license opens the door to a lifetime of hunting experiences.

To use your Virginia apprentice hunting license properly:

Treat your mentor as a coach and teacher, not a babysitter. Ask questions and make sure you are learning firearms safety, marksmanship, and ethical decision-making. Your mentor should demonstrate proper shot placement for each species you hunt and provide a primer on local wildlife and the conservation principles that affect your area.
Your mentor should always be nearby and actively involved in your hunt. You should each have your license (paper or digital) accessible at all times when in the field, and you should follow all Virginia and federal hunting laws.
An apprentice license holder may also be eligible for special hunts. For example, Virginia offers a youth and apprentice deer hunt in late September to provide novice hunters the chance to try deer hunting before the main season starts.

Tips for First-Time Apprentice Hunters

The excitement of your first hunt can be overwhelming. That's why you should sit back, take a breath, and put in some planning and effort to ensure your first experiences in the field are positive.

Your most important decision is choosing the right mentor. Select someone who has several hunting seasons under their belt, is patient, and is willing to teach—not just a hunter who is only there to fill a tag.
If possible, start small. Hunting small game like rabbits and squirrels allows you to do more hunting, stalking, marksmanship, fieldcraft, and game processing without the pressure of hunting larger game.
Become familiar, confident, and accurate with your weapon long before the season starts. Go to the range with your mentor as often as possible, learn to shoot from different positions, and determine your effective range in varied conditions. Discuss carrying options for your weapon and how to hunt safely with another person.
Since your mentor is familiar with the weather and seasonal changes in your hunting area, discuss appropriate clothing and gear to make your hunts as comfortable and safe as possible. Include first-aid, communication equipment, and emergency procedures in your planning.
Make sure you are familiar with local hunting regulations, including shooting hours, bag and possession limits, and restrictions on weapons and ammunition. Since these rules change from season to season—and sometimes during the season—make a point of checking the regulations before each hunt.

Why This License Is a Great Opportunity

The Virginia apprentice hunting license is an easy way for newcomers to explore hunting without the immediate need to earn a hunter education certificate.

Currently, Virginia residents pay $11 for a two-year apprentice license, and non-residents pay $21. With these low costs, hunters can determine whether the pastime aligns with their interests, values, and commitments.

The opportunity to spend up to two seasons learning one-on-one alongside an experienced hunter provides an outstanding foundation unmatched by classroom instruction alone.

Two hunters show off a buck deer after a hunt, apprentice hunting license Virginia concept.

Take a Hunter Education Course to Hunt Safely in Virginia

The Virginia apprentice license launched in 2008 to empower new hunters, youth, and adults to "test drive" hunting without completing the hunter education program required for the basic license. However, getting your apprentice license is only the beginning of a lifetime of hunting.

If you decide to keep hunting, you'll need to complete a Virginia-approved hunter education course. Quality courses, such as those offered by ilearntohunt, enhance the skills your mentor teaches and help you confidently transition from an apprentice license to a standard hunting license.

With proper education and field experience, you'll be ready for a future of safe, ethical, and successful hunting.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What does an apprentice hunting license mean?

A: A Virginia apprentice hunting license allows someone to try hunting without first completing a hunter education course. A licensed adult mentor must supervise the hunter while hunting.

Q: Why does my hunting license say apprentice?

A: Your Virginia hunting license may say "apprentice" if you purchased a license that lets you hunt before completing hunter education.

Q: What is a Virginia Junior hunting license?

A: A Virginia Junior hunting license is for youth hunters (typically under age 16) and offers reduced-cost access to hunting privileges, often with specific rules about supervision and eligible game.

Q: How much is an apprentice hunting license in Virginia?

A: In Virginia, an apprentice hunting license typically costs around $11 for residents and $21 for non-residents, depending on the specific type and any added permits. Prices may change slightly year to year.

Q: Can an adult get an apprentice hunting license?

A: Adults in Virginia can purchase an apprentice hunting license if they haven't completed hunter education, as long as they hunt under the required supervision of a licensed, qualified mentor.