How Much Does a California Hunting License Cost?
California is a highly desirable state for hunters pursuing feral pigs, doves, pronghorn, or bighorn sheep. Planning a hunting trip to the Golden State begins with answering an important question: How much is a hunting license in California?
Costs range from about $16 for a junior license to about $368 for a non-resident license.
The process of navigating California's licensing system might feel overwhelming at first, especially when you consider the state's different types of licenses, tags, validations, and mandatory hunter education requirements. However, knowing this information will help you avoid costly errors and stay within the law.
Keep reading for a breakdown of the costs and requirements for a successful, safe California hunt.
How Much is a Hunting License in California?
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) sets fees for licenses and tags based on the hunter's age and residency status.
Annual Hunting License
Purchasing the appropriate license allows you to hunt approved species during specific seasons legally, but it is only part of the overall California hunting license cost. If you are hunting big game, you will need to purchase an additional tag for each species you hunt, starting with a tag application fee.
- An annual hunting license for residents 16 and older costs $62.90.
- A nonresident yearly license costs $219.81.
- Resident and nonresident junior hunters (under the age of 16) qualify for a reduced fee of $16.46 for an annual hunting license.
If you don't need an annual license, a one-day nonresident hunting license is $30.24, and a two-day license is $62.90.
Deer Tags
If you've successfully drawn a tag through the application process, you will then need to purchase the appropriate tag for each species you plan to hunt.
How much are deer tags in California? Let's look at what it costs to hunt these popular big game animals in the 2025–2026 season.
- Resident First Deer Tag or First Deer Tag Drawing Application: $41.30
- Nonresident First Deer Tag or First Deer Tag Drawing Application: $368.20
- Resident Second Deer Tag or Second Deer Tag Drawing Application: $51.58
- Nonresident Second Deer Tag or Second Deer Tag Drawing Application: $368.20
Big Game Tags
Other big game tag applications cost $8.13 each for elk, pronghorn antelope, and bighorn sheep.
| Bear Tag | Elk Tag | Pronghorn Antelope Tag | Bighorn Sheep Tag |
| Resident: $61.30 | Resident: $595.25 | Resident $200.62 | Resident: $545.00 |
| Nonresident: $387.85 | Nonresident: $1,825.85 | Nonresident: $613.60 | Nonresident: $2,022.00 |
Note that junior hunters (under 16) are no longer eligible for reduced-fee tags.
Validation
California requires additional validations on hunting licenses for some species and hunting methods. Here are the 2025–2026 validation costs.
| Wild Pig | Waterfowl | Upland Birds |
| Resident: $27.57 | California Duck Validation: $39.96 | California Upland Game Bird Validation: $24.84 |
| Nonresident: $98.85 | Federal Duck Stamp: $25.00 |
CDFW sets these fees annually, so confirm costs and tag application dates before committing to your hunt.
What Is Required to Get a Hunting License in California?
Before you focus too much on the California hunting license price, take the following steps to meet statewide license requirements.
- First-time hunters must complete a CDFW-approved hunter education course before being eligible to purchase a hunting license.
- All minors must complete a CDFW-approved hunter education course.
- Returning resident and nonresident hunters must have a previous California hunting license or a qualifying hunter education certificate from another state.
- You must provide a valid form of identification, such as a driver's license or state-issued ID.
Once you meet those requirements, you can purchase your hunting license through the CDFW website, authorized agents (such as sporting goods and some retail stores), or at CDFW regional offices.
Types of Hunter Education Courses in California
You can choose from two options to complete a hunter education program and get your California license.
- Traditional Classroom Course: Conducted in-person with a certified volunteer instructor, these courses include live lectures and demonstrations on the required topics. Upon successfully passing a written exam, you'll receive your hunter education certificate.
- Online Course with Follow-Up Session: Through an approved provider like ilearntohunt, students can participate in self-paced online learning to study the required material at their own schedule. Once students complete the online course, they must attend an in-person session with a California-certified instructor and pass a written test. If you do not pass the in-person follow-up session, you will not receive a valid hunter education certificate for California.
Note: the online-only option for hunter education no longer meets the state's requirements.
Both types of courses cover fundamental hunting topics, including basic firearms handling, conservation, first aid, game identification, proper shot placement, state regulations, hunting ethics, and vital safety tips.
How Long Is a California Hunting License Good For?
A California hunting license is an annual license that is valid from July 1 through June 30 of the following year. To get the most from your license, purchase it as close to July 1 as possible. Note that tags and validations may follow different schedules within a license year.
You must renew your license each year to keep it valid. Since there are no automatic renewals, you will have to follow the same purchasing process as for your initial purchase: pay online, in person at a CDFW office, or through an authorized agent.
Are There Different Types of California Hunting Licenses?
California offers several types of licenses to accommodate hunters' needs. California residents who pay state taxes can purchase lower-priced resident licenses, and residents under 16 can buy a junior license at a reduced cost. California also offers discounted hunting licenses to disabled U.S. veterans and recovering service members.
Short-term licenses, such as one-day and two-day nonresident licenses, are available for those who want to plan a quick hunt in the Golden State. Out-of-state hunters 16 years of age or older must purchase nonresident licenses.
If a hunter loses a paper license or tag, they can request a duplicate for a small fee. Hunters can also carry a digital version of the hunting license (but not the tags) on a mobile phone with the CDFW license app.
Let ilearntohunt Help You Get Your California Hunting License
How much is a hunting license in California? Asking that vital question is only the beginning of great hunts in the state.
Though the cost of a license, validations, and tags can add up quickly, the money you pay is an investment in the conservation work, research, habitat restoration, and enforcement that make hunting in California possible.
Before making your first license purchase, remember that you must complete California's required hunter education course. A comprehensive, self-paced (and fun) online course like the one we offer here at ilearntohunt will provide the critical foundation you need to be a successful and ethical hunter. Then, after completing the mandatory in-person follow-up session, you will be ready to purchase your California hunting license and enjoy safe hunting experiences.
Hunt safely and legally in California this year!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
We have answers to common questions about how much does a California hunting license cost!
Q: What does a California hunting license cost?
A: Costs for a California hunting license vary depending on the type of license you need. For example, a resident annual license is about $62.90. A nonresident annual license is about $219.81. A junior license (under 16) is about $16.46. A one-day nonresident license is about $30.24. A two-day nonresident is about $62.90. A reduced-fee for disabled veterans / recovering service members is around $9–$10 (after prequalification).
Q: What is required to get a hunting license in California?
A: To get a hunting license in California, you must meet hunter education requirements before buying a license. Acceptable proof includes a previous California hunting license, a California hunter education certificate, approval from another state’s course, or a current license from another state within the past two years. Licenses can be purchased online, at CDFW offices, or through license agents.
Q: How long is a California hunting license good for?
A: In California, annual hunting licenses are valid from July 1 through June 30 of the next year. If you buy after July 1, it’s valid for the remainder of that license year.
Q: Are there different types of CA hunting licenses?
A: Yes, there are different types of CA hunting licenses. Common types include, resident and nonresident annual licenses, junior hunting licenses, one-day and two-day nonresident licenses, reduced-fee licenses (for eligible disabled veterans and recovering service members), and lifetime hunting licenses (one-time purchase that provides annual licenses for life)
