License Applications

Information on how to apply for hunting and fishing licenses for Iowa's veterans, disabled citizens, and seniors over age 65. For more information, please contact the DNR Customer Service Center at 515-725-8200.

Group Home Annual Fishing Permit Application (Form #542-8058)
A free annual permit for health care facilities and juvenile shelters which allows patients to fish as a supervised group without individual licenses. (Iowa residents and facilities only)

• Solicitud de Permiso de Pesca Annual (Form #542-8058spl)

Free Annual Hunting and Fishing License Application (Form #542-8056)
Iowa residents who are either a) permanently disabled AND the annual household income is below the federal poverty guidelines or b) age 65 or older AND the annual household income is below the federal poverty guidelines. Please see the application for the current federal poverty guidelines.

• Solicitud Gratuita de Licencia Anual de Caza y Pesca Para Residentes (Form #542-8056spl)

Veteran Lifetime Hunting and Fishing License Application (Form #542-1412)
A lifetime hunting and fishing license for veterans who have a service connected disability or were POW's. (Iowa residents only)

• Solicitud de Licencia de caza/pesca vitalicia de Iowa para Veteranos Residentes Discapacitados (Form #542-1412spl)

Application for Iowa Annual Hunting/Fishing License For Resident Armed Forces Veteran (Form #542-1411)
Residents of Iowa who have served in the armed forces of the United States on federal active duty are eligible. Must submit their DD214 (must show characterization such as Honorable or General, Under Honorable Conditions). Applicants will only need to submit the application one time. Once approved, the licenses will be available for purchase every year.

Application For Iowa Lifetime Trout For Resident Veterans (Form #542-0708)
Residents of Iowa who either a) qualify for and have received the Disabled Veterans Homestead Credit or b) believe to qualify but have not applied for the Disabled Veteran Homestead Credit and can provide a copy of a current letter provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs which indicates they are entitled to a service connected disability with a rating of 100%, are eligible for a Lifetime Trout License at a cost of $65.00.

Free Annual Resident Disabled Fishing License (Form #542-1456)
A free fishing license for persons who are certified by a physician as having a permanent severe physical or mental disability

• Solicitud de Licencia de Pesca Anual Gratuita para Residentes con Discapacidad (Form #542-1456spl)

Motor Vehicle Use In Game Management Area, Park, Preserve
The DNR no longer requires a permit that allows for the use of a motor vehicle on game management areas, state parks or preserve.  For persons who have a disability which makes it impossible to ambulate without the use of a motor vehicle, please work directly with DNR staff who are assigned to the game management area, state park or preserve.  DNR staff will work with individuals to develop an access plan for each desired area. Individuals must keep the access plan with them when using the area.

Were the last licenses or tags you purchased in the state of Iowa nonresident tags? Are you now permanently living in Iowa? Information required to prove eligibility of Iowa Residency. (for former nonresidents)

Resident License Application Form       Changing Your Residency Status FAQ

The Iowa DNR is seeking help from commercial fishers to learn more about Black Carp numbers and distribution through a partnership with the Illinois DNR, Southern Illinois University and the U.S. Geological Survey.

Commercial fishers can earn a bounty of $100 for Black Carp captured in the Mississippi River or its tributaries in Iowa and Illinois.

If you catch a Black Carp on the Mississippi River, call one of these phone numbers during regular business hours: Illinois DNR: 217-557-0719 or 618-462-0362; Southern Illinois University: 618-453-6089; U.S. Geological Survey: 573-876-1866.

For questions or more information, contact Kim Bogenschutz, the Iowa DNR's Aquatic Invasive Species Program Coordinator, at 515-432-2823 x103 or kim.bogenschutz@dnr.iowa.gov.