New Jersey Fish and Wildlife
How to Get a New Jersey License or Permit
The New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife uses a web-based system to issue licenses and permits. This system maintains a database with customer profiles identified by lifetime Conservation Identification Numbers (CID#) for each individual obtaining a license or permit.
Freshwater Fishing: Anglers aged 16 and above must have a valid license to fish fresh waters with a handline, rod and line or bow and arrow. This includes privately owned lakes and other waters.
Hunting and Trapping: Licenses must be openly displayed in the middle of the back on outer clothing.
The first time you log into the license website or visit a New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife agent such as Griffin & Howe, you will be asked for identifying information to establish an account profile and a CID number. This unique number will appear on all your licenses, permits and stamps. It is recommended you establish an account and receive your CID number before going to an agent for any license or permit purchases.
Licenses or permits not requiring hunter education or a previous year's license/permit can then be purchased from your home system. Licenses/permits on durable green stock can be ordered for a $2 fee (except for firearm licenses which are mailed at no cost). A NJ driver’s license is required for resident licenses purchased both online and at a New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife agent.
Information on permits for various hunting or trapping seasons (for wildlife species such as deer, turkey, coyote, beaver, etc.), and other related permits, is available on the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife website permit information page.
All NJ fishing and hunting licenses expire on December 31 regardless of when purchased. Deer permits for zones where the season extends into the next calendar year remain valid, but the current year's license is required. Waterfowl Stamps and HIP Certification become available on July 1 and are valid until the close of migratory bird seasons the following spring.
Fishing
Freshwater Fishing: Anglers aged 16 and above must have a valid license to fish fresh waters with a handline, rod and line or bow and arrow. This includes privately owned lakes and other waters.
Hunting and Trapping: Licenses must be openly displayed in the middle of the back on outer clothing.
License Types
Resident Licenses
A person must have actually lived in New Jersey for the six months immediately prior to obtaining a resident license.
Non-Resident Licenses
Non-residents must have a record of either a resident license from another state, or proof of successfully completing an appropriate hunter education course in the license database in order to obtain a license to hunt or trap in New Jersey. Visit the NJFW non-resident hunting information page for more information.
Licenses for Active Service Personnel
A person who is on active duty in the armed services of the United States is entitled to fish, hunt, or trap with a resident license. Licenses may be obtained with proof of active duty at an agent location or contact NJDFWLicenses@dep.nj.gov.
Licenses for Disabled Veterans
Free hunting licenses, stamps, and permits are available for resident veterans with a service-connected disability. Documentation of currently receiving benefits for a service-connected disability and honorable discharge must be presented to obtain a free license. See the Disabled Veteran License Information page for more details.
Licenses for National Guard Members
Eligible NJ National Guard personnel are entitled to free licenses, permits, and stamps.
Further information can be obtained by e-mailing MSG (Ret.) Robert Greco at Robert.Greco@dmava.nj.gov or writing to: NJ Department of Military/Veteran Affairs, 101 Eggert Crossing Rd., Lawrenceville, NJ 08648, or call 609-530-6866.
Hunting and Trapping
Obtaining regular hunting and trapping licenses requires proof of a completed NJ Hunter Education course or a previous year's resident license. As a member of the International Hunter Education Association, the NJ Hunter Education program prepares students to respect wildlife resources, hunt on a sustainable level, and recognize and understand the serious responsibilities of hunting.
Having safe and ethical hunters in the field is fundamental to the sport. To accomplish this, there are two courses: Archery and Firearms. Each course has two components: a home-study portion and the live-fire range session.
How to Take your Hunter Education Course
More Information
Griffin & Howe is proud to partner with the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife to provide regular live-fire testing at our Hudson Farm location. To find out more, visit the New Jersey Fish and Wildlife website.
