FishKillFlea
The Hiwassee River slides through a gap in the Cherokee National Forest like dark silk over polished stone. The current is gentle enough to hold a kayak steady with one paddle stroke. For the veteran in the adaptive seat — the one who came back from deployment with one less limb and a VA rating he didn’t ask for — this river is something the counselors at the VA can’t prescribe: a place where the only thing that matters is the next cast.
Tennessee recognizes the service of disabled veterans with one of the simplest licensing programs in the Southeast. If you’re a Tennessee resident with a 30% or greater service-connected disability, or a 100% total and permanent disability, the state issues a permanent sport fishing and hunting license for a one-time fee of $10. That’s it. No renewals. No trout supplements. No annual paperwork. Ten dollars, and you fish Tennessee for life.
Veteran and Military License Categories
Tennessee offers several distinct programs for veterans and military personnel:
| Category | Eligibility | Cost | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Disabled Veteran (30%+ SC disability) | TN resident, VA documentation | $10 one-time | Permanent (lifetime) |
| Disabled Veteran (100% T&P SC disability) | TN resident, VA documentation | $10 one-time | Permanent (lifetime) |
| Active Duty on Leave | Any service branch, leave papers | Free | Duration of leave |
| Military Stationed in TN (NR) | Non-resident, stationed in TN | Resident rates | Annual |
Source: Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and Tennessee Code Annotated §70-2-201, verified March 2026.
Disabled Veteran Permanent License: Full Details
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the $10 Disabled Veteran Permanent Sport Fishing and Hunting License, you must meet all of the following:
- Tennessee resident — Valid Tennessee driver’s license or state ID with Tennessee address (or 90 consecutive days of residency with two forms of proof)
- Veteran — Honorable discharge or current/former service in the U.S. Armed Forces
- Service-connected disability due to war service — Either:
- 30% or greater service-connected disability rating from the VA due to war service, OR
- 100% total and permanent service-connected disability rating from the VA
Important distinction: The TWRA statute specifies disability “due to war service” — this means the disability must be connected to wartime military service, not simply any service-connected condition. In practice, most VA-rated disabilities qualify, but the legal language in Tennessee Code Annotated §70-2-201 uses this specific phrasing.
What’s Included
The $10 permanent license covers:
- ✅ All freshwater fishing (bass, crappie, catfish, walleye, sauger, muskie, and more)
- ✅ All trout fishing — no separate trout supplement needed
- ✅ All hunting privileges
- ✅ Trapping privileges
- ✅ Valid permanently — never expires, no renewal needed
Required Documentation
The application requires:
- VA Disability Certification: One of the following:
- DD Form 214 showing service-connected disability
- VA disability rating letter showing 30%+ or 100% T&P service-connected disability
- Other official VA certification of disability rating
- Proof of Tennessee Residency: Tennessee driver’s license or state-issued ID
- Completed Application Form: Available from TWRA
How to Apply
This license cannot be purchased online or through standard agents. You must apply directly to TWRA:
- Download the application from the TWRA website or request one by phone
- Gather your VA documentation (disability certification, DD214, or VA rating letter)
- Submit the application with documentation to:
- By mail: TWRA Licensing Section, P.O. Box 40747, Nashville, TN 37204
- In person: TWRA Headquarters at Ellington Agricultural Center, Nashville, or any TWRA regional office
- Pay the $10 fee (check, money order, or in-person payment)
- Receive your permanent license — once processed, it is mailed to your Tennessee address
Processing time: Allow 2-4 weeks for mail applications. In-person applications at TWRA offices may be processed same-day if you have all documentation.
Fenwick Eagle Spinning Rod
Lightweight graphite blank. Comfortable cork handle ideal for extended use. Great for seniors.
Affiliate link · Prices may vary
Active Duty Military: Free Fishing on Leave
U.S. Armed Forces members on official leave do not need to purchase any Tennessee fishing license. This applies to:
- Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and Space Force
- Active duty, reserve, and National Guard (when on official leave orders)
- Any service member, regardless of home state of residency
Requirements
- Must carry furlough papers or military orders (official leave documentation) while fishing
- Standard military passes do not qualify — you need official furlough or leave orders
- Leave orders must be current and valid for the dates of fishing
- This exemption applies to all Tennessee waters, including trout waters
- Spouse and family members are NOT exempt — they must purchase their own licenses
When “On Leave” Doesn’t Apply
- Off-duty but not on official furlough/leave orders → License required
- Stationed in Tennessee but not on leave → License required (but at resident rates)
- Holding a standard weekend pass (not furlough) → License required
- Retired military (not on active duty) → License required (apply for disabled veteran license if eligible)
Non-Resident Military Stationed in Tennessee
If you are a non-resident service member permanently stationed in Tennessee, you and your dependents qualify to purchase Tennessee fishing, hunting, and trapping licenses at resident rates:
| License Type | Non-Resident Price | Resident Rate (for stationed military) |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Combo Hunt/Fish | N/A (no NR equivalent) | $33.00 |
| Trout Supplement | Included in $98 NR | $21.00 |
| Annual Sportsman | N/A | $165.00 |
| Junior Hunt & Fish (ages 13-15) | $10.00 | $9.00 |
This is a significant saving compared to non-resident rates of $49-$98.
Note: An out-of-state driver’s license is acceptable for stationed military purchasing at resident rates. You do not need to obtain a Tennessee ID.
The Fort Campbell Situation (Tennessee-Kentucky Border)
Fort Campbell straddles the Tennessee-Kentucky state line, with the installation headquarters in Kentucky but significant portions in Tennessee (Montgomery County). Service members stationed at Fort Campbell should note:
- Tennessee waters on-post: Installation fishing permits may be required in addition to state licenses. Check with Fort Campbell’s Directorate of Public Works (DPW) or Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR)
- Off-post Tennessee waters: Purchase at resident rates using your military orders as proof of stationing
- Kentucky waters: A Kentucky license is required for fishing Kentucky waters, even if you bought a Tennessee license at Fort Campbell
Native Tennessean License
Veterans (or anyone) who were born in Tennessee but now live in another state can purchase the Native Tennessean annual license at resident rates for fishing, hunting, and trapping. This requires proof of Tennessee birth (birth certificate or other documentation). However, this program does not extend to lifetime licenses — only annual licenses.
Zebco 33 Spincast Combo
Classic push-button reel. No tangles, no backlash — ideal for seniors and beginners.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices may vary.
Adaptive Fishing Programs in Tennessee
Tennessee hosts several programs specifically designed for veterans and disabled anglers:
Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing (PHWFF)
- What: National nonprofit teaching fly fishing, fly tying, and rod building to disabled active military and veterans
- Tennessee chapters: Nashville, Knoxville, and Chattanooga
- Cost: Free to participants
- Activities: Weekly fly-tying sessions, guided fishing trips on Tennessee tailwaters, annual events
- Website: projecthealingwaters.org
Heroes on the Water
- What: National kayak fishing program for veterans
- Tennessee chapters: Nashville and Knoxville areas
- Cost: Free — all equipment provided including adaptive kayaks
- Activities: Group kayak fishing outings on Tennessee lakes and rivers
Tennessee State Parks — Accessible Fishing
Tennessee’s 56 state parks include many facilities designed for disabled veterans and anglers with mobility limitations:
- ADA-accessible fishing piers at multiple state park lakes
- Wheelchair-accessible paths to fishing areas
- Adaptive equipment available through partner organizations
- Specific parks with exceptional accessible fishing:
- Natchez Trace State Park — Multiple accessible piers on four lakes
- Montgomery Bell State Park — Acorn Lake accessible pier
- Fall Creek Falls State Park — Accessible pier on the stocked lake
- Cumberland Mountain State Park — Byrd Lake accessible facilities
TWRA Free Fishing Day
Tennessee holds an annual Free Fishing Day (typically the first Saturday in June) when all anglers — including veterans — can fish without any license. This is a great opportunity to introduce families to fishing.
Tennessee Veteran License vs. Neighboring States
| State | Disabled Veteran License | Eligibility | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | Permanent (lifetime) | 30%+ SC disability, TN resident | $10 one-time |
| Kentucky | Free permanent | 100% disabled veteran, KY resident | Free |
| Alabama | Annual discount | Service-connected disability, AL resident | $3.60/year |
| Georgia | Free permanent | 100% SC disability, GA resident | Free |
| North Carolina | Free | 50%+ SC disability, NC resident | Free |
| Virginia | Free | 100% SC disability, VA resident | Free |
Tennessee’s $10 one-time fee is among the lowest in the region, though it’s not completely free like some neighboring states offer for 100% disabled veterans. The advantage is Tennessee’s 30% threshold — lower than most states that require 50% or 100% disability for free licenses.
KastKing Blackhawk II Telescoping Rod
Portable telescoping design collapses to 17 inches. Perfect for travel fishing.
Affiliate link · Prices may vary
Common Questions About Eligibility Edge Cases
”I have a non-service-connected disability. Do I qualify?”
No. Tennessee’s disabled veteran license requires a service-connected disability rating from the VA. Non-service-connected disabilities do not qualify for the $10 permanent license. You would need to purchase a standard license at regular resident rates.
”I’m a veteran but not disabled. Do I get any discount?”
Not on the license itself. Non-disabled veterans pay the same rates as other Tennessee residents. However, veterans of any status can participate in free fishing events, adaptive programs, and TWRA Free Fishing Day.
”Can I use my VA healthcare card as proof of disability?”
The VA healthcare card does not show your disability rating percentage. You need the VA disability rating letter (Summary of Benefits letter) or DD214 that specifically documents your service-connected disability rating of 30% or higher.
”I’m rated at exactly 30%. Does that qualify?”
Yes. The threshold is 30% or greater, so exactly 30% qualifies.
”Does this cover fishing at Fort Campbell or other military installations?”
Fishing on military installations may require a separate installation fishing permit in addition to your state license. Check with the installation’s Directorate of Public Works or MWR office for specific requirements.
Three Things Disabled Veterans Should Know
The $10 permanent license is the best veteran deal in Tennessee — It covers everything including trout for life. But you must apply directly to TWRA — it’s not available online or at Walmart. Budget 2-4 weeks for processing or visit a TWRA office in person.
Active duty on leave = completely free — No license needed at all. Just carry your leave papers. This is one of the most generous active-duty exemptions in the country.
Adaptive programs in Tennessee are outstanding — Organizations like Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing provide free guided trips on world-class trout waters. The Hiwassee River and South Holston tailwater are regular program destinations. For general fishing regulations, see the rules and regulations guide.