Louisiana Lifetime Hunting and Fishing License Cost & Rules
Compare lifetime cost, eligibility, documents, covered privileges, exclusions, and the safest official application route before paying LDWF.
Fast Answer: Louisiana Lifetime Hunting and Fishing License Cost
The Louisiana lifetime hunting and fishing license is now a combined lifetime hunt/fish product. LDWF’s lifetime application lists the resident lifetime hunting/fishing combo license from birth through age 64 at $500, the resident lifetime senior hunting/fishing combo for age 65 and older at $100, the nonresident lifetime infant combo under age 3 at $1,000, and the nonresident lifetime combination hunting/fishing license for age 3 and older at $4,000.
The lifetime license covers basic fishing, saltwater fishing, basic hunting, deer hunting, waterfowl hunting, turkey hunting, and the WMA Access Permit. It does not include the Federal Duck Stamp. Lifetime licenses are nonrefundable and nontransferable, and LDWF says the license remains valid when the holder later moves out of Louisiana and returns to hunt or fish in the state.
Resident Lifetime
For bona fide Louisiana residents from birth through age 64.
Resident Senior
For bona fide Louisiana residents age 65 or older.
Nonresident
For nonresident applicants age 3 and older.
Duck Stamp
Federal Duck Stamp is not included and must be handled separately when required.
Watch Before You Apply: Louisiana Lifetime License Video
This video is included because users searching “louisiana lifetime hunting and fishing license” usually want to understand the LDWF license change, lifetime pricing, and why the product is now a combined hunt/fish license. It is not the legal source. Always use LDWF pages and the official lifetime application for final cost, forms, documents, exclusions, and mailing rules.
Video note: If any video, blog, store, or social post conflicts with LDWF, follow LDWF.
Official Source Verification
Publish-ready source check: This guide was built from official Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries lifetime-license pages, the LDWF lifetime license application, LDWF license fee information, LouisianaOutdoors support pages, and LDWF recreational fishing and hunting license pages.
Lifetime application
LDWF Application for Lifetime License lists current lifetime items, prices, residency documents, mailing details, coverage, and duplicate-card rules.
Special licenses
LDWF Special Licenses and Permits explains lifetime, disability, military, student, and special license categories.
Fee list
LDWF License and Permit Fee List helps compare annual, senior, fishing, hunting, WMA, and special license products.
Independent resource note: FishingLicenseInfo.org is not LDWF and does not sell Louisiana licenses. Use this guide to understand the process, then verify directly with LDWF before mailing documents or paying a lifetime fee.
Which Louisiana Lifetime Hunting and Fishing License Should You Choose?
Start here if you are buying for yourself, a child, a senior parent, or someone who moved away from Louisiana. The lifetime product is expensive, so match the applicant first.
Louisiana Lifetime Hunting and Fishing License Cost in 2026
The official lifetime license application is the best source for the current lifetime license fee. The table below gives the practical planning view for real users.
| Lifetime license product | Official cost | Who it is for | Important note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident Lifetime Hunting/Fishing Combo License | $500 | Bona fide Louisiana residents from birth through age 64 | Main resident lifetime combo product covering hunting and fishing privileges listed by LDWF. |
| Resident Lifetime Senior Combo Hunting and Fishing | $100 | Bona fide Louisiana residents age 65 and older | Best lifetime option for eligible Louisiana senior residents. |
| Nonresident Lifetime Infant Combination Hunting/Fishing | $1,000 | Nonresident applicants under 3 years old | Commonly considered by families who want long-term Louisiana hunting/fishing privileges for a young child. |
| Nonresident Lifetime Combination Hunting/Fishing | $4,000 | Nonresident applicants age 3 and older | Very expensive; compare against expected future annual license purchases before applying. |
| Duplicate lifetime license card | $7.50 | Current lifetime license holders needing replacement card | LDWF says duplicate cards can be purchased online, at a vendor, or by mail application. |
What the Louisiana Lifetime License Includes
The LDWF lifetime application says lifetime licenses cover basic fishing, saltwater fishing, basic hunting, deer hunting, waterfowl hunting, turkey hunting, and the WMA Access Permit. This is why the product is called a hunting/fishing combination license rather than a fishing-only lifetime license.
Basic Fishing
Useful for recreational freshwater fishing privileges covered by LDWF’s basic fishing license framework.
Saltwater Fishing
Includes Louisiana saltwater fishing privileges that otherwise require a saltwater license with basic fishing.
Basic Hunting
Includes basic hunting privileges, subject to season, method, hunter education, and species rules.
WMA Access
Includes the WMA Access Permit listed by LDWF for lifetime licenses.
Deer hunting
Covered by the lifetime license, but tags, reporting, seasons, areas, and hunter education rules still matter.
Turkey hunting
Covered by the lifetime license, but turkey season regulations and tagging/reporting rules still apply.
Waterfowl hunting
Waterfowl privileges are included, but the Federal Duck Stamp is not included.
What the Lifetime License Does Not Include
A Louisiana lifetime hunting and fishing license is broad, but it is not a magic pass for every outdoor rule. The biggest clear exclusion is the Federal Duck Stamp. Other activity-specific requirements can still matter depending on what you hunt, where you fish, and how you access land or water.
Federal Duck Stamp
LDWF’s lifetime application specifically says Federal Duck Stamps are not included. Waterfowl hunters should handle federal stamp requirements separately.
Hunter education
The lifetime license does not erase hunter education requirements. LDWF hunting pages note hunter education rules for hunters born on or after September 1, 1969.
Regulations and closures
Seasons, bag limits, size limits, gear rules, WMA rules, boating rules, private property permission, and federal refuge rules still apply.
Louisiana Lifetime License Eligibility: Resident vs Nonresident
Eligibility matters because resident lifetime licenses are far cheaper than nonresident lifetime licenses. LDWF’s application says that to qualify as a bona fide Louisiana resident, you must have lived continuously in Louisiana during the six months immediately before applying and established Louisiana as your legal domicile.
Resident eligibility checklist
- You have resided in Louisiana continuously for the six months immediately before applying.
- You have established Louisiana as your legal domicile.
- If registered to vote, you are registered in Louisiana.
- If licensed to drive, you have a valid Louisiana driver’s license.
- If you own a vehicle located in Louisiana, it has Louisiana registration.
- If you earn income, your Louisiana state income tax situation complies with state law.
- You do not possess a resident license from another state or country.
Nonresident eligibility checklist
- You do not qualify as a bona fide Louisiana resident.
- You choose the nonresident lifetime product based on the applicant’s age.
- Under age 3 applicants use the infant nonresident lifetime product.
- Age 3 and older applicants use the regular nonresident lifetime product.
- You understand the nonresident price is much higher than resident pricing.
- You include the required documentation with the application.
Documents Needed for a Louisiana Lifetime Hunting and Fishing License
LDWF says all documents must be submitted with the application or the application will be returned. That means users should prepare documents before mailing payment.
| Applicant type | Documents listed by LDWF | Practical preparation tip |
|---|---|---|
| Resident age 18 or older | Copy of a valid Louisiana driver’s license or Louisiana state ID issued at least six months, plus one listed supporting document such as current Louisiana voter registration, Louisiana vehicle registration, or Louisiana resident personal income tax returns for the two filing periods immediately before application. | Make copies before mailing. If using tax documents, follow LDWF’s exact instructions and do not send incomplete proof. |
| Resident age 17 or younger | Copy of certified birth certificate from the Department of Health and copy of both parents’ Louisiana driver’s licenses. | LDWF notes the birth certificate will not be returned if applying by mail. |
| Applicant age 16 or 17 | Copy of valid Louisiana driver’s license or Louisiana state ID. | Check the current application wording carefully if the applicant is 16 or 17. |
| Nonresident under age 3 | Copy of birth certificate. | Make sure the applicant qualifies for the under-3 nonresident product before mailing. |
| Nonresident age 3 and older | Copy of driver’s license. | If the applicant is a child without a driver’s license, contact LDWF before mailing to confirm acceptable documentation. |
How to Apply for a Louisiana Lifetime Hunting and Fishing License
Lifetime licenses are not something to rush through like a quick annual fishing license purchase. The official application says lifetime licenses are issued from the Baton Rouge office only, and incomplete applications can be returned.
Use the LDWF Application for Lifetime License PDF from the official LDWF website. Do not rely on third-party fillable-form websites as your source of truth.
Choose resident birth-to-64, resident senior 65+, nonresident under 3, or nonresident age 3+ based on the applicant.
Resident applicants must meet LDWF’s bona fide Louisiana resident requirements. If unsure, contact LDWF before sending money.
Prepare copies of ID, birth certificate, voter registration, vehicle registration, tax documents, or other listed documents that apply to the applicant category.
The application asks for name, address, Social Security number, date of birth, phone, hunter education number, driver’s license information, email, and signature.
The applicant or parent signs. If it is a gift, LDWF says the purchaser can sign the application, but all supporting documents must accompany it.
The application directs users to send completed application, supporting documents, and proper fee to LDWF, Attention: Sports Licenses, PO Box 98000, Baton Rouge, LA 70898.
The application says to allow three weeks for delivery and to contact LDWF if the license is not received within 30 days to avoid additional fees.
Buying a Louisiana Lifetime License for a Child or as a Gift
A lifetime license can be a meaningful gift for a child, grandchild, or young family member, but it requires the applicant’s documents. The application says if the application is for a gift, it must be accompanied by all required supporting documents, and the purchaser can sign the application.
Resident child
Resident applicants age 17 or younger need the documents listed by LDWF, including birth certificate and both parents’ Louisiana driver’s licenses.
Nonresident under 3
The nonresident infant lifetime product is listed at $1,000 and applies to nonresident applicants under 3 years old.
Gift purchase
A gift application still needs all required documents. A surprise gift can be hard if you do not have the applicant’s paperwork.
Louisiana Resident Senior Lifetime License: Age 65 and Older
LDWF’s current lifetime application lists the Resident Lifetime Senior Combo Hunting and Fishing License for applicants age 65 and older at $100. This can be a strong value for eligible Louisiana resident seniors who still hunt, fish, use WMAs, or want one lifetime product instead of checking annual license needs.
Why seniors should compare first
LDWF also lists senior hunting/fishing license categories on its fee pages. A senior should compare the current annual senior option, lifetime senior option, and personal hunting/fishing plans before paying.
What to verify
- Age 65 or older at application time.
- Bona fide Louisiana residency.
- Correct ID and supporting documents.
- Whether any disability, veteran, or special license category is better.
Does a Louisiana Lifetime License Still Work If You Move Away?
Yes. LDWF’s lifetime application says lifetime licenses are valid anywhere in the state and that if you buy a lifetime license and later move out of the state, your license will remain valid any time you return to Louisiana to hunt and/or fish.
Duplicate Lifetime License Card, Proof and LA Wallet
LDWF’s lifetime application lists the duplicate lifetime license card fee at $7.50 and says a duplicate card can be purchased online, at any vendor location, or by submitting the application for a duplicate by mail. LouisianaOutdoors support also notes that current lifetime license holders can buy duplicate cards online, from approved vendors, by mail, or in person at LDWF Headquarters in Baton Rouge.
Duplicate card fee
Official application lists duplicate lifetime license card at $7.50.
Digital license option
LDWF licenses can connect with LA Wallet, but users should still verify what proof is accepted for their activity.
Carry ID
Carry matching identification and license proof while hunting or fishing.
Is a Louisiana Lifetime Hunting and Fishing License Worth It?
The lifetime license makes most sense for people who expect to hunt, fish, or both in Louisiana for many years. It is less attractive for someone who only fishes once every few years, only visits Louisiana occasionally, or does not need the hunting privileges included in the combo product.
Usually worth comparing if…
- You are a long-term Louisiana resident.
- You hunt and fish regularly.
- You fish both freshwater and saltwater.
- You use WMAs or hunt deer, turkey, or waterfowl.
- You are buying for a child who will likely hunt or fish in Louisiana for decades.
- You are a resident senior who qualifies for the $100 senior lifetime product.
Think carefully if…
- You only fish occasionally.
- You do not hunt and only wanted fishing-only privileges.
- You may not return to Louisiana often.
- You are a nonresident age 3+ facing the $4,000 price.
- You are unsure whether the applicant meets resident requirements.
- You may qualify for a cheaper disability, military, veteran, or senior category.
Common Louisiana Lifetime License Mistakes to Avoid
Using old fishing-only prices
Do not rely on old posts or old forms showing separate lifetime fishing-only products. Use the current LDWF application.
Choosing resident by mistake
Resident pricing requires bona fide Louisiana residency. Mixed documents or another state’s resident license can create problems.
Missing documents
LDWF says applications without all documents will be returned. Build the document packet first.
Forgetting Federal Duck Stamp
Waterfowl privileges are included, but the Federal Duck Stamp is not included.
Expecting a refund
Lifetime licenses are nonrefundable and nontransferable. Confirm everything before mailing payment.
Ignoring current rules
A lifetime license does not override seasons, limits, tags, reporting, WMA rules, or federal regulations.
Map: LDWF Headquarters and License Help
The lifetime application is handled through LDWF’s Baton Rouge office. Use the official application for mailing instructions. This map is only a practical location reference for LDWF Headquarters and should not replace the mailing address on the official form.
Helpful Related Fishing License Guides
Use these related pages if you want to compare Louisiana lifetime pricing with regular fishing license costs, local buying options, or lifetime products in another state.
Louisiana Fishing License Guide: Online, Cost & Rules How Much Is a Fishing License? State Cost Guide Fishing License Near Me: Where to Buy Locally & OnlineLouisiana Lifetime Hunting and Fishing License FAQs
How much is a Louisiana lifetime hunting and fishing license in 2026?
LDWF’s lifetime application lists the Resident Lifetime Hunting/Fishing Combo License at $500, the Resident Lifetime Senior Combo Hunting and Fishing License for age 65 and older at $100, the Nonresident Lifetime Infant Combination Hunting/Fishing License under age 3 at $1,000, and the Nonresident Lifetime Combination Hunting/Fishing License for age 3 and older at $4,000.
Does Louisiana still sell a lifetime fishing-only license?
LDWF’s current lifetime application lists lifetime hunting/fishing combination products rather than a separate resident lifetime fishing-only product. Users should verify current offerings on the official LDWF lifetime application before relying on old fishing-only information.
What does the Louisiana lifetime hunting and fishing license include?
LDWF’s lifetime application says lifetime licenses cover basic fishing, saltwater fishing, basic hunting, deer hunting, waterfowl hunting, turkey hunting, and the WMA Access Permit.
Does the Louisiana lifetime license include the Federal Duck Stamp?
No. LDWF’s lifetime application specifically says Federal Duck Stamps are not included. Waterfowl hunters should check Federal Duck Stamp and HIP requirements separately.
Who qualifies for the Louisiana resident lifetime license?
To qualify as a bona fide Louisiana resident, LDWF’s application says you must have resided continuously in Louisiana during the six months immediately before applying and established Louisiana as your legal domicile, with supporting documents as applicable.
What documents are needed for a Louisiana lifetime license?
Required documents depend on the applicant. Resident adults generally need a Louisiana driver’s license or state ID issued at least six months plus one listed supporting document. Resident youth, nonresident infants, and nonresident applicants have different documentation requirements listed on the LDWF application.
Can I buy a Louisiana lifetime license for a child?
Yes, but the correct product and documents depend on the child’s residency and age. Resident youth and nonresident infant applicants have specific documentation requirements, and gift applications still need all supporting documents.
Is the Louisiana lifetime license still valid if I move out of state?
Yes. LDWF’s lifetime application says if you buy a lifetime license and later move out of the state, your license remains valid any time you return to Louisiana to hunt and/or fish.
Are Louisiana lifetime licenses refundable or transferable?
No. LDWF’s lifetime application states that lifetime licenses are nonrefundable and nontransferable.
How do I get a duplicate Louisiana lifetime license card?
LDWF’s lifetime application lists a duplicate lifetime license card fee of $7.50 and says duplicate cards can be purchased online, at a vendor location, or by submitting the application for a duplicate by mail.
Final Take: Verify the Lifetime Category Before You Mail Payment
The Louisiana lifetime hunting and fishing license is a valuable long-term product for the right person, especially a long-term Louisiana resident, a senior resident, or a child expected to hunt and fish in Louisiana for years. But it is also a nonrefundable, nontransferable purchase, so the decision deserves a careful document check.
Use the official LDWF application, match the applicant’s age and residency, gather every required document, confirm what is included and excluded, and remember that the Federal Duck Stamp and current hunting/fishing regulations still matter. A lifetime license reduces future license-buying work, but it does not replace season rules, tags, reporting, bag limits, size limits, WMA rules, federal rules, or private land permission.
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