License/Permit Eligibility Requirements
People with Disabilities and Veterans

The Washington State Legislature, and/or the Fish and Wildlife Commission establish eligibility requirements stated below. Receiving a disability award or rating from the Social Security Administration or any other federal, state, and/or county entity does not automatically make one eligible for the privileges issued by WDFW.

Hunter / Fisher Disability Status Application

To qualify for disability status with WDFW you must have a permanent disability which meets one of the following:

WAC 232-12-828 Hunting of game birds and animals by persons with a disability.

(h) “Person with a disability” means:

(i) A person who has a permanent disability and is not ambulatory over natural terrain without a lower extremity prosthesis or must permanently use a medically prescribed assistive device for mobility, including, but not limited to, a wheelchair, crutch, cane, walker, or oxygen bottle; or

(ii) A person who has a permanent disability and is physically incapable of holding and safely operating a firearm or other legal hunting device.

This definition includes, but is not limited to, persons with a permanent upper or lower extremity impairment who have lost the use of one or both upper or lower extremities, or who have a diagnosed permanent disease or disorder which substantially impairs or severely interferes with mobility or the use of one or both upper or lower extremities for holding and safely operating a firearm or other legal device; or

(iii) A person who is blind or visually impaired.

WAC 220-55-065 Fishing for shellfish, freshwater fish or saltwater fish by a person of disability.

(d) “Person of disability” means:

(i) A permanently disabled person who is not ambulatory over natural terrain without a prosthesis or assistive device; or

(ii) A permanently disabled person who is unable to hold or use any legal fishing or shell fishing device; or

(iii) A person who is totally blind or visually impaired.

RCW 71A.10.020 "Developmental disability" means:

(4) A disability attributable to intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism, or another neurological or other condition of an individual found by the secretary to be closely related to an intellectual disability or to require treatment similar to that required for individuals with intellectual disabilities, which disability originates before the individual attains age eighteen, which has continued or can be expected to continue indefinitely, and which constitutes a substantial limitation to the individual.

Temporary and/or short’ term disabilities are not permitted.

To apply for disability status your physician will need to complete the Hunter / Fisher Disability Status Application. Return it to our main office at: 600 Capitol Way North; Olympia, WA 98501 or you can fax the application to (360) 902-2466.

Please allow 2 weeks for processing, if you do not receive a notice on your application after 2 weeks please contact our office at (360) 902-2464 [TDD (360) 902-2207].

*Please note if you’re approved for a disabled hunter permit with orange placard and have a lower extremity impairment as defined under WAC 232-12-828, you may be eligible to participate in the road access entry program. For further information contact Dolores Noyes, ADA Program Manager, at (360) 902-2349.

Reduced Fees

This is for reduced fees only. It does not provide access to assistance cards, programs or facilities. You must apply above.

The following are eligible for a combination fishing license (fresh water, salt water, and shellfish) and/or hunting license(s) at a discounted rate. See Disability Fee Schedule.

• Resident veterans with at least 30% service connected disability as verified by VA letter.
• Resident veterans 65 years of age or older with a service connected disability as verified by VA letter.
• Resident who permanently uses a wheelchair as certified by a doctor.
• Resident who is blind or visually impaired as certified by a doctor.
• Resident with a developmental disability as determined by DSHS authority or physicians certification.