With hunting season just around the corner, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is reminding hunters and anglers that several licensing requirements have changed for the 2026-27 license year. The most significant update took effect Aug. 3 and changes how recreational hunting and fishing licenses are purchased.
New Identification Requirement
Beginning Aug. 3, anyone age 17 or older must be physically present and provide valid identification when purchasing a recreational hunting or fishing license in person.
Those purchasing licenses online must also have their identity independently validated before completing the transaction. Foreign residents are no longer eligible to purchase Texas hunting or fishing licenses online.
An unexpired REAL ID issued by any U.S. state or territory meets the identification requirement. Temporary or limited-term driver’s licenses or identification cards are not accepted unless accompanied by additional documentation.
Physical Licenses Still Required for Most Hunters
Although Texas now offers digital hunting and fishing licenses purchased online, hunters participating in activities that require tags must still carry a physical license unless they purchased a digital license that specifically authorizes electronic tagging.
Who Qualifies for a Resident License?
To qualify for a Texas resident hunting or fishing license, an individual generally must have lived continuously in Texas for more than six months immediately before purchasing the license.
Active-duty members of the U.S. military and their dependents, along with officially documented members of the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas, also qualify for resident licenses.
While a valid Texas driver’s license or state-issued identification card is usually sufficient, TPWD may request additional documentation to verify residency if needed.
Most Licenses Expire Aug. 31
Most Texas hunting and fishing licenses are valid through Aug. 31 each year, regardless of when they are purchased. Some specialty, temporary and short-term fishing licenses have different expiration dates.
Endorsements May Be Required
Depending on the activity, hunters and anglers may need additional endorsements.
Hunters may be required to purchase:
- Archery Endorsement for archery-only seasons.
- Migratory Game Bird Endorsement for waterfowl, dove and other migratory birds.
- Upland Game Bird Endorsement for species such as quail and pheasant.
Anglers may also need freshwater or saltwater fishing endorsements depending on where they plan to fish. Most combination hunting and fishing license packages already include the necessary endorsements.
Carry Your License and Identification
Texas law requires hunters and anglers to carry their valid license, any required endorsements and identification while hunting or fishing. These documents must be available for inspection by a Texas game warden unless the individual qualifies for an exemption.
It is also illegal to use another person’s license or tags, allow someone else to hunt or fish using your license, or possess more than one license for the same hunting activity.
Replacing a Lost License
Lost or damaged printed licenses can be replaced at any TPWD license sales location by completing a replacement affidavit. Replacement fees range from $3 to $10.
Digital licenses do not need to be replaced.
Where to Buy a License
Recreational hunting and fishing licenses are available through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, approximately 1,700 license retailers across the state, and TPWD offices.
Online purchases include a $5 administrative fee, and eligible digital licenses can be used immediately after syncing with the Texas Hunt & Fish app.
Hunters and anglers should also remember that license fees are non-refundable. Revenue from license sales helps fund wildlife conservation, habitat management, public access programs and outdoor recreation opportunities across Texas.
