Eligible veterans must initially be certified by the Division of Fish and Wildlife to receive free licenses, permits and stamps. 'Disabled veteran certification' can not be done online or at license agent locations. The required one-time certification can only be done at the Division's Pequest Trout Hatchery & Natural Resource Education Center and the Central and Southern Region Offices (please call first). Initial certification can also be done by mailing the required documentation and license application to the Trenton address provided on the Disabled Veteran License application.

Documents required for initial certification at Division of Fish and Wildlife offices:

1. Proof of service - connected disability (one of the following)
    ♦ Letter of certification of service-connected disability from Veterans Affairs
    ♦ Wallet sized card from the VA indicating service-connected disability
    ♦ Photocopy of monthly disability check showing service-connected disability.

2. Proof of honorable discharge (DD-214 or similar document).

3. Proof of residency or New Jersey driver's license.

Once certified, disabled veterans can obtain their licenses, permits and stamps online or at license agents. Licenses, stamps and permits are free and disabled veterans do not pay any transaction fee to license agents. However, when obtaining licenses, stamps and permits through the Internet sales site, a small shipping and handling fee is charged by the online license vendor.

The first-time issue of a firearm or bow and arrow hunting license requires showing proof of a prior year resident hunting license from any state, or a hunter education course completion card, to the Division or license agent. Once the prior year license or hunter education information is entered into the license system database, proof is not required to obtain subsequent year hunting licenses.

All New Jersey license and permit buyers, including disabled veterans, are required to complete a Child Support certification each year. This certification can be done online, at license agent locations or by completing and submitting the required form when requesting licenses and stamps through the mail during the initial disabled veteran certification process.

Deer and Turkey Hunting Permits

Properly licensed certified disabled veterans are entitled to unlimited antlerless permits for the Permit Bow Deer Season, the Permit Shotgun Deer Season and the Permit Muzzleloader Deer Season. One free Antlered Deer Permit can be issued for each season as well. Information on obtaining deer permits is provided in the Hunting Issue of the Fish and Wildlife DIGEST and on the Permit Information page.

Properly licensed certified disabled veterans are also entitled to two free spring turkey permits and one free fall turkey permit during the lottery and additional free permits when leftover permit sales begin. Information on obtaining turkey permits is also provided on the Permit Information page. Certified veterans DO NOT receive preference in the lottery.

Questions can be directed to Joann Ashley at 609-984-6213 or Joann.Ashley@dep.state.nj.us.