Lifetime Licenses / Certificates

Lifetime License Certificates

Regardless of your age, purchasing a lifetime certificate could be the best investment you ever make!

Lifetime certificates must be associated with a corresponding annual license, and do not include permits or tags.

These certificates are valid for the lifetime of the certificate holder and are available to all residents of the state of Idaho and can only be purchased at IDFG offices.

Effective July 1st, 2026, an Idaho resident must have been a resident for at least 5 years to be eligible to purchase a Lifetime Certificate. Any resident who has not maintained Idaho residency for at least 5 years prior to application of the Lifetime certificate is not eligible to purchase. 

After the certificate is purchased, you must obtain a no-cost license each year that you plan to use your certificate. The no-cost licenses are available to obtain on an annual basis, or every 3-years. A lifetime certificate is not valid to use for hunting or fishing without obtain the required no-cost license each year.

The annual or three-year no-cost license can be purchased online at Idaho Fish and Game’s licensing site GoOutdoorsIdaho.com, in-person at a regional office or local vendor, or over the phone at 1-800-554-8685.

For minors purchasing a lifetime license:

• Minors under fourteen (14) must provide a certified copy of their birth certificate.
• Minors under eighteen (18) must either present their Idaho Driver's License/Identification Card, or proof of Idaho residency from one parent or legal guardian.
• The last four digits of a Social Security Number are required (do not need to see a copy of the Social Security card).
• A copy of a parent's driver's license and their date of birth are also required to purchase for a minor.