Eligibility, $10 Cost and Application Steps Without a Rejection Delay
The Tennessee disabled veteran fishing license is a special resident hunting and fishing license. It is not the same as a normal online annual fishing license, and it is not chosen simply by clicking the cheapest product in Go Outdoors Tennessee.
Use this guide to confirm eligibility, build the right VA proof packet, understand what the license covers, check what permits may still be separate, and submit the Type 198 application cleanly.
Tennessee Disabled Veteran Fishing License: Fast Answer
The Tennessee Resident Disabled Veteran Hunting and Fishing License is listed at a $10 one-time fee. The official license-sales language lists it for resident veterans certified by the VA as 30% disabled by reason of war service or 100% service-connected. The application/benefit wording also uses the 100% permanently and totally service-connected disabled route.
This is an application-based specialty license. Download the TWRA Miscellaneous Licenses Application, select Type 198, attach recent Veterans Administration certification, include resident proof if needed, follow the payment instructions, and submit it to TWRA Sales Office.
Important: this page helps you understand eligibility and paperwork before you open official forms. Use official TWRA resources for the final application, payment, current fee confirmation and any case-specific ruling.
Everything to Check Before You Submit Type 198
What This Page Covers Better Than a Basic Search Result
Most search results only say “disabled veterans can get a reduced license.” That is not enough for the search user because the real problem is paperwork, proof and whether the veteran can actually use normal online checkout.
Type 198 is explained as a form-based license
This page explains that the disabled veteran license is handled through the TWRA miscellaneous license application, not a simple instant cart product.
Proof details are separated
The guide turns the official PDF language into a checklist: disability percentage, service dates, war/conflict detail when needed, and recent VA certification.
Special waters are not buried
Gatlinburg, Tellico-Citico, Reelfoot, TWRA State Lakes, Lake Halford, Bedford Lake, South Holston and WMA/federal requirements are separated so users do not assume “one license covers everything.”
Before, during and after approval
You get packet order, support scripts, office map, reprint/replacement guidance and fishing-day proof reminders.
Who Qualifies for the Tennessee Disabled Veteran Fishing License?
The disabled veteran license is for Tennessee resident veterans. The official fee and application language points to two main qualifying routes.
30% or more disabled by reason of war service
A Tennessee resident veteran may qualify if VA certification shows the veteran is 30 percent or more disabled by reason of service in any war.
100% service-connected disabled route
Official Tennessee sources describe a route for veterans who are 100% service-connected, with the application/benefit wording using permanent-and-total service-connected language. If your letter does not clearly show the required status, call TWRA before applying.
Tennessee resident status is required
This is not a nonresident disabled veteran license. You should be ready to prove Tennessee residency with a Tennessee driver license, state ID, or another accepted proof route.
Approval is not automatic
A VA rating is not enough if the submitted document does not prove the required route. TWRA must receive the correct certification with the application.
Do not confuse license categories: Tennessee also has separate disability-related licenses for certified blind residents, wheelchair-restricted residents, SSI intellectual disability, intellectually disabled hunting/fishing, and disabled residents under 18. Type 198 is specifically the resident disabled veteran hunting and fishing license.
Tennessee Disabled Veteran License Cost and What It Covers
The Type 198 Resident Disabled Veteran Hunting and Fishing License is listed as a $10 one-time fee. It is a specialty hunting and fishing license for eligible Tennessee resident disabled veterans.
| Topic | Answer | What it means for the user |
|---|---|---|
| License name | Resident Disabled Veteran Hunting and Fishing License | This is not a fishing-only product. It is a specialty hunting and fishing license. |
| Type number | Type 198 | Select Type 198 on the TWRA Miscellaneous Licenses Application. |
| Fee | $10 one-time fee | Do not keep buying regular annual resident licenses if you qualify and can get approved. |
| How to get it | Application + VA certification | This is not the same workflow as buying a regular license instantly online. |
| Proof standard | Recent VA certification required | Send a clear packet showing the correct disability route, not vague or incomplete documents. |
| Lifetime Sportsman? | No, separate product | Do not assume every Lifetime Sportsman permit waiver or rule applies to this disabled veteran license. |
Value tip: the $10 disabled veteran license can be a major long-term savings compared with regular annual resident products. The real work is submitting a clean application packet the first time.
VA Proof Required for the Type 198 Application
The official application requires recent certification from the Veterans Administration. For the war-service route, the application language points to three proof details: disability percentage, dates of service, and name of war or conflict.
| Proof item | Why it matters | Practical check before sending |
|---|---|---|
| Disability percentage | TWRA must see the qualifying disability route. | Make sure the document clearly shows 30%+ by reason of war service or the 100% service-connected route. |
| Dates of service | The official application lists service dates as required information for war-connected disability evidence. | Attach another official service document if the VA letter does not show dates. |
| Name of war or conflict | This matters for the 30% war-service route. | Do not assume TWRA will infer the conflict from dates alone. |
| Recent VA certification | The application asks for certification of recent date from VA. | Use a fresh VA benefits summary or official VA certification where possible. |
| DD214 or certificate | The application says required information may be supplied as separate documents or certificate/DD214 form. | A DD214 may show service but not disability rating. Pair it with VA disability proof if needed. |
| Matching legal name | Name mismatches slow review. | If your VA document, driver license and application show different names, include supporting explanation or call first. |
Real-world packet advice: do not send a VA document that only shows “disabled veteran” if it does not prove the exact qualifying route. If the document does not clearly answer “percentage, service connection, service dates, conflict,” call TWRA before mailing.
Tennessee Resident Proof Still Matters
The disabled veteran license is resident-only. Resident proof is separate from VA disability proof. A person can be a disabled veteran and still need to prove Tennessee residency for this license path.
| Resident proof route | What it means | Practical tip |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee driver license or state ID | The simplest resident proof route for most applicants. | Use the exact legal name, date of birth and address that match the application. |
| 90 consecutive days route | For eligible people without a Tennessee license/ID or without another valid driver license, proof may be shown after living in Tennessee for 90 consecutive days with intent to make Tennessee home. | Prepare two accepted proof documents before visiting a license agent or calling TWRA. |
| Accepted proof examples | Tennessee voter registration, Tennessee vehicle registration/title, Form I-94, rental or mortgage contract, property deed, or Tennessee real estate tax receipt within the last year. | Bring documents that show your name, Tennessee address and date clearly. |
| SSN requirement | Tennessee license rules state a Social Security Number is required to purchase a Tennessee hunting or fishing license. | If privacy or record issues exist, call TWRA before submitting paperwork. |
Do not rely on property ownership alone: owning land, visiting family, staying seasonally, or having a Tennessee mailing address is not automatically the same as qualifying resident status.
What the Disabled Veteran License May Not Automatically Cover
The disabled veteran license is valuable, but it is not a blank pass for every special water, local permit, federal rule, WMA requirement, or access restriction. Always check the exact destination before fishing.
| Permit / rule area | Why it matters | Best action |
|---|---|---|
| Gatlinburg trout waters | Gatlinburg has special trout products and local rules. | Check Gatlinburg requirements before fishing city-managed trout waters. |
| Tellico-Citico / Green Cove Pond | Tellico-Citico trout permit rules can apply to all ages during applicable periods or waters. | Verify whether the seasonal or location-specific permit applies to your trip date. |
| TWRA State Lakes | TWRA lake permits can be required in addition to a base license for certain anglers. | Check daily or annual lake permit requirements before arrival. |
| Lake Halford / Bedford Lake | Location-specific permits can apply. | Check the exact lake page and current fee table. |
| Reelfoot Lake | Reelfoot Preservation Permit requirements and exceptions can apply. | Check whether your license category is exempt before assuming. |
| South Holston Virginia portion | South Holston Supplemental is essentially a Virginia-side license sold by TWRA. | Buy/check the supplemental if fishing the Virginia portion. |
| WMA or federal requirements | WMA permits, quota fees, federal permits or federal area rules may still apply. | Check the exact WMA/federal area page before hunting or fishing there. |
| Private property | A license does not grant access. | Get permission for private land, docks, ramps, marinas and restricted access points. |
Simple rule: Type 198 can be your main license, but the water still controls the extra permit question. Before each trip, ask: “Is this Gatlinburg, Tellico-Citico, Reelfoot, TWRA State Lake, Lake Halford, South Holston, WMA, federal land or private access?”
Use the Tennessee fishing permit guide for special-water details
How to Apply for the Tennessee Disabled Veteran Fishing License
Confirm this is the right license type
Use Type 198 only if you are applying as a qualifying Tennessee resident disabled veteran. Do not choose Type 197 blind fishing, Type 189 wheelchair restricted, Type 199 SSI intellectual disability, or Type 168 disabled under 18 unless that is the correct category.
Download the official TWRA miscellaneous license application
The current application is the WR-0142 Miscellaneous Licenses Application. It includes Type 198 and the special proof instructions for disabled veteran applicants.
Fill identity and contact fields clearly
Use full legal name, date of birth, address, phone, email, TWRA ID if known, Tennessee driver license/state ID if available, and Social Security Number where required. Print clearly if filling by hand.
Select Type 198
Check the box for Resident Disabled Veteran Hunting & Fishing License. Make sure the license type and fee line match the disabled veteran product before signing.
Attach the VA certification packet
Attach recent VA certification. For the 30% war-service route, include proof of disability percentage, service dates, and war or conflict. Use DD214 or additional certificate only if it actually supports the missing details.
Use the correct payment method
The listed fee is $10. The official application says not to send cash. Follow the current form instructions for check, money order, or other accepted payment process.
Keep copies before submitting
Make a copy or scan of the completed application, VA certification, DD214/service proof, resident proof and payment record. Keep it until the license is approved and safely received.
Submit to TWRA Sales Office
Submit using the current instructions on the official form. If the proof is unusual or your VA letter wording is unclear, call first rather than sending an incomplete packet.
View the Official TWRA Miscellaneous Licenses Application PDF
The Type 198 disabled veteran license is handled through TWRA’s miscellaneous application. Use the embedded PDF below to review the official license types and proof requirements inside this article before downloading or submitting anything.
PDF note: if the embedded file does not load on your browser, use the official download button in the official links section. Always rely on the latest PDF version from TWRA before mailing payment or personal documents.
Best Document Order Before You Mail or Submit
A clean packet reduces review delays. Put the strongest proof first and avoid making TWRA search through unrelated pages.
Completed application
- Correct Type 198 box selected
- Full legal name and date of birth
- Current Tennessee address
- Phone and email written clearly
- Signature included
VA certification
- Recent VA certification
- Disability percentage visible
- Service-connected or war-service basis visible
- Permanent/total wording visible if using 100% route
Service support documents
- DD214 if needed
- Dates of service if not shown on VA letter
- Name of war or conflict if using 30% war-service route
- Name-change document if records do not match
Resident proof and payment
- Tennessee driver license/state ID copy if needed
- Accepted residency documents if using 90-day route
- Check or money order if mailing
- No cash
Insider tip: add a one-paragraph cover note with your phone number and email: “I am applying for Type 198 Resident Disabled Veteran Hunting & Fishing License. My VA proof is attached. Please contact me if anything is missing before processing.”
Where to Send the Type 198 Disabled Veteran License Application
The official application routes specialty license paperwork through TWRA. Confirm the current PDF instructions before mailing payment or personal documents.
| Contact route | Official detail | Best use |
|---|---|---|
| Mailing address | Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, P.O. Box 41729, Nashville, TN 37204-1729 | Use when following the form’s mail instructions for application and payment. |
| Physical office reference | 5107 Edmondson Pike, Ellington Agricultural Center, Nashville, TN 37211 | Use for office location reference or if TWRA directs you there. |
| Application phone | 615-532-0476 | Use for miscellaneous application/payment questions shown on the form. |
| Main TWRA phone | 615-781-6500 | Use for general TWRA routing and main office support. |
| General TWRA email | Ask.TWRA@tn.gov | Use for non-urgent questions when you need written clarification. |
Payment safety: do not send cash. Do not email sensitive documents unless the current official instructions allow it or TWRA tells you to. When in doubt, call the application phone first.
After Approval: How to Use the Tennessee Disabled Veteran License
After approval, treat the license as your main Tennessee disabled veteran hunting and fishing proof. Keep it protected and still check special-water rules before each trip.
License plus photo ID
Carry the issued license proof and a matching photo ID. For remote trips, keep a backup photo or copy for your own records.
Keep a digital folder
Save the approval proof, application copy, VA proof used, TWRA ID, and any replacement instructions in one folder.
Do not assume every permit is covered
Before fishing Gatlinburg, Tellico-Citico, Reelfoot, TWRA State Lakes, Lake Halford, South Holston, WMA or federal areas, verify current permit rules.
Surrender if ineligible
The official application includes language agreeing to surrender the license if you become ineligible under the listed provisions.
Common Type 198 Application Mistakes and Fixes
| Mistake | Why it creates a delay | Better move |
|---|---|---|
| Trying to buy it like a normal online annual license | Type 198 is a specialty application license. | Use the official TWRA miscellaneous application and submit the packet. |
| Sending a vague VA letter | TWRA needs proof of the qualifying disability route. | Send recent VA certification showing rating, service connection/war-service route, and supporting details. |
| Assuming every 30% VA rating qualifies | The 30% route is tied to disability by reason of war service. | Confirm that your proof shows the war-service connection before submitting. |
| Not showing service dates or conflict details | The application asks for dates of service and war/conflict details for war-connected evidence. | Attach DD214 or other certification if the VA letter lacks those details. |
| Sending cash | The form says not to send cash. | Use the current approved payment method on the official form. |
| Ignoring special permits after approval | Some waters have separate permit rules even when you hold a strong base license. | Check special-water rules before every trip. |
Three-question final check: Does the packet prove Tennessee residency? Does it prove the qualifying VA disability route? Does it include the correct Type 198 application and payment method? If not, fix it before sending.
Disabled Veteran License vs Regular Resident, Senior and Sportsman Options
Veterans often compare Type 198 with regular resident products. The disabled veteran license is usually the better long-term route if you qualify, but it has a special application requirement.
| Option | Cost signal | Best fit | Important difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type 198 Disabled Veteran Hunting & Fishing | $10 one-time | Qualifying Tennessee resident disabled veterans. | Application-based. Requires VA proof. Special permits may still apply. |
| Resident Combo Hunt/Fish Annual | $33 annually | Regular resident adults fishing without trout. | Instant regular product, but not the best long-term value if Type 198 applies. |
| Resident annual trout stack | $54 annually | Regular resident annual trout anglers. | $33 base + $21 trout supplemental. |
| Annual Senior Citizen Hunt/Fish/Trap | $4 annually | Resident seniors age 65+ who want annual senior coverage. | Age-based, not veteran-disability based. |
| Senior Sportsman | $49 | Resident seniors who hunt, trap and fish broadly. | Different license product and different eligibility path. |
Proof to Carry After You Get the Disabled Veteran License
Approval is not the end of the user journey. You still need to be ready for a license check, permit check, access question or low-signal situation.
Carry the official license proof
Carry the license card or official proof TWRA issues. Keep it readable and protected.
Name should match
Carry a photo ID that matches the license record, especially when using resident or specialty-license privileges.
Keep permits with license proof
If your destination requires a WMA, Gatlinburg, Tellico-Citico, lake, Reelfoot, South Holston, federal or local permit, keep that proof together.
Prepare for low signal
Screenshot current waterbody rules, trout rules and special permits before fishing remote streams, tailwaters, reservoirs or mountain areas.
- Disabled veteran license proof or card
- Photo ID with matching name
- Special permit proof if needed
- Waterbody rules screenshot
- Private-property permission if applicable
- TWRA phone number saved before remote trips
TWRA Sales Office Map for Application Planning
The TWRA main office location connected with license support is 5107 Edmondson Pike, Ellington Agricultural Center, Nashville, TN 37211. Use the map for planning only; call before visiting if you need help with a specialty license application.
Office trip tip: bring the completed application, VA certification, resident proof, photo ID, and payment method. Do not assume staff can approve unclear VA documentation without review.
What to Say When You Call or Email TWRA
Specialty license questions are easier when you describe the exact issue. Use the closest script below.
Call script
“I am a Tennessee resident veteran applying for the Type 198 Resident Disabled Veteran Hunting and Fishing License. My VA documentation shows [rating/details]. Can you confirm what proof must be attached before I submit?”
Call script
“My VA letter shows my disability rating, but I am not sure it shows dates of service or war/conflict detail. Should I attach my DD214 or another VA certificate?”
Call script
“Once approved for the disabled veteran license, do I still need a permit for Gatlinburg, Tellico-Citico, Reelfoot, a TWRA State Lake, Lake Halford or South Holston?”
Call script
“I was issued a Tennessee disabled veteran hunting and fishing license, but the card or proof is lost/damaged. What is the correct replacement process?”
Have ready: full legal name, date of birth, TWRA ID if known, Tennessee driver license/state ID, VA certification, DD214 if relevant, phone number, email and the exact destination water if asking about permits.
Related Tennessee Guides for the Next Step
These links support the disabled-veteran user journey. They are grouped by intent and should not be used as random keyword stuffing.
Tennessee Fishing License Cost
Use to compare regular resident, trout, senior, visitor and special-permit costs against the Type 198 $10 one-time fee.
Tennessee Resident Fishing License
Use if the applicant needs more help proving Tennessee residency before applying for Type 198.
Tennessee Fishing Permit Guide
Use for Gatlinburg, Tellico-Citico, Reelfoot, TWRA State Lakes, South Holston and other special-permit checks.
Go Outdoors Tennessee Fishing License
Use for customer lookup, regular license purchases, account recovery, reprints and official portal help.
Lost Tennessee Fishing License
Use if the license, paper copy, email, screenshot or proof is missing after approval.
Tennessee Fishing License on Phone
Use for phone proof, screenshots, saved PDFs and what to show during a license check.
Tennessee Fishing License Account
Use for customer lookup, login, account updates and avoiding duplicate TWRA records.
Tennessee Fishing License Agents
Use when an applicant needs in-person help, resident proof review or nearby authorized sellers.
Tennessee All-Species Fishing License
Use if comparing regular trout-included products with disabled veteran license coverage and special permits.
Official Links After You Understand the Requirements
TWRA Miscellaneous Licenses Application
Use this for the Type 198 Resident Disabled Veteran Hunting and Fishing License application.
TWRA License Sales
Use this to verify disability restricted licenses, resident fees, senior options, special permits and current license structure.
Tennessee Veterans Services
Use this to verify state veteran benefit language for hunting and fishing licenses.
Go Outdoors Tennessee
Use for normal license account access, reprints, customer lookup and regular online license purchases.
Fishing Regulations
Use after approval to check trout rules, creel limits, waterbody exceptions, bait rules and special regulations.
TWRA Contact
Use for main office contact, routing and license support. Main phone: 615-781-6500.
Tennessee Disabled Veteran Fishing License FAQs
How much is the Tennessee disabled veteran fishing license?
The Resident Disabled Veteran Hunting and Fishing License is listed as a $10 one-time fee.
What is Type 198 in Tennessee?
Type 198 is the Resident Disabled Veteran Hunting and Fishing License listed on the TWRA Miscellaneous Licenses Application.
Who qualifies for the Tennessee disabled veteran fishing license?
It is for Tennessee resident veterans certified by the VA as 30% disabled by reason of war service or 100% service-connected/permanent-total disabled under the official application and benefits language.
Can I buy the disabled veteran license online instantly?
No. This is a specialty application license. Download the TWRA Miscellaneous Licenses Application, select Type 198, attach required VA certification and submit it to TWRA.
What VA proof do I need?
The application requires recent certification from the Veterans Administration. For the 30% war-service route, the packet should show disability percentage, service dates and name of war or conflict.
Does a DD214 prove eligibility by itself?
Not always. A DD214 may prove service dates or conflict details, but it may not show the VA disability percentage. Pair it with VA certification if needed.
Can a 30% VA rating qualify?
The 30% route is for veterans disabled by reason of war service. If your document does not clearly show that route, call TWRA before submitting.
Can a 100% service-connected veteran qualify?
Yes, official Tennessee sources include a 100% service-connected route, with benefit/application language referring to permanently and totally service-connected disabled veterans.
Is this license fishing-only?
No. The official name is Resident Disabled Veteran Hunting and Fishing License. This article focuses on the fishing side because that is the search intent.
Is it the same as Tennessee Lifetime Sportsman License?
No. Treat it as a separate specialty disabled veteran license. Do not assume every Lifetime Sportsman permit rule applies.
Do I still need special permits?
Possibly. Check Gatlinburg, Tellico-Citico, Reelfoot, TWRA State Lakes, Lake Halford, Bedford Lake, South Holston, WMA and federal permit rules before fishing.
Where do I send the application?
The application lists Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, P.O. Box 41729, Nashville, TN 37204-1729. Confirm the current form instructions before mailing.
Who should I call with application questions?
Use the application phone number 615-532-0476 for form/payment questions or TWRA main phone 615-781-6500 for routing and general support.
What should I do if my license card is lost?
Call TWRA or use Go Outdoors Tennessee account/reprint resources before buying a regular annual license again. Ask for the correct replacement process for your issued license type.
Can I apply if I am a disabled veteran but not a Tennessee resident?
No. Type 198 is a Tennessee resident disabled veteran license. Nonresidents should not use resident disabled veteran pricing unless an official rule specifically says they qualify.
Final Application Checklist
The Tennessee disabled veteran fishing license is valuable, but the application must be clean. Confirm Tennessee residency, confirm the VA eligibility route, attach recent certification, select Type 198, use the correct payment method, keep copies and submit using TWRA’s official instructions.
The safe rule is: resident proof + VA certification + completed Type 198 application + no cash + TWRA submission + special-permit check before each trip.