Disability, Age, & Military Benefits

50% discounts on all licenses, permits and stamps are available to New Mexico residents who are active duty military or veterans. The discount may be claimed by applying for or purchasing any license, permit or stamp online, by telephone or at any license vendor. Residents claiming this discount must be able to provide proof of active duty military or veteran status upon request. Discount does not apply to: license vendor fees or the Resident Disabled Veteran Game-hunting & Fishing license. For specific eligibility requirements, see Glossary.

Active Duty Military (N.M. Resident): Current active duty in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps or Coast Guard for a minimum period of 90 days. Members of the National Guard or Military Reserve Component and commissioned officers of the U.S. Public Health Service or National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration who have completed a minimum of six years of continuous honorable service.

Veteran (N.M. Resident): New Mexico resident veteran with a minimum of 90 days active duty service in the U.S. Military, or six continuous years in the National Guard, Military Reserve Component, or U.S. Public Health Service or National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Veterans must have been honorably discharged from military service.

Reference (2020-21 NM Fishing Rules & Info pgs. 44-46)

New Mexico residents who are 100% disabled veterans of the armed services are eligible for a free lifetime Game-hunting & Fishing License. Disabled veterans may apply to NMDGF for a Disabled Veteran card, which allows the holder to fish, hunt small game and obtain a free deer hunting license. Card holders do not need to buy or possess a Habitat Stamp when fishing or hunting small game or deer. However, if trapping or if hunting turkey or other big-game species, the Habitat Stamp is required.

Residents who are disabled veterans of the armed services, but do not meet the 100%-disabled qualification, are eligible for a $10 Game-hunting & Fishing License. Disabled Veteran Game-hunting & Fishing Licenses are available online: www.onlinesales.wildlife.state.nm.us, at local vendors and NMDGF offices and by telephone. A Habitat Management & Access Validation and Habitat Stamp, if applicable (page 3), are required with the Disabled Veteran Game-hunting & Fishing License.

Members or veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces in rehabilitation programs that include the learning and practice of fishing skills are eligible for free fishing licenses. The rehabilitation program must be sponsored by the federal government or a nonprofit organization authorized by the federal government and it must be under the direction of a military or federal Veteran’s Administration rehabilitation center. The Habitat Management & Access Validation and the Habitat Stamp are not required.