VIC fishing guide
Victoria Fishing Licence Exemptions 2026: Seniors Card, Age and Concession Proof
Check who does not need a paid Victorian recreational fishing licence, including age, Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander identity, Seniors Card and exact concession categories.
Parent guide: Victoria Fishing Licence Guide 2026: Fees, Exemptions and Service Victoria
On this page
Victorian exemption checks
Do the exemption check before buying a Victorian Recreational Fishing Licence. Victoria lists several groups that do not need a paid RFL, but card names and codes matter.
| Category | Licence answer | Proof or caution |
|---|---|---|
| Under 18 | No paid RFL needed. | Age evidence can be useful if asked. |
| 70 years and over | No paid RFL needed. | Optional senior fisher card is separate from the exemption. |
| Person identifying as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander | No paid RFL needed. | Do not add extra proof wording beyond the official category unless the official page asks for it. |
| Victorian Seniors Card or interstate equivalent | Listed exemption category. | This is not the same as the Victorian Seniors Business Discount Card. |
| Veterans Card - Victoria | Listed exemption category. | Carry the card if relying on it. |
| Veterans' Affairs Pensioner Card | Listed exemption category. | Check the current Service Victoria/VFA wording. |
| DVA Gold Card coded TPI | Listed exemption category. | The TPI code matters. |
| Commonwealth Pensioner Concession Card coded DSP, DSP Blind, AGE, AGE Blind or CAR | Listed exemption category. | The card code matters; do not rely on a different payment/card label. |
Cards that do not exempt you
| Card or payment | Victoria caution |
|---|---|
| Ordinary Health Care Card | Not a Victorian RFL exemption. |
| PPS or JobSeeker payment card | Not a Victorian RFL exemption. |
| Victorian Seniors Business Discount Card | Not the same as a Victorian Seniors Card exemption. |
| DVA White Card or DVA Orange Card | Not a Victorian RFL exemption. |
| A Victorian RFL held by a family member or friend | The licence is personal and does not cover you. |
Free junior and senior fisher cards
VFA publishes optional free junior and senior fisher cards. These cards can be useful as identification for people who are already exempt by age, but they do not turn an otherwise non-exempt adult aged 18 to 69 into an exempt fisher.
| Fisher card | Use it for |
|---|---|
| Junior fisher card | Optional card for eligible young fishers. |
| Senior fisher card | Optional card for eligible older fishers. |
| Paid RFL | Still needed if you are aged 18 to 69 and no exemption applies. |
If you are not exempt
Use the Victoria fees guide to choose 3 days, 28 days, 1 year or 3 years, then use the buying guide. After licence or exemption status is settled, check Victoria fishing rules for bag limits, size limits, closed seasons, gear and local water rules.
Keep in mind
Victoria has generous age and card-based exemptions, but exact wording matters. If your exemption is not clearly listed, use the paid RFL pathway before fishing.
Frequently asked questions
Do juniors need a Victorian fishing licence?
People under 18 do not need a paid Victorian recreational fishing licence.
Do people 70 or over need a Victorian fishing licence?
People 70 years and over do not need a paid Victorian recreational fishing licence.
Does a Victorian Seniors Card exempt me?
A Victorian Seniors Card or interstate equivalent is listed as exempt. A Victorian Seniors Business Discount Card is not the same exemption.
Does a Health Care Card exempt me in Victoria?
No. VFA warns that an ordinary Health Care Card is not a Victorian RFL exemption.