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FG355D Free Fishing License: Developmental Disability

Anyone with a developmental disability qualifies for a free California sport fishing license under Fish and Game Code Section 7151(a)(3). CDFW defines developmental disability as a severe, chronic disability beginning before age 18, including intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, epilepsy and autism. A licensed physician or the director of a State Regional Center certifies eligibility on FG355D with a letter on letterhead.

Who completes it

The applicant completes page 1 and authorizes release of verification. A licensed physician or the Director of a State Regional Center completes the page 2 section and attaches a signed letter on letterhead; nurse practitioners and physician assistants cannot certify.

Submitting and payment

How to submit it
The applicant mails the application, the certification letter and a copy of state-issued ID to CDFW's License and Revenue Branch, or uploads them through a secure FTP link requested from CDFW; allow 15 business days.
Who pays
The license is free; additional validations or report cards are purchased at the regular fee.

Good to know

  • The definition also covers disabling conditions closely related to intellectual disability or requiring similar treatment; the form points to the Department of Developmental Services for more information.
  • The certifier enters either a physician license number or the name of the State Regional Center.
  • The application has a box for applicants who are not California residents. The license is valid 365 days from the date of purchase.
  • The form still carries the old FG prefix: FG355D (Rev. 03/21/2024), a 2-page fillable PDF accepting digital signatures.

Get the official form

Download the current version from the source each time; forms change without notice.

Free Sport Fishing License Application - Developmental Disability

Official pagePDF

How this list is checked

A form is listed only after its name and number were confirmed on the issuing agency’s or insurer’s own website, or in the form itself. Each entry links to that source. The list was last checked in October 2026. Forms and their requirements change without notice, so check the official page for the current version before you complete one.

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Frequently asked questions

Who can certify California's free fishing license for developmental disability?

A licensed physician or the Director of a State Regional Center. FG355D states that certification cannot come from a nurse practitioner or physician assistant. The certifier completes page 2 and attaches a signed letter on letterhead stating that the applicant meets the developmental disability criteria.

What counts as a developmental disability for FG355D?

A severe and chronic disability attributable to a mental or physical impairment that begins before age 18. The form lists intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism, and disabling conditions closely related to intellectual disability or requiring similar treatment.

Where does the first free license come from?

The first free sport fishing license must be issued by CDFW's License and Revenue Branch after it reviews the application, which takes about 15 business days. After that, anglers who still qualify can renew through any CDFW license agent, select license sales offices or online.