Licenses, Permits, and Leases

The Division of Marine Fisheries issues licenses, permits, and leases pertaining to coastal fishing in North Carolina waters. The License and Statistics section administers fishing licenses and permits, including the Coastal Recreational Fishing License and the Standard Commercial Fishing License. The Habitat and Enhancement section administers the state's Shellfish Lease and Franchise Program for the purpose of shellfish cultivation and issues permits authorizing the various aquauculture-related activities that occur along the North Carolina coast.

Recreational Fishing Licenses

Want to go recreational fishing in North Carolina's coastal waters? Learn about the different licenses here.

Commercial Fishing Licenses

All about the various commercial fishing licenses and permits needed to fish commercially in North Carolina.

For-Hire Licenses

Information about what's needed to operate a charter, guide, or headboat in North Carolina.

Shellfish Lease and Franchise

All about the Shellfish Lease and Aquaculture program in North Carolina.

Aquaculture Permits

All about the different permits that are required for various aquaculture activities in North Carolina.