For-Hire Fishing Licenses
A for-hire license is required to take paying passengers fishing in coastal waters. If you operate a for-hire vessel in federal waters (outside of three miles), you may need a federal charter vessel/headboat permit before fishing for certain species. For more information on federal permits, click here.
Blanket licenses cover the individual licensing requirements of the paying passengers. The non-blanket vessel license requires each individual passenger to obtain their own Coastal Recreational Fishing License (CRFL). The U.S. Coast Guard requires guides and captains operating for-hire vessels to comply with their licensing requirements.
The division offers three for-hire license types:
- Blanket For-Hire Captain's CRFL
- Blanket For-Hire Vessel CRFL
- Non-Blanket For-Hire Vessel License
For-Hire Vessel Coastal Recreational Fishing License Application
For-Hire Captain's Coastal Recreational Fishing License Application
Determining the Appropriate License
The below table summarizes the current N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries For-Hire licenses.
| Non-Blanket Vessel | Blanket Vessel (CRFL) | For-Hire Captains (CRFL) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Resident-$25 Nonresident-$37.50 | <=6 passengers | >6 passengers | <=6 passengers | >6 passengers |
Resident-$250 Nonresident-$312.50 | Resident-$350 Nonresident-$437.50 | Resident-$250 Nonresident-$312.50 | Resident-$350 Nonresident-$437.50 | ||
| Requirements to Purchase | USCG License not required to purchase | USCG License not required to purchase | USCG License suitable for passenger rating required to purchase | ||
| Requirements to Operate | USCG license required to operate vessel | USCG license required to operate vessel | USCG license required to operate vessel | ||
| Other Requirements | All vessels operated by the holder of the Captains license must also be licensed with either one of the for-hire vessel licenses or a Commercial Fishing Vessel Registration with a For-Hire Endorsement. | ||||
| Intended Purpose | Intended for: low cost license for dive boats and charter vessels not wishing to provide recreational license privileges to passengers. | Intended for: charter boats and head boats wishing to provide recreational license privileges to passengers. | Intended for: guides with multiple vessels wishing to provide recreational license privileges to passengers on all vessels. | ||
| Vessel Decal Issued by DMF | 4” X 6” For-Hire Decal Only | 4” X 6” For-Hire Decal Only | Each vessel used in conjunction with the For-Hire Captain’s License must have the CFVR Decal with the For-Hire endorsement and the 4" x 6" For-Hire decal. | ||
This illustration may help as well:
View a printable version of the table and illustration
If you need additional assistance, please contact the License Program at License@deq.nc.gov, or call 800-682-2632.