The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Marine Fisheries will begin renewing commercial fishing, seafood dealer and for-hire licenses and permits on April 15, and the Division is asking fishermen go ahead and get this business done in April or May.
Those who renew in these months may find reduced wait times, as opposed to those who wait until late June.
Another way to avoid long lines is to renew by mail or drop-box or schedule an appointment for April or May. Those with appointments will be given priority over walk-ins.
The Division is mailing renewal packets to license and permit holders who renewed their license by mail last year. The packets include an application and a self-addressed, postage paid envelope.
License holders who did not receive a packet may request to receive one next year when they renew their license in person.
Those who have questions or wish to make an appointment should call their local license office at the number listed below or email License@deq.nc.gov. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
| DMF Headquarters | 3441 Arendell St. Morehead City, NC 28557 Phone: 252-515-5500 or 800-682-2632 |
|---|---|
| Manteo Field Office | 1021 Driftwood Dr. Manteo, NC 27954 Phone 252-423-5250 or 800-405-7774 |
| Pamlico District Office | 943 Washington Square Mall Highway 17, Washington, NC 27889 Phone: 252-948-3800 or 800-338-7804 |
| Southern District Office | 127 Cardinal Drive Extension Wilmington, NC 28405 Phone: 910-796-7215 or 800-248-4536 |
2025 commercial fishing, seafood dealer and for-hire licenses and permits expire on June 30. The 2026 licenses and permits will become effective on July 1.
The deadline is not the same for Coastal Recreational Fishing Licenses, which expire based on the date of purchase. Recreational fishing and hunting licenses can be purchased or renewed online at https://www.ncwildlife.gov by calling N.C. Wildlife Resource Commission at 1-888-248-6834 during office hours or at a many outdoor shops (find a license agent in your area).