Fees vary based on residency and the type of water (Inland vs. Coastal). A transaction fee (typically $5) is applied at purchase. License Type Resident Fee Non-Resident Fee Annual Coastal 10-Day Inland Annual Inland Annual Unified (Inland & Coastal) Lifetime Coastal (Adult) Lifetime Senior (Resident 70+ / 65+) Sources: NC DEQ, eRegulations , FishingBooker Key Exceptions
Licenses are sold at the NCWRC Headquarters in Raleigh ( NCSU Centennial Campus ) and most Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) offices. Estimated License Costs (2026) where to buy nc fishing license
Visit the Go Outdoors North Carolina portal or use the Go Outdoors NC mobile app . Fees vary based on residency and the type
You can purchase a North Carolina fishing license online, in person, or by phone through the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) . Most recreational licenses for those aged 16 and older are available immediately upon purchase. License Type Resident Fee Non-Resident Fee Annual Coastal
North Carolina offers a Free Fishing Day every year on July 4 , where no license is required for any age in any public water. Beaufort Half Day Trip (AM) with Fintasia Charters
Call the NCWRC at 1-833-950-0575 (or 1-888-248-6834) during business hours, Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m..