A North Carolina fishing license is your ticket to some truly outstanding fishing. From the Outer Banks to the Blue Ridge Mountains, a world of huge hookups is waiting for you. All you need to enjoy it is a piece of paper. Simple, right? Not exactly.
North Carolina’s varied fisheries have a mix of fishing regulations to match, with different licenses depending on where you fish. That’s why we’re cutting through the confusion and throwing out the jargon in this easy-to-understand guide. Get the essential info on NC fishing licenses so you can hit the water and start reeling in fish.
Looking for info on neighboring states, or around the US in general? Check out our full list of licensing guides here.
Who needs a North Carolina fishing license?
Every angler over 16 needs a fishing license when casting a line in NC waters. However, you don’t need a license to fish in private ponds on privately-owned land.
If you’re helping someone else fish, you also need a license, even if you don’t have your own rod. This includes something as basic as baiting hooks and setting the drag.
Who doesn’t need a license?
Children under 16 don’t need a fishing license. On top of that, you never need a license aboard a saltwater charter boat. Oh, and everybody can fish without a license on the 4th of July!
Other than that, the only exception is for NC residents on leave from the military, who can fish for up to 30 days without a license. If you’re home on furlough, make sure to carry your military ID and papers confirming your status when you’re fishing.
Types of NC Fishing License
You know that you need a license, but which one? There are two main types of licenses in North Carolina: Inland and Coastal. Inland includes all of North Carolina’s freshwater, while Coastal covers saltwater. These are available for anything from 10 days to an entire lifetime. More on that below.
Areas where fresh and saltwater meet are called “joint waters.” These are usually covered by either license, but you should always check for the waters you’re fishing in. Luckily, the state made a series of helpful maps, which you can check out here.
As well as the basic license, you used to need a special Trout Stamp to take on NC’s various Trouts. However, from 2020, they’re included as standard with an Inland License.
North Carolina License Cost
Licenses vary in price based on how long they last and whether you’re an NC resident or not. Here’s a breakdown of how much each license costs.
Temporary Fishing Licenses
| License | Cost for Resident | Cost for Non-Resident |
|---|---|---|
| 10-Day Coastal | $6 | $11 |
| Annual Coastal | $16 | $32 |
| 10-Day Inland | $9 | $23 |
| Annual Inland | $25 | $45 |
| Annual Unified | $41 | N/A |
Residents and non-residents are eligible for 10-day and annual passes. Trout Stamps are no longer required, as the Inland fishing license allows anglers to fish in Public Mountain Trout Waters.
NC residents get a few special options, such as combined (or “Unified”) Inland and Coastal licenses. This saves the hassle of carrying both.
Lifetime Licenses
| License | Cost for Residents | Cost for Non-Residents |
|---|---|---|
| Inland (Adult) | $265 | N/A |
| Inland (Senior) | $16 | N/A |
| Coastal (under 1) | $106 | $106 |
| Coastal (1-11) | $159 | $159 |
| Coastal (12+) | $265 | $530 |
| Coastal (Senior) | $16 | N/A |
| Unified | $477 | N/A |
If you’re a keen angler and plan on fishing as often as possible, it may be worth getting a lifetime license. Prices differ for residents and non-residents, but there are big benefits to starting young – especially in saltwater.
Infants can be born into a life of fishing for just $106. Senior residents (65 and over if born before August 1, 1953, or 70+ otherwise) get an even bigger discount. Coastal and Inland packages both cost just $16 – the same price as a normal annual resident license!
Free and Reduced-Fee Licenses
The State of North Carolina offers free Unified Lifetime Fishing Licenses to the following groups:
- NC residents who rely on fishing for food.
- NC residents who are legally blind.
- Residents in NC care homes.
On top of this, Unified Lifetime Fishing Licenses are available at a discounted price of $11 plus $2 processing fee for people with physical disabilities:
- Residents who are permanently and totally disabled.
- Resident veterans who are 50% or more disabled.
Where to Get a North Carolina Fishing License
You know what you need, now you’ve just got to get it. There are three easy ways to buy a NC fishing license:
- Online. You can complete your application online using Visa or MasterCard. This comes with a $2 transaction fee, though.
- By phone. Call 888-248-6834 to get your license over the phone. Working hours are 8 A.M. to 5 P.M. Monday through Friday.
- In person. Visit a registered vendor to buy your license instantly! Many tackle shops and hardware stores sell them, as do chains like Walmart.
If you buy your license in person, you’ll receive it instantly. Otherwise, it will be mailed to you. You don’t need to hold off fishing, though. just bring your license number and a form of ID and you’re set. However, once your license arrives, you do need to carry it with you while fishing.
Bear in mind that youth, infant, and disabled lifetime licenses can’t be bought online. You need to call up or head to a local agent to get these.
What if I lose my license?
Can’t find your fishing license? No need to worry. Print and fill out this form and send it to:
N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission License Section
1707 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC
27699-1707
Along with your application, include a check or proof of money order to cover the administrative fee – $1 for lifetime licenses, or $7 for everything else.
Common Questions about NC Fishing Licenses
Georgia: On the Chatuge Reservoir and all its tributaries that are accessible by boat.
Tennessee: On Slick Rock Creek and Calderwood Reservoir when fishing by boat.
Virginia: On Kerr and Gaston Reservoirs, as well as the Dan River and the confluence of the New and Little Rivers.
And that’s it. We’ve tried to cover everything you need. to know to get a NC fishing license. If you have any questions, it’s best to get in touch with your local NCWRC office. If not, find a charter in your area or just get out there and start fishing!
Growing up next to a river, Rhys was always on the water. From Carp fishing in his native Wales to trying his hand at offshore fishing when traveling abroad, Rhys has vastly expanded his horizons when it comes to casting a line and continues to test new waters whenever he has the opportunity.
