How much is a fishing license in North Carolina?

As published by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (deq.nc.gov) and checked Oct 21, 2026: Coastal Recreational Fishing License (resident, annual), $20; Coastal Recreational Fishing License (nonresident, annual), $40. All 4 prices we hold are in the table on this page.

Is there a short-term fishing license in North Carolina?

Yes. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission lists the Coastal Recreational Fishing Ten-Day (resident) at $9 and the Coastal Recreational Fishing Ten-Day (nonresident) at $15, checked Oct 21, 2026.

What age rules apply to a North Carolina fishing license?

The agency's licence page states: Coastal licence required at 16 and older.

North Carolina Saltwater Fishing License Cost

Prices as published by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission on its own pages, checked Oct 21, 2026. Fees, stamps and agent charges can change: confirm with the agency before buying.
Buy from North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission ↗

$20resident annual

$40non-resident annual

$910 days resident

North Carolina License Prices

Product	Residency	Term	Water	Price	Notes and Source
Coastal Recreational Fishing License (resident, annual)	Resident	Annual	Saltwater	$20	Coastal Recreational Fishing License, listed under 'Annual Licenses' Agency text: “Adult : age 16 and older Resident: $20 Nonresident: $40” deq.nc.gov ↗, checked Oct 21, 2026
Coastal Recreational Fishing Ten-Day (resident)	Resident	10 days	Saltwater	$9	Agency text: “Coastal Recreational Fishing 10-Day Resident: $9 Nonresident: $15” deq.nc.gov ↗, checked Oct 21, 2026
Coastal Recreational Fishing License (nonresident, annual)	Non-resident	Annual	Saltwater	$40	Coastal Recreational Fishing License, listed under 'Annual Licenses' Agency text: “Adult : age 16 and older Resident: $20 Nonresident: $40” deq.nc.gov ↗, checked Oct 21, 2026
Coastal Recreational Fishing Ten-Day (nonresident)	Non-resident	10 days	Saltwater	$15	Agency text: “Coastal Recreational Fishing 10-Day Resident: $9 Nonresident: $15” deq.nc.gov ↗, checked Oct 21, 2026

Age Rules

Coastal licence required at 16 and older

License Year

Unless otherwise specified, annual licenses are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase.

North Carolina Fishing License Questions

How much is a fishing license in North Carolina?: As published by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (deq.nc.gov) and checked Oct 21, 2026: Coastal Recreational Fishing License (resident, annual), $20; Coastal Recreational Fishing License (nonresident, annual), $40. All 4 prices we hold are in the table on this page.
Is there a short-term fishing license in North Carolina?: Yes. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission lists the Coastal Recreational Fishing Ten-Day (resident) at $9 and the Coastal Recreational Fishing Ten-Day (nonresident) at $15, checked Oct 21, 2026.
What age rules apply to a North Carolina fishing license?: The agency's licence page states: Coastal licence required at 16 and older.

More for North Carolina Anglers

Each price is the agency's own figure as published on its page on the checked date, quoted beside it. Only prices we could read on the agency's live page are shown; stamps, permits and agent fees named by the agency may be extra. ReelTourney does not sell licenses — confirm with the agency before buying.