Why wait?
The North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries is urging commercial fishing, seafood dealer and for-hire license and permit holders to get a jump on renewals this year.
Supporter Spotlight
The renewal period begins Tuesday, giving license and permit holders more than two months to take care of business before the June 30 expiration of 2025 licenses and permits.
“Those who renew in (April and May) may find reduced wait times, as opposed to those who wait until late June,” according to a division release.
License and permit holders may also avoid long lines by renewing by mail, drop-box, or by scheduling an appointment before June. Anyone who has an appointment to renew will given priority over walk-ins.
Renewal packets, which include an application and self-addressed, postage paid envelope, are being mailed to license and permit holders who renewed by mail last year.
Anyone who has a license who does not receive a packet may request one for next year when they renew this year in person.
For questions or to schedule an appointment, call your local license office or email License@deq.nc.gov.
Supporter Spotlight
Offices are open 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday-Friday at the following division locations:
- Headquarters: 3441 Arendell St., Morehead City. Phone: 252-515-5500 or 800-682-2632.
- Manteo field office: 1021 Driftwood Dr. Phone: 252-423-5250 or 800-405-7774.
- Pamlico district office: 943 Washington Square Mall, Highway 17, Washington. Phone: 252-948-3800 or 800-338-7804.
- Southern district office: 127 Cardinal Drive Extension, Wilmington. Phone: 910-796-7215 or 800-248-4536.
Coastal recreational fishing licenses expire on the date of purchase. Those and hunting licenses may be purchased or renewed online at ncwildlife.gov, by calling the N.C. Wildlife Resource Commission at 1-888-248-6834 during office hours, or at a license agent in your area.
