As of October 8, 2026, a North Carolina Coastal Recreational Fishing License (CRFL) costs $20 per year for a resident or $40 per year for a nonresident. A 10-day license costs $9 for a resident or $15 for a nonresident. These fees took effect July 1, 2026. The annual license is valid for 12 months from purchase; the 10-day license covers the period shown on it.
North Carolina coastal fishing license prices
| License | Resident fee | Nonresident fee | Coverage and duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Coastal Recreational Fishing License (CRFL) | $20 | $40 | Coastal and joint waters; valid for 12 months from purchase |
| 10-day CRFL | $9 | $15 | Coastal and joint waters; valid for the 10-day period specified on the license |
| Annual Unified Inland/Coastal recreational fishing license | $51 | Not available | Resident inland and coastal fishing statewide |
| Annual Unified Sportsman/Coastal license | $85 | Not available | Resident hunting plus inland and coastal fishing privileges |
Fees are from the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries fee schedule; the revised CRFL fees became effective July 1, 2026, according to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission licensing information.
Who needs a CRFL?
Generally, anyone age 16 or older who recreationally finfishes in North Carolina waters designated as coastal or joint must have a CRFL. The NCWRC states: “As of January 1, 2007, any individuals 16 years or older who want to recreationally finfish in any water designated as coastal or joint waters of North Carolina must purchase a NC Coastal Recreational Fishing License (CRFL).”
- People under age 16 are exempt from fishing-license requirements.
- In joint waters, an NCWRC inland fishing license is an alternative to the CRFL.
- Certain holders of older NCWRC lifetime fishing licenses are exempt from buying a separate CRFL.
Water designations and exemptions can affect which license applies, so check the specific location and your eligibility in the NCWRC licensing FAQ before fishing.
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Which license is the better fit?
For a short coastal trip, compare the 10-day fee with the annual price for your residency status. If you also plan to fish inland, a resident unified license may cover both inland and coastal fishing. The Unified Sportsman/Coastal license adds hunting privileges. Choose based on residency, how long you will fish, the waters involved, and whether you need those additional privileges.
The fee schedule also lists lifetime CRFL options: resident adult $326, nonresident adult $652, youth $196, and infant $131. Reduced-price lifetime licenses are available to qualifying resident seniors or people with disabilities; eligibility and discounted fees should be confirmed with the agency.
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Where to buy and possible transaction fees
North Carolina’s designated online provider is Go Outdoors North Carolina. The state says most licenses are also available through WRC license agents and most Division of Marine Fisheries offices. A transaction fee may apply when purchasing through a Wildlife Service Agent, so check the checkout total for your chosen channel rather than assuming the listed license fee is the full amount.
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