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License Documentation Requirements
Fishermen MUST provide the following information to receive a license:
  • Picture Identification of Applicant or Responsible Party - Includes Drivers License, State Identification Card, Military Identification Card, Resident Alien Card or Passport.
  • For a Standard or Retired Commercial Fishing License - Bring in all 1999 Endorsement to Sell License receipts and/or cards.
  • For a Commercial Vessel Registration - Valid Vessel Registration or U.S. Coast Guard Documentation
  • For a Corporation - Current Articles of Incorporation with a List of all Corporate Officers
  • For a Partnership - Written Partnership Agreement (if partnership is established by such an agreement)
  • For an Ocean Pier License - Marine Patrol Certification of Pier Length
  • For a Spotter Plane License - Copy of Aircraft Registration
  • For a Fish Dealer’s License - 1999 Permanent Seafood Dealer Reporting Number (Number reported on trip tickets)
In addition, applicants will be asked to certify their residency, whether their state taxes have been paid and whether they have had any fishing violations within the past three years. Each license sales location will have a notary available for the applicant’s convenience.

If purchasing licenses by mail, photocopies of the above items will be accepted with the original application. Only the Morehead City License Office will accept license applications by mail.

For businesses, there may be additional requirements. Please call the nearest license office for details.

Residency Requirements
Generally, resident State licenses may be used only by those who have resided in North Carolina for six months or who have been domiciled in the State for 60 days. When Domicile is used to establish eligibility, the applicant must complete a certificate, available from Division of Marine Fisheries’ license offices, certifying that they have maintained their residence in a county of the State for at least 60 days with the intent to reside there permanently or indefinitely.

Nonresident members of the armed forces, including their spouses and children under 18, who are stationed in North Carolina are deemed residents of the State in which they are stationed or reside for the purpose of purchasing resident licenses.

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