If you’re fishing North Carolina and aren’t a resident, you’ll need a license if you’re 16 or older. Short-term options include a coastal 10‑day permit for $38; inland annual non‑resident licenses run about $54. There’s no unified non‑resident inland/coastal pass, and fees support conservation. Buy online (small transaction fee), by phone, or at vendors for immediate issue. Follow size, bag, and possession limits; keep reading to learn specifics and exceptions.

Who Needs a Non-Resident Fishing License in North Carolina

Wondering whether you need a non‑resident fishing license in North Carolina? You do if you’re 16 or older and plan to fish public waters — that’s a core point of state fishing regulations.

You’ll find non‑resident options for different needs, including short‑term choices like a ten‑day Coastal Recreational Fishing License that lets you fish for a set period.

Note that the unified inland/coastal recreational license isn’t available to non‑residents, so you’ll select coastal or other applicable permits.

License exemptions are limited: children under 16 can fish without a permit, and anyone fishing in private ponds on privately owned land doesn’t need a license regardless of residency.

If a minor accompanies you, they’re covered by the age exemption, but you must hold the appropriate non‑resident license if you’re 16 or older.

Follow these rules to stay compliant and avoid penalties when fishing in North Carolina’s public waters.

Current Non-Resident License Fees and Recent Increases

Although non‑residents can’t buy the unified inland/coastal license, you’ve still got affordable short‑ and season‑long options: the Non‑Resident Coastal Recreational Ten‑Day License is $38, while the annual Non‑Resident Inland Fishing License is $54, and the season‑long hunting license was raised to $119 effective July 1. You should understand these fees for compliance and budgeting. The state raised non‑resident annual inland fees to support sustainable fishing programs; season increases on July 1 also raised hunting costs, altering your outdoor recreation budget.

This concise fee comparison gives you a clear cost analysis: short‑term coastal access at $38, annual inland access at $54, and higher season hunting fees at $119. Check designated waters for validity.

Ten-Day and Short-Term License Options for Visitors

If you’re visiting for a short stay, the state offers two affordable 10‑day options: the Coastal Recreational Fishing 10‑Day License for $38 and the Inland Fishing 10‑Day License for $28, each valid for ten days from the purchase date.

You’ll find these short-term benefits ideal when you want quality fishing experiences without committing to an annual permit. Both licenses let you fish in their designated waters for the ten-day window, but you must follow all local regulations, including size and possession limits.

Choose the coastal option if you’ll be targeting saltwater species; choose the inland option for lakes, rivers, and reservoirs.

These short-term licenses keep costs down for travelers and guarantee you’re compliant while enjoying regional fisheries. Before you cast, confirm specific bag limits and seasonal rules that apply to the waters you’ll visit so your trip stays legal and productive.

Where and How Non-Residents Can Purchase Licenses

When you need a non‑resident fishing license, you can buy it online through the Go Outdoors North Carolina portal (there’s a $2 transaction fee), over the phone at 888‑248‑6834 during business hours, or in person at registered vendors like tackle shops and Walmart for immediate issuance.

For online purchasing, create an account, select the appropriate Coastal or Inland license, and pay the fee; you’ll receive a printable or mobile copy immediately. If you prefer human assistance, call the provided number to complete the sale and get guidance on short‑term versus annual options.

In person vendors statewide give you an instant paper license and let you ask local staff about region‑specific choices. Know the prices before you start: non‑resident annual Coastal is $38, annual Inland $54, 10‑Day Coastal $38, and 10‑Day Inland $28.

Choosing the right purchase method depends on convenience, whether you want a receipt on your phone, and if you need help from staff.

Rules, Limits, and What You Can Keep While Fishing

Because you’re fishing under a non‑resident license, you must follow North Carolina’s size, bag, and possession limits, fish only in the waters covered by your specific Coastal or Inland permit, and keep your catch for personal use only — sale is prohibited.

As a non‑resident angler, obey NC size, bag, and possession limits, fish only permitted waters, and never sell your catch.

You’ll pay $38 for a Coastal Recreational Fishing License to fish saltwater, $54 for an inland license to fish freshwater, or $14 for a ten‑day coastal permit. Regardless of which you buy, state fishing regulations apply equally to residents and non‑residents.

Know the catch limits and size minimums for species you target before you cast. Limits vary by species and location; violating them can result in fines and loss of gear.

Your license type defines where you can legally fish — coastal licenses cover saltwater, inland covers freshwater — so stay within those waters. Keep accurate counts of your retained fish, observe size rules, and never sell any catch.

Following these rules protects fisheries and keeps your trip compliant.

Tournament and Exemption Permits Affecting Visitors

Rules about size, bag limits, and where you can fish also affect tournament play and special exemptions, so it’s important to know how permits change what visitors can do.

If you’re a non-resident organizing or entering a competitive event and plan to sell fish, you must get a Recreational Fishing Tournament License — that’s non-negotiable under tournament regulations.

Alternatively, if you’re hosting an organized outing and want to exempt individual participants from buying licenses, apply for the Coastal Recreational Fishing License Exemption Permit by submitting a written exemption application at least 30 days before the event.

Remember that non-residents may instead use a Coastal Recreational Fishing Ten-Day License ($38) for short visits, or the annual Coastal license ($38) for longer stays; the unified inland/coastal option isn’t available to you.

Even under an exemption permit, all participants must follow local rules and conservation measures.

Plan ahead, file required paperwork on time, and enforce regulations to avoid penalties and protect fisheries.

Lifetime and Special-Status License Considerations for Non-Residents

If you plan to fish regularly in North Carolina but don’t live here, consider the Coastal Recreational Fishing Lifetime License—available to non-residents for $630—as your best long-term option since the unified inland/coastal lifetime license is reserved for residents only.

Choosing the coastal lifetime license gives you permanent saltwater privileges without annual renewals, and it’s cost-effective if you visit frequently. If you fish less often, the $38 annual coastal license or the $14 ten-day coastal license may suit you better.

You should also check whether you qualify for reduced-fee special status licenses. Non-resident disabled veterans and residents of adult care homes can obtain a special-status license for $14, ensuring affordability for eligible individuals.

Verify documentation requirements before applying, because eligibility rules and evidence of special status are strictly enforced. Plan based on how often you fish and whether you meet the criteria for discounted special-status options.

Common Situations: Charter Boats, Joint Waters, and Private Ponds

When you fish from a charter boat in North Carolina, you don’t need to buy a separate coastal license—the charter operator holds the required permits and covers legal vessel-based fishing for all passengers. You’ll still follow size and possession limits and should confirm the operator follows charter boat regulations before boarding.

For joint waters, you can use either a Coastal or Inland license; non-residents often buy the Coastal Recreational 10-Day License ($38) or the annual Coastal ($38) for saltwater access. Private pond access on privately owned land requires no license, so non-residents may fish there without a permit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Non-Residents Buy Licenses Online From Out-Of-State Before Arrival?

Yes — you can usually buy non-resident licenses online before arrival. Check online purchase options and fishing license regulations on the state agency website, follow ID and residency rules, and print or show your digital license when fishing.

Are There Senior or Military Discounts for Non-Resident Licenses?

You’d expect exemptions, but most states don’t offer senior discounts or military benefits for non-residents; a few waive fees for active-duty or veterans—check the specific state agency website before you buy to confirm eligibility.

Do Day-Use Park Fees Include Fishing License Coverage?

No, day use fees usually don’t cover fishing; you’ll need a separate license per fishing regulations. Check the park’s rules and state wildlife agency — some parks offer combined permits or temporary fishing passes you can buy onsite.

Can Non-Residents Transfer Licenses Between People or Dates?

Yes — but usually not: license transfer policies rarely allow you to transfer non-resident permits between people or dates, and fishing permit regulations typically restrict transfers, require original holder use, or mandate refunds and reissuance procedures.

What ID Is Required to Purchase or Show a Non-Resident License?

You’ll need acceptable identification and required documents: a government‑issued photo ID (passport or driver’s license), proof of residency or out‑of‑state status if requested, and your printed or digital license to purchase or show.

Conclusion

If you’re visiting North Carolina to fish, make sure you’ve got the right non‑resident license — “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Licenses and short‑term options, fees, and limits change, so check current rates before you go. Buy online, at retailers, or from wildlife offices, and be aware of tournament, exemption, and special‑status rules. When in doubt, ask officials so you can fish legally and avoid fines.