The North Carolina resident fishing license cost for 2026–27 is $32 annually for inland fishing, $20 for coastal fishing or $51 for both under a unified license. The ten-day options are $12 inland or $9 coastal. The digest also lists a $5 transaction fee per order.
North Carolina Resident Fishing License Cost by Water
| Product | Annual | Ten-day |
|---|---|---|
| State Inland Fishing | $32 | $12 |
| Coastal Recreational Fishing | $20 | $9 |
| Unified Inland/Coastal | $51 | Check separate ten-day options |
See the NCWRC fishing fee table. Standard annual licenses are generally valid for 12 months from purchase. Verify the dates on the issued license.
Check Residency, Age and Exemptions
Anglers age 16 or older generally need the appropriate license for public-water finfishing. Use NCWRC license requirements for residency and exemptions. Qualifying residents can check the separate subsistence waiver process with their county Department of Social Services.
Select Coverage for Your Exact Water
Both an appropriate inland and an appropriate coastal license can cover fishing in joint waters. Check the official classification before buying. See the coastal license guide and lifetime price comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a North Carolina annual resident inland license?
The 2026–27 digest lists $32 before the transaction fee.
Do I need two licenses for inland and coastal fishing?
North Carolina offers a $51 resident Unified Inland/Coastal annual option. Check which product covers the exact water you fish.
Is the transaction fee charged per license?
The digest says a $5 transaction fee is added to the order total. Check the itemized total at checkout.
