FishKillFlea North Carolina Fishing License Guide (2026)
North Carolina requires a fishing license for anyone 16 or older. The Tar Heel State offers separate inland ($30) and coastal ($19) licenses, plus a unified license ($49) covering both. Mountain trout in the Blue Ridge, largemouth bass on Falls Lake, and inshore redfish along the Outer Banks make NC a premier fishing destination.
Official NC Website →16+
Min Age
Yes
Free Days
$30
Resident/yr
$45
Non-Res/yr
💰 License Costs (2026)
Resident Licenses
| License Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Annual Resident Inland Freshwater fishing statewide | $30 |
| Annual Resident Coastal (CRFL) Coastal/saltwater only | $19 |
| Annual Resident Unified Inland + coastal + public mtn trout waters | $49 |
| Lifetime Unified License $250 — inland + coastal for life | $250 |
Non-Resident Licenses
| License Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Annual Non-Resident Inland | $45 |
| 10-Day Non-Resident Inland | $23 |
Senior & Special Licenses
| License Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Senior Unified (65+) $15 — inland + coastal | $15 |
| Senior Lifetime Unified (65+) $15 — lifetime unified for seniors | $15 |
Additional Stamps & Permits
| Stamp | Price | Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Mountain Heritage Trout Stamp Required for fishing in designated Public Mountain Trout Waters and game land trout waters | $15 | Required |
📍 Where to Buy
Explore all North Carolina purchase options →📅 Timing & Free Fishing Days
Free Fishing Days 2026
Jul
4
License Validity
👤 Age Requirements & Exemptions
👶
Under 16 Exemption
👴
Senior Unified $15 (65+)
♿
Totally Disabled
🎖️
Military & 100% Disabled Vets
⚖️ Penalties for Fishing Without a License
$25–$
250
misdemeanor
🔧 How to Get Your License
-
1
Visit the Official Portal
-
2
Select Your License Type
-
3
Complete Payment & Download