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How to Catch Fish How to Tie Fishing Knots Fishing Gear and Tackle How to Fish with Lures How to Fish with Live Bait Fishing Safety Fishing Tips When to Fish Types of Fishing Fishing Terms Fishing and Conservation Fishing Resources View All

When to Saltwater Fish Saltwater Bait and Lures Saltwater Fishing Tackle Types of Saltwater Fishing Saltwater Fishing Gear Saltwater Fish Species Saltwater Fishing FAQ View All

Best Freshwater Fishing When to Freshwater Fish Freshwater Bait and Lures Learn About Freshwater Fish Species Best Freshwater Fishing Gear Freshwater Fishing FAQ View All

Fly Fishing Basics Fly Fishing Flies Fly Fishing Gear Fly Casting View All

Ice Fishing Basics Ice Fishing Gear Ice Fishing Techniques View All

Boating Basics How to Boat Boating and Water Safety Choose Your Boat Use our Boat Explorer Tool Get on the Water View All

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Get A Fishing License

Get started fishing today, purchase your fishing license online, check regulations and more.

⚠ Before you head to the water check the latest COVID-19 updates. We encourage you to follow CDC recommendations.

Register a Boat in North Carolina

Boaters experience feelings of peace and relaxation that come from quality family time spent on the water. When you purchase a boat, get your North Carolina boat registration and learn NC boat laws and regulations, you are on the way to a new lifestyle.

NORTH CAROLINA BOATING LAWS AND REGULATIONS

Thousands of boaters take to the North Carolina waterways each year to take advantage of the fresh air and outdoor recreation opportunities. State officials enforce NC boat laws and navigation rules to ensure the safety of all those who use these marine resources.

IT’S NOT A FEE, IT’S A CONTRIBUTION

Your boat registration serves as documentation to prove that you are the rightful owner of a vessel. There are registration fees that you will need to pay when you register your boat in North Carolina; however, these fees are used by the state to help sustain our natural resources and promote responsible boating.

NORTH CAROLINA BOAT REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Your boat registration or license serves as official documentation that a vessel belongs to you and that you are authorized to operate the boat in state waters.
You can register a new boat by mail or in person at a local wildlife services agent or renew an existing license online.
The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) handles vessel registration in the state of North Carolina.

NC BOATING LAWS & REGULATIONS

North Carolina has its own set of boating rules to protect the waterways and keep everyone who uses them safe.

NC BOATING LAWS & REGULATIONS

RESPONSIBLE BOATING STARTS WITH YOU

Learn how to take care of your crew and your boat, while also taking care of our valuable water resources.

BOATING AND WATER SAFETY

BOATING SAFETY COURSES

ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT

NC BOATING RESOURCES/INFO

Additional resources and information can be found directly on the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission site.

BOAT REGISTRATION RENEWAL