Apply for a commercial fishing permit

To submit an application by mail, you must:

• Print and fill out the application form
• Print and fill out control notices and affidavits (only required for certain endorsements, see Commercial fishing permits page for more details)
• Send form and check to: 

Division of Marine Fisheries
251 Causeway St, Suite 400
Boston, Massachusetts 02114-2152

If you would prefer to submit in person, you may visit one of our 3 walk-in locations.

Boston:

Division of Marine Fisheries
251 Causeway St., Suite 400
Boston, Massachusetts 02114-2152

• Hours: Monday-Friday (8:45 a.m.-4:45 p.m.)
• You can pay with cash, check, or money order.
• Certain commercial permit transactions can only be completed at the Boston location, including:
  • Transfer of limited entry permits
  • Updating or changing vessel information on certain limited entry permits
  • Issuing new limited entry permits
  • Complying with any request that requires administrative approval from the Boston office staff

Gloucester:

30 Emerson Ave.
Gloucester, MA 01930

• Hours: Monday-Friday (9 a.m-3 p.m.)
• You can pay with a personal check or money order, no cash payments.

New Bedford:

SMAST East/Division of Marine Fisheries
836 South Rodney French Blvd.
New Bedford, MA 02744

• Hours: Monday-Friday (9 a.m.-3 p.m.)
• You can pay with a check or money order, no cash payments.