If you order a permit online or in person, you'll receive it the same day.
You must have a recreational lobster permit to catch lobster in Massachusetts.
- This page, Buy a recreational lobster permit, is offered by
- Division of Marine Fisheries
Buy a recreational lobster permit
Contacts
Division of Marine Fisheries
Division of Marine Fisheries - Gloucester Office
Online
DMF Staff Directory
View
Division of Marine Fisheries - New Bedford Office
Online
DMF Staff Directory
Contact DMF staff
The Details
What you need
- To apply for a recreational lobster permit, you'll need to provide your personal information; including name, date of birth, residency status, and address.
- If you're ordering online, you'll need a debit or credit card.
- If you're a non-resident, you must:
- temporarily live in a coastal Massachusetts municipality
- own more than $5,000 in Massachusetts real estate.
- Non-US citizens must provide their alien registration card.
Fees
| Name | Fee | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Recreational Lobster Permit (resident) | $55 | per person |
| Recreational Lobster Permit (non-resident) | $75 | per person |
How to buy
Download the paper application to apply for or renew a recreational lobster permit. Mail completed applications with a check, made payable to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, to:
Division of Marine Fisheries
836 S. Rodney French Blvd.
New Bedford, MA 02744or
Division of Marine Fisheries
30 Emerson Avenue
Gloucester, MA 01930
Non-residents need the second page of the application completed and notarized.
You can apply for or renew your permit in person at our Gloucester and New Bedford offices. Our Gloucester and New Bedford offices only accept checks or money orders. Those offices are open from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Monday through Friday. Non-residents need the second page of the application completed and notarized.
Click here to log into MassFishHunt to buy your permit. Please contact us at marine.fish@mass.gov if you have any questions.
More info
You always need to have a version (paper or electronic) of your current recreational lobster permit with you when lobstering in Massachusetts.
Non-Commercial Trap Gear Closure Reminder: State waters are closed to non-commercial lobster trap gear from November 1st through May 15th with the exception of any buoyless recreational lobster and crab trap gear fished from the shoreline. This closure may be extended past May 15th or rescinded after April 30th based on the presence or absence of right whales.
Downloads
Open PDF file, 611.69 KB,
Recreational Lobster Permit Application
(English, PDF 611.69 KB)
Contact
Online
Fax
(617) 626-1509
Address
836 S Rodney French Blvd, New Bedford, MA 02744
Online
DMF Staff Directory
Contact DMF staff
Fax
(508) 990-0449