If you order a permit online or in person, you will receive your permit the same day.
Love to fish? If you're 16 or older, you need a recreational saltwater fishing permit.
Log in links for this page
- This page, Get a Recreational Saltwater Fishing Permit, is offered by
- Division of Marine Fisheries
Get a Recreational Saltwater Fishing 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 of Get a Recreational Saltwater Fishing Permit
What you need for Get a Recreational Saltwater Fishing Permit
- To get a saltwater fishing permit, you'll need to provide your personal information.
- If purchasing online, you'll also need a debit or credit card.
Fees for Get a Recreational Saltwater Fishing Permit
There is no cost difference for residents and non-residents. Although there is no fee to anglers 60 years and older, you must still get a permit.
| Name | Fee | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Saltwater fishing permit (anglers under 60) | $10 | per person |
| Saltwater fishing permit (anglers 60 and over) | $0 | per person |
How to get Get a Recreational Saltwater Fishing Permit
You can buy your saltwater fishing permit by accessing the MassFishHunt portal. The website will walk you through getting your permit.
When you purchase a $10 permit online, there's an additional $1.68 fee, including for free permits ($1.45 administrative handling and a $0.23 convenience fee).
Please note that your MassFishHunt transaction will be indicated on your debit or credit card statement as follows:
MASSFISHHUNT
Download the paper application for recreational saltwater fishing permit. Mail completed applications with a check payable to:
Division of Marine Fisheries
836 S. Rodney French Blvd.
New Bedford, MA 02744or
Division of Marine Fisheries
30 Emerson Avenue
Gloucester, MA 01930
You can get your permit in person at our Gloucester, or 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.
Permits can also be bought at one of our approved vendor locations.
Next steps for Get a Recreational Saltwater Fishing Permit
Print/Re-print your permit
You can print or re-print your permit anytime by logging into MassFishHunt and clicking on Inventory/Reprint License.
More info for Get a Recreational Saltwater Fishing Permit
Whether you print your permit or have it stored on your mobile device, you must always have a version of your current fishing permit with you when saltwater fishing in Massachusetts.
The process for getting your permit is the same for new, returning, and 60+ anglers.
Permits expire each year on December 31.
Who needs a permit?
All anglers are required to have a MA saltwater fishing permit, except;
- Anglers under 16.
- Anglers fishing on permitted for-hire vessels (for example, head boats and/or chartered boats)
- Anglers who meet the definition of a disabled person in M.G.L. c. 19C.
- Non-residents with a valid CT, NH, or RI recreational saltwater fishing permit.
Reciprocity agreements
Massachusetts has reciprocity agreements with:
- New Hampshire: MA to NH and NH to MA
- Rhode Island: MA to RI and RI to MA
- Connecticut: MA to CT and CT to MA
- Maine: MA to ME only
These agreements allow MA recreational saltwater permit holders to recreationally fish in NH, RI, CT, and ME. Read each agreement for specific details. Be aware that regulations vary from state to state.
Downloads for Get a Recreational Saltwater Fishing Permit
Open PDF file, 184.29 KB,
Recreational Saltwater Fishing Permit Application
(English, PDF 184.29 KB)
Open PDF file, 223.89 KB,
Recreational Saltwater Fishing Techniques
(English, PDF 223.89 KB)
Contact for Get a Recreational Saltwater Fishing Permit
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