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.

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 

A valid Massachusetts Recreational Saltwater Fishing Permit also allows you to fish in the following other states’ marine waters without obtaining their recreational saltwater fishing permit:

1. Maine, regardless of your state of residency
2. New Hampshire, provided you are not a resident of New Hampshire
3. Rhode Island, regardless of your state of residency

4. Connecticut, provided you are a resident of Massachusetts

A valid recreational saltwater fishing permit from the following other states also allows you to fish in the marine waters of Massachusetts without a Massachusetts Saltwater Fishing Permit:

1. New Hampshire, provided you are not a resident of Massachusetts
2. Rhode Island, provided you are not a resident of Massachusetts
3. Connecticut, provided you are a resident of Connecticut