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Buy a saltwater for-hire fishing permit

You must have a for-hire fishing permit to take paying passengers saltwater fishing on your boat.
Most permits submitted by mail are processed within 10 business days. If you apply in person, you'll receive it the same day.

Contacts

Division of Marine Fisheries

Phone

Main Call Division of Marine Fisheries, Main at (617) 626-1520

Online

Email Email Division of Marine Fisheries at marine.fish@mass.gov
DMF Staff Directory 
Subscribe to DMF's advisory updates 

The Details   of Buy a saltwater for-hire fishing permit

What you need   for Buy a saltwater for-hire fishing permit

  • To apply for a for-hire fishing permit, you'll need to provide your personal and vessel information; including name, date of birth, residency status, address, licensed captain information, vessel name, vessel registration number, and vessel homeport.
  • Decide whether you need a charter permit or a head boat permit. A charter permit covers up to 6 passengers and a head boat permit covers vessels that take more than 6 passengers. 

How to buy   Buy a saltwater for-hire fishing permit

Download the paper application to apply for or renew a for-hire fishing permit. Mail completed applications with a copy of your U.S. Coast Guard Captain's License (if permit application is new) and a check, made payable to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, to:

Division of Marine Fisheries
836 S. Rodney French Blvd. 
New Bedford, MA 02744

or 

Division of Marine Fisheries
30 Emerson Avenue 
Gloucester, MA 01930

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. All new and renewing applicants need to complete the questionnaire on the second page of the application. If your permit is new, remember to bring a copy of your U.S. Coast Guard Captain's License. 

Downloads   for Buy a saltwater for-hire fishing permit

Open PDF file, 94.82 KB,  For-Hire Fishing Permit Application (English, PDF 94.82 KB)
Open PDF file, 787.23 KB,  For-Hire Permitting and Reporting Summary (English, PDF 787.23 KB)
Open PDF file, 1.62 MB,  For-Hire Vessel Rules Poster (English, PDF 1.62 MB)

Contact   for Buy a saltwater for-hire fishing permit

Phone
Main Call Division of Marine Fisheries, Main at (617) 626-1520
Online
Email Email Division of Marine Fisheries at marine.fish@mass.gov
DMF Staff Directory 
Subscribe to DMF's advisory updates 
Fax
(617) 626-1509

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