Hunting & Trapping Licenses

The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission offers various types of licenses and permits that differ with regard to the activities they authorize. This site provides information about the licenses and permits available, the privileges they authorize and the associated fees. All licenses are nontransferable.

Go Outdoors North Carolina is the approved and authorized provider of online fishing and hunting licenses for the state of North Carolina.

License Types and Fees

License Requirements

This includes License Identification Requirements and Residency Definitions and Requirements

Bear Management Electronic Stamp (E-Stamp)

  • The Bear Management E-Stamp is an electronic stamp required in addition to a hunting license, big game privilege license, and nonresident bear license (if applicable) to hunt bear in North Carolina. It is not a physical stamp.
  • The e-stamp may be purchased from July 1 until the close bear season and expire on June 30 of each year.
  • The e-stamp is $11 for those with annual, short-term, or lifetime licenses purchased on or after July 1, 2014.
  • The e-stamp is free of charge for those with lifetime licenses purchased prior to July 1, 2014.  The $5 transaction fee does not apply for free items obtained directly from NCWRC.  It will apply at license agent locations.
  • Youth exempt from the hunting license requirement may obtain the e-stamp at no charge.  The $5 transaction fee does not apply for free items obtained directly from NCWRC.  It will apply at license agent locations.
  • Landowners, their spouses, and their dependents under 18 exempt from the hunting license requirement may also obtain the e-stamp at no charge, but it must be obtained directly from the NCWRC by phone at 833-950-0575 or in-person at NCWRC Headquarters.  The $5 transaction fee will not apply.  License agents are not able to issue this item to landowners because the system will not allow them to issue a no charge item without being able to verify they are exempt like it can with youth or lifetime license holders who purchased their license prior to July 1, 2014.
  • The e-stamp, if requested, will print as an item on the license and big game harvest report card.
  • Bear harvest information will not print on the report card if the license holder does not possess a valid e-stamp.  For those without an e-stamp, a disclaimer will print on the report card notifying the hunter they must obtain the e-stamp before hunting bear.
  • The e-stamp is necessary to identify bear hunters in order to allow for improved data collection to manage the black bear population more adaptively and efficiently.  For this reason, it is important that hunters only obtain the e-stamp if they plan to hunt bear this season.
  • Each hunter who receives an e-stamp will also receive a packet of information that explains the Black Bear Cooperator program, provides information on submitting a bear tooth, etc….
  • Revenue generated from e-stamp sales will go directly toward black bear management.

Overview of Licenses Items Available for Specific Hunt Types
 

BIG GAME:

Resident Deer/Turkey Hunting
  • License with hunting and Big Game privileges – Lifetime or Annual – Comprehensive Hunting, Sportsman, and Unified Sportsman License include the Big Game Privilege or the Resident Hunt and Resident Hunt/Inland Fish Combo License can be purchased along with the Big Game Privilege sold separately
  • Big Game Harvest Report Card –Included with license containing Big Game Privilege
    • 4 Antlerless Deer Tags
    • 2 Antlered Deer Tags
    • 2 Turkey Tags
Nonresident Deer/Turkey Hunting
  • Nonresident hunting license and Nonresident Big Game Privilege - Lifetime, Annual, or 10-Day – Nonresident hunting license can be purchased in combination with the Nonresident Big Game Privilege or a Lifetime License containing the Big Game Privilege
  • Big Game Harvest Report Card– Included with license containing Big Game Privilege
    • 4 Antlerless Deer Tags
    • 2 Antlered Deer Tags
    • 2 Turkey Tags
Resident Bear Hunting
  • License with hunting and Big Game privileges – Lifetime or Annual - Comprehensive Hunting, Sportsman, and Unified Sportsman License include the Big Game Privilege or the Resident Hunt and Resident Hunt/Inland Fish Comb License can be purchased along with the Big Game Privilege sold separately
  • Bear Management E-Stamp – Individuals who obtained a Lifetime License with the Big Game Privilege prior to July 1, 2013, are eligible for a no-cost Bear Management E-Stamp
Nonresident Bear Hunting
  • Nonresident hunting license and Nonresident Big Game Privilege - Lifetime, Annual, or 10-Day – Nonresident hunting license can be purchased in combination with the Nonresident Big Game Privilege or a Lifetime License containing the Big Game Privilege
  • Nonresident Bear License – Nonresidents who obtained a nonresident or resident lifetime license containing the Big Game Privilege prior to May 24, 1994, are exempt from obtaining the Nonresident Bear License
  • Bear Management E-Stamp - Individuals who obtained a resident or nonresident Lifetime License with the Big Game Privilege prior to July 1, 2013, are eligible for a no-cost Bear Management E-Stamp
WEBLESS MIGRATORY GAME BIRD:
Resident Webless Migratory Game Bird Hunting
  • License with hunting and State waterfowl privileges – Lifetime or Annual - Comprehensive Hunting, Sportsman, and Unified Sportsman License include the State Waterfowl Privilege or the Resident Hunt and Resident Hunt/Inland Fish Comb License can be purchased along with the State Waterfowl Privilege sold separately. A HIP Certification and/or Federal Duck Stamp may also be required. See below for more information.
Nonresident Webless Migratory Game Bird Hunting
  • Nonresident hunting license and State Waterfowl Privilege - Lifetime, Annual, or 10-Day – Nonresident hunting license can be purchased in combination with the State Waterfowl Privilege or a Lifetime License containing the State Waterfowl Privilege. A HIP Certification and/or Federal Duck Stamp may also be required. See below for more information.

Hunters are required to possess a Harvest Information (HIP) Certification when hunting migratory game birds (doves, rails, gallinules, moorhens, woodcock, snipe or waterfowl). The HIP certification is issued separately, free of charge, and needed in addition to any of the license options listed above.

Waterfowl hunters are required to possess a Federal Duck Stamp when hunting migratory birds. This stamp is sold separately and needed in addition to any of the license options listed above.

SMALL GAME:
Resident Small Game Hunting
  • All Lifetime or Annual hunting licenses authorize small game hunting. Dove hunters are required to possess a Harvest Information (HIP) Certification when hunting doves. The HIP certification is issued separately, free of charge.
Nonresident Small Game Hunting
  • All Lifetime, Annual, and 10-Day nonresident hunting licenses authorize small game hunting. Dove hunters are required to possess a Harvest Information (HIP) Certification when hunting doves. The HIP certification is issued separately, free of charge.

Purchase a License

There are many ways to purchase a license. Please note that a $5 transaction fee, as mandated by NCGS 113-270.1, may apply at time of license purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of license do I need?

This depends on the type of activity that you plan to do and also if you live in the state of North Carolina. 

  • Do you plan to hunt, trap and/or fish (in coastal or inland waters) in North Carolina?
  • How often would you participate in these activities this year?
  • Are you a resident or non-resident of North Carolina?

These are some of the questions that may help determine which license is best suited for you. For example, if you live outside of North Carolina and plan to make only one fishing trip to the state, then a non-resident, short-term license may be your best option. If you are resident and plan to hunt, fish and use the public Game Lands, then a resident Sportsman license may be your best option. Please review License Information | eRegulations  to determine the license that meets your needs.

At what age is a licensed required?

  • Youth under age 16 are exempt from the requirements of any fishing license and trout privilege license.
  • Youth under age 16 are exempt from the requirement of a hunting license provided they comply with the following:
    • Youth who have not obtained a Certificate of Competency showing their completion of the hunter safety course must be accompanied by a properly licensed adult when hunting.
    • Youth who have obtained a Certificate of Competency, may hunt without being accompanied by an adult, but must carry their certificate while hunting.
    • Youths exempt from the hunting license requirement must obtain a “License-Exempt Big Game Harvest Report Card” when hunting deer, bear or wild turkey. Youth hunting bear must also obtain a "Bear Management E-Stamp". There is no fee for the License-Exempt Big Game Harvest Report Card or Bear Management E-Stamp for youth.
  • Youth under age 16 are exempt from the requirement of a trapping license.

What is a privilege?

Annual and short-term licenses may have additional requirements called "privileges" that authorize particular hunting activities (example: hunting for big game). These privileges must be purchased in addition to the appropriate annual or short-term license. To determine which privileges are required in addition to the license, select Privilege Licenses.

All licensed hunters hunting migratory game birds (dove, rails, woodcock, snipe, or waterfowl) in North Carolina are required to have certification in the Federal Harvest Information Program (HIP). Certification can be obtained free of charge from any Wildlife Service Agent* when you purchase a hunting license.

What is "HIP"?

Lifetime license-holders may also obtain HIP certification by going online, or  by calling 833-950-0575, or by visiting a Wildlife Service Agent*. Persons exempt by law from the hunting license requirement are not required to obtain the HIP certification.

*When issued at a Wildlife Service Agent, a $5 transaction fee may be applied to your total order.

Please visit the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service website and learn more about HIP!

Do I need a license for saltwater fishing?

Yes. As of January 1, 2007, any individuals 16 years or older who want to recreationally finfish in any water designated as coastal or joint waters of North Carolina must purchase a NC Coastal Recreational Fishing License (CRFL). All license holders who purchased a NCWRC Lifetime Sportsman or Lifetime Comprehensive fishing license prior to January 1, 2006, are exempted from purchasing the CRFL.

Who is eligible for a volunteer firefighter, rescue and emergency medical services squad lifetime license?

Any volunteer firefighter who appears as a volunteer on the certified roster of eligible firefighters submitted to the NC State Firefighters’ Association for five consecutive fiscal years including the last fiscal year. Any volunteer rescue or emergency medical services squad members appearing on the certified roster of eligible rescue or emergency medical services squad members submitted to the North Carolina Association of Rescue and Emergency Medical Services, Inc for five consecutive fiscal years including the last fiscal year. The state fiscal year runs from July 1st to June 30th. Volunteer Firefighter, Rescue Squad and EMS Squad Lifetime License Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply to become a Wildlife Service Agent?

Those interested in becoming a Wildlife Service Agent (WSA) must be operating from a fixed location in NC and shall have a minimum of one year’s experience operating the business for which the application is made or other equivalent business experience or training. Applicants shall review the WSA requirements and complete the application.