Click on the following links to get 'sold by' contact information: [ MRC Licensing Agents ], [ Operations & MPO field offices ], [ Main Office ], [ DWR (DGIF prior to 7/1/2020) ]. MPO is an abbreviation for Marine Police Officer. For information on no-cost fisheries permitting visit this link. All licenses are issued for a calendar year unless denoted as a temporary license or otherwise noted as not expiring on December 31 of each year. If you have any questions, please contact the licensing department at (757)-247-2127.
COMMERCIAL LICENSES | SOLD | FEE |
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*Commercial Fisherman Registration License | VMRC MAIN OFFICE | $190.00 |
*Commercial Fisherman Registration License for a person 70 years or older | VMRC MAIN OFFICE | $90.00 |
*Delayed Entry Registration | VMRC MAIN OFFICE | $190.00 |
*Delayed Entry Registration License for a person 70 years or older | VMRC MAIN OFFICE | $90.00 |
Seafood Landing License for each boat or vessel | AGENT | $175.00 |
For each Commercial Fishing Pier over or upon subaqueous beds (mandatory) | AGENT | $83.00 |
Seafood Buyer's License - For each boat or motor vehicle | AGENT | $63.00 |
Seafood Buyer's License - For each place of business | AGENT | $126.00 |
Clam Aquaculture Product Owner's Permit | AGENT | $10.00 |
Oyster Aquaculture Product Owner's Permit | AGENT | $10.00 |
Clam Aquaculture Harvester's Permit | AGENT | $5.00 |
Shrimp Trawl License | VMRC OPERATIONS OR AGENT (LONG BAY POINTE MARINA) | $100.00 |
Nonresident Harvester's License | VMRC MAIN OFFICE | $444.00 |
Commercial Tautog Permit | VMRC MAIN OFFICE | $25.00 |
OYSTER RESOURCE USER FEES
(not available at MRC Operations Station) |
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Oyster Aquaculture Harvester's Permit | AGENT | $5.00 |
*Any licensed commercial fisherman harvesting oysters by hand | AGENT OR VMRC MAIN OFFICE | $50.00 |
*For any harvester using one or more gear types to harvest oysters, or for any registered commercial fisherman who solely harvests or possesses any bushel limit described in Section 80 of Chapter 4VAC20-720-10 et seq., only one oyster resource user fee, per year, shall be paid | AGENT OR VMRC MAIN OFFICE | $300.00 |
On any business shucking or packing no more than 1,000 gallons of oysters | HEATHSVILLE OR VMRC MAIN OFFICE | $500.00 |
On any business shucking or packing more than 1,000 but no more than 10,000 gallons of oysters | HEATHSVILLE OR VMRC MAIN OFFICE | $1,000.00 |
On any business shucking or packing more than 10,000 but no more than 25,000 gallons of oysters | HEATHSVILLE OR VMRC MAIN OFFICE | $2,000.00 |
On any business shucking or packing more than 25,000 gallons of oysters | HEATHSVILLE OR VMRC MAIN OFFICE | $4,000.00 |
On any oyster buyer using a single truck or location | AGENT OR VMRC MAIN OFFICE | $100.00 |
On any oyster buyer using a multiple trucks or locations | AGENT OR VMRC MAIN OFFICE | $300.00 |
Commercial aquaculture operation, on riparian assignment or general oyster planting grounds | AGENT OR VMRC MAIN OFFICE | $50.00 |
OYSTER HARVESTING, SHUCKING AND BUYERS LICENSES (not available at MRC Operations Station) |
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Any person purchasing oysters caught from the public grounds of the Commonwealth or the Potomac River, for a single place of business with one boat or motor vehicle used for buying oysters (effective 7/1/13) | AGENT OR VMRC MAIN OFFICE |
$50.00 |
Any person purchasing oysters caught from the public grounds of the Commonwealth or the Potomac River, for a single place of business with multiple boats or motor vehicles used for buying oysters (effective 7/1/13) | AGENT OR VMRC MAIN OFFICE |
$100.00 |
For each person taking oysters by hand | AGENT OR VMRC MAIN OFFICE | $10.00 |
For each person taking oysters with ordinary tongs | AGENT OR VMRC MAIN OFFICE | $10.00 |
For each single-rigged patent tong boat taking oysters | AGENT OR VMRC MAIN OFFICE | $35.00 |
For each double-rigged patent tong boat taking oysters | AGENT OR VMRC MAIN OFFICE | $70.00 |
Oyster Dredge Public Ground | AGENT OR VMRC MAIN OFFICE | $50.00 |
Oyster Hand Scrape | AGENT OR VMRC MAIN OFFICE | $50.00 |
To shuck and pack oysters, for any number of gallons under 1,000 | HEATHSVILLE OR VMRC MAIN OFFICE | $12.00 |
To shuck and pack oysters, for 1000 gallons, up to 10,000 | HEATHSVILLE OR VMRC MAIN OFFICE | $33.00 |
To shuck and pack oysters, for 10,000 gallons, up to 25,000 | HEATHSVILLE OR VMRC MAIN OFFICE | $74.00 |
To shuck and pack oysters, for 25,000 gallons, up to 50,000 | HEATHSVILLE OR VMRC MAIN OFFICE | $124.00 |
To shuck and pack oysters, for 50,000 gallons, up to 100,000 | HEATHSVILLE OR VMRC MAIN OFFICE | $207.00 |
To shuck and pack oysters, for 100,000 gallons, up to 200,000 | HEATHSVILLE OR VMRC MAIN OFFICE | $290.00 |
To shuck and pack oysters, for 200,000 gallons or over | HEATHSVILLE OR VMRC MAIN OFFICE | $456.00 |
One day permit to relay condemned shellfish from a general oyster planting ground | VMRC MAIN OFFICE | $150.00 |
BLUE CRAB HARVESTING AND SHEDDING LICENSES, EXCLUSIVE OF CRAB POT LICENSES | ||
*For each person taking or catching crabs by dip nets | AGENT | $13.00 |
*For ordinary trotlines | AGENT | $13.00 |
*For patent trotlines | AGENT | $51.00 |
*For each single-rigged crab-scrape boat | AGENT | $26.00 |
*For each double-rigged crab-scrape boat | AGENT | $53.00 |
*For up to 210 peeler pots | AGENT | $36.00 |
*For up to 20 tanks and floats for shedding crabs | AGENT | $9.00 |
*For more than 20 tanks or floats for shedding crabs | AGENT | $19.00 |
*For each crab trap or crab pound | AGENT (License must be pre-authorized by MPO) |
$8.00 |
CRAB POT LICENSES | ||
*For up to 85 crab pots | AGENT | $48.00 |
*For over 85 but not more than 127 crab pots | AGENT | $79.00 |
*For over 127 but not more than 170 crab pots | AGENT | $79.00 |
*For over 170 but not more than 255 crab pots | AGENT | $79.00 |
*For over 255 but not more than 425 crab pots | AGENT | $127.00 |
HORSESHOE CRAB AND LOBSTER LICENSES | ||
For each person harvesting horseshoe crabs by hand | AGENT | $16.00 |
For each boat engaged in fishing for, or landing of, lobster using less than 200 pots | AGENT | $41.00 |
For each boat engaged in fishing for, or landing of, lobster using 200 pots or more | AGENT | $166.00 |
CLAM HARVESTING LICENSES | ||
For each person taking or harvesting clams by hand, rake or with ordinary tongs | AGENT | $24.00 |
For each single-rigged patent tong boat taking clams | AGENT | $58.00 |
For each double-rigged patent tong boat taking clams | AGENT | $84.00 |
For each boat using clam dredge (hand) | AGENT | $19.00 |
For each boat using clam dredge (power) | AGENT | $44.00 |
For each boat using hydraulic dredge to catch soft shell clams | AGENT | $83.00 |
For each person taking surf clams | AGENT | $124.00 |
Water Rake Permit | VMRC MAIN OFFICE | $24.00 |
CONCH (WHELK) HARVESTING LICENSES | ||
*For each boat using a conch dredge | AGENT | $58.00 |
*For each person taking channeled whelk by conch pot | AGENT | $51.00 |
FINFISH HARVESTING LICENSES | ||
*Each pound net | AGENT (License must be pre-authorized by MPO) |
$41.00 |
Each stake gill net of 1200 feet in length or under, with a fixed location | AGENT (License must be pre-authorized by MPO) |
$24.00 |
All other gill nets up to 600 feet | AGENT | $16.00 |
All other gill nets over 600 feet and up to 1,200 feet | AGENT | $24.00 |
Each person using a cast net or throw net or similar device | AGENT | $13.00 |
Each fyke net head, weir, or similar device | AGENT (License must be pre-authorized by MPO) |
$13.00 |
For fish trotlines | AGENT | $19.00 |
Each person using or operating a fish dip net | AGENT | $9.00 |
On each haul seine used for catching fish, under 500 yards in length | AGENT | $48.00 |
On each haul seine used for catching fish, from 500 yards in length to 1,000 yards in length | AGENT | $146.00 |
*For each person using commercial hook and line | AGENT | $31.00 |
*For each person using commercial hook and line for catching striped bass only | AGENT | $31.00 |
For up to 100 fish pots | AGENT | $19.00 |
For over 100 but not more than 300 fish pots | AGENT | $24.00 |
For over 300 fish pots | AGENT | $62.00 |
For up to 100 eel pots | AGENT | $19.00 |
For over 100 but not more than 300 eel pots | AGENT | $24.00 |
For over 300 eel pots | AGENT | $62.00 |
*For each person electrofishing catfish | AGENT | $100.00 |
MENHADEN HARVESTING LICENSES. Any person purchasing more than one of the following licenses, as described in this subsection, for the same vessel, shall pay a fee equal to that for a single license for the same vessel. |
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*On each boat or vessel under 70 gross tons fishing for the purse seine menhaden reduction sector | AGENT (License must be pre-authorized by Fisheries Management) |
$249.00 |
*On each vessel 70 gross tons or over fishing for the purse seine menhaden reduction sector | AGENT (License must be pre-authorized by Fisheries Management) |
$996.00 |
*On each boat or vessel under 70 gross tons fishing for the purse seine menhaden bait sector | AGENT (License must be pre-authorized by Fisheries Management) |
$249.00 |
*On each vessel 70 gross tons or over fishing for the purse seine menhaden bait sector | AGENT (License must be pre-authorized by Fisheries Management) |
$996.00 |
COMMERCIAL GEAR FOR RECREATIONAL USE | ||
Up to five crab pots with a terrapin excluder devices | AGENT OR DWR | $36.00 |
Up to five crab pots without a terrapin excluder devices | AGENT OR DWR | $46.00 |
Crab trotline (300 feet maximum) | AGENT OR DWR | $10.00 |
One crab trap or crab pound | AGENT (License must be pre-authorized by MPO) |
$6.00 |
One gill net up to 300 feet in length. | AGENT OR DWR | $9.00 |
Fish dip net | AGENT OR DWR | $7.00 |
Fish cast net | AGENT OR DWR | $10.00 |
Up to two eel pots | AGENT OR DWR | $10.00 |
SALTWATER RECREATIONAL FISHING LICENSES | ||
Individual, Resident | DWR | $17.50 |
Individual, Resident (two years) | DWR | $33.50 |
Individual, Resident (three years) | DWR | $49.50 |
Individual, Resident (four years) | DWR | $65.50 |
Individual, Nonresident | DWR | $25.00 |
Temporary 10-Day, Resident | DWR | $10.00 |
Temporary 10-Day, Nonresident | DWR | $10.00 |
Recreational boat, Resident | DWR | $48.00 |
**Recreational boat, nonresident, provided a nonresident may not purchase a recreational boat license, unless his boat is registered in Virginia | DWR | $76.00 |
Class A Fishing Guide License, Resident | VMRC OPERATIONS | $100.00 |
Class A Fishing Guide License, Nonresident | VMRC OPERATIONS | $200.00 |
Class B Fishing Guide License, Resident | VMRC OPERATIONS | $100.00 |
Class B Fishing Guide License, Nonresident | VMRC OPERATIONS | $200.00 |
***Head Boat/Charter Boat, Resident, six or less passengers | VMRC OPERATIONS | $190.00 |
***Head Boat/Charter Boat, Nonresident, six or less passengers | VMRC OPERATIONS | $380.00 |
***Head Boat/Charter Boat, Resident, more than six passengers, plus $5.00 per person over six | VMRC OPERATIONS | $190.00 plus $5.00 per person over six |
***Head Boat/Charter Boat, Nonresident, more than six passengers, plus $5.00 per person over six | VMRC OPERATIONS | $380.00 plus $5.00 per person over six |
Rental Boat, Resident, per boat, with maximum fee of $703 | VMRC OPERATIONS | $14.00 |
Rental Boat, Nonresident, per boat, with maximum fee of $1270 | VMRC OPERATIONS | $18.00 |
Commercial Fishing Pier (Optional) | VMRC OPERATIONS | $632.00 |
Disabled Resident Lifetime Saltwater License | DWR | $10.00 |
Disabled Nonresident Lifetime Saltwater License | DWR | $10.00 |
Reissuance of Saltwater Recreational Boat License | DWR | $5.00 |
Combined Sportfishing License to fish in all inland waters and tidal waters of the Commonwealth during open season: | ||
Residents | DWR | $39.50 |
Nonresidents | DWR | $71.00 |
Combined Sportfishing Trip License to fish in all inland waters and tidal waters of the Commonwealth during open season, for five consecutive days: | ||
Residents | DWR | $24.00 |
Nonresidents | DWR | $31.00 |
**** Tidal Boat Sport Fishing | ||
Residents | DWR | $126.00 |
Nonresidents | DWR | $201.00 |
Lifetime Saltwater Recreational Fishing Licenses: | ||
Individual Resident Lifetime License | DWR | $276.00 |
Individual Nonresident Lifetime License | DWR | $500.00 |
Individual Resident Lifetime License age 45 - 50 | DWR | $132.00 |
Individual Nonresident Lifetime License age 45 - 50 | DWR | $240.00 |
Individual Resident Lifetime License age 51 - 55 | DWR | $99.00 |
Individual Nonresident Lifetime License age 51 - 55 | DWR | $180.00 |
Individual Resident Lifetime License age 56 - 60 | DWR | $66.00 |
Individual Nonresident Lifetime License age 56 - 60 | DWR | $120.00 |
Individual Resident Lifetime License age 61 - 64 | DWR | $35.00 |
Individual Nonresident Lifetime License age 61 - 64 | DWR | $60.00 |
*****Individual Resident Lifetime License age 65 and older (available 7/1/13) | DWR | $5.00 |
*the asterisk before a license description means the license is limited entry or delayed entry. Click here to get more information on limited entry licenses. Note that all Commercial Fishing Registration licensees must be able to demonstrate Virginia residency (if not a resident the licensee must also purchase the annual $444 non-resident harvester license). The Commission uses DMV acceptable documents for proof of Virginia Residency:
Deed, mortgage, monthly mortgage statement or residential rental/lease agreement
Utility bill, not more than two months old, issued to applicant. Examples include gas, electric, sewer, water, cable or phone bill. Cellular and pager bills are not accepted.
U.S. Postal Service change of address confirmation form or postmarked U.S. mail with forwarding address label
Virginia Voter Registration Card mailed to you by your local registrar
Monthly bank statement not more than two months old issued by a bank
Payroll check stub issued by an employer within the last two months
Receipt for personal property taxes or real estate taxes paid within the last year to the Commonwealth of Virginia or a Virginia locality
Current automobile insurance bill or life insurance bill
U.S. Internal Revenue Service tax reporting W-2 form or 1099 form not more than 18 months old
U.S. or Virginia income tax return from the previous year along with evidence of acceptance of the return by the Internal Revenue Service
Annual Social Security Statement for the current or preceding calendar year
Certified copy of school records/transcript from a school in which applicant is currently enrolled, issued by a school accredited by a U.S.
** Non-Residents purchasing the Non-Resident SW Recreational Fishing Boat License must have a boat registered in VA. Non-residents without a boat registered in VA are not eligible to obtain the NR Boat License. MD or PRFC license holders with reciprocity privileges can fish in VA without purchasing the NR license - click on link for more on reciprocity.
*** When the same applicant purchases a Class A or Class B fishing guide license prior to purchasing one charter boat or head boat license as required by 28.2-302.8 of the Code of Virginia, the fee for that charter boat or head boat license shall be reduced by the cost of the fishing guide license.
**** The tidal boat license is a new type of boat license that became available 7/1/11. This entitles a registered boat owner listed as the licensee to an individual fishing license valid for ALL Virginia freshwater and saltwater, which would include fishing from shore. In addition, when the boat owner/licensee is aboard any of their own registered boats while fishing in only Virginia tidal waters, they and their passengers may fish without additional license (unlicensed passengers do however have to comply with annual FIP registration requirements). Non-resident tidal boat licensees are not required to have their boats registered in Virginia to qualify to purchase this license.
***** This new resident lifetime license for individuals age 65 and older is an optional license which can be purchased to allow fishing in MD waters under the VA/MD reciprocity agreement or to avoid annual FIP registration requirements. The license is optional and individuals age 65 and older may still fish Virginia tidal waters for saltwater species without a license if desired, although they still must comply with annual FIP registration requirements.
Click following link to see more information on recreational rod and reel, handline, spear or gig licenses: Saltwater recreational hook&line fishing licenses
Page updated: 8:27 AM Tuesday, March 5, 2024