Official Site of The State of New Jersey
SALTWATER
RECREATIONAL
LICENSES & PERMITS
NJ Saltwater Recreational Registry Program (NJSRRP)
All for-hire vessels and recreational saltwater anglers 16 and older must register annually with the NJSRRP. Please visit the NJSRRP page for more information and to register.
All those who are harvesting shellfish, using crab or lobster pots, or using a crab dredge are required to have a license.
See the list below to find more information on required licenses, and whether they can be bought online or in person.
LICENSES
Licenses are valid from date of purchase to December 31 of each year.
A shellfish license is required for harvesting of all species of benthic mollusks (with the exception of conchs, addressed in the commercial marine fisheries regulations), including, but not limited to, hard and soft clams, surf clams, oysters, bay scallops and mussels. Click BUY NOW to purchase, or complete the paper Shellfish, Recreational Crab Pot, and Recreational Crab Dredge Application .
A shellfish license is required for harvesting of all species of benthic mollusks (with the exception of conchs, addressed in the commercial marine fisheries regulations), including, but not limited to, hard and soft clams, surf clams, oysters, bay scallops and mussels. Click BUY NOW to purchase, or complete the paper Shellfish, Recreational Crab Pot, and Recreational Crab Dredge Application .
A shellfish license is required for harvesting of all species of benthic mollusks (with the exception of conchs, addressed in the commercial marine fisheries regulations), including, but not limited to, hard and soft clams, surf clams, oysters, bay scallops and mussels. Click BUY NOW to purchase, or complete the paper Shellfish, Recreational Crab Pot, and Recreational Crab Dredge Application .
A shellfish license is required for harvesting of all species of benthic mollusks (with the exception of conchs, addressed in the commercial marine fisheries regulations), including, but not limited to, hard and soft clams, surf clams, oysters, bay scallops and mussels. Click BUY NOW to purchase, or complete the paper Shellfish, Recreational Crab Pot, and Recreational Crab Dredge Application .
A non-commercial crab pot license is required for the use of not more than two non-collapsible Chesapeake-style crab pots or two trot lines to harvest crabs. Click BUY NOW to purchase, or complete the paper Shellfish, Recreational Crab Pot, and Recreational Crab Dredge Application .
A non-commercial crab dredge license is required for the use of a crab dredge as pursuant to N.J.A.C. 7:25-14.5. Click BUY NOW to purchase, or complete the paper Shellfish, Recreational Crab Pot, and Recreational Crab Dredge Application .
A commercial marine license is required for the use of pots or traps to capture American lobsters. Call 609-748-2020 for more information, or to obtain the paper Commercial Marine License Application .
A commercial marine license is required for the use of pots or traps to capture American lobsters. Call 609-748-2020 for more information, or to obtain the paper Commercial Marine License Application .
NJ Fish & Wildlife-certified disabled veterans are eligible to obtain certain hunting and fishing licenses, permits, and stamps for free. To become certified, call 609-292-2965 or go to Disabled Veteran License Information .
PERMITS
COMMERCIAL FISHING
Fishing commercially? Here’s everything you need to know to stay legal.
frequently asked questions
Crabs may be taken recreationally with hand lines, manually operated collapsible traps, or scoop nets without a license.
Additionally, all license holders must be present. For example, if a family buys four crab pot licenses, one person cannot tend all eight pots alone.
A paper application can also be submitted to the Nacote Creek Research Station Office or the Delaware Bay Office. Change of Address Application.
Please note that changing your information online does not automatically notify or sync with the licensing offices’ records and a paper copy will need to be submitted to notify office staff.
PURCHASE A RECREATIONAL SHELLFISH, CRAB POT, OR CRAB DREDGE LICENSE ONLINE
SPEED UP YOUR TRANSACTION BY HAVING YOUR CUSTOMER PROFILE UP TO DATE
NOTE: Anyone needing assistance with the License Web Site should e-mail NJDFWLicenses@njdepwptest.net or call 908-637-4125 ext 0. Detailed information on the Integrated Electronic Licensing System (IELS) is available on the main License Information page.
Fishing licenses must be worn in a conspicuous place on the outer clothing while engaged in fishing and must be exhibited to law enforcement personnel on request.
