License Information
License Sales
Payment Methods Accepted:
- Cash
- In-state check (must have Mississippi address)
- Out-of-state business checks
- Cashier’s check/money order
The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources does not accept any credit/debit cards or out-of-state personal checks.
24-Hour Recreational License Sales
Call 1-800-546-4868 or purchase online at mdwfp.com/license/fishing.
Purchase at the MDMR
1141 Bayview Avenue,
Biloxi, Mississippi 39530,
Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Recreational saltwater fishing licenses
Most Wal-Mart, sporting goods stores, bait shops and fishing camps.
For more information, call the MDMR at 228-374-5000 or visit dmr.ms.gov/licensing.
Types of Licenses
Recreational Fishing Licenses
A Mississippi saltwater fishing license is required for anyone to harvest fish in coastal and marine waters (Miss Code Ann. Section 49-15-313) of this state except:
- Any person under the age of 16.
- Residents who have been declared by the Veterans Administration as having a total service-connected disability or have been declared totally disabled by the Social Security Administration. Proof is required.
Residents 65 years of age or older are required to purchase a lifetime recreational saltwater fishing license for a one-time fee.
A saltwater fishing license is required to fish south of Highway 90. Above Highway 90 and below Interstate 10, either a saltwater or freshwater license will suffice, and above I-10, a freshwater license is required.
The above exemptions apply for recreational crab, shrimp and oyster licenses, but only to vessels registered in the exempt resident’s name.
Anyone exempt from these license requirements must have a valid driver’s license and proof of service-connected or Social Security disability, if applicable, in his possession while fishing.
Temporary residents stationed at a Mississippi military base can use a military I.D. to purchase a resident fishing license.
Free fishing days – Anyone may fish without a recreational saltwater fishing license in state marine waters, which are waters south of I-10, on the first weekend of National Fishing and Boating Week in June and on July 4.
Saltwater sportfishing, recreational shrimping and recreational crabbing licenses expire one year after date of sale.
Commercial Boat Licenses
All commercial boats, whether resident or nonresident, fishing for shrimp, oysters, crabs or finfish (with gill net, trammel net or similar approved nets) within the territorial waters of the state of Mississippi are required to be licensed as described herein.
All commercial seafood licenses expire April 30 of each year.
Proof of residence must be shown, along with valid boat registration/documentation before any license can be purchased. Proof can be a valid driver’s license, homestead exemption, voter’s registration card or a Mississippi state tax return.
Other Commercial Licenses
Trip Tickets:
Anyone purchasing a Seafood Dealer/Processor license or a Fresh Product Permit must speak with someone in the MDMR Trip Ticket Department at 228-523-4079 or 228-523-4152.
NOAA Federal Fishing Permits:
This permit is required for all federally managed species. Customers may contact NOAA Fisheries Services Southeast Regional Office at 877-376-4877 or 727-824-5326. More information can be found online at sero.nmfs.noaa.gov.
