Lobster/Crab Regulations

Name: eRegulations
Price range: $

Last Updated: May 20, 2026

Recreational Lobster License

• Available to Rhode Island residents only

• Allows for personal use only (not for sale)

Front-facing American lobster with large claws, long antennae, and dark shell coloration commonly found in Atlantic coastal waters. — A close-up image of an American lobster highlights the iconic marine crustacean species found in Rhode Island coastal waters and valued in the region’s seafood industry and marine ecosystem.

Types of licenses available:

Lobster
Non-Commercial Pot License	$40.00 yr
Non-Commercial Diver License	$40.00 yr

Licenses can be obtained through the Office of Boat Registration and Licensing located at 235 Promenade Street, Providence, RI 02908.

All lobsters must be measured IMMEDIATELY.
Those measuring less than 3-3/8"carapace length must be returned immediately to the water from which taken.
The POSSESSION of egg-bearing or v-notched lobsters is prohibited.
Mandatory v-notching of all egg-bearing females in LCMA 2 (includes all RI state waters).
No person shall raise or unduly disturb any lobster pot or trap within the territorial waters of this State between the hours of one (1) hour after sundown and one (1) hour before sunrise.
Recreational possession limit for licensed residents:
- Pots – 5 pots/recreational license
- Divers – 8 lobsters/day

Blue Crabs

• State Residents Only – no license needed

Front-facing blue crab with raised claws, blue-tinted legs, and wide shell commonly found in Atlantic estuaries and coastal waters. — A close-up image of a blue crab highlights the iconic crustacean species commonly found in Rhode Island estuaries, coastal habitats, and recreational crabbing areas.

All Blue Crabs measuring less than 5" spike to spike shall be returned to the water immediately.
No person shall possess, take, or attempt to take more than 25 blue crabs from any of the waters in this state.
The POSSESSION of egg-bearing crabs is prohibited.

**This is only a brief summary of the RI Division of Marine Fisheries regulations. For current rules and detailed requirements, visit the Rhode Island Marine Fisheries regulations page.**

Life Jackets; Wear Them!

Always remember to wear a life jacket.
Make sure your life jacket is U.S.C.G. approved.
Take the time to ensure a proper fit.
Life jackets meant for adults do not work for children.
Children under 13 years old must wear a life jacket.
All operators and passengers of canoes, kayaks, sailboards, kiteboards, paddleboards, and any other paddle craft must always wear a United States Coast Guard (USCG)-approved PFD while underway regardless of age.
Bright orange life jackets designed for boating and recreational water safety help protect passengers during fishing trips and other on-the-water activities.