LICENSING
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources (MDMR) has made temporary changes to its business operations for the safety of our employees and the general public. Licenses may be purchased at MDMR from 8 a.m. until 12 p.m. Monday through Friday or by mailing to 1141 Bayview Avenue, Biloxi, MS 39530. Recreational fishing licenses can also be purchased online at ms.gov/mdwfp/licensing/login. For permits or any other inquiries, visit our website at dmr.ms.gov or call 228-374-5000.
PAST SALTWATER LICENSE RECORDS REQUESTS
To obtain copies of past saltwater fishing licenses, come by our office with your driver’s license.
RECREATIONAL LICENSES
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 Interstate 10 a freshwater license is required. Persons under the age of 16 are exempt. Residents 65 years of age or older can purchase a lifetime license for $7.29.
Recreational saltwater fishing licenses may be purchased online at ms.gov, at the MDMR office, or an authorized agent. Authorized agents are at these coastal locations.
COMMERCIAL LICENSES
All Mississippi resident commercial saltwater licenses must be purchased at the MDMR office in Biloxi:
Mississippi Department of Marine Resources
1141 Bayview Ave
Biloxi, MS 39530
(228) 374-5000
Before coming to the MDMR License Office, please be sure that you have the appropriate documentation for the license you are purchasing. Click here for license purchase requirements.
All commercial licenses expire April 30, including Seafood Dealer and Seafood Processor licenses.
All recreational fishing, shrimp, crab, oyster as well as Charter Boat and Charter Boat Interstate Commerce licenses will expire one year from the date of purchase.
LICENSE FEES
For a current list of Commercial Licenses and their fees please see the table below. License fees for non-residents may vary. Call the License Office at (228) 374-5000 for current non-resident license fees.
TYPE OF LICENSE (all fees for MS residents unless noted)
SHRIMP
| Recreational | $ 15 |
| Shrimp / Captain Under 30′ Boat | $ 60 |
| Shrimp / Captain 30′ to 45′ Boat | $ 85 |
| Shrimp / Captain Over 45′ Boat | $ 110 |
| Mississippi Captain’s License | $ 10 |
| Alabama Resident Shrimp / Captain Under 30′ Boat | $ 121 |
| Alabama Resident Shrimp / Captain 30′ to 45′ Boat | $ 181 |
| Alabama Resident Shrimp / Captain Over 45′ Boat | $ 241 |
CRAB
| Commercial Crab Trawl | $ 75 |
| Commercial Crab Trap | $ 75 |
| Recreational Crab Trap | $ 5 |
FISH
| Fishing Boat License / Gill & Trammel Net | $ 100 |
| Charter Boat | $ 200 |
| Commercial Hook and Line / Gig per Vessel | $ 100 |
| Commercial Hook and Line / Gig per Fisherman | $ 100 |
| Spotted Seatrout Endorsement | $ 10 |
| Menhaden Boat / Net | $ 150 |
OYSTER
| Recreational | $ 10 |
| Tonging | $ 60 |
| Dredging | $ 110 |
| Alabama Resident Tonging | $ 110 |
| Alabama Resident Dredging | $ 210 |
LIVE BAIT
| Live-bait Shrimp Dealer | $ 50 |
| Live-bait Shrimp Boat | $ 100 |
| Live-bait Minnow | $ 50 |
BUSINESS LICENSE
| Interstate Commerce | $ 20 |
| Seafood Dealer / Processor | $ 100 |
| Menhaden Processor | $ 500 |
| Seafood Transport License | $ 100 |
| Alabama Resident Seafood Dealer/Processor | $ 481 |
| Alabama Resident Seafood Dealer/Vehicle | $ 121 |
| Louisiana Resident Seafood Dealer/Processor | $ 1,150 |
| Louisiana Resident Seafood Dealer/Vehicle | $ 30 |
