Enroll in the Registry
Cost
License Issuing Agents (LIAs) have the option to charge a $1 print fee for all printed transactions carried out in DECALS to help cover the cost of supplies. Transactions made online or over the phone are subject to a $2 printing/mailing fee if those items are printed and mailed. These additional fees can be avoided by choosing to have your item emailed to you so you can print it at home.
Valid Registration Dates
Registration is valid for one full year (365 days) from the date you register. There is no lifetime registration.
Who Needs to Register
You need to register if you are 16 and older and are:
- Fishing for migratory fish of the sea within tidal waters of the Hudson River and its tributaries, or waters of Delaware River or Mohawk River.
Fishing for saltwater fish species in the marine and coastal district, see map below.

Marine and Coastal District
Marine and coastal district waters are under both state and town regulation and authority, and include:
- Ocean waters that are within three miles from the state's coastline, including the Atlantic Ocean, Long Island Sound and embayments.
- Tidal Hudson River waters running south of the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge (formally the Tappan Zee Bridge).
Federal Waters/Exclusive Economic Zone
Federal waters or the "exclusive economic zone (EEZ)" include ocean waters that are 3 to 200 miles from shore. These waters are under federal regulation and authority
You do not need to register if you are:
- Fishing aboard an appropriately licensed party or charter boat in the marine and coastal district.
- A New York State licensed party/charter boat owner.
- A Connecticut or Rhode Island resident and have a valid marine fishing license from your resident state.
- Fishing for lobsters, crabs, clams, mussels, scallops, or oysters. Review license/permit requirements for these activities below.
Recreational Activities Not Covered by Registration
- Tuna fishing in state waters. This requires a NOAA highly migratory species permit in addition to the Recreational Marine Fishing Registry.
- Lobstering. This requires a New York State recreational lobster permit ($10), which is available to residents only. For more information, contact the Crustaceans Unit at 631-444-0470.
- Crabbing. The state does not require a license to recreationally harvest crab; however recreational crab harvest limits and seasons apply.
- Shellfishing/Clamming. The state does not require a license to recreationally harvest shellfish by non-mechanical means; however, towns may require residents to get a permit before harvesting in town waters. Visit the shellfish harvest limits page for details.
Residents Fishing in Waters Outside New York State
Can I fish the following waters with a New York State marine registration only?
The following information is based on reciprocal agreements between state and federal governments.
Waterbody | Yes/No |
---|---|
Federal waters/Exclusive Economic Zone (Atlantic Ocean beyond three miles from shore) | Yes |
Connecticut waters (i.e. Long Island Sound, Block Island Sound) | Yes |
Rhode Island waters (i.e. Block Island Sound) | Yes |
New Jersey waters (i.e. Raritan Bay, Sandy Hook Bay, Upper Bay, tidal Hudson River) | No You must register in New Jersey's Saltwater Recreational Registry Program. |
Non-bordering waterbodies (i.e. marine waterbodies in Massachusetts, Florida, Maryland, etc.) | No You must purchase an appropriate fishing license or enroll in a registry from that state. |
Nonresidents Fishing in New York State
I have a recreational fishing license/registration from the following state, do I need to enroll in New York State's marine registry?
State | Yes/No |
---|---|
Connecticut | No |
Rhode Island | No |
New Jersey | Yes |
Non-bordering waterbody states (i.e. Massachusetts, Florida, Maryland, etc.) | Yes |
General Information
Purpose of the Registry
Information from New York's marine registry is incorporated into the National Marine Fisheries Service database of recreational marine anglers. The database helps in efficiently obtaining fishing activity information, which is vital in setting quotas, size and bag limits, and fishing seasons each year.
Other Helpful Resources/Information
- Saltwater Fishing Regulations
- Tidal Hudson River Fishing Regulations
- Boat Registration (Issued by NYS Dept. of Motor Vehicles)
- Access Permits: Some state and municipal lands require a special access permit for fishing, hunting and trapping. Details on how to get the permit can be found in the links below:
New York City Watershed Recreation Access Permit (Issued by NYC DEP)
Long Island State Land Access Permit (Issued by DEC)