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Planning Updated Jan 29, 2026

North Carolina Non-Resident Prices

Complete pricing guide for out-of-state hunters planning a North Carolina trip.

North Carolina Non-Resident Prices

Planning a hunting trip to North Carolina? Here's everything you need to know about out-of-state license costs, tags, and where to buy.

Out-of-state pricing Tag costs included Short-term options Updated Jan 2026
NC

Non-Resident Hunting License

Out-of-state hunter pricing for North Carolina

Non-Resident

Basic Hunting License

$80

Annual hunting

vs. Resident Price

$25 resident rate
+$55 (220% premium)

Non-residents pay more to support North Carolina wildlife management

0

Short-Term License Options

Perfect for quick hunting trips to North Carolina

10-Day Fishing

Non-resident 10-day

$23

Big Game Tags & Permits

Non-resident costs for North Carolina species

Tag/Permit Type Non-Resident Resident Notes
Deer Urban Archery $10 $10 Urban archery permit
Bear Permit Included Included With hunting license
Turkey Permit Included Included With hunting license
NC

Complete North Carolina Pricing

All licenses, tags, and stamps for non-residents

License Type Non-Resident Resident Notes
Resident Hunting $80 $25 Annual hunting
Resident Fishing $36 $25 Inland fishing
Sportsman $100 $50 Hunt + fish combo
Big Game Included Included With hunting license
Deer Urban Archery $10 $10 Urban archery permit
Bonus Antlerless $10 $10 Additional deer
Bear Permit Included Included With hunting license
Turkey Permit Included Included With hunting license
Game Lands $95 $19 For game land access
Waterfowl $10 $10 State waterfowl stamp
Coastal Fishing $32 $16 Coastal recreational
10-Day Fishing $23 N/A Non-resident 10-day

Buy Your North Carolina License Online

Purchase your non-resident license directly from the official North Carolina wildlife agency. Available 24/7 with instant digital delivery.

You'll need: Valid ID, Hunter Ed certificate, and payment info

Visit Official Site

Got your license ready to show?

Store credentials offline in Hunter Passport

Track All Your Licenses

Important Note for Non-Residents

North Carolina includes deer, bear, and turkey with the base hunting license - excellent value.

North Carolina Non-Resident License FAQ

Common questions about hunting in North Carolina as an out-of-state visitor

How much does a non-resident North Carolina hunting license cost?

A non-resident North Carolina hunting license costs $80. This is 220% more than the resident rate of $25. Additional tags and permits for specific game species will increase your total cost.

Can I buy a North Carolina hunting license online as a non-resident?

Yes, non-residents can purchase North Carolina hunting licenses online through the official state wildlife agency website. You'll need to provide identification and may need to complete hunter education requirements. Licenses are typically available immediately after purchase.

What documents do I need to buy a non-resident North Carolina license?

To purchase a non-resident North Carolina hunting license, you'll typically need: a valid government-issued ID (driver's license or passport), proof of hunter education certification from any US state or Canadian province, and payment information. Some states require a Social Security number for license purchases.

Does North Carolina offer short-term licenses for visiting hunters?

Yes, North Carolina offers short-term license options for visiting hunters including: 10-Day Fishing ($23). These are great options if you're planning a quick hunting trip.

How long does it take to get a North Carolina non-resident hunting license?

Non-resident North Carolina hunting licenses purchased online are typically available immediately - you can print a temporary license or access a digital version right after purchase. Physical license cards, if offered, may take 2-4 weeks to arrive by mail.

Do I need a guide to hunt in North Carolina as a non-resident?

North Carolina does not require non-residents to hire a guide for general hunting. However, some states require guides for specific species or areas. For trophy species like bighorn sheep or in designated wilderness areas, hiring an outfitter is highly recommended for safety and success.

How much do North Carolina big game tags cost for non-residents?

Non-resident big game tags in North Carolina vary by species: Deer tags are $10. Many tags require a successful draw application - plan ahead and apply early for the best odds.

Done planning? Don't forget your license.

Hunter Passport stores all your licenses, tags, and permits offline — so when a game warden asks, you're ready in 3 seconds flat.

Offline-first

Your license shouldn't be harder to access than these regulations.

Hunter Passport stores every state's hunting license on your phone. Works without signal — three seconds from tap to warden.