What You Need to Know About South Carolina's Nonresident Saltwater License
South Carolina issues a nonresident saltwater fishing license that lets you fish in the state's ocean, coastal waters, and tidal areas without being a state resident. You can buy it for one day, three days, or a full year, depending on how long you plan to stay. The license is sold online through the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources website, at tackle shops, and at some retail locations around the state.
The license covers saltwater species in state waters — roughly three miles offshore. If you plan to fish from a licensed charter boat or head out on a party boat, you typically do not need your own license; the boat's license covers you. But if you fish from shore, a private boat, or a pier, you will need one.
Key Takeaways
- Nonresident saltwater licenses are sold for one day, three days, or one year, with prices varying by duration.
- You can purchase online through the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources website, or in person at tackle shops and retail locations.
- Charter boats and party boats are licensed separately, so passengers aboard them do not need individual licenses.
- The license covers saltwater fishing in state waters but does not cover freshwater species or fishing in federal waters beyond three miles.
License Types and Pricing
South Carolina offers three nonresident saltwater license options. A one-day license is the shortest option and costs less than a three-day license. The three-day license is useful if you are visiting for a long weekend. The annual nonresident license is the best value if you plan multiple trips to South Carolina throughout the year.
Prices change periodically, so check the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources website for current rates before you buy. The website shows all three options side by side, so you can compare costs and decide which fits your trip length.
How to Buy Your License Online
The fastest way to get your license is through the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources website. Go to their licensing portal, select "Saltwater" and "Nonresident," then choose your license duration. You will need to provide your name, date of birth, and address. Payment is by credit or debit card.
After you pay, you receive a confirmation number and can print your license immediately or save it to your phone. Some anglers print it; others take a screenshot. Either way, you must have proof of your license with you while fishing — a game warden can ask to see it at any time.
Buying a License in Person
If you prefer to buy in person, tackle shops throughout South Carolina sell nonresident licenses. Major retailers like Walmart and some sporting goods stores also carry them. Call ahead to confirm the shop has the license type you want in stock, especially if you need a one-day license and are arriving on a weekend.
In-person purchases work the same way as online: you provide your information, pay, and receive a printed license on the spot. This is useful if you arrive without having bought a license ahead of time, though online purchase is faster if you have internet access before your trip.
What the License Covers and Does Not Cover
Your nonresident saltwater license covers saltwater species in South Carolina's state waters — the Atlantic Ocean and tidal areas up to roughly three miles offshore. You can fish for redfish, spotted seatrout, flounder, Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, and other saltwater species listed in the state's fishing guide.
The license does not cover freshwater fishing. If you want to fish lakes or rivers, you need a separate nonresident freshwater license. It also does not cover federal waters beyond three miles, where different rules apply. Some species, like king mackerel and Spanish mackerel, have additional size and bag limits that you must follow regardless of your license type.
Charter Boats and Party Boats
If you book a trip on a licensed charter boat or party boat, the boat's license covers you — you do not need to buy your own. The captain and crew are responsible for checking that everyone aboard follows state regulations, including size and bag limits. This is one of the easiest ways to fish saltwater in South Carolina if you do not own a boat.
Charter boats typically hold a federal permit and a state license, so they can take you into both state and federal waters. Party boats (also called head boats) operate the same way. Confirm with the boat operator before booking whether your license is included; nearly all include it, but it is worth asking.
Regulations and Species Limits
South Carolina has specific size and bag limits for each saltwater species. Redfish, for example, must be between 18 and 27 inches, and you can keep three per day. Spotted seatrout have a 12-inch minimum and a 15-fish daily limit. These rules apply to everyone — resident and nonresident alike.
The state publishes a free saltwater fishing guide that lists every regulated species, its size limits, and its bag limit. Download it from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources website before you fish, or ask for a printed copy at a tackle shop. Game wardens enforce these rules, and violations can result in fines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a license if I fish from a public pier?
Yes. Fishing from a public pier requires a nonresident saltwater license, even if the pier is free to walk on. The only exception is if the pier is part of a state park or facility that includes the license in its day-use fee — ask the pier operator or check the facility's website.
Can I use my nonresident license to fish in federal waters?
No. Your state license covers state waters only, roughly three miles offshore. Federal waters require a separate federal permit. Charter boats that fish federal waters will have the federal permit and can take you out, but your state license alone does not cover you there.
What if I lose my printed license while I'm fishing?
If you bought online and have your confirmation number, you can print another copy from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources website or show the confirmation email on your phone. If you bought in person and lost the physical license, contact the shop where you purchased it to see if they can reprint it or issue a replacement.
Is there a nonresident license for just saltwater fishing, or do I have to buy both saltwater and freshwater?
They are separate. You can buy only a saltwater license if you plan to fish the ocean and tidal areas. If you want to fish both saltwater and freshwater, you need both licenses. The website lets you choose each one independently.
How long is my nonresident license valid after I buy it?
A one-day license is valid for one calendar day. A three-day license runs for three consecutive calendar days starting the day you activate it. An annual license runs for one year from the date of purchase. Check your license paperwork for the exact expiration date.