Renew Your Vessel Permit

You can renew a permit issued through the HMS Permit Shop, even if it has expired. Complete a new vessel permit application if you are applying for one of these permits for the first time.

For details on how to renew other Atlantic highly migratory species permits, including dealer permits, visit the NOAA Fisheries website.

How to Renew

If the vessel has been permitted before by a different owner, your application must be processed by phone by a customer service representative. Call 888-872-8862, Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern. This is extremely important in order to maintain the permit history for the vessel.

Online

This is the best option for renewing a permit. You can search for your permit using the permit number or by entering your last name, phone number, and zip code in the fields below.

A. Permit Number Search.

Enter Permit Number:

Please use Permit Number (e.g., 10101010) when renewing your permit. The regional permit number is no longer being accepted.

B. Other Information Search.

Enter Last Name:

You can change this information later

Phone Number:

Please do not include dashes or dots in the phone number.

Zip Code:

Click here for step-by-step instructions for renewing a permit online.
Click here for step-by-step instructions for printing your permit.

Downloaded Package

PDF application packages are available to download. To renew your permit, complete the application by hand and mail it to NOAA Fisheries at the address provided in the application.

Mailed Package

You may request a renewal application package be mailed to you by calling the NOAA Fisheries Customer Service Center at 888-872-8862. Once you've completed the application, mail it to NOAA Fisheries at the address provided.

Automated Voice Response System

This option is available for renewals only. Call 888-872-8862. Customer service representatives are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern.

What You'll Need

You will need the following personal and vessel information to renew your application.

Personal information:

First name
Last name
Home (billing) address and zip code
Day time telephone number
Mobile phone number

Vessel information:

U.S. Coast Guard documentation number and/or state registration number for the vessel
Vessel name
Home port city and state
Principal port city and state
Length (in feet)
Year built
Crew size
Construction (e.g., wood)
Gross tonnage
Propulsion (e.g., gasoline)
Main engine horsepower
Hold capacity in pounds (if applicable)

Payment Options

You can purchase your permit online with any major credit card: American Express, Discover, Mastercard, or Visa. A fee is added to cover the costs of managing the permitting system. If you apply by mail, you may also pay with a money order.

The HMS Permit Shop supports strong encryption for credit card transactions: 128 bit cipher, Secure Socket Layer Class 3 (SSL-3). The actual level of security depends on your browser and settings. If possible, set up your browser to use full 128 bit, SSL-3 security. This will ensure that your credit card information cannot be viewed by others, even if they intercept the packet containing that information. You can still complete credit card transactions with a lesser strength encryption. Although we recommend the use of 128 bit, it is not required.