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Step-By-Step Instructions

1. Click on Buy a New Vessel Permit under "Permits" on the right side of your browser screen or click on Buy a New Vessel Permit on the Permits drop-down menu.
   
   
2. Click "I will enter the basic application data myself" and then select the Continue button.
   
   Note: If you already have an existing permit, select the "Use basic application data from this permit:" option to proceed with purchasing a new vessel permit.
   
   
3. If you select the "Use basic application data from this permit:" option to proceed, the system will take you to a pre-populated "Basic Application Data" screen.
   
   
4. If you select the "I will enter the basic application data myself" option, the basic application data screen will be empty, proceed with entering your information. An " * " marks all required fields. Confirm all entries and change any information as needed in the "Owner information" section.
   
   
5. At the bottom of the Basic Application Data screen, complete the Basic Vessel Information section. Be sure to check the box to confirm vessel ownership. Once all information is entered, click the Continue button.
   
   Note: NMFS requires at least one of the following three vessel identifiers. If your vessel has both Coast Guard Documentation and a U.S. State Registration, please provide both numbers.
   
   
6. Once all entries on the Basic Application Data screen are accepted, the system will display the Additional Application Data screen. This screen will also include the information previously entered. Use your browser's scroll bar to navigate down to the Vessel Information section. Enter the required details in each corresponding field. When finished, click the Continue button to proceed. An " * " marks all required fields.
   
   If you need to make changes to the previous screen, click the "Re-enter Data" button to return to the Basic Application Data screen.
   
   
7. If any required fields are left blank, an error message will appear indicating which information is missing.
   
   
8. If the system accepts the information entered on the Additional Application Data screen, the Shark Endorsement screen will appear. Indicate whether you would like to add a Shark Endorsement to your HMS permit.
   
   Beginning in 2018, HMS permit holders who wish to fish for and retain sharks recreationally are required to obtain a Shark Endorsement. To receive this endorsement, you must watch a short educational video on shark identification and handling (approximately 3 minutes), and complete a 7-question quiz. There is no minimum score required to pass. A Shark Endorsement can be added to your permit at any time during the year by calling Customer Service at 1-888-872-8862.
   
   
9. After completing the Shark Endorsement step, the Select Permit screen will appear. Choose the appropriate permit you need by selecting a permit category from the Open Access section. To do this, click the checkbox next to your desired permit category.
   
   
10. After selecting a permit, the page will indicate whether you are eligible to select an additional permit category to create a combo permit. You may choose up to two permit categories. Any permit categories that are not available for selection will display a red warning message next to their names. Note: when selecting a permit, the ATLANTIC HMS ANGLING permit is available exclusively to foreign-registered vessels with valid foreign registration. US State/Territory vessels are eligible for all permits, including angling permits.
    
    
11. Scroll to the bottom of the page, hover your mouse over the "Select Gear Type" dropdown, and click to choose your desired gear type. The gear type options will be updated according to the permit selected. Click Continue to proceed.
    
    
12. Review the details on the Application Data Confirmation screen. If all information is accurate, check the box at the bottom to certify that the information is true and correct, then click the Add to Cart button.If any changes are needed, click the "Re-enter Data" button to return to the Basic Application Data screen.
    
    
13. On the Shopping Cart screen, review the contents of your cart. If everything looks correct, click the Check Out button to proceed. If you wish to cancel the order, click the Empty Cart button.
    
    
14. On the Select a Delivery Method screen, choose your preferred delivery option. Be sure to note any additional fees associated with certain delivery methods. Depending on the application, available options may include U.S. First Class Mail, U.S. Priority Mail, or other listed methods. If you prefer to print your permit immediately, select Print Your Own.
    
    
15. When finished, click the Continue button to proceed with the permit process, or select Return to Cart to modify the contents of your cart.
    
    
16. If you selected Email as your delivery method in the previous step, the Email Information page will appear. Enter your email address in the provided field. When finished, click the Continue button to proceed with the permit process.
    
    
17. If you selected a mailing option, the Mailing Address page will appear. If your shipping address differs from your billing address, enter the correct shipping address in the provided fields. Otherwise, check the Ship to Billing Address box. When finished, click Continue to proceed.
    
    
18. If you selected Fax as your delivery method, the Fax Information page will appear. Enter your fax number in the designated field. When finished, click the Continue button to proceed with the permit process.
    
    
19. The Pay Now page will appear on your screen. Click Pay Now if you are satisfied with your order and ready to complete the payment. If you need to make changes, click Return to Cart.
    
    
20. Enter your preferred Payment Method and the required payment details. When finished, click Continue to proceed. To cancel the order, click the Cancel button.
    
    
21. Check the box to authorize the payment, then click Continue to complete the transaction. If you wish to cancel the order, click the Cancel button.
    
    
22. If you selected the Print Your Own option, you will be directed to the print page. Click the Print button to open a window displaying your permit in PDF format. Instruct the customer to save the PDF file and/or print it for their records. When finished, click OK to complete the process.