Commercial License Renewals

Your commercial fisheries licenses and permits can now be renewed online.

Visit the MD Outdoors website:
Login From your customer homepage

Click “Renew Your Commercial Authorizations”
Once in your account click “Renew all available authorizations”
Items will be added to cart
You will be prompted to complete any required surveys

It is important to note that if you are a waterman with striped bass tag fees or a nonresident surcharge that those will appear as debits on your account. You must complete the purchase for those online first, and then you’ll be able to complete your commercial renewal online.

Maryland Outdoors (MDO) Renew Commercial License Products Online

Steps to follow to renew commercial products online

Click “Renew Your Commercial Authorizations” on your customer homepage.

Click “Renew All Available Authorizations”

Your commercial authorization products will be automatically placed into your cart.

Click “Proceed to Checkout”, system will redirect to your cart.

You will be prompted to complete mandatory surveys and commercial application.

In your cart, on the left side of the screen; locate the exclamation point (!) icon next to the product or in the survey section. Click on the ‘complete’ link to open the surveys, if they do not automatically appear, or if you need to make any edits to the surveys.

Important: Please ensure to complete each survey with accuracy for regulatory compliance. Once you complete each survey and form, it will show with green tick meaning it is complete.

Once you have reviewed the items in your cart and completed all surveys you may now continue with the standard checkout process by clicking “pay now” to complete your purchase.

Please note that if you need to pay for striped bass tags, yellow perch tags, or any required nonresident surcharges, they have been added as debits to your account and you will need to pay those, prior to completing your renewal online.

2026 Online Commercial Fishing License Renewal FAQ

Where do I go to renew online?
You can either create a new account or use your existing account if you have used our MD Outdoors Licensing System to purchase other DNR licenses, permits, or registrations: https://mdoutdoors.maryland.gov/login

Can I get new licenses and permits, transfer my license, or order oyster tags online?
No. The express commercial fishing license renewal on MD Outdoors only allows you to renew existing licenses and permits. If you want to purchase a new license or permit, transfer your existing license, or get oyster tags, you will need to make an appointment at your local service center (see below).

Can I pick and choose what I renew online?
No. If you choose to renew your commercial license online, you must keep all the products in your cart at checkout. If you would like to only renew certain products at this time, please contact DNR at: [email protected].

Can I still renew my license in person?
Yes. You may still renew your license in person by making an appointment at one of our service centers (https://dnr.maryland.gov/Pages/License-Licensing-Appointment-Information.aspx).

Can I still renew my license by scanning and emailing it, or mailing my renewal in and then paying with my credit card over the phone?
Yes, you can.

What if I’m not going to crab this year?
If you wish to keep your crabbing authorization, you will need to select a day off and renew it. You can indicate you are not crabbing through your paper or electronic reporting.

Can I add or change an authorized user online?
If you had an authorized user for the 2025-2026 license season, that person will not be automatically added to your 2026-2027 license. You will need to add them by either scanning and emailing your application to [email protected] or by making an appointment at a Licensing Service Center.

Will my license beneficiary remain the same?
If you have a license beneficiary, that individual will remain the same for your 2026-2027 license, whether you renew the license online, by email, or in person. If you would like to add a beneficiary or change a beneficiary, please contact a Licensing Service Center.

Can I pay for my oyster surcharge later?
Yes. You can pay for your oyster surcharge at a later date by either scanning and emailing your application to [email protected] or by making an appointment at a Licensing Service Center.

Can I renew late?
Yes. The $50 late charge will be applied for renewals after September 1, 2026, but that transaction can be done online.

I have questions about how to report. Who do I contact?
Call our reporting staff at 1-800-893-2722 and leave a voicemail. Staff will return your call. Or you can send an email to [email protected].

I have a question about my striped bass, black sea bass, summer flounder, horseshoe crab, snapping turtle, or yellow perch permit. Who do I contact? You can email questions to: [email protected].

I have questions about regulations. Who do I contact?

Email: [email protected]
Telephone: Call toll-free in Maryland at 1-877-620-8DNR (8367) (Weekdays 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.)
Out of State: 410-260-8DNR (8367) (Weekdays 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.)

I don’t understand how to complete my renewal transaction or think I’ve made a mistake. Who can I contact?
You can contact your local licensing service center. Contact information is available at: https://dnr.maryland.gov/Pages/service_centers.aspx