Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can I submit a change of address?
Call our license help line at 1-888-2HUNTFISH (1-888-248-6834) M-F, 8-5 to speak with our customer service representatives.

If I move out of state, will my lifetime license still be good in North Carolina?
Yes! Your lifetime license will be valid in North Carolina for your lifetime. If you wish to hunt bear and/or wild boar in NC, you may have to purchase the nonresident bear/wild boar privilege license, depending on when you purchased your lifetime license.

How can I get a replacement license?
There is a $5 fee for replacement licenses. Print out this application (pdf) and mail it to the address provided OR just submit a written request including your name, address, telephone number, NC driver's license number (if applicable), your license number and date of birth. Enclose the $5 administrative fee (payable to NCWRC), by check or money order and mail to NCWRC, License Section, 1707 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1707. Please do not send cash.

How can I get my big game report card (formerly known as "tags") each year?
Each spring our license section mails out a post card to lifetime license holders. On this post card you can request your big game harvest report card, HIP certification (federal Harvest Information Program) and/or Regulations Digest without having to go to a wildlife service agent to do so. You can also update your address if necessary. An online authorization number is provided on the post card to request these items online. If you did not receive this post card, there may be a problem with your address information in our system. Call 1-888-2HUNTFISH (1-888-248-6834) M-F, 8-5 to check the status of your information and request the items you need.

I’m under 16. How can I get my big game report card (formerly known as "tags")?
You can request a license-exempt big game report card at a wildlife service agent near you or by calling 1-888-2HUNTFISH (1-888-248-6834) M-F, 8-5. After you initiate the first request for the big game report card, a post card will be mailed to you automatically each year. If you do not request a big game report card before you turn 16, a post card will be mailed automatically the first hunting season after your sixteenth birthday.

How can I purchase and/or send a lifetime license as a gift?
Print out this application (pdf) and mail it to the address provided.

Is the hunter safety certification required if I already have a lifetime license?
Yes, if you are under age 16 and you would like to hunt on your own. You can register for hunter safety courses here (click on "Hunting/Safety Classes" in the subtopic menu).

What types of disabled lifetime licenses do you offer?
You can see links for resident disabled lifetime licenses from the License section here.

How can I make a donation or contribution to the Wildlife Endowment Fund? Or in memory of someone?
You may send your donation request in the form of a check or money order (made payable to NCWRC) to Wildlife Endowment Fund, 1710 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1710. Be sure to note that it is a donation to the Wildlife Endowment Fund. If this donation is in memory of someone, please include this person’s name with the request.

Are there any other lifetime offers?
Yes, WRC offers a lifetime subscription to Wildlife in North Carolina for $150. This magazine is the official educational publication of the Wildlife Commission. It is dedicated to the sound conservation of North Carolina's wildlife, their habitats and other interrelated natural resources. Purchase online or complete this application (pdf) and mail to the address provided.

Why does WRC mail a post card each year? Can’t you just send the big game report card, HIP certification and Regulations Digest each year automatically?
The post card allows you to review the information we have in our system, make any changes and request your big game report card and HIP certification (federal Harvest Information Program). This information prints on one form. We mail a post card annually so we can maintain an accurate database. Mailed post cards also keep you from having to make a special trip to a wildlife service agent to obtain your HIP certification.

How can I get another lifetime decal?
There is a $1 fee for each decal requested. You should submit a written request including your name, address, telephone number, NC driver's license number (if applicable), your license number and date of birth. Enclose the $1 fee for each decal (made payable to NCWRC), by check or money order and mail to NCWRC, License Section, 1707 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1707. Please do not send cash.

I am a full-time student in NC. Can I purchase a resident lifetime license?
Yes, as long as you are considered a full-time student at the time the license is purchased.

I am in the military stationed in NC. Can I purchase a resident lifetime license?
Yes, members of the armed forces, their spouses and children under 18 who are stationed in NC and deemed residents of the state are eligible to purchase a resident lifetime license.