COMMERCIAL FISHING LICENSE RENEWAL PERIOD EXTENDED UNTIL FEBRUARY 28
DEM continues to experience a license renewal backlog as part of the transition from combining several outdated licensing systems into one modern computing platform called Rhode Island Outdoors (RIO), which will have the functionality to handle nearly all the agency’s outdoors licensing and permitting services.
While DEM continues to integrate data from the old IT systems to the new, it is asking license holders to renew by mail or in person at the DEM Office of Boat Registration and Licensing located at 235 Promenade Street, Room 360, Providence, RI, 02908 or call 401-222-6647. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM. Until the close of business, Tuesday, February 28, it will be permissible to fish with a valid 2022 commercial fishing license if your renewal has not been processed in time. DEM sincerely appreciates customers’ patience and regrets the delays and inconveniences experienced by some who have traveled to the main DEM office in Providence to process their applications.
Failure to renew licenses by February 28 will result in the assessment of a $200 late fee if license holder opts to renew their marine licenses during the 60-day grace period that follows immediately for late renewals (from March 1 through April 29). Deadline dates and renewal grace periods do not extend the validity of expired licenses. Until further notice, from March 1 onward, it will be unlawful to fish without a valid 2023 license. The 2023 license year runs from January 1 through December 31, 2023.
Thank you.
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