Whether you are looking for a permit to park at the beach, a license to go Shellfishing or a mooring, our Cape Cod Permits and License Page has all the information you need in one spot.
Cape Cod Permits are not difficult to come by on the Cape, you just have to know where you need to go for certain things.
Below, we detail exactly where to find information on Cape Cod Permits.
Have Fun!
Beach Parking Permits
Parking permits are required at all town beaches and landings on Cape Cod. They can be purchased at the Town Hall or Community Center in your town, and prices vary depending on residency status. Here are the links by town:
- Barnstable
- Bourne
- Brewster
- National Seashore
- Chatham
- Dennis
- Eastham
- Falmouth
- Harwich
- Mashpee
- Orleans
- Sandwich
- Truro
- Wellfleet
- Yarmouth
Off Road Vehicle Permit
Off road vehicles can drive on the Outer Cape in the National Seashore. The Cape Cod National Seashore charges $50 for 7 days or $150 annually. Here is the link for the National Seashore’s policies: https://www.nps.gov/caco/planyourvisit/orv-permits.htm
Another location to drive on the beach is in Sandwich at Sandy Neck: http://www.town.barnstable.ma.us/SandyNeckPark/ORVBeach/orvhome.aspx
Campfire Permit
The National Seashore allows a limited number of permits per beach per day for campfires at the park’s six swimming beaches are available at park visitor centers. Reservations may be made up to 3 days in advance. Permits are free, and must be picked up the day of the fire at the reserving visitor center, before 3:30 PM. Only a few towns allow campfires on their public and private beaches … with the required permit, of course.
- Barnstable:Evening camp fires are allowed on the Sandy Neck ORV beach after 7PM, but only when wind/weather conditions allow. Call the Gate House at Sandy Neck at (508) 362-8300 for more info.
- Wellfleet: Campfires are allowed on ocean beaches only, after 6:30 p.m. Permits are issued at the Town of Wellfleet Beach Sticker Office, located at the Wellfleet Town Pier. Call (508) 349-9818 for more info.
- Truro: Fires are allowed on many of Truro’s beaches, but the number of permits available for each beach is limited. They’re issued at the Town of Truro Beach Office at 36 Shore Road (Rt.6A) in N. Truro. Call (508) 487-6983 for more info.
Massachusetts Fishing and Saltwater Fishing License
A license is required for all fishermen age 16 or older that wish to engage in the recreational activity of finfishing and costs $10. Fishermen age 60 or over need a permit but there is no charge. Obtain a fishing license here: http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dfg/licensing/
Shellfishing Licenses
Obtain a recreational or commercial license through your town depending on your purposes. Cost varies depending on residency. To get a license to shellfish, go to your town’s website for more information.
- Barnstable
- Bourne
- Brewster
- Chatham
- Dennis
- Eastham
- Falmouth
- Harwich
- Orleans
- Sandwich
- Truro
- Provincetown
- Wellfleet
- Yarmouth
Boating License
You are not required to obtain a boater’s license or any certification unless you are between the ages of 12 and 17, in which case, you need to obtain a safety certification. Boating safety information can be found here!
Moorings
To moor a boat in harbors and bays on the Cape, an application must be filed with the Natural Resources department and through your town.
- Barnstable
- Bourne
- Brewster
- Chatham
- Dennis
- Eastham
- Falmouth
- Harwich
- Orleans
- Sandwich
- Truro
- Provincetown
- Wellfleet
- Yarmouth
