New licensing system launching later this year
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ new electronic licensing system (ELS) will modernize the issuance of fishing and hunting licenses and the titling and registration of boats and off-road vehicles.
The DNR is working with Minnesota IT Services (MNIT) and external vendor PayIt Outdoors to launch the new system. The original rollout date was March 2025, but the rollout was moved to later in the year.
Until the new ELS system is launched, nothing will change for license agents, deputy registrars, anglers, hunters, and recreational vehicle and watercraft users as they buy licenses or register motorized vehicles. The current system is fully functional.
We know people are eager to have a new, modernized system, and we are focused on ensuring a smooth and successful launch and the best user experience from the start. Please sign up for email updates below to stay informed on the timeline and rollout.
License and permit details
We will continue adding sections here that pertain to specific hunting and fishing seasons as details are determined.
- Bear
Licenses must be purchased by Friday, Aug. 1, from any license agent or online. Check now to see if you were selected for the fall hunt.
- License purchasing options
Hunting and fishing customers will soon have the option to buy licenses and permits three ways:
- In the new online system.
- In the new MN DNR Licensing mobile app.
- In-person from a license agent.
Hunters and anglers may receive and store licenses on their mobile devices or on plain paper – either printed by a license agent or on a home printer. Both digital and printed licenses will be acceptable in a license check by a conservation officer in the field.
Cell service or an internet connection is necessary to download the app, log in and purchase licenses, but not to store and display licenses once purchased.
- New licensing mobile app
A free mobile application called MN DNR Licensing will be available from the Apple Store and Google Play, allowing hunters, trappers and anglers to purchase and store licenses, access lottery preference points and validate harvests in the field.
Once downloaded and logged in, harvest validation will be available in the app, even while offline or out of service. Registration in the app can be completed after an internet connection is restored.
For those who don’t use the app, there will still be an option to register harvests at agent locations. Cell service or internet connection is necessary to download the app, log in and purchase licenses, but not to store and display licenses once purchased.
- Harvest validation and registration
Physical, printed harvest tags will no longer be required. When purchasing a license, hunters, trappers and anglers will have two options for validation:
- Opt for mobile app licensing and complete mobile app site validation of harvests in the new MN DNR Licensing app.
- Opt for paper licensing (printed at home or printed by an agent) and complete paper site validation of harvests on plain paper.
Durable harvest tags will no longer be issued. In the app, hunters can validate harvests even while offline or out of service and can complete registration once reconnected to cell service or the internet. Registration must be completed within the required timeline.
Those who opt to register a harvest in-person at agent locations or online will use a plain paper validation. Cell service or an internet connection is required for initial app download and login.
- Recreational vehicles
Recreational vehicles will continue to be processed at deputy registrar offices across the state or at the DNR central office in St. Paul. Renewals will now be available in the new MN DNR Licensing mobile app (available for free in the Apple Store and Google Play) and will still be available to process online using the new online system.
- Historical information
Historical information will be migrated to the new system, including historical licenses, lifetime licenses, safety certifications and lottery points. Online and mobile users must provide an email for login.
- Non-digital users
Customers can still buy licenses in person at license agents, who can search accounts using an MNDNR Number or identification such as a driver’s license or other accepted documents.
New customers can create accounts by providing a state-issued ID or alternative documentation, following current procedures. MNDNR numbers remain the same for life, and license agent tools and processes are unchanged.
- Safety classes
After the new system is live, the DNR will work with our vendor, PayIt Outdoors, to develop online event management features, allowing users to find, enroll and pay for education and safety training classes and print duplicates of safety certificates.
Safety certifications will update directly to the licensing system, allowing relevant licenses to be immediately available for purchase once the safety certifications are complete.
- Why was the ELS launch timeline changed?
To ensure the ELS operates seamlessly and meets the needs of those who purchase and sell licenses and registrations. The ELS serves millions of people each year. Modernizing it is extremely complex and involves development, rigorous testing and extensive evaluation.
Until the new ELS system is launched, nothing will change for license agents, deputy registrars, anglers, hunters and recreational vehicle and watercraft users as they buy licenses or register motorized vehicles. The current system remains fully functional.
- How did you decide to move to this new system?
The DNR conducted stakeholder surveys and focus groups with customers, volunteers, agents and deputy registrars before finalizing requirements for a new license system. Stakeholders also provided input during the intent-to-negotiate phase with the top three potential vendors.
We're staying engaged with select agents, deputy registrars and upcoming stakeholder updates to keep everyone informed of project progress.
- How can I stay up to date on these changes?
- Why are durable, plastic paper licenses going away?
The DNR is moving to most licenses becoming electronic to meet our customers' needs for newer technology; however, plain 8½ by 11 paper licenses still will be available.
- How will I carry and show my license?
- Paper: Any license may be purchased at a license vendor or online and printed on standard 8½ x 11 printer paper. Users may print as many copies as they wish to keep in their wallet, glove box and other places. Previously, a fee would have been charged for a replacement license. License agents may still charge a replacement cost if they need to reprint a paper license.
- Electronic: Upon purchase from a vendor or online, a hunters or anglers who have provided an email address can have a portable document format file (PDF) emailed to them. Purchasers may save this file on their phone or be used to print paper copies. The electronic copy may be used as proof of license purchase.
- Mobile Application: When the license is purchased from the mobile application, the license is stored in the application. Cellular data service is needed to purchase a license but will not be needed to display a purchased license.
- Why won’t hard cards be offered?
Hard cards or durable cards like a credit card were researched and found to be an added expense to the customer. Your license will be available electronically to store on your smart device or can be printed on paper to keep with you. License agents will still be available statewide to sell licenses.
- Why can’t a driver’s license hold my recreational licenses?
Minnesota law requires that a person must present a recreational license if requested by a conservation officer.
- Will I need a trail sticker for my recreational vehicle?
Durable trail stickers for off-highway vehicles and snowmobiles no longer will be issued. Rather, trail passes will be issued electronically or printed on a sheet of paper, depending upon customer preference. Registration stickers still will be provided and must be affixed to the vehicle. (Note: Watercraft decals still will be printed on durable stock as they are today.)