Department of Natural Resources Launching New Electronic Licensing System with Mobile App for Hunters and Anglers

(KNSI) – The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is preparing to launch a new electronic licensing system that will change how hunters, anglers, and other outdoor users buy licenses and register their harvests.

The rollout will be phased, with the hunting and fishing module going live after this weekend’s fishing opener. Once that piece is up and running, customers will have three ways to purchase a license and three ways to carry it: through a license agent, online, or in a new MN DNR mobile app.

DNR Commissioner Sarah Strommen says the new system reflects what makes Minnesota’s outdoor culture distinct. “Because of Minnesotans’ passion for the outdoors and their commitment to conservation, we have some of the nation’s most sought-after outdoor experiences. And we are excited that this new system will make it easier for everyone to enjoy our outdoors.”

The mobile app is one of the bigger changes. Users will be able to store licenses digitally, and once a license is downloaded to the app, an internet connection is no longer required to display it during a license check in the field. Customers can also opt to receive licenses by email as a PDF or print them on standard paper at home or at a license agent location.

Strommen says the offline capability addresses a long-standing issue for outdoor users in remote parts of the state. “Once you’ve downloaded the app, logged in, purchased your license, you don’t need cell service to display your license.”

The app also allows users to start a harvest validation while offline and complete it once back in service. Physical printed harvest tags will be phased out, with in-person registrations using a plain paper validation instead. Customers buying licenses online for activities that previously required a tag will no longer have to wait for tags to arrive in the mail.

Additional features are planned after the initial launch, including online and in-app renewals for recreational vehicles and watercraft, and registration for firearms safety and skills training through the same system.

Updates on the system are available by clicking here.

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