The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will launch the first phase of its updated electronic licensing system on June 9, introducing a new platform for fishing and hunting licenses across the state.
The new electronic licensing system, or ELS, replaces a system that has been in place for more than 25 years and is intended to modernize how Minnesotans purchase, store and manage outdoor licenses and permits.
“The Minnesota DNR is excited to introduce a modern licensing system designed to improve the experience for Minnesotans and visitors alike,” DNR Commissioner Sarah Strommen said. “Whether purchasing a license, permit, or registration, users will be able to enjoy hunting, fishing, and other outdoor opportunities more quickly through convenient, flexible, and user-friendly tools.”
Under the new system, users will be able to purchase licenses through a mobile app, online or in person through a licensed vendor. Licenses can also be carried in three formats: printed on paper, saved as a PDF or stored directly in the mobile app.
The DNR said customers will also be able to register harvests through the system, including in areas without cell service.
The current licensing system will remain active until 11:59 p.m. June 1. After that point, the agency will begin transferring customer information and license data into the new platform.
As part of that transition, fishing license sales will be temporarily paused beginning June 2. During the transition period, anglers will be allowed to fish without a license from June 2 through June 8, though all existing fishing regulations, seasons and bag limits will remain in effect.
The new licensing system will officially go live at 12 a.m. June 9 for both anglers and hunters.
The DNR said additional staff, user guides and instructional videos will be available to help customers navigate the transition during the system rollout.
A second phase of the launch, which will include recreational vehicle and watercraft titling and registration services, will be introduced at a later date. Until then, those services will continue operating through the legacy system.
Once fully implemented, the DNR said the new system will support millions of annual transactions across more than 400 license and permit products statewide.
Additional updates about the electronic licensing system are available through the Minnesota DNR website.
