Minnesota DNR begins transition to new electronic licensing system with anglers and hunters
Go Deeper.
Create an account or log in to save stories.
Like this?
Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is modernizing how hunters and anglers procure and store licenses.
Beginning Tuesday, the DNR is launching the first phase of its electronic licensing system, with its fishing and hunting license module.
The new system will offer outdoor aficionados the ability to purchase their licenses through a mobile app, online, or in-person from a license agent. It will also provide customers three options to keep it on them at all times, with a paper copy, PDF or stored in the app.
E-licensing may already be familiar to Minnesotans who hunt and fish in other states like Montana and Wisconsin.
Turn Up Your Support
MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all.
“We have a lot of people in Minnesota that do travel out of state and saw what these other states have, and it's like, why can't we do that here?” Kelly Straka, Minnesota DNR fish and wildlife division director, told Morning Edition Tuesday.
The e-licensing system and associated phone app — MN DNR Licensing — were supposed to launch in March 2025, but saw bumps and delays. Then, the state auditor published a special report in April raising several concerns, including the sheer amount of 25 years of data and accessibility of the platform.
However, Straka said the DNR is feeling good on launch day, and after switching to a phased rollout.
“I think the big reason for some of those delays is basically to enable that we've spent the last year running the testing, making sure that everything is going to be ready,” Straka said.
Listen to the conversation by clicking the player button above.
How the new licensing system works
“The Minnesota DNR is excited to introduce a modern licensing system designed to improve the experience for Minnesotans and visitors alike,” said DNR Commissioner Sarah Strommen, in a release. “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.”
Cell service or an internet connection is required to download the app, log in and purchase licenses, but not to store or display them.
The existing licensing system was active until just before midnight on June 1. Then the DNR began transferring all data from its 25-year-old system into the new one, including licenses purchased through the first of June. New licenses will be available starting right away June 9.
“Once the new system goes live, you'll go in and create your customer account for that first time, and when you go into your account, you'll be able to see your purchase history, you'll be able to see your license. If you want to have a paper copy, you can go ahead and print it off,” said Kelly Straka, director of the DNR Fish and Wildlife Division. “If you've already purchased your license, you're good to go, and all I can say is, I sure hope you get outside.”
While the new system is being implemented, fishing license sales have been paused from 12 a.m., June 2, through 11:59 p.m., June 8. During that time anglers may fish without a license. However, all other fishing season regulations, including bag limits, will remain in effect.
Straka said another feature that excites her about the new system will be the ability for users to link their account with friends or others in their hunting party.
“For example, if we're going to go on a fishing trip up in the Boundary Waters, and my best friend forgot to purchase their license. Well, guess what?” she said. “I can go ahead and link my account to theirs and purchase it for them, so we can absolutely enjoy those adventures.”
Straka said parents can also link their accounts to their children’s.
The fishing and hunting license module rollout is only the first phase in the DNR’s move to modernize its licensing system. Phase 2, which will be unveiled soon, will include a registration portal for recreational vehicles and watercraft titling.
