The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will launch the first phase of its modernized electronic licensing system on June 9 with the fishing and hunting license module, replacing a system that has served the state for more than 25 years.

“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. “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.”

The new ELS is a modern and secure system that offers more flexibility than ever — three ways to buy a license (mobile app, online, or in-person from a license agent) and three ways to carry it (paper, PDF, or stored in the app). Customers can purchase, store, and even register harvests from anywhere, including areas without cell service.

The existing licensing system will be in use until 11:59 p.m. Monday, June 1, when information from the old system begins moving to the new system, including licenses purchased through June 1.

As the DNR transitions data to the new ELS, fishing license sales will be paused and anglers may fish without a license from 12 a.m. Tuesday, June 2, through 11:59 p.m. Monday, June 8. All other fishing season regulations and bag limits will remain in effect. At 12 a.m. June 9, the new ELS will be available for anglers and hunters. As the new system launches, DNR and its partner PayIT will have plenty of staff on hand to help users through the transition along with user guides and how-to videos.

Phase two of the launch will happen at a later date with the recreational vehicle and watercraft titling and registration module. For now, that titling and registration process will remain the same, and the legacy system will remain operational.

When fully launched, the new ELS will support millions of transactions across a catalog of more than 400 license and permit products each year and bring the licensing experience into the modern era. 

Updates from the Minnesota DNR about the new electronic licensing system are available online (mndnr.gov/elsupdates).

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