Share Electronic license system modernization on FacebookShare Electronic license system modernization on X (formerly Twitter)Share Electronic license system modernization on LinkedinEmail Electronic license system modernization link
The new electronic licensing system is here! The first phase — for hunters and anglers — is now live. A future phase will bring watercraft and recreational vehicle registrations into the same system.
Buy hunting and fishing licenses and permits in the new online system, in the new MN DNR Licensing mobile app, or in-person from a license agent.
Download online purchases right away for instant access to the outdoors.
Store licenses on your mobile device or on plain paper — either printed by a license agent or at home. Digital and printed licenses both suffice during a license check in the field.
Cell service or an internet connection is needed to download the app, log in, and purchase a license — but not to display a license once it's stored on the device.
Validate and register harvests anytime, anywhere
Validate and register harvests in the new MN DNR Licensing mobile app, or validate on plain paper and register with a license agent or online.
No service? No problem. App users can validate harvests offline or out of service, and complete registration in the app once reconnected. Cell service or an internet connection is required for initial app download and login.
Physical harvest tags are no longer required. Customers who opt for a physical site validation (not using the mobile app) use plain paper instead of a durable tag — printed at home or by a license agent.
Bought your license electronically? No need to delay your hunt waiting for a tag to be mailed. Use the MN DNR Licensing app or online system to access your license and validation needs immediately after purchase and before hunting.
Coming in a future phase: Watercraft and recreational vehicles
The next phase of this project will bring watercraft and recreational vehicle registrations into the new system along with additional features. A launch date for that phase has not yet been announced, and the DNR is working toward it.
Until then, watercraft and recreational vehicle registrations continue to be handled as they are today. Customers should not see any change in that experience.
About the project
The DNR, Minnesota IT Services and licensing vendor PayIt worked together to modernize Minnesota's electronic licensing system, replacing a system that had served the state for more than 25 years. The hunting and fishing module launched in June 2026 as the first phase of the project. Additional functions, including watercraft and recreational vehicle registrations, will follow in a future phase.
Stakeholder engagement has been — and continues to be — a primary focus to ensure the new ELS best serves Minnesota's anglers, boaters, hunters, trappers, recreational vehicle operators, and people who enroll in DNR safety trainings. Learn more and sign up for updates at mndnr.gov/rlp/els.html.
Before drafting system requirements, the DNR gathered input from license agents, deputy registrars, license buyers, and the public on their needs and priorities for a modern system. A second round of agent and deputy registrar surveys was completed in January 2024. Throughout development, the project team has held regular meetings and consultations with stakeholders, and that engagement will continue as the project moves into its next phase.
The new electronic licensing system is here! The first phase — for hunters and anglers — is now live. A future phase will bring watercraft and recreational vehicle registrations into the same system.
Buy hunting and fishing licenses and permits in the new online system, in the new MN DNR Licensing mobile app, or in-person from a license agent.
Download online purchases right away for instant access to the outdoors.
Store licenses on your mobile device or on plain paper — either printed by a license agent or at home. Digital and printed licenses both suffice during a license check in the field.
Cell service or an internet connection is needed to download the app, log in, and purchase a license — but not to display a license once it's stored on the device.
Validate and register harvests anytime, anywhere
Validate and register harvests in the new MN DNR Licensing mobile app, or validate on plain paper and register with a license agent or online.
No service? No problem. App users can validate harvests offline or out of service, and complete registration in the app once reconnected. Cell service or an internet connection is required for initial app download and login.
Physical harvest tags are no longer required. Customers who opt for a physical site validation (not using the mobile app) use plain paper instead of a durable tag — printed at home or by a license agent.
Bought your license electronically? No need to delay your hunt waiting for a tag to be mailed. Use the MN DNR Licensing app or online system to access your license and validation needs immediately after purchase and before hunting.
Coming in a future phase: Watercraft and recreational vehicles
The next phase of this project will bring watercraft and recreational vehicle registrations into the new system along with additional features. A launch date for that phase has not yet been announced, and the DNR is working toward it.
Until then, watercraft and recreational vehicle registrations continue to be handled as they are today. Customers should not see any change in that experience.
About the project
The DNR, Minnesota IT Services and licensing vendor PayIt worked together to modernize Minnesota's electronic licensing system, replacing a system that had served the state for more than 25 years. The hunting and fishing module launched in June 2026 as the first phase of the project. Additional functions, including watercraft and recreational vehicle registrations, will follow in a future phase.
Stakeholder engagement has been — and continues to be — a primary focus to ensure the new ELS best serves Minnesota's anglers, boaters, hunters, trappers, recreational vehicle operators, and people who enroll in DNR safety trainings. Learn more and sign up for updates at mndnr.gov/rlp/els.html.
Before drafting system requirements, the DNR gathered input from license agents, deputy registrars, license buyers, and the public on their needs and priorities for a modern system. A second round of agent and deputy registrar surveys was completed in January 2024. Throughout development, the project team has held regular meetings and consultations with stakeholders, and that engagement will continue as the project moves into its next phase.
