In 2024, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is making it easier than ever for anglers to purchase and carry their fishing licenses. With the launch of a new mobile app and updated electronic licensing system, Minnesota residents and visitors can now buy licenses on their smartphones and use digital proof of purchase when fishing.
The New Minnesota DNR Mobile App
The Minnesota DNR recently launched a mobile app that allows users to purchase fishing licenses directly from their smartphones. Once a license is purchased through the app, anglers can display the digital proof of purchase on their phone to conservation officers if requested.
“Basically, if somebody has forgotten to buy their fishing license or they’re out somewhere and say, ‘Oh, I’d like to go fishing’ and they have a smartphone,” said fish and wildlife information officer Pete Takash, “if they go to the DNR website, it will automatically take them to a mobile site where they can buy a fishing license.”
Electronic Licensing System Coming in 2025
In addition to the new mobile app, the Minnesota DNR is also planning to launch a new electronic licensing system (ELS) in spring 2025. This modern system will make it easier for customers to buy licenses, register their harvests, and sign up for safety training.
With the updated ELS, most licenses will be available in both digital and print-at-home formats. Anglers will be able to download their license to their smartphone or print it out. License agents will still be available statewide to sell licenses, but the new system will also allow for online and mobile purchases.
Other DNR Mobile Resources
In addition to the new fishing license app, the Minnesota DNR offers several other mobile resources for outdoor enthusiasts:
- LakeFinder: Contains data for more than 4,500 lakes and rivers throughout Minnesota, including lake surveys, depth maps, vegetation reports, water data, and fishing regulations.
- Recreation Compass: Provides information about state and federal recreation facilities in Minnesota, with different map layers for lakes, forests, parks, and trails.
- Gooseberry Falls Go: A mobile app for Gooseberry Falls State Park, featuring park information and maps.
- GPS Maps: Downloadable maps for snowmobile trails, Walk-In Access (WIA) sites, Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), and Ruffed Grouse Management Areas (RGMAs).
These mobile resources make it easier than ever for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts to plan their trips, find fishing spots, and access important information while on the go.
Protecting Minnesota’s Game and Fish Resources
In addition to making it more convenient for anglers to purchase and carry their licenses, the Minnesota DNR is also encouraging citizens to download the MNTip mobile app to help protect the state’s game and fish resources.
The MNTip app, which launched in fall 2023, allows users to anonymously report potential game and fish violations from their cell phones. The free app augments the Turn in Poachers hotline, making it even easier for people to report potential violations to DNR conservation officers.
“The vast majority of people who recreate outdoors in Minnesota do things the right way, and they have that same expectation of other people,” said Col. Rodmen Smith, director of the DNR Enforcement Division. “This app adds to the many ways all people can help ensure future generations have the opportunity to enjoy the things we do today.”