Fishing is a popular pastime in Minnesota, with anglers enjoying the state’s abundant lakes, rivers, and streams. However, accidents can happen, and sometimes, your fishing license can be lost or misplaced. If you find yourself in this situation, don’t worry – reprinting your Minnesota fishing license is a straightforward process. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to get a duplicate license, so you can get back to enjoying your favorite fishing spots.
Understanding Your Fishing License
Before we dive into the process of reprinting your license, it’s important to understand what a fishing license is and why it’s necessary. In Minnesota, residents aged 16 to 89 and non-residents aged 16 and older must have a valid fishing license to legally fish in the state’s waters. Your license is proof that you have paid the required fees and are authorized to participate in recreational fishing.
Your fishing license is valid from March 1 through February 28 of the following year. It’s important to note that your plastic license card does not serve as a replacement for your actual license. By law, you must carry your physical license with you while fishing. If you are caught fishing without your license, you may be in violation of the law.
Obtaining a Duplicate License
If you have lost your fishing license, you can obtain a duplicate from any Electronic License System (ELS) agent in Minnesota. ELS agents are located throughout the state and include sporting goods stores, bait shops, and other retailers that sell fishing licenses.
To get a duplicate license, simply visit an ELS agent and provide them with your plastic license card. Your card contains all the information the agent needs to reprint your license. The agent will then provide you with a duplicate copy of your license, free of charge.
If you don’t have your plastic card, you can still obtain a duplicate license, but the process may be more involved. In this case, you’ll need to provide the agent with your name, address, date of birth, and any other identifying information they request to verify your identity and license purchase.
Purchasing a Duplicate License Online
In addition to visiting an ELS agent, you can also purchase a duplicate fishing license online through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website. To do this, follow these steps:
- Visit the DNR’s online license sales website at mndnr.gov/buyalicense
- Select “Duplicate Licenses” from the list of available licenses
- Enter your personal information, such as your name, date of birth, and driver’s license number
- Select the license you need to duplicate and proceed with the purchase
- Pay the required fee, which is typically $2.50 per duplicate license
Once you have completed the online purchase, you will receive your duplicate license via email or text message, depending on your preference. You can then print out the license or save it on your mobile device to use as proof of licensing while fishing.
Lifetime Fishing Licenses
If you have purchased a lifetime fishing license in Minnesota, you may need to renew or activate it annually to ensure you are counted for federal aid and accounting purposes. Even though you have a lifetime license, you still need to obtain an annual renewal each year you plan to fish.
To renew your lifetime license, you can visit an ELS agent, purchase the renewal online, or by calling the DNR License Center. The renewal is free of charge, but you may need to pay a small agent fee if purchasing from a retail outlet.
Conclusion
Losing your Minnesota fishing license can be frustrating, but with the help of ELS agents and the DNR’s online licensing system, obtaining a duplicate is a simple process. By understanding the importance of carrying your physical license while fishing and knowing where to go for a replacement, you can get back to enjoying your favorite fishing spots in no time.
Remember, fishing licenses are an important part of conservation efforts in Minnesota. By purchasing a license, you are contributing to the management and protection of the state’s aquatic resources, ensuring that future generations can enjoy the same fishing opportunities you do today.