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Buy a Sporting License

From the options listed below, you can:

  • Purchase hunting, trapping and fishing licenses
  • Apply for deer management permits (DMPs)
  • Register for recreational marine fishing
  • Donate to habitat/access stamps and other donation sources

Online:*

Go to DEC's Automated Licensing System (DECALS)

By phone:*

Call 1-86-NY-DECALS (1-866-933-2257)

In person:

At most town clerks' offices and many sporting goods stores. Find where to buy a license near you with DEC's Google Maps data for the following regions (These links leave DEC's website):

*Online and Phone Purchases

  • You cannot make a purchase online or by phone if:
  • Customers under 16 years old must have a parent or legal guardian assist with online and phone purchases, and validate all information at checkout.
  • Allow for 14 business days to receive your license or DMP tags by mail.
  • You will receive a receipt of purchase immediately after your transaction:
    • For hunting and trapping: this receipt is NOT valid proof to perform any hunting and trapping activities. You must wait to receive your license in the mail before going hunting or trapping in New York State.
    • For freshwater and saltwater fishing: the receipt can be printed and used as valid proof to perform fishing activities. It is valid ONLY 14 days after the purchase was made.

Documents Required for Purchase

To ensure your transaction runs smoothly, please have the appropriate documents as specified below:

  • For Current License Holders - DEC Customer ID Number found on your previous license, carcass tag or back tag.
  • For First-time Hunters and Trappers - Appropriate sportsman education certificate
  • For New York State Residents - One of the following proofs of residency
    (please note: you cannot make a purchase online or by phone without a NYS driver's license):
    • NYS drivers license
    • NYS non-drivers identification from DMV
    • Current NYS vehicle registration
    • IT-201 OR W-2 income tax form from the previous year
    • Current voter registration card
    • Current Student ID card
    • Military LES (Leave and Earnings Statement) OR military orders
    • Current pay stub OR note on letterhead from a current employer verifying your legal address

License Types and Fees

View a list of all recreational licenses and permits and associated fees.

Deer Management Permits

  • Applications are due by October 1 each year.
  • Must be 14 years or older and have a valid regular big game hunting license.
  • Hunters can apply for up to two DMPs with the same WMU or two different WMUs (Identify Wildlife Management Units (WMU) near you).
  • For more information and for details on the selection process, visit the Deer Management Permits page.

Valid Dates of Licenses and Registration

  • October 1 - September 30 for freshwater fishing, hunting and trapping licenses and deer management permits.
  • January 1 - December 31 for saltwater/marine recreational fishing registry.

Address Changes

Address changes can be made online when you are purchasing or renewing your license. If you need to change your address at any other time, email us to submit address changes. You MUST include your full name, date of birth, Customer ID number, new address and telephone number. Lifetime Licensees should submit address changes by June 1 to ensure that your license arrives on time.

Surveying License Holders

Periodically, DEC or its designated agent(s) may contact license-holders to conduct surveys and research involving New York State fish and wildlife. The information obtained will provide public input on fish and wildlife management actions and human interactions with New York's fish and wildlife resources.


More about Buy a Sporting License:

  • Online Purchasing and Registering - You may purchase sporting licenses and permits through DECALS via the internet. Please allow up to three weeks for delivery of your license and tags.