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No, you don’t have to print your Minnesota fishing license. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) accepts a paper copy, an emailed PDF, or a license stored in the MN DNR Licensing app. The DNR says the PDF and app version are sufficient during a field license check.
Which formats can you carry?
| Format | How to have it ready | What to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Paper | The DNR says you can print the license at home or get it printed at a license agent. | No phone or battery is needed. Protect the printout from rain, snow, and other weather. |
| Emailed PDF | Save or download the PDF before heading somewhere you may lose service. | The DNR says the PDF suffices during a field check. You need a way to access the file on your device. |
| MN DNR Licensing app | Log in and store the license in the app before your trip. | Once stored, it can be displayed without cell service or Wi-Fi. A phone with a dead battery or an inaccessible screen can still be a practical problem. |
The DNR lists paper, emailed PDF, and app storage as carrying choices on its fishing license page. It does not say that app users must carry a paper backup.
Will the license show on your phone without service?
Yes, if you have already logged in and stored the license in the app. The DNR says an internet or cellular connection is needed to download the app, log in, and buy a license, but not merely to display a license already stored on the device. An emailed PDF you have downloaded or otherwise made available on your phone can also be accessed without a connection; do not rely on opening an online account or retrieving email after service drops.
How to prepare before you go fishing
- Choose a carrying format. Use paper, an emailed PDF, or the MN DNR Licensing app, as described in the DNR’s current licensing guidance.
- Complete online steps while connected. If you plan to use the app, download it, log in, and store your license before leaving coverage. If you plan to use the PDF, save it so it is accessible offline.
- Check access before departure. Open the saved PDF or app license while you still have a connection, and make sure your phone has enough battery for the trip.
- Consider paper if account or device access may be difficult. The DNR’s licensing FAQ recommends downloading or printing in advance if you may have trouble accessing your account. If you print, protect the paper from weather.
Which DNR guidance should you follow?
Minnesota launched its new hunting and fishing licensing system on June 9, 2026, replacing the previous system. The launch announcement describes buying through the app, online, or at an in-person license agent; the current fishing license page lists paper, PDF, and app storage as ways to carry a license.
#1 Best Overall
- Waterproof badge holder: excellent resealable design ensures your cards stay dry and will not be damaged.
- Dimensions- Inside of vertical id holder is 2.5" (wide) x 3.5" (tall),
- Easy to unpack, Easy to use: simply clip the hook on the lanyard to the pre-punched center slot on the holder sleeve.
- Style- Vertical, Clear, Zip Top, Sealable, Waterproof, Heavy Duty.
The 2026 fishing regulations booklet includes older electronic-license wording about choosing email and/or printing. Because that text predates the new system’s launch, the current licensing page and the June 9, 2026 launch announcement are the more relevant sources for present carrying options. For a particular license type, check its current details; the DNR lists the 2026–27 fishing license year as effective through February 28, 2027.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- INSIDE of holder is 2.36." (height) x 3.74." (length)
- Waterproof Badge Holder: Excellent resealable design ensures your cards stay dry and will not be damaged.
- easy to unpack and assemble Don't waste time punching holes, these come with 3 holes pre-punched; Attach any style of string, chain, clip, hook, thread or lanyard.
- Use for meetings, social events, senior centers, reunions.
- convenient multipacks Create any combination of multipacks in a single order to get the quantity that best suits your need.
Rank #3
- FISHING LICENSE HOLDER W/ZIP CLOSURE
Rank #2
- Enough to Use: you will receive 6 pieces of fishing license holders, and 6 pieces of safety pins, abundant in quantity, enough for you to choose and replace, can meet your different needs; You can also share them with your friends
- Long Time Use: the license holder is made of PVC material, sturdy and reliable, the decorative safety pins are made of stainless steel material, with smooth surfaces, solid and strong, not easy to bend or deform, can be applied for a long time
- Effective Protection: the hunting license holder is designed with waterproof zipper, can be put into your hunting and fishing licenses, providing them with nice protection, convenient and practical
- Bright Color Design: the waterproof fishing license holder mainly adopts fluorescent orange design, bright and stylish, so that you can find it easily, and don't worry about losing it easily, giving you a nice using experience
- Wide Range of Applications: the waterproof hunting license holder can be applied with the pins, making it easy to fasten, you can fasten it on your bag, jacket, sweater, skirt and more, making it easy to get your license out
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