New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced a regulatory proposal that would enable License Issuing Agents and Officers (LIAs) to charge a nominal printing fee to recover costs associated with printing and mailing paper sporting licenses and other items sold through DEC’s Automated Licensing System (DECALS).

The proposal does not include any additional fees if the license buyer prints a license themselves, DEC said.

“Our partnering License Issuing Agents serve a critical role supporting DEC’s statewide wildlife conservation and management programs,” Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar said. “The proposal released today is designed to aid the transition to paper licenses and tags this fall to ensure LIAs are able to continue to provide their services. DEC encourages New Yorkers to provide public comments as this process continues toward implementation later this year.”

Beginning this August, all hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses and associated tags will be printed on plain paper rather than plastic stock. Because LIAs will supply their own paper, printers, and ink, DEC is proposing a rule change to provide LIAs the option of charging a $1 fee to cover their material costs.

Additionally, this proposal will enable DEC’s license vendor to levy a $2 fee for licenses purchased online or by phone for which the buyer requests the license be printed and mailed.

All license buyers who purchase online, by phone, via DEC’s mobile app, or in-person at an LIA will have the option to avoid the fee by choosing to receive their licenses and tags via email for free printing at home.

Additional information about the transition to paper licenses and tags can be found on DEC’s website. The full text of the proposed changes are available on DEC's proposed regulations webpage.

DEC is interested in the viewpoints of license holders and encourages public feedback on this proposal. Comments will be accepted through Aug. 12, and can be submitted via e-mail to wildliferegs@dec.ny.gov with the subject line "Paper license transaction fee" or via mail to the Division of Fish and Wildlife, Bureau of Wildlife, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-4754.