DEC Automated Licensing System (DECALS)

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Get Your Sporting Licenses or Register for Marine Fishing

Get Your Sporting License

Buy your sporting license online

If you need assistance with your online purchase, please check out our help center links below:

Buy your sporting license by phone at 1-866-933-2257 *

* For online and phone sales, freshwater fishing, marine fishing, and trapping licenses will be emailed for immediate use. Habitat & Access Stamps are also emailed. Hunting licenses must be mailed via USPS-please allow up to 14 business days for receipt. You may also get licenses in person at a license issuing agent near you.

If you have trouble making a transaction, please use the contact form, email us directly, or call 1-866-933-2257.

Important Information

Before making an online or phone purchase through our automated licensing system, please review the following:

  • Hunting Licenses/Tags:
    • NEW in the 2024-25 license year. All licenses, carcass tags and other items sold will be printed on plain paper.
    • Licenses ordered online can be printed at the end of your transaction. They will also be delivered to you via email and available in your online DECALS account under you ‘Active Licenses, Permits & Privileges’. THEY WILL NOT BE MAILED.
    • Licenses ordered over the phone will be delivered by email. You can also request to have your licenses and tags mailed to you but you will need to allow up to14 business days to receive them.
    • The 2024-25 season licenses and deer management permits will go on sale the week of August 1, 2024.
    • New annual licenses go on sale in August each year.
    • Hunting & Trapping licenses are valid from September 1 - August 31 annually.
  • Fishing Licenses and Recreational Marine Fishing Registry:
    • When making an online transaction you will automatically be sent an email with your license upon completion of the sale. You can log into your online profile at any time to reprint a copy of your fishing or marine registry.
    • When making a phone transaction, a confirmation number will be given to you that can be used as valid proof of your fishing or marine registry.
  • Trapping Licenses: same as fishing licenses above
  • Children 15 & younger: A parent/legal guardian must assist with purchases to validate information
Contact for this Page

DFW, License Sales Unit
625 Broadway
Albany, NY 12233

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