just bought my ca fishing license, and things have changed....?

Question

so i went to buy my fishing license today (1st day off of the year coming up, and it looks to be clear and sunny). instead of getting a little piece of paper with carbon copys behind it, they took my drivers license and slid it through a machine which then printed out a plasticy paper reciept that is the new 2011 license.

for the consumer, is there any real benefit to this new system besides easy replacement if lost even if record copy is lost too (that is how the old ones were in cali, you had a reciept copy that wasnt a valid license but oculd be used to get a free replacement)?

is cali the 1st state to use this system?
the only state so far?

when i go for my second rod sticker (used to be a sticker anyways), will they print me out a new license with the 2nd rod on it too, or will i get a seperate receipt thingie i will have to keep on me too?

will i need to turn in my old license if they replace it?
i'd like to keep it just so i could leave it in the truck and always have it on me where ever i am sicne i normally keep my license in the boat. i know i wouldnt be able to double pole without the proper license on me though......

and out of idle curiosity, what data tracking benefits does this system have for fish and game agencies?

Dan B · Accepted Answer

I first encountered this method of licensing in Minnesota more than a few years ago.  I was impressed, but not nearly as much as when I went back there a few years later and decided to buy ANOTHER nonresident license and the guy asked if I had ever had a similar license before.  I told him I had but didn't think I'd be in the system anymore because it had been about 2 or 3 years before.  He typed in my name and all the previous information came up.  He used it to print a new license and didn't bother to change my former address to the current one.  It was great and I was truly impressed, but not nearly as impressed as when he asked me what day and time I wanted the license to start.  I started it a day later at 6:00 in the evening and it wasgood for two days and a total of 24 hours from the time of starting.  Lucky for me, as I was getting my gear out of my motor-home that next evening, a warden came up and saw my tackle.  He checked my license and I was on time.  Had I been a few minutes early, I might have been had.  It might have been pretty humiliating as he asked me about my name and said he remembered his dad talking about me and an outdoor newspaper I used to have.  He thought I was some kind of celebrity. I'm glad I didn't pop his bubble by breaking any laws.  LOL   I think the new system is great and look for more and more states to follow the example I first saw in Minnesota.  For the record, Minnesota and California are usually the two #1 states for the number of fishing licenses sold each year.  Another "first" that California claims if memory serves me right is that they were the first state to charge us for fishing in the ocean.  Why am I not surprised.  Good luck with that new license.  I hope it works well for you.  Just remember that if it doesn't work, they won't let you take it back for a refund.  Not even in Minnesota.  HA!

chris · Answer

Eventually you won't need that either in a few years RFID technology will replace all paper and plastic id's. You will be implanted with a chip either on your hand or forehead and all info will be accessed. No more lost or stolen Id's, unless your dead of course. The game warden just scans your chip to verify you paid the fees and your good to go.

Anonymous · Answer

Have you tried Academy or any other local athletic shop? (preferably one that has fishing gear)

just bought my ca fishing license, and things have changed....?

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