Game, Fish and Parks Automated License System -
   Frequently Asked Questions

Who CANNOT purchase a license online?

• Almost everyone can purchase a license online, with the exception of those who need to provide additional documentation at the time of purchase. Specifically, this includes non-resident military personnel serving in the state of South Dakota who wish to apply as a resident, non-resident students attending school in South Dakota who wish to apply as a resident, non-US/Canada citizens (Non-US/Canada Citizens who need to purchase their hunting license in advance of entering the US should contact us at 605-773-3485 for special arrangements), and youth who have completed a hunter safety course and have their safety certification card, but who may not yet be loaded into our hunter safety database. These people will have to purchase a license from a storefront agent (click here for a listing of agent locations).

What do I do if the system does not recognize me as a South Dakota resident?

• Be sure that you have entered your South Dakota Driver's License number, South Dakota State ID number, or (for youth under 16) your South Dakota Hunters Safety Certificate number correctly (e.g. no hyphens or spaces).  These are the only forms of ID we accept for proof of residency.  Also, be sure your name is spelled as it appears on your ID, and are entered in the correct order (last name first).  If you use a suffix to your name (e.g. Jr. or III), be sure to enter it in the suffix field and not as part of your last name.  If you still have problems, contact SD Game Fish and Parks by phone: (605) 773-3485,   FAX: (605) 773-5842 or e-mail wildinfo@state.sd.us.

Do I need a printer to purchase a license online?

• Yes. You will need to print the license, sign it and carry it with you when exercising your hunting or fishing privileges. You may print many copies of your license, as long as each one bears an original signature. You can return to the site latter, and reprint you license anytime. Also, if you purchase addition privileges in the future, they will be added to the new copy of your license along with your previous privileges, so you can discard earlier copies, if you  like.

Why doesn't my license print on a single page?

• On rare occasions, you may purchase so many privileges they won't all fit on a single sheet, but more often the problem is that the text size in your browser is set too large.  To adjust the text size, select "View" from your browser's menu (grey bar near the top of the browser window), then "Text Size," then choose a smaller size. This will reduce the size of the print, when you print your license.

Can I use my license immediately?

• As soon as you have printed and signed your license, you can exercise your privileges.

How can I replace my lost  license?

• You can return to the site and reprint your license anytime. Login with the user name and password you used when you purchased the license, or create a new user name with the same personal identification information. Select "View Licenses" and all of your current privileges will display. Click "Printer Friendly Version" at the bottom of the license display, and print your license. You may print many additional copies of your license, as long as each one bears an original signature at the time of use. [Note: If you create a new user name, it will not be associated with your licenses the first time you login. You need to select "Apply for License," click "Next," then any licenses you have should be displayed under Privileges you have. Then click "Main menu" and the option to "View Licenses" will be available to you.]

• If you have a temporary license (e.g. 1-day fishing license or nonresident small game license, etc.) you can change the start date for the license, provided the effective period of the license has not already begun. Login with the user name and password you used when you purchased the license, or create a new user name with the same personal identification information. Select "Change Privilege Dates." If your license dates are eligible to be changed, they will appear in white boxes where you can change the date.  Make your changes, and click "Update" in the lower right corner of the display to save the change. Then click "Printer Friendly Version" at the bottom of the license display, and print your license. You may print many additional copies of your license, as long as each one bears an original signature at the time of use. Destroy any old copies of your license, since they will no longer be valid and their use, even in error, could result in criminal prosecution.

What if I forget my user name or password?

• If you forget your user name or password, register again as a new user. When you re-enter your personal information, your new user name and password will replace your old one. You will have access to all of your existing privileges.

Why do I need to provide my Social Security Number?

Federal and state law (SDCL 25-7A-56.2) requires Game, Fish and Parks to collect the Social Security number of applicants for hunting and fishing licenses. This number is used to verify that you do not have any outstanding child support obligations, without a payment agreement on file with the Department of Social Services. Social Security numbers will not be displayed on licenses or disclosed except as required by state or federal law.

Is the website secure for credit card transactions?

• Yes, when a user begins to purchase a license in our licensing module, the browser and our server enter a secure connection through SSL (Secure Socket Layer). Throughout the entire process, all entered data (not only the credit card information, but all the personal information, as well as all license items selected for purchasing will be encrypted ). In the browser's Location/Address bar, the user should see "https" instead of "http". Also, a locked locker or will be shown in the Status bar at the bottom of the browser. certifies the GFP Automated License System web site (click the Entrust logo for authentication).

Does the website offer resident and nonresident fishing/hunting licenses?

• Yes. The first section requires you to provide your residency information. If you do not have a valid South Dakota ID (Driver's license or State ID card, or hunter safety card for youth under 16), you will not be able to purchase a "resident" license. If you are not a resident, only "Non-Resident" licenses will be available to you.

What do I do if I have completed the licensing transaction, and I realize I have made a mistake?

• You can change certain personal information by logging in and selecting "Update demographic data".  Anything that is not grayed out can be updated.
• You can also change start dates for certain temporary licenses by logging in and selecting "Change privilege dates".
• If you have made other errors that you cannot change (e.g. social security number, date of birth, wrong license type, etc.), e-mail wildinfo@state.sd.us stating the license number and state, name of the license holder and the information to be changed. You can also contact SD Game Fish and Parks by phone: (605) 773-3485  FAX: (605) 773-5842.

What type of payment does the online license system accept?

• Visa , and Mastercard .

Why was my credit card declined even though I entered everything correctly and I have sufficient funds in my account?

Is there a transaction fee involved for purchasing licenses online?

• Yes. The transaction fee is approximately $2 per license. The actual fee is listed in the license description.

I am a wildlife stamp collector. Should I buy my stamps through the Internet?

• No, we sell stamp "privileges" printed as an authorization number on the license. The physical wildlife stamps (migratory bird certificates) will be discontinued.

Can I buy a license for someone else?

• Yes,  if you have the required personal information.

If I purchase a license online, can I purchase additional licenses at a later date?

• Yes. You may purchase additional licenses at a later date, both online and from store front License Agents. 

What are the contact numbers for the licensing questions at SD Game, Fish and Parks?

• Phone: (605) 773-3485     FAX: (605) 773-5842    Email: wildinfo@state.sd.us

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