General Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a Connecticut Conservation ID?
   • Your Connecticut Conservation ID is a unique and permanent number that is assigned to you for the purchase of all Fishing and Hunting licenses and permits. This number is used when purchasing licenses and permits online or at a participating Sportsmen Licensing sales agent. Agent List Additionally, if you have purchased a lifetime boating certification the details will print on your Connecticut Conservation ID along with any CT Hunter Safety Certification.

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2. What if I forget my Connecticut Conservation ID number?
   • Login using your Driver’s License number, E-mail address or Hunting/ Trapping certification number.
   • If you are unable to log in, call (860) 424-3105 during normal business hours (Monday - Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm) to request assistance. You can also send an e-mail to Sportsmen.Licensing@ct.gov to request assistance. If you have received a license to Hunt or Fish after 2009, please do not create a new account without first contacting our office.

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3. Do I need a printer to purchase a license or permits online?
   • No. After completing your purchase online, the updated Connecticut Conservation ID that is provided to you will be electronically signed. This document may be displayed on your smartphone or other electronic device in place of carrying a printed copy. If you are utilizing the SBC (Safe Boating Certificate) or PWC (Certificate of Personal Watercraft Operation) shown at the bottom of your Connecticut Conservation ID, the Environmental Conservation Police do require you to carry a printed and signed copy.

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4. What if I don’t carry a smartphone or other device while using my license?
   • You may choose to print your Connecticut Conservation ID and carry it with you. Your license will print on the paper that is loaded into your home printer, so it will not be waterproof or tear resistant. However, you are able to print a new license if it’s lost or destroyed.

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5. I'm a NON-HUNTER, how do I obtain a CT Migratory Bird Conservation Stamp?
   • Login to the system using your Connecticut Conservation ID and proceed to the "Product Select" page. Click on the "Other” category, add the Migratory Bird Conservation Stamp (Non-Hunting) to your shopping cart and check out. If you are a new customer, you will have to create your Connecticut Conservation ID before proceeding to make your purchase. If you wish to purchase the stamp for the artwork or donation purposes only and do not wish to create a Connecticut Conservation ID, you can make the purchase on our DEEP Bookstore website: CT DEEP Store

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6. What if my license is lost or destroyed or I can’t find my downloaded copy?
   • You can reprint or download your license at any time by logging into the system. On a phone or tablet, click “License Inventory”. On a PC, click the link that reads “Click here to reprint your license” on the top right of the “Your Account” page.

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7. Is the Online Sportsmen Licensing website secure for credit card transactions?
   • Yes, when a user logs in to the website, the browser enters a secure connection through SSL (Secure Sockets Layer). Throughout the entire process, all entered data, including credit card information as well as all personal information and the items selected for purchase will be encrypted. In the browser's Location/Address bar, you will see "https" instead of "http" before the website address. A lock  will also be shown to the left of the website address The Online Sportsmen Licensing website is certified by Amazon RSA 2048 M02. SSL Certificate

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8. What type of payment does the online system accept?
   • Visa Mastercard and American Express Credit Cards Only.

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9. Is there a transaction fee involved for purchasing licenses online?
   • No, there are no added fees for making your purchase online currently.

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10. Are licenses for blind, intellectual disability, and certain handicapped persons available through the Online Sportsmen Licensing system?
    • Persons qualifying for one of the above types of licenses are required to verify their qualifications and initially obtain such license at a participating town clerk’s office. Participating Town Clerks can be found within the Agent List here: Agent List, (*Retail agents cannot perform this action) or at DEEP offices (Hartford, Burlington, Harwinton, Marlborough, North Franklin and Old Lyme). Subsequent licenses may be obtained through the Online Sportsmen Licensing system.

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11. If I own land in Connecticut but live in another state, do I purchase a Non-Resident license?
    • Yes, you must be able to prove residency to purchase a resident license. You can provide either a valid Connecticut Driver’s License or State Issued Non-Driver Photo ID. Owning land in Connecticut does not exempt you from purchasing a Non-Resident license.

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12. I’m a Non-Resident, how do I obtain my Fishing, Firearm’s Hunting or Archery Permit in the State of Connecticut?
    • For an Inland, Marine or Combination Fishing license you can register for a Connecticut Conservation ID and purchase your license. If you have previously purchased a Fishing license in Connecticut, please use your existing Connecticut Conservation ID to access your account. If you cannot locate your account, please contact our office for assistance at (860) 424-3105 or e-mail us at Sportsmen.Licensing@ct.gov.
    • To purchase a Non- Resident Firearms Hunting license for the first time in Connecticut, you will have to provide proof of a Hunter Education Certificate or a copy of a RESIDENT Firearms Hunting license valid within the last 5 years. (The Resident Firearms Hunting License can be from the state you resided in at the time you held the license). You can provide proof of your certification by logging into your Connecticut Conservation ID account and clicking the “Request Update to Profile” button at the bottom of the screen. You will have the option to choose the profile update you are looking for and upload a copy of the required documents. Specific requirement details will be provided depending on the type of request you are submitting.
    • To purchase a Non-Resident Archery Permit for the first time in Connecticut, you will have to provide proof of a Bow Hunter Education Certificate. Please note that combination Firearms Hunting and Bow Hunter courses are not accepted for Bow Hunter certification in Connecticut. You can provide proof of your certification by logging into your Connecticut Conservation ID account and clicking the “Request Update to Profile” button at the bottom of the screen. You will have the option to choose the profile update you are looking for and upload a copy of the required documents. Specific requirement details will be provided depending on the type of request you are submitting.
    • After you have been certified for Connecticut, if you have any problems purchasing the Non-Resident Firearms Hunting License or Archery Permit, please call our office at (860) 424-3105 or e-mail us at sportsmen.licensing@ct.gov.

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