ANNAPOLIS, MD—The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will launch MD Outdoors, a new online licensing system, on June 24, 2025, replacing the existing COMPASS platform. The centralized system streamlines access to hunting and fishing licenses, boat and off-road vehicle registration renewals, and related permits, aiming to enhance user experience for Maryland’s outdoor enthusiasts.
MD Outdoors offers a user-friendly interface, auto-renew options, and a mobile app that stores license information and highlights new hunting and fishing opportunities. Current license-holders will retain their DNR ID numbers and receive instructions to create a username and password to access their accounts. For the first time, Maryland will offer durable, collectible license cards featuring images of local fish and wildlife, showcasing the validity of hunting and fishing licenses.
“MD Outdoors will improve the licensing experience for residents and visitors. We’re debuting this system after years of listening to feedback from our hunters, anglers, boaters, and other outdoor enthusiasts,” said DNR Secretary Josh Kurtz. “Customer service is a top priority for the department, especially since license purchases support scientific monitoring, research, and surveys in the field and the laboratory to ensure that Maryland maintains its premier hunting and fishing opportunities.”
The system supports a range of conservation efforts. Hunting license fees fund hunter education, wildlife habitat restoration, Wildlife Management Area maintenance, landowner assistance, and wildlife law enforcement. Fishing licenses and stamps support fish stocking, invasive species management, and improvements to fishing sites. These initiatives ensure sustainable outdoor recreation across Maryland’s diverse ecosystems.
Developed with Brandt Information Services, a leading provider for outdoor licensing systems in 27 states and territories, including Virginia and Florida, MD Outdoors was designed to meet user needs without additional taxpayer costs. Funding allocated for COMPASS maintenance, managed by the Maryland Department of Information Technology’s Major IT Development Project Oversight Division, covers the transition. License fees, set by the General Assembly, remain unchanged.
The system’s development followed years of planning and user feedback, addressing demands for a more efficient and accessible platform. Future updates will introduce additional features to enhance functionality. The Department of Natural Resources will issue further announcements when MD Outdoors goes live, guiding users through the transition.
MD Outdoors aims to simplify licensing for both new and returning customers, from anglers on the Chesapeake Bay to hunters in Western Maryland. The mobile app’s ability to store licenses and suggest new recreational opportunities is expected to attract younger users and boost participation. The durable license cards, a novel offering, add a collectible element while ensuring proof of licensure in the field.
By consolidating services into one platform, MD Outdoors reduces barriers to accessing Maryland’s outdoor activities, which contribute significantly to the state’s economy and conservation efforts. The system’s launch marks a step toward modernizing DNR services, aligning with the department’s commitment to customer service and environmental stewardship.
Maryland’s hunting and fishing communities, alongside boaters and off-road vehicle users, will benefit from the streamlined process, which eliminates complexities of the older COMPASS system. As the June 24 launch approaches, the Department of Natural Resources encourages users to prepare for the transition and explore the new system’s features.