License Agents

The New License Sales System

• Replaced the old hardware and software systems with a new Web-based license and game check system.
• Leverages new technology to better serve sportsmen and women.
• Because of increased efficiency, the Division of Wildlife is able to redirect resources towards mission critical program areas.

General Overview

• The Division of Wildlife initiated a new real-time, Web-based license system in spring 2011.
• The Division of Wildlife is taking advantage of available technology in its continuing effort to better serve sportsmen and women. The system is more intuitive, cost-efficient, and user-friendly.
• Hunters, trappers, and anglers will see minor changes in the appearance of their license, but the licensing process remains the same.
• Deer and turkey hunters can easily check game on the Internet, by phone or at a license agent. 
• The new system strengthens and enhances the Division’s fish and wildlife management practices. Sound wildlife management ensures healthy, sustainable wildlife populations for the benefit of hunters, anglers and trappers.

Changes for License Agents under the New System

• Proprietors interested in selling licenses must comply with the Division of Wildlife’s License Issuance Contract in order to participate in the program. 
• All License Agents now receive $1.00 per license/permit sold.
• All agents must provide for/pay for their own computer hardware and have access to the Internet.   
• The Division of Wildlife hired a contractor who designed and implemented the new system.  

Improvements for License Agents

• License Agents have access to dedicated technical support that include nighttime and weekend hours.
• A more intuitive interface simplifies transaction processing, decreases the need for staff training, and gives supervisors/administrators remote access to financial and accounting reports.   
• The new system operates in a real-time environment (Internet-based), eliminating the burdensome upload/download process. 

Challenges for License Agents

• Internet connection speed will significantly impact system performance, transaction times, and customer service.  The Division of Wildlife recommends a minimum 128 Kbps connection speed.  1 Mbps will optimize system performance.  
• Internet sales continue to grow.  Although retail sales represent approximately 95% of all sales, we expect e-commerce to become increasingly more prevalent in the future.
• The new system was built to operate using an analog telephone line.  However, the system performs much better when using a high-speed Internet connection or DSL. 
• License agents are required to process electronic game check transactions (see below).
• No lease fees will be charged.

Game Checking under the New System

Hunters can complete game-check transactions in one of three ways:

1. On the Internet using secured access to the database.
2. Over the telephone using an automated voice response system. 
3. At an authorized license agent. 

The Division of Wildlife is excited to offer hunters convenient choices in regards to deer and turkey checking.  No longer are nights, weekends or holidays a problem.  Other states that have implemented similar systems have found that the vast majority of hunters will use the telephone or the Internet to complete game check transactions.

For the hunters who choose not to use the Internet or telephone options, authorized license agents will be required to process electronic game-check transactions as part of their duties.  The transaction  is easy to process, and does not require visual inspection of a carcass.

Social Security Number /Customer Identification Number

U.S. Code 42 requires government agencies to record the social security number of anyone who attempts to receive a recreational license.  The stated purpose of the federal statute is to improve the effectiveness of child support enforcement.  Furthermore, Ohio Revised Code section 3123 requires the Ohio Division of Wildlife to revoke and/or refuse the sale of licenses to anyone determined to be in default of child support payments, as determined by the Ohio Department of Jobs & Family Services. 

Once a customer’s social security number is recorded, we will not ask for it again, and the customer will not be required to provide it at the point of sale.

Under the new system, customers are required to provide some form of identification, or provide some combination of personal information such as last name, date of birth, and last 4-digits of the social security number. 

Protection of sensitive customer information, particularly social security numbers, is a priority.  Social security numbers will be protected and secured, and will not be printed on any document (license or permit).  Social security numbers are not considered public information. 

Customer Identification Highlights

• The Division will collect a customer’s SSN only once.  This primarily affects customers who have never used an Ohio driver’s license to purchase a license and/or permit to fish, hunt or trap. 
• Each customer will be assigned a Customer Identification Number.  The Customer Account Number will be printed on every license and/or permit received under the new system, then used for subsequent purchases and transactions.
• Using a Customer Account Number, customers have the ability to manage their own account on the Internet using secured access to the new system.
• Conclusion: the new license sales and game check strengthens and enhances the Division’s fish and wildlife management practices, and benefit various wildlife enthusiasts, including hunters, anglers and trappers.

 
License Agent Hardware Requirements