

Launch Alert: Maryland Department of Natural Resources Modernized Licensing System
June 24, 2025 – Brandt has launched Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ (MD DNR) new electronic licensing and registration system, MD Outdoors. This milestone for MD DNR modernizes Maryland’s licensing and registration processes from the previous system, COMPASS, onto Brandt’s platform. It enhances functionality, improves user experience, and streamlines administrative operations.
Originally implemented in January 2012, the legacy COMPASS system needed an upgrade. MD Outdoors consolidates access to hunting and fishing licenses, boat and off-road vehicle registrations, and related outdoor services into one streamlined location. It was developed with a deep focus on customer experience and long-term sustainability, replacing COMPASS at no additional cost to taxpayers — using existing maintenance funds for the upgrade.
Key Enhancements and Features
The updated system delivers several major improvements, ensuring Maryland’s outdoor community can easily access the services they need. Key enhancements include:
- Improved Licensing and Registration – A streamlined interface for hunting and fishing licenses, recreational vehicle and vessel titling, and registration.
- Business Rule Enforcement – Automated compliance checks for hunting, fishing, and boating regulations.
- Harvest Registration – Simplified and integrated reporting for hunters and anglers.
- Enhanced Marketing Capabilities – Leveraging Brandt’s Atlas Marketing CRM to provide targeted engagement and outreach opportunities.
- Auto-Renewal – Users now have access to auto-renew features.
- Durable License Cards – Customers can now purchase rugged, collectible license cards that feature artwork of Maryland’s fish and wildlife—offering a new, tangible way to show license validity.
Supporting Maryland’s Outdoor Future
With the new MD Outdoors, current license-holders retain their existing DNR ID numbers and are guided through a simple setup process for new usernames and passwords. These improvements support MD DNR’s goal of creating a more intuitive, accessible experience for both new and returning users.
“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 MD 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.”
License fees will remain unchanged, and the new system continues to support conservation efforts. Hunting license revenues contribute to habitat restoration and wildlife law enforcement, while fishing license revenues support fish stocking, invasive species management, and access improvements across the state.
This collaboration with MD DNR is a testament to Brandt’s continued leadership in digital transformation for outdoor licensing. As the trusted provider for more than two dozen state agencies, including Virginia, West Virginia, and Florida, Brandt is proud to partner with Maryland to deliver this next-generation experience for outdoor enthusiasts.
To visit Maryland DNR’s official licensing portal, click here: mdoutdoors.maryland.gov/login
About Maryland Department of Natural Resources
The Department of Natural Resources leads Maryland in securing a sustainable future for our environment, society, and economy by preserving, protecting, restoring, and enhancing the State’s natural resources.
About Brandt
Brandt creates technology in service of the outdoors. We enable the enjoyment of natural resources by supporting state and local agencies, so that they in turn can support the public.
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