Automated License Data System General Questions and Answers

What is the Automated License Data System (ALDS)?

The ALDS is an automated licensing system which electronically links computer terminals at each license agent location to a central database. The ALDS will replace the current manual paper-based licensing system used by the Department of Fish and Game (DFG) and license agents. In addition to in-person license sales, the ALDS will also offer Internet and telephone sales.

Why make the change?

The new system will improve customer service, business processes and governmental efficiencies. For many years the public has requested a streamlined more efficient and simpler licensing system. Hunters and anglers want to be able to go to one location and purchase all sport fishing and hunting licenses quickly and easily. Licenses agents want an easier way to sell and account for licenses. In addition, the DFG requires timely and accurate license sales and customer data for resource management, enforcement and accounting purposes.

The ALDS will: 1) improve customer service to the public by providing faster easier license purchases; 2) enable license agents to sell all sport fishing and hunting licenses and related items; 3) provide license sales 24-hours a day seven days a week by telephone or on the Internet; 4) streamline the license sales and accounting process by eliminating license inventory and sales reporting requirements (all license sales revenue will be electronically transferred to the DFG at predetermined dates and times); 5) provide timely and accurate accounting of DFG revenues and speed the collection of license revenues and 6) provide license buyer data for resource management purposes and the opportunities to make better decisions based on better data. 

What will my new license look like?

The ALDS licenses will be credit card size (about 3-by-4 inches) when folded. Customers making purchases in person will be issued their personalized licenses instantly at the point of sale. Those making purchases via the Internet may be able to print a temporary license from home until they receive their annual license by mail.

How will the Department pay for the ALDS?

The DFG will redirect the savings and increased revenues and reimbursements created by the ALDS to fund the design, development, implementation and operation over a multi-year period. However, the DFG is considering a “share of cost” approach that would include other funding options.

How will ALDS impact me?

The two main constituent groups most affected by the ALDS are license buyers and license agents (independent businesses that sell licenses on behalf of the DFG, which include bait shops, sporting goods stores, etc.).

License Buyers: Under the ALDS the actual sales process will be easier and quicker. Barriers such as license agents running out of inventory or not carrying the item the customer needs will be eliminated. In addition, more services and special items that were previously only available from a DFG office (i.e., drawing entries and bear and most deer tags) will be available at license agents.  Also, licenses will be available, 7-days a week 24-hours a day, using the Internet and possibly the telephone. The ALDS will provide data to help the DFG to better understand who our customers are and what they want.  This will enable us to develop and deliver products and services that will benefit our customers.

License Agents: License agents will benefit from the ALDS by providing a simpler licensing process that will decrease the time it takes to manage and maintain license inventory and complete many of the manual processes such as preparing accounting reports. In addition, there will be a reduced risk of penalties and interest assessments experienced with the current system.  Agents will never run out of inventory and will be able to offer an increased line of products to customers which should draw an increased number of potential customers to their businesses. 

Where can I get more information?

Write to the Department of Fish and Game, License and Revenue Branch, 1740 N. Market Blvd., Sacramento, CA, 95834, visit our web site at www.dfg.ca.gov/licensing or call Mr. Richard Reyes at (916) 928-6899.