Thank you for visiting the Maryland Department of Natural Resources online (DNR Online). In using the Internet to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of our services to public, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources takes data security very seriously. To ensure the privacy of our customers, the Department of Natural Resources (1) only collects personal information that is necessary to serve you, and (2) will not disclose this information except for use in carrying out its governmental functions.
Collection of Information
As mandated by Maryland law, the Department of Natural Resources only collects or create personal records if:
- The need for the information is clearly established;
- The personal data collected are relevant to the purposes for which they are collected and the customer is advised of that purpose;
- The customer is advised of the consequences of refusing to provide the information – e.g., not being able to obtain a fishing license if an address is not provided; and
- The customer is advised of his/her right to inspect and correct personal records, which shall be maintained as accurate and current.
The department also collects statistical information not associated with any specific individual. For online transactions that require "cookies," they are removed when the application is finished. Email inquiries are retained in a database for quality control and improving customer service, but the email addresses are only used for department purposes and not shared.
Disclosure of Information
Except for carrying out its governmental functions, the Department of Natural Resources will not publicly disclose, or allow the inspection and copying of, any part of a public record the contains your personal information. Examples of personal information include your social security number, home address, telephone number and e-mail address. A Department Regulation (effective October 14, 2002) gives this policy the force and effect of law.
Social Security Numbers Required for Hunting and Fishing License Applications
The federal Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (Public Law 104-193) requires that States implement a process by which they can deny or rescind licenses (professional and recreational) to individuals owing child support or failing to comply with court orders relating to paternity or child support proceedings. To fulfill that requirement, Maryland mandated the collection of Social Security numbers from all recreational license applicants (Natural Resources Article, Section 10-301 for hunting licenses and Section 4-205 for fishing licenses).
Under the Department's Privacy Policy, your Social Security number cannot be displayed on any documents accessible to the general public, including your hunting or fishing license. Your Social Security number is considered sociological information (along with your address and phone number) that can only be used by the department in carrying out its governmental functions and cannot be released to anyone else without your express permission.
The State of Maryland is committed to providing you with web sites over which you may securely and confidently transact business with the State.
Use of this site signifies your agreement to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources' Online Privacy Policy. If you do not agree to this policy, please do not use the site. We reserve the right to change, modify, add, or remove portions of this policy at any time. Please check this page periodically. Your continued use of DNR Online following the posting of changes to these terms will mean you accept those changes. If you have any questions about this privacy policy, the practices of this site, or your dealings with this website, please contact anthony.burrows1@maryland.gov.
