It's part one of a two-part update to Georgia's recreational license and boat registration system. The new boat registration system went live Wed., Oct. 1 on the Georgia Department of Natural Resources' Wildlife Resources Division Web site -www.georgiawildlife.com

. Users looking to register a boat or renew or replace a current boat registration should select "Boating" and "Boating Registration" on the division's Web site to log into the new system.

"Under the new system, users will have the added convenience of purchasing their boat registration by telephone," said Capt. Mike England of the division's License and Boat Registration Unit. "We are happy to be working with the new vendor, Central Bank, recognized as data and financial experts, who also serve twenty-five other states in the same capacity." "It is important for people to know that with the activation of this new system, boat registrations no longer will be processed or printed at the division's Social Circle office," explained England.

Another important point for customers is that purchases made online or by telephone may require individuals to mail in supporting documents to complete the transaction. Central Bank will issue customers an authorization number until the process is complete. Once boat registrations are complete, customers should receive their registrations within seven days.

There are costs associated with the new boat registration system. A new convenience fee will be applied to all transactions, either single or multiple. Boat registrations have an $8.00 convenience fee for Internet transactions and applications submitted by mail and $10.00 for telephone transactions.

The new hunting and fishing license system is expected to be available Jan. 1, 2009, also through the division's Web site,www.georgiawildlife.com

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In August, the contract for license sales was officially amended to allow all current license agents statewide the opportunity to sell hunting and fishing licenses. When the new system is in place, hunters and anglers will be able to make purchases online, by phone and at various retail agents.

Boat registrations and sales of hunting and fishing licenses provide key financial support for fish and wildlife conservation. For more information on the new boat registration system, visit www.georgiawildlife.com . Capt. Mike England, License and Boat Registration Unit (770) 918-6414 or mike.England@gadnr.org Jennifer N. Barnes, Sr. Public Relations and Information Specialist (770) 918-6795 or jennifer.barnes@gadnr.org