(Provided by Michigan DNR)

The Michigan DNR is upgrading its Retail Sales System (RSS), the system it uses to sell hunting, fishing, snowmobile, off-road vehicle and a variety of other licenses.

In order to complete the upgrade, the DNR will take its licensing system offline from Monday, Feb. 18, at 11:30 p.m. through Thursday, Feb. 21, at 1 p.m. The upgrades will take place in time for the new license year that begins on March 1.

This will affect license sales at retail stores, as well as online license sales through the DNR’s e-license website.

“While there is never an ideal time to take the system offline, we have planned this upgrade to take place during a time when it would have the least impact,” said Denise Gruben, manager of the DNR's Licensing and Reservations. “We are at the end of the 2012 license year, and most people have already purchased their 2012 licenses, most of which are valid through March 31, 2013.”

The system upgrades include a complete change of the behind-the-scenes operating system and servers. “Changes in technology and suggestions from license agents - the businesses that sell licenses at the counter - prompted these much-needed upgrades,” said Gruben.

Those who have not yet purchased for the 2012 license year and wish to participate in hunting and fishing during the specific offline time period are encouraged to plan ahead and buy beforehand.

Customers who wish to buy snowmobile permits during the 2.5-day offline period can buy preprinted permits at many snowmobile dealerships.

Sales of 2012 items will resume at 1:00 pm on Feb. 21.