The Electronic Duck Stamp Act of 2005 (Pub. L. 109-266), passed in August 2006, required that the Secretary of the Interior conduct a 3-year pilot program under which up to 15 States could be authorized to issue electronic Federal Duck Stamps, or E-stamps. In August 2007, eight States began issuing the E-stamps. More than 59,000 E-stamps were sold the first year of the pilot program. At that time, the E-stamp was valid for 45 days from the date of purchase and could be used immediately while customers wait to receive the actual stamp in the mail. After 45 days, customers were required to carry the actual Federal Duck Stamp while hunting or to gain free access to national wildlife refuges. As expected, the electronic program increased the availability of Federal Duck Stamps, making it easier for the public to obtain the stamps and enhancing public participation. Under our authorities in 16 U.S.C. 718b(a)(2), we have continued the Electronic Duck Stamp Program in the eight States that participated in the pilot, and, in 2012, more than 350,000 stamps were sold.
From 2013-2023, we expanded the program by inviting all State fish and wildlife agencies to participate. We received applications and interest from another 30 States. Thirty-two of these States were accepted and 23 new States entered the program in this ten-year period. As of the end of 2016, we had a total of 30 States participating in the program.
The Duck Stamp Modernization Act of 2023 (Pub. L. 118-25), signed into law on December 19, 2023, removed the 45-day limit on the E-stampâs validity; the E-stamp is now valid from the date of purchase through June 30. To protect the tradition of the conservation âstampâ, a pictorial stamp will still be sent to each E-stamp customer each year after March 10 (end of the migratory bird hunting season). These will be slightly different in appearance from Federal Duck Stamps purchased through the U.S. Postal Service or consignees.
US Code:
16 USC 718a et. seq.
Name of Law: Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp Act
US Code:
16 USC 718p
Name of Law: Permanent Electronic Duck Stamp Act of 2013
With this submission, we are reporting discretionary changes of 30 annual responses and 300 annual hours associated with the addition of the new IC for renewed/amended applications. We are also reporting a change in estimate of 572 annual responses and 1,118 annual hours.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.
Form FWS Form 3-2341 Renewal/Amended Application (Form 3-2341)
30-day FRN for 1018-0135.pdf
1018-0135 SSA E-Stamp Program 03212025.docx
Renewal/Amended Application (Form 3-2341)