- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Wondering if you have to get a dog license? We recommend it. The number on a dog license can be used to obtain your contact information if your pup gets lost, but it’s more than just a backup form of identification. A license for a dog also provides proof that they’ve been vaccinated against rabies.
Licensing requirements can be confusing since they vary from one state to another—even among different municipalities—but that doesn’t mean you can ignore them. Whether you’re bringing home a new puppy or moving with your dog to a new area, research local dog licensing requirements ahead of time. Failing to get a license for your dog could result in fines or other legal trouble.
If you’re confused about whether you need a license for your dog—and where to get one if you do—we’re here to help. We consulted with Nell Ostermeier, DVM, a veterinarian and spokesperson for Figo Pet Insurance, to create this detailed dog licensing guide.
Do You Need a Dog License?
Similar to the regular ID tag your dog wears on their collar, a license serves to identify your dog (and you, as their owner). The difference is you can’t just print a dog license using the machine at your local pet store—you have to submit an application to get it. You’ll have to pay a fee and meet certain requirements as well.
Dog licensing requirements may be set at the state level, but licensing applications and enforcement are usually handled by city or county officials. If you’re not sure whether you need a license for a dog in your area, check with your county clerk.
Dr. Ostermeier suggests reaching out to your veterinarian as a resource for dog licensing information as well. She says, “Most staff at your local vet practice will be able to tell you about the requirements for your city or county.”
Applications for dog licenses are generally pretty simple—you may even be able to apply for a dog license online. You’ll need to provide your name and contact information as well as your dog’s name, age, sex, and identifying information like breed and color. You may also need to provide your dog’s spay/neuter status.
Along with your application, you may be required to provide proof of vaccination against rabies (and sometimes distemper). “This is an important part of public safety as well as the health and safety of your dog,” says Dr. Ostermeier. She adds that “rabies is still found in the wild in the U.S.”
Some states or municipalities require a dog be spayed/neutered or microchipped to obtain a license, or they may offer a discount for doing so. A few states even require owners of specific dog breeds to provide proof of personal liability insurance.
Dog licensing requirements by state
| State | Requirements | Fee Range |
| Alabama | Proof of rabies vaccine
Proof of spay/neuter, if applicable Proof of residency |
$3-$50 annual; some areas offer multi-year licenses and senior discounts |
| Alaska | Proof of rabies vaccine
Some areas offer spay/neuter discount |
$5-$50 annual; some areas offer 2-3 year licenses |
| Arizona | Proof of rabies vaccine
Some areas offer spay/neuter discount |
$5-$55 annual; some areas offer senior citizen discounts |
| Arkansas | Proof of rabies vaccine
Some areas offer spay/neuter discount |
$5-$50 annual; some areas offer 3-year licenses |
| California | Proof of rabies vaccine
Some areas offer spay/neuter discount |
$20-$60 annual; some areas offer 2-3 year licenses and senior citizen or low-income discounts |
| Colorado | Proof of rabies vaccine
Proof of spay/neuter, if applicable No fee for service animals Some areas waive the fee for senior citizens |
$0-$30 annual; some areas offer no-cost licenses for spayed/neutered dogs |
| Connecticut | Proof of rabies vaccine | $8 annual (altered)
$19 annual (intact) |
| Delaware | Proof of rabies vaccine
Some areas offer spay/neuter discount |
$10 annual (altered); $15 annual (intact); prices double for 2-year license and triple for 3-year licenses; discounts available for senior citizens |
| Florida | Proof of rabies vaccine
Some areas offer spay/neuter discount Proof of age or income (for discounts) |
$10-$60 annual; discounts may be available for senior citizens and low-income residents |
| Georgia | Proof of rabies vaccine
Proof of spay/neuter, if applicable Proof of age (for senior license) |
$5-$40 annual; some areas offer multi-year licenses and senior citizen discounts |
| Hawaii | Proof of microchip
Proof of spay/neuter, if applicable |
$2.10 annual (altered); $6.10 annual (intact, or altered without vet certificate) |
| Idaho | Proof of microchip
Proof of spay/neuter, if applicable |
$10-$30 annual; discounts may be available for senior citizens |
| Illinois | Proof of microchip
Proof of spay/neuter, if applicable |
$5-$50 annual; some areas offer multi-year licenses and senior discounts |
| Indiana | Proof of rabies vaccine
Some areas offer spay/neuter discount Lifetime licenses may require a microchip *Indianapolis does not require a license |
$5-$50 annual; some areas offer lifetime licenses and senior discounts |
| Iowa | Proof of microchip
Proof of spay/neuter, if applicable Some areas offer discounts for microchipped dogs |
$5-$40 annual (Valid Jan 1-Dec 31) |
| Kansas | Proof of microchip
Proof of spay/neuter, if applicable Some areas require proof of microchip License fee for certain breeds may be higher |
$5-$25 annual; some areas may offer 3-year licenses |
| Kentucky | Proof of rabies vaccine
Some areas offer spay/neuter discount Some areas offer discounts for microchipped dogs |
$5-$40 annual; some areas offer 3-year licenses |
| Louisiana | Proof of rabies vaccine
Some areas offer spay/neuter discount *New Orleans requires a $95 initial application fee with a $20 annual renewal (plus $5 for online processing) |
Up to $10 (altered) or $20 (unaltered) annually |
| Maine | Proof of rabies vaccine
Some areas offer spay/neuter discount License fee for certain breeds may be higher |
$6-$11 annual (Valid Jan 1-Dec 31) |
| Maryland | Proof of rabies vaccine
Some areas offer spay/neuter discount No fee for pets under 1 year (until their first rabies vaccine expires) |
$5-$20 annual; some areas offer senior citizen discounts |
| Massachusetts | Proof of rabies vaccine
Some areas offer spay/neuter discount |
$10-$30 annual |
| Michigan | Proof of rabies vaccine
Some areas offer spay/neuter discount |
$10-$25 annual; $25-$50 for 3 years; some areas offer senior citizen discounts |
| Minnesota | Proof of rabies vaccine
Some areas offer spay/neuter discount Lifetime licenses may require a microchip |
$15-$280 annual; some areas offer multi-year or lifetime licenses |
| Mississippi | Proof of rabies vaccine
Some areas offer spay/neuter discount Some areas offer microchip discount No fee for puppies and guide dogs in some areas |
$5-$30 annual |
| Missouri | Proof of rabies vaccine
Proof of spay/neuter, if applicable |
$5-$50 annual; some areas offer 3-year licenses |
| Montana | Proof of rabies vaccine
Proof of spay/neuter, if applicable |
$5-$30 annual; some areas offer multi-year or lifetime licenses; some areas offer senior discounts |
| Nebraska | Proof of rabies vaccine
Proof of spay/neuter, if applicable No fee for service animals License fee for certain breeds may be higher (and may require personal liability insurance) |
$5-$20 annual (Valid Jan 1-Dec 31) |
| Nevada | Proof of rabies vaccine
Proof of spay/neuter, if applicable |
$8-$25 annual; some areas offer senior citizen discounts |
| New Hampshire | Proof of rabies vaccine
Some areas offer spay/neuter discount |
$6.50-$10 annual (Valid May 1-April 30); some areas offer senior citizen discounts |
| New Jersey | Proof of rabies vaccine
Some areas offer spay/neuter discount |
$8-$25 annual (Renewal required between Jan 1 and March 1) |
| New Mexico | Proof of rabies vaccine
Some areas offer spay/neuter discount Some areas require proof of microchip |
$5-$50 annual; some areas offer multi-year licenses |
| New York State | Proof of rabies vaccine
Some areas offer spay/neuter discount |
$7-$30 annual; some areas offer senior citizen discounts |
| New York City | Proof of rabies vaccine
Proof of spay/neuter, if applicable |
$8.50 annual (spayed/neutered), $34 annual (intact dogs over 4 months of age) |
| North Carolina | Proof of rabies vaccine
Proof of spay/neuter, if applicable |
$2.50-$55 annual; some areas offer multi-year licenses |
| North Dakota | Proof of rabies vaccine
Proof of spay/neuter, if applicable |
$5-$20 annual (Valid Jan 1-Dec 31) |
| Ohio | Proof of rabies vaccine
Some areas offer spay/neuter discount |
$18-$25 annual (Renewal between Dec 1 and Jan 31); some areas offer lifetime licenses |
| Oklahoma | Proof of rabies vaccine
Proof of spay/neuter, if applicable |
$3-$20 annual; some areas offer multi-year licenses and senior discounts |
| Oregon | Proof of rabies vaccine
Some areas offer spay/neuter discount No fee for service animals in some areas |
$10-$95 annual; some areas offer multi-year licenses and senior discounts |
| Pennsylvania | Proof of rabies vaccine
Lifetime licenses require a microchip Some areas offer spay/neuter discount |
$6.70-$8.70 annual (Valid Jan 1-Dec 31); $36.70-$52.70 lifetime; some cities offer senior citizen discounts |
| Rhode Island | Proof of rabies vaccine
Some areas offer spay/neuter discount |
$8-$10 annual (Valid May 1-April 30) |
| South Carolina | Proof of rabies vaccine
Some areas offer spay/neuter discount |
$5-$50 annual (Valid Jan 1-Dec 31) |
| South Dakota | Proof of rabies vaccine
Some areas offer spay/neuter discount |
$5-$10 annual (Valid 1 year from purchase) |
| Tennessee | Proof of rabies vaccine
Some areas offer spay/neuter discount |
$8 annual (Valid 1 year from vaccination date); $24 for 3 years |
| Texas | Valid driver’s license or ID
Proof of rabies vaccine Some areas offer spay/neuter discount Proof of microchip, in some cities (license may not be required for microchipped dogs) |
$6-$50 annual; $50-$150 for 3-5 years; some cities offer lifetime licenses and senior citizen discounts |
| Utah | Proof of rabies vaccine
Some areas offer spay/neuter discount |
$10-$40 annual; some cities offer lifetime licenses and senior citizen discounts |
| Vermont | Proof of rabies vaccine
Some areas offer spay/neuter discount |
$9-$58 annual (Valid May 1-April 30) |
| Virginia | Proof of rabies vaccine
Some areas offer spay/neuter discount License fee for certain breeds may be higher |
Up to $10 annual or $50 lifetime |
| Washington | Proof of rabies vaccine
Some areas offer spay/neuter discount License fee for certain breeds may be higher |
$10-50 annual; some cities offer lifetime licenses and senior citizen discounts |
| West Virginia | Proof of rabies vaccine
Some areas offer spay/neuter discount |
$3-$6 annual (Valid July 1-June 30) |
| Wisconsin | Proof of rabies vaccine
Some areas offer spay/neuter discount |
$5-$35 annual (Valid January 1-Dec 31) |
| Wyoming | Proof of rabies and distemper vaccine
Some areas offer spay/neuter discount |
$5-$25 annual; some cities offer multi-year or lifetime licenses |
| Washington D.C. | Proof of rabies and distemper vaccine
Proof of spay/neuter, if applicable |
$15-$50 annual; no fee for service animals |
What Happens If You Don’t Get a Dog License?
Most states require dog owners to get a license within 30 days of adopting a new dog or moving into the area. The rules for puppies may differ. Some states issue licenses for puppies as young as eight weeks old, but most don’t require a license until three to six months of age.
There’s no guarantee that you’ll be able to escape notice by simply not licensing a puppy, either. Some states require veterinarians to report unlicensed dogs, and there’s always the chance of being stopped by an enforcement agent when out with your dog.
If you don’t license your dog, you could face steep penalties—generally $200 to $500 per violation, plus court costs. In some states like Texas, the penalty for having an unlicensed dog can be as high as $2,000. It could also be considered a misdemeanor, and the consequences escalate if it’s a restricted breed. Unlicensed dog owners may even face jail time in states like South Carolina.
If your dog gets lost, having a license greatly increases the odds that they’ll be returned to you. While microchips and ID tags may help identify your dog, only a dog license is considered proof of ownership. If a licensed dog winds up in a shelter, it won’t be considered a stray—the shelter is obligated to try to get in touch with the owner before putting the dog up for adoption or, worse, euthanizing them.
Because most states require a current rabies vaccination to obtain a license, getting a license for your dog is proof that they’re up to date on their shots. Many boarding facilities and grooming salons don’t accept dogs without proof of vaccines.
What Does the Money for a Dog License Go To?
The cost to get a dog license varies by city, county, and state. In some states, there’s a fixed licensing fee statewide (like Connecticut and Delaware), while others set an upper limit on the fee (like Louisiana). All 50 states require annual renewal on dog licenses, and many offer multi-year or even lifetime licenses.
Having your dog spayed or neutered and microchipped may earn you a discounted rate, and many states offer reduced licensing fees for senior citizens and low-income residents. But where does the money from those licensing fees go?
Dr. Ostermeier explains that some of the money “usually goes towards animal services in your region such as shelters and animal control.” It might go into the budget to pay animal control officers and provide shelter for stray pets. Some states even partner with the local Humane Society to help fund low-cost veterinary clinics and community pet programs.
Inevitably, some of the money obtained from licensing fees also goes toward administration costs at the municipal or state level.
International Licensing
Many countries outside the United States require dog owners to license or register their dogs. Ireland, for example, requires individual dog owners and kennel owners to obtain a license. Licensing requirements vary by state and territory across Australia, and New Zealand requires dog owners to register dogs over three months of age with the city or district council.
In some areas, dog owners are subject to an annual tax but aren’t required to obtain a license. For example, German dog owners are required to pay their municipality an annual tax—a tax rate that increases for extra dogs. The Netherlands has a similar system. Some countries like Italy and the United Kingdom only require dogs to have a microchip.
If you’re planning to travel abroad with your dog, take the time to research local licensing requirements. Even if you aren’t required to license your dog, you’ll likely need to obtain a health certificate from a USDA-accredited veterinarian. Some countries may require additional shots, lab tests, or even a quarantine period for dogs.
Your veterinarian may be able to advise you about travel requirements, but the best resource is the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) website. You can select a country from the list to view detailed pet travel requirements.
Further Reading
- The New Puppy Checklist: Essentials for Pet Parents
- What Should I Put On My Dog’s Tag?
- The 7 Best Puppy Collars for Your New Best Friend
- Microchipping 101: How Pet Microchips Work and Why To Get One
