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License in Person

Licensing Ordinance

All dogs age 6 months or older must be currently licensed with the State of Delaware. A valid rabies vaccination certificate or state authorized exemption certificate is required to obtain a dog license.

View the complete State of Delaware ordinance:

State of Delaware ordinance

Licensing Locations

You may purchase a license in person at one of the following locations. Please bring a current rabies certificate with you. Please note an additional administrative fee may apply.

Humane Animal Partners
701 A Street
Wilmington, DE 19801

New Castle County Government Center
87 Reads Way
New Castle, DE 19720

Brandywine Valley SPCA - New Castle
290 Churchmans Rd
New Castle, DE 19720

Brandywine Valley SPCA - Dover
1757 Horsepond Rd
Dover, DE 19901
302-601-7000

Brandywine Valley SPCA - Georgetown
22918 Dupont Blvd
Georgetown, DE 19947
302-856-6361

Millville's Pet Stop
35167 Atlantic Ave
Millville, DE 19970
302-539-9382

Riverfront Pets
311 Justison St
Wilmington, DE 19801
302-428-9777

Humane Animal Partners - Rehoboth Beach Adoption
18675 Coastal Highway
Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
302-200-7159

Humane Animal Partners - Stanton
455 Stanton Christiana Rd
Newark, DE 19713
302-998-2281

Avenue Veterinary Clinic
306 Lakeview Avenue
Milford, DE 19963
302-422-5223

Required Paperwork

  1. A current Rabies vaccination certificate is required if the rabies vaccination on file has expired. Please check your certificate for correct address and pet information. If your veterinarian has issued an official State Certificate of Medical Exemption from Rabies Vaccination for your pet, you may provide it instead of a rabies vaccination certificate.
  2. Proof of spay/neuter, such as indication on the rabies certificate, a signed statement from a veterinarian or an invoice for services is required if the pet has been altered since the last licensing period and you are applying for the lower spayed/neutered license fee.
  3. Proof of age for seniors age 65 and over, such as a copy of an identification card.

Your paperwork will not be returned to you, so please retain a copy of your documents for your records.

License Fees

Licensing Fees

1 Year

2 Years

3 Years

Unaltered Dog

$15.00

$30.00

$45.00

Altered Dog

$10.00

$20.00

$30.00

Senior 65 and over with Altered Dog

$7.00

$14.00

$21.00

Late Fee

$7.00

Replacement Tag

$5.00

As of 7/1/16, dog licenses in the State of Delaware will be valid for 1, 2 or 3 years from the date of purchase.

  • For a 1-year license, your pet’s rabies vaccination or state authorized exemption certificate must be current at the time of purchase.
  • For a 2-year license, there must be more than 1 year remaining on the rabies vaccination as of the purchase date.
  • For a 3-year license, there must be more than 2 years remaining on the rabies vaccination as of the purchase date.

The cost for licensing unaltered or fertile pets is higher than for licensing spayed or neutered pets in order to promote sterilization and to reduce pet overpopulation and starvation.

Due Date

Payment for your license is due within 30 days of the license expiration date, or within 30 days of acquiring a dog over the age of 6 months in the State of Delaware.

A late fee will be added to each license purchased more than 30 days after the license expiration date, or more than 30 days after acquiring a dog over the age of 6 months in the State of Delaware.

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