License Online

Licensing Ordinance

State law, as well as County ordinance, requires all dogs over 4 months of age to be vaccinated against rabies. All dogs over 3 months of age are required to be licensed by 5 months of age or within 30 days of entering the county.

View the complete Contra Costa County ordinance

If you live within the city limits of Antioch, an Antioch dog license is required instead.

Instructions to License Online

Ready to purchase your license? If you would like to license online, a convenience fee of $2.00 will apply for each transaction. Any required documents, such as your pet's current rabies certificate, may be scanned and uploaded or submitted later by fax, mail or email. The license will be issued after all required documents are received.

If you are applying for a license with no payment required, such as the first free license for a spayed or neutered pet belonging to a senior citizen age 65 or older, a veteran or a member of the military, please send in your application by mail. If you are a senior citizen, veteran or active military member licensing additional pets, you may use the online payment system.

Click here to begin.

If you prefer to pay by another method, click here to view your other payment options.

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.
2. Separate proof of spay/neuter, such as a signed statement from a veterinarian or a paid 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. A copy of the owner’s ID card is required to receive the discounted fee for senior citizens age 65 and over.
4. A copy of the owner's military or veteran status is required to receive the discounted rate for veterans and members of the military.

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

License Fees

Licensing Fees	3-12 Months		12-36 Months
Unaltered Pet	$65.00		$180.00
Spayed/Neutered Pet	$25.00		$60.00
Seniors Age 65, Active Military or Veteran (proof of age or military status required for discount)
1st Spayed/Neutered Pet	$0.00		$0.00
Additional Spayed/Neutered Pet	$12.50		$30.00
Unaltered Pet (no discount)	$65.00		$180.00
Other Fees
Late Fee	$20.00
Replacement Tag	$7.00

For information about how to license a service dog, please click here.

*Spayed or neutered pets receive a discount on licensing fees. This policy is in place to promote sterilization and reduce pet overpopulation.

Download License Application (PDF format) *To use as an electronic fillable form, open in Adobe Reader.

Due Date

Payment for your license is due within 30 days of the expiration of your current license. If you are licensing for the first time, you must purchase a license within 30 days of obtaining a pet over the age of 3 months or within 30 days of moving into Contra Costa County.

A late fee is added to the license fee if your license is not purchased by the due date. The late fee is $20.