License Requirements

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.

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.

License Term

Licenses are valid for 1, 2 or 3 years from the date of purchase and will not be valid beyond the expiration of the rabies vaccination.