How do I apply for a new license online? Top
Follow these steps if you’ve never licensed a dog before, including through the older licensing system.
1. Click the “Dog Owners” button on the home page. Fill out the form on the Account Setup page and click “Continue.”
2. In the Dog Profile tab, enter your dog’s information and click “Save & Continue.”
3. Review the information on the summary page. To make changes, click “Edit” on the top right. You may also add another dog to your account at this point by clicking “+Add Another Dog” on the top of the page.
4. To print or save a copy of the Dog Description page for your records, click “Print.” This information will also be saved to your account and can be accessed at any time.
5. Click “Pay Now” to purchase a dog license.
6. Choose the length of time (one to five years) for the dog license you would like to buy, whether or not you would like to make a donation, and your form of payment. Then click "Pay Now".
7. You will be directed to a secure online payment system. You will have a few minutes to verify your personal information and enter your payment information. When ready, click "Continue". Do not click "Continue" more than once, as this may result in multiple payments. After your payment is processed, your financial information will be deleted from the system.
If I previously licensed a dog but didn’t use the online system, can I renew online? Top
Yes. If you already have a dog license, you do not need to create an online account; it has been created for you. You can access the account using the email address that you provided for your dog license record.
1. Go to nyc.gov/doglicense and click on “Enter Online Dog Licensing.”
2. Click on “Forgot Password” and enter your email address or your dog license number.
Note: If the system does not recognize your email address or your dog’s license number, call 311 from Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and ask for “online dog licensing assistance.” The phone agent will check your license record and add your email address if necessary. You can then go back to the online system, click on “Forgot Password” and enter your dog license number.
3. You will receive an email with a link to create a password. You may then log into the system.
I bought a dog at the pet shop and paid for a license. How can I access my account online? Top
You will receive an email once the pet shop creates an account for you. If you do not receive the email within six weeks of purchasing your dog, please call 311 and ask for “dog license status.” Do not try to create a new online account.
Can I still access my account if I do not have an email address? Top
If you are creating a new online account yourself, you will need a valid email address. If a pet shop or shelter creates your online account for you, they will give you an imitation email address (for example, firstname.lastname12334@doglicense.com ). This address can only be used to log in and view your license records. You will need to call 311 to request a password for the account.
Note that the imitation email address cannot be used to change information in your account, to send or receive emails, or to receive email notifications about your license.
If you lose the password for this account, call 311 to have it reset. If you get a valid email address and need to update your account, call 311 and ask for “online dog licensing assistance.”
I forgot my password. How do I reset it? Top
Click “Forgot your password?” and enter your email address or your dog’s license number. You will receive an email with a password reset link. The link is valid for 48 hours.
If the system does not recognize your email address or tag number, call 311 and ask for “online dog licensing assistance.”
Why is my address not recognized when I try to set up an account? Top
Addresses are verified by the United States Postal Service (USPS). If the address you provide does not match USPS records, you will receive a pop-up notice that it was not recognized. Check that the address is correct and edit if needed. If the address is correct, click “Keep” to close the pop-up window. Click “Continue” on the address page to move on to the next section.
How can I upload my dog’s picture? Top
Log into your account and click on the dog’s name. This will lead you to the Dog Description page. Click “Edit” in the Animal Detail section, then click “Choose File” and select an image from your computer or smartphone.
How can I print or download a dog license certificate? Top
Log into your account and click on the dog’s name. In the Animal Detail section, click “Print Certificate” to print the certificate or to save it as a PDF. If you wish to download a copy to your smartphone, you must log in using your smart phone.
Why is the dog license expiration date highlighted? Top
The date will be highlighted in orange when your dog’s license is within 90 days of expiration. If your dog’s license has expired, the date will be highlighted in red.
I lost my dog’s metal license tag. How do I order a new one? Top
Select the “Replace Tag” box under your dog’s name and click “Continue to Shopping Cart.” A new tag will be mailed to your registered address. There is a $1 fee for a replacement tag.
What are the fees for renewing a late or expired license? Top
If you do not renew your dog’s license within 10 days of the expiration date, you will be charged a $2 late fee per year (for example, if you are two years late on your account, you will be charged a $4 late fee).
If your dog license has been expired for over one year, you will also have to pay a license fee for every year you have not paid (for example, if you are renewing a license and you missed one year, you will be charged $17 for an altered dog or $68 for an unaltered dog, in addition to the $2 late fee).
How do I link another dog to my account? Top
If you live in the same household as another pet owner or if you would like to combine multiple accounts, enter the tag number under “Link Other Dogs.” Your request will be processed within 72 hours.
Note: Dog licenses cannot be transferred from owner to owner or dog to dog. If you adopt a dog, you must register for a new dog license. This is true even if the dog’s previous owner licensed the dog.
Why am I unable to change my email address? Top
An account’s email address cannot be changed by the user. To change the email address you have on file, call 311 and ask for “online dog licensing assistance.”
For additional assistance, call 311 and ask for “online dog licensing assistance.”