Tag Information

Learn about tag types, eligibility, deadlines, replacements, and vanity tags.

Tag Types

  • One Year: Expires at the end of the license year.
  • Three Year: Valid for three consecutive years.
  • Permanent (10 Year): Valid for ten years.
  • Kennel: For breeders; includes 5 tags to start.
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Deadlines & Penalties

  • On-Time Renewal: Register on or before January 31 each year.
  • Early Window: Renewals beginning December 1.
  • Late Renewal: Registrations after January 31 subject to penalty.
  • Puppy Discounts: Available for puppies (1–3 months) after July 1.
Renewal Options

Replacements & Transfers

  • Replacement Tags: If lost or damaged, contact the Auditor's Office.
  • Dangerous/Personal: Not available online; contact us directly.
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Printable / In-Person Forms

These PDF forms are for customers who prefer to license in person or by mail. Completing them does not place an online order. To purchase tags online, use the online ordering options instead.

Download, print, and submit the appropriate form below. Vanity / personalized tags require approval and must also be handled in person.

Dog License Form (PDF) Personalized Tag Form (PDF)

Vanity / Personalized Tags

Note: Vanity/personalized tags cannot be purchased online and must be purchased in person at the Licking County Auditor's Office.

The additional cost for a vanity tag is $44.00. 100% of the additional fee goes directly to the dogs at the Licking County Dog Shelter & Adoption Center. Vanity dog license combinations will be scrutinized in a similar manner as the State’s auto vanity license plate program. The vanity tag is limited to 7 characters and must be approved by the Licking County Auditor prior to issuance. The $44.00 fee applies to each vanity tag on an annual basis.

Please provide us with three options for each dog. Vanity choices will be on a first come, first served basis. You can check availability using the Vanity Tag Search.

Personalized Tag Form (PDF)

Ohio Revised Code (ORC) — Chapter 955

Key statutory points summarized for convenience:

  • Licensing Requirement: Dogs three months of age or older must be licensed (ORC 955.01).
  • Renewal Period: Annual license renewals are due on or before January 31 (ORC 955.01). A late penalty may apply to renewals after that date.
  • Kennel Licenses: Available to qualifying breeders/kennels as defined in statute (ORC 955.02).
  • Replacement Tags: Procedures exist for replacing lost or damaged tags (ORC 955.08).
View ORC Chapter 955

This summary is provided for convenience only. Consult the Ohio Revised Code for full legal requirements.