Do you need a dog licence in the UK?

There's no dog licence in England, Scotland or Wales. But two rules apply to every dog:

• Your dog must be microchipped by 8 weeks old, and you must keep the details up to date.
• In a public place, your dog must wear a collar with your name and address on it, or on a tag. Our guide to UK dog tag law explains it.

In Northern Ireland it's an offence to own a dog without a licence, apart from a few exceptions such as puppies under six months old, assistance dogs and police dogs. You apply through your local council, and the licence lasts 12 months.

• £12.50 a year as standard.
• £5 if your dog is neutered, or if you get certain income-related benefits.
• Free for one dog if you're 65 or over, and £5 for each other dog.
• Owners of three or more dogs can sometimes get a block licence for £32 a year.

Your dog must be microchipped at eight weeks old, and before you apply for the licence. In public, your dog must also wear a collar with your name and address on it, or on a plate or badge attached to it.

Keeping a dog without a licence, or without that collar, can lead to a fine of up to £1,000.

A QR tag isn't a licence and doesn't replace your name and address on the collar, but it means anyone who finds your dog can reach you in seconds. Our dog tag wording maker helps you get the engraved part right.