Foreign Registration

Who should use Online Foreign Registration?

Online Foreign Registration allows you to submit an online application for a dog born in a foreign country to apply for AKC Registration.

A foreign-born dog is eligible for registration with the AKC provided that it meets the eligibility requirements outlined by the AKC. For the complete requirements for eligibility, please visit the Special Registry Services page.

Visit our Registration page to learn more about AKC registration and all AKC registration options

What do I need before I begin?

Please be sure to have the following ready to upload with your online application. These will need to be submitted to the AKC for review along with a valid credit card for payment.

1. Pedigree – (must be translated in English). Upload a clear version of the original unrestricted (not a Limited Breeding) foreign Certified Pedigree from the registry in the dog’s country of birth. An Export Pedigree may be required if the dog has been imported to the US. A complete pedigree must include at least three-generations of dogs that include names and number. Please submit the front and back of your pedigree.
   
   Note: If the dog was imported to another foreign country before coming into the US, we require copies of the pedigree from the dog’s country of birth and the certificate from the interim country.
   
2. Certificate of Registration, where applicable (must be translated in English). Upload a clear version of the original unrestricted (not a Limited Breeding) Certificate of Registration indicating the dog’s registry and owner of record.
3. Photographs required for all dogs. Attach two (2) color photographs of the dog in a standing position: one front view; one side view.
4. Bescheinigung (German Shepherd only) or Anerkennung fur das Ausland. Attach a German certificate of transfer in letter form, if applicable

Additional Requirements:

All foreign dogs being registered with the AKC are required to have one of the following forms of positive identification.

• Tattoo
• Microchip
• DNA profile

The dog must be registered with the name that appears on the Foreign Registration Certificate/Certified Pedigree. Foreign titles will not appear on any AKC documentation.

NOTE: Foreign-born dog DNA Requirement. All Foreign- born dogs (male or female) registered on or after March 1, 2006 require an AKC DNA profile prior to the registration of their first AKC-registered litter.

AKC DNA Test Kits can be ordered through the AKC Shop: https://shop.akc.org/products/akc-dna-test

I completed my online application. Is my dog registered now?

Once you submit your Foreign Registration application, it will be reviewed for eligibility and completeness. Please understand that your registration application won’t be complete until all required documents have been provided and reviewed by AKC staff. The AKC will contact you by email for any additional information needed.

You will be sent an AKC email confirmation once a dog has been officially registered with the AKC.

start foreign registration

Want to check the status or resume processing of your online foreign application? Go to My Transactions and search on the date your application was started.