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Brand inspection requirements for cattle, horses, mules, and asses and Brand Recording information.

A brand inspection is required when:

  • Ownership changes in any manner
  • Leaving the State of Idaho
  • Going to slaughter

Generally, the seller or current livestock owner is responsible for obtaining a brand inspection and paying the appropriate inspection fees.

When buying livestock, require the seller to provide a brand inspection certificate!

If the seller issues a bill of sale:

  • Make sure it is valid.
  • The buyer is responsible for getting and paying for a brand inspection within ten days.
  • If the animal is carrying a brand not recorded by the person who issued the bill of sale, you must clear the brand before a Brand Inspector can perform an inspection.

Not obtaining a brand inspection when required by Idaho law is an infraction for the first offense and a misdemeanor for the second offense that is punishable by a fine not to exceed $300 and/or six months in jail.

Brand Book

Public Meetings & Notices

State Brand Inspector

Cody Burlile

Cody Burlile
State Brand Inspector
700 S. Stratford Dr
Meridian, ID 83642

208-884-7070 Phone
800-772-8442 (Idaho only)
208-884-7097 Fax

Jenny Ybarra
Business Operations Specialist

Megan Pereira
Brand Recorder

Brenda Sangster
Financial Technician

Frequently Asked Questions

  • When ownership changes in any manner.
  • When leaving the state of Idaho.
  • When going to slaughter.

NOTES:

  • For the purpose of leaving the state or going to slaughter, a brand inspection is good for 96 hours.
  • All livestock must be brand inspected whether the animal is actually branded or not. An inspection establishes “Prima Facie” evidence of ownership.
  • Brand inspections are not required on sheep.

Yes, if the bill of sale is valid and current.

A valid bill of sale must include:

  • Date of the sale.
  • A complete description of livestock sold.
  • Name of the purchaser.
  • Signature of the seller.

NOTE: A bill of sale does not replace a brand inspection, which must be done within 10 days of the sale. 

  • Annual (or “seasonal”) brand inspections are good for 12 months. Certificates are designed to allow livestock owners to travel in/out of Idaho. Idaho has reciprocal agreements with most neighboring states, except Montana and Wyoming.
  • Cost: $8.27

 NOTE: An annual or seasonal brand inspection may not be used for slaughter, sale, or trade.

  • Ownership and transportation certificates, also known as “Lifetime” certificates, are only issued for horses, mules, or asses.
  • Remain valid as long as the animal remains within the ownership of the person to whom the certificate was issued.
  • May be used for nationwide travel (including Montana), slaughter, sale, or trade.
  • A certificate is non-transferable.
  • Cost: $53.00

Proof of ownership which can be determined in several ways:

  • Your recorded brand on the animal/brand card.
  • Valid and current bill of sale.
  • Idaho brand inspection or another state’s brand inspection.
  • Purebred registration papers or possibly health papers.
  • Lip tattoos or other permanent markings are not acceptable for brand recording but may be used for proof of ownership purposes.
  • Call your District Brand Inspector.
  • State Brand Inspector’s Office at 208-884-7070 or 800-772-8442.
  • For the best service, please provide adequate notice a brand inspection is needed. There is a 24-hour minimum notice required.

NOTE: Confirm your proof of ownership. if unsure, ask when arranging an appointment. If you plan to use a bill of sale, confirm it is valid and current.

  • Proof of ownership. (Basically, the same information required to obtain a brand inspection.)

NOTE: If traveling within Idaho with livestock that are not yours, you must possess a written permit completed by the owner giving a description of the livestock and their signature. Written Permits are available, at no charge, from the State Brand Inspector’s office in Meridian.

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