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
- Brand Book Index.pdf
- Brand Book.pdf
- When ownership changes in any manner.
- When leaving the state of Idaho.
- When going to slaughter.
- 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.
- Date of the sale.
- A complete description of livestock sold.
- Name of the purchaser.
- Signature of the seller.
- 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
- 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
- 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.
- Proof of ownership. (Basically, the same information required to obtain a brand inspection.)
Public Meetings & Notices
State Brand Inspector
Cody Burlile
State Brand Inspector
700 S. Stratford Dr
Meridian, ID 83642
Jenny Ybarra
Business Operations Specialist
Brenda Sangster
Financial Technician
Email Brands
208-884-7070
800-772-8442 (Idaho only)
208-884-7097 (fax)
Frequently Asked Questions
NOTES:
Yes, if the bill of sale is valid and current.
A valid bill of sale must include:
NOTE: A bill of sale does not replace a brand inspection, which must be done within 10 days of the sale.
NOTE: An annual or seasonal brand inspection may not be used for slaughter, sale, or trade.
Proof of ownership which can be determined in several ways:
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.
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.