Livestock Ear Tag Requirements in Arizona: What Every Producer Needs to Know

If you raise cattle, sheep, goats, swine, or horses in Arizona, ear tag requirements are not optional paperwork — they are the foundation of the state’s animal disease traceability system and a legal condition for moving animals across state lines. Get them wrong, and you risk fines, confiscation, or losing your selling privileges at market.

Arizona operates its livestock identification program through the Arizona Department of Agriculture (AZDA) Animal Services Division, Office of the State Veterinarian, which partners with USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to enforce both state and federal rules. A major federal rule change took effect in November 2024, shifting the standard for cattle and bison from visual-only metal tags to electronic RFID tags — and Arizona producers need to understand exactly what changed and what it means for their operation.

This guide walks you through which animals need official ear tags in Arizona, what the 840 RFID standard requires, how species-specific rules differ, where to obtain compliant tags, and how to keep the records that regulators expect.

Which Animals Require Official Ear Tags in Arizona

Not every animal on your Arizona property needs an official government ear tag for day-to-day operations. The requirement kicks in when animals move interstate, change ownership at a sale barn, enter a disease control or eradication program, or are exhibited at fairs and shows.

Animals requiring an entry permit when coming into Arizona — specifically swine, cattle, sheep, and goats — can be traced to an associated Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) in real time. That traceability depends entirely on official identification being in place before movement begins.

For exhibition animals, the rules are equally firm. A Seasonal Pass is required for exhibition of all cattle, sheep, goats, and swine owned by Arizona residents and exhibited in Arizona according to state law and rule (ARS § 3-1346, R3-2-703). Sheep, goats, and swine are required to have an ear tag or tattoo; dairy cattle bought out-of-state and sexually intact cattle over 18 months of age bought out-of-state are also required to have an ear tag.

Horses and poultry require an Interstate Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (ICVI) for entry into Arizona, but no entry permit. Horses moving interstate must still carry official identification, though the approved methods differ from cattle — more on that under the species-specific section below.

Pro Tip: If your animals never leave Arizona and are not enrolled in a federal disease program, they are generally not subject to federal official ID requirements. However, Arizona’s own exhibition and sale rules still apply, so check with the AZDA before assuming any animal is exempt.

Federal RFID Ear Tag Rule: What Changed in November 2024

The single biggest shift in livestock identification in a generation took effect on November 5, 2024. On that date, new federal rules required electronic identification (EID) ear tags for certain cattle and bison moving across state lines, replacing the old system of visual-only metal tags with radio frequency identification (RFID) tags that can be read electronically.

USDA APHIS amended the animal disease traceability regulations to require that eartags applied on or after the rule’s effective date be both visually and electronically readable in order to be recognized as official eartags for interstate movement of cattle and bison covered under the regulations. The rule was published in the Federal Register on May 9, 2024, and USDA published the final rule on May 9, 2024, making the effective date November 5, 2024.

The Arizona Department of Agriculture confirmed the change directly on its Animal Importation Information page: “Effective November 5, 2024, the USDA animal disease traceability (ADT) rule requires Official ID to be both visually and electronically readable. The updated rule only applies to the interstate movement of certain cattle and bison.”

A critical point for Arizona producers with existing tagged animals: animals already tagged with official visual-only tags before November 5, 2024, are grandfathered for the life of the animal — no retagging required. If your cow already had an official silver Brite tag or orange brucellosis vaccination tag before the rule took effect, she does not need a new RFID tag. Only animals requiring new official identification after November 5, 2024, must receive an RFID tag.

The rationale behind the rule is speed of response. USDA-APHIS administrator Michael Watson stated that “the final rule enables rapid tracing of sick or exposed animals and a rapid response to animal disease,” adding that “rapid traceability in a disease outbreak will not only limit how long farms are quarantined, keep more animals from getting sick, and help ranchers and farmers get back to selling their products more quickly — but will help keep our markets open.”

Important Note: The November 2024 rule does not add new categories of livestock to official ID requirements. It only changes which tags qualify as official for cattle and bison. The same classes of animals that required ID before still require it — they just need RFID-capable tags now if newly tagged.

Official 840 RFID Ear Tag Requirements in Arizona

The 840 tag is the USDA-approved standard for official animal identification in the United States. The number “840” is the country code for the United States. After the 840, these tags carry 12 additional numbers unique to that animal, for a total of 15 digits.

An 840 tag consists of a visual ear tag — printed with a number you can read by eye — combined with a tiny RFID transponder chip inside the tag button or housing. The chip stores the same 15-digit number that appears on the visual tag, allowing it to be read electronically with a handheld or panel reader.

USDA 840 tags are only developed by authorized manufacturers and have a unique Animal Identification Number (AIN) that begins with the prefix 840. There are multiple forms of USDA-approved tags, including visual tags with no radio transponder and radio frequency identification (RFID) ear tags with a radio transponder. However, for cattle and bison tagged after November 5, 2024, the only official tags that currently meet the new requirements are 840 RFID tags.

Official EID tags are USDA-approved official tags that have a visible 15-digit number starting with 840 printed on them that matches the electronic chip inside the tag, are stamped with the US shield, and say “unlawful to remove.”

Two RFID frequency types are available. Low frequency (LF) tags have a read range of a few inches to a few feet, requiring the reader to be close to the tag — this is the current standard approved by APHIS. Ultra high frequency (UHF) tags have a read range of up to 30 feet and enable faster reading of multiple animals at once, but are not yet universally adopted.

Arizona accredited veterinarians have been part of the 840 tag distribution network for years. Multiple accredited veterinarians in the state have had the orange 840 tags issued to them for the purposes of identifying official calfhood vaccinates. EID data can be captured manually at any of the livestock auctions in Arizona if veterinarians have equipment to read EIDs.

Species-Specific Ear Tag Rules in Arizona

Each livestock species has its own identification system. Do not assume that what applies to your cattle also applies to your sheep, goats, or swine — the tag types, programs, and administering agencies differ.

Cattle and Bison

The following categories of cattle and bison are subject to official identification requirements for interstate movement: all sexually intact cattle and bison 18 months of age or over; all female dairy cattle of any age and all male dairy cattle born after March 11, 2013; cattle and bison of any age used for rodeo or recreational events; and cattle and bison of any age used for shows or exhibitions.

Cattle and bison that do not move interstate are not subject to the federal identification requirements, unless required by APHIS program disease regulations in 9 CFR subchapter C. Arizona brand inspection is also required for all cattle shipments transferring ownership or going to slaughter, as confirmed in the AZDA’s 2025 Animal Disease Traceability Road Map.

Sheep and Goats

Sheep and goats in Arizona operate under the USDA National Scrapie Eradication Program, which uses a separate flock-based identification system. Sheep and goats must be identified with your Arizona Flock ID number, by either a tattoo or a specially made tamper-proof ear tag applied by you.

Sheep and goats are each tagged with their own Scrapie ID tag, which ties the animal to their original flock location. If you breed your own sheep or goats, your Arizona Flock ID will allow you to order unique scrapie tags for your operation directly from the USDA.

The Scrapie Flock Certification Program (SFCP) is a mandatory USDA identification program for sheep and goats. Sheep and goats moved interstate must be officially identified prior to the interstate movement unless they are exempt from official identification requirements under 9 CFR part 79. Do not use cattle RFID tags on small ruminants — these animals have their own approved RFID tags under the scrapie program.

Swine

Swine identification in Arizona uses the Arizona Flock ID or Premises ID system. Producers and breeders are required to tag each individual swine with either a tamper-proof tag or tattoo them with their Arizona Flock ID number. This number is permanently marked on swine — found on the breeder’s ear tag or tattoo.

For interstate movements, all swine must be individually identified with official identification unless the swine are kept as a group. 9 CFR part 71.19 explains the requirements for group shipment of swine. Swine moving within a production system do not need to be individually identified if there is a swine production health plan agreement in place. Producers who are moving swine via interstate commerce within their production system may qualify if all the necessary agreements are implemented.

Horses and Equids

Horses and other equids moving interstate must be officially identified prior to the interstate movement, using an official identification device or method, unless they are used as the mode of transportation (horseback, horse and buggy) for travel to another location and then return direct to the original location. Horses and other equines moving interstate can be officially identified using a digital photograph or written description of the animal — a key difference from the electronic tag requirement for cattle.

Arizona requires an ICVI for horses entering the state, but no entry permit, as confirmed in the AZDA’s traceability road map. Always verify the destination state’s requirements before shipping horses out of Arizona, as those rules may differ.

Where to Get Official Ear Tags in Arizona

Arizona producers have several avenues for obtaining compliant 840 RFID tags and species-specific scrapie tags. Your first call should always be to the AZDA Office of the State Veterinarian or an accredited veterinarian in your area.

Congress allocated $15 million in the March 2024 Consolidated Appropriations Act specifically for EID tags. Many state veterinarian offices distribute free 840 RFID tags to producers, but supply has been uneven. Contact the AZDA Office of the State Veterinarian to check current availability of no-cost tags for Arizona producers.

If free tags are not available or your order volume is large, you can purchase directly from approved manufacturers. Three major manufacturers produce approved 840 tags: Allflex (Dallas, TX), Datamars (Temple, TX), and Y-Tex (Cody, WY). Tags are available through veterinary supply distributors, farm supply stores, and directly from manufacturers.

• AZDA Office of the State Veterinarian — primary source for free or subsidized tags; call 602-542-4293
• Accredited veterinarians — many Arizona vets carry a supply of 840 RFID tags, particularly orange OCV tags for brucellosis vaccination
• USDA-approved tag manufacturers — Allflex, Datamars, and Y-Tex sell directly and through distributors
• Veterinary supply distributors and farm supply stores — carry USDA-approved tags for purchase
• Livestock auction markets — animals that need a tag and are leaving a premise for interstate movement can obtain one at an official tagging site, and all approved livestock markets are also approved tagging sites

RFID 840 tags cost between $2 and $5 per tag, depending on the manufacturer, tag style, and order quantity. To order tags, you will need your Premises Identification Number (PIN). Your premises identification number is required to order official 840 EID tags from manufacturers or distributors. If you do not have a PIN, contact the AZDA or register through the AZDA’s National Premises ID page.

For sheep and goat scrapie tags, if you breed your own sheep or goats, your Arizona Flock ID will allow you to order unique scrapie tags for your operation directly from the USDA. The AZDA also provides order forms for scrapie tags through its Flock ID registration page.

Pro Tip: Only Animal Identification Number (AIN) Device Managers can redistribute official 840 EID tags. When purchasing from a distributor, confirm they are an authorized AIN Device Manager — this ensures your tags carry valid, non-duplicated AINs registered to your premises.

How and When to Apply Ear Tags in Arizona

Timing and placement matter as much as tag type. Applying the wrong tag, in the wrong ear, at the wrong time can mean the tag does not count as official identification when you need it most.

The official brucellosis identification is an orange RFID button. These are placed in the right ear by the herd veterinarian at the time of vaccination. For general 840 AIN tags, APHIS allows either ear for application — the tag must simply be placed so it is readable and secure.

Here is a practical sequence for tagging cattle destined for interstate movement:

1. Obtain your PIN — register your premises with AZDA if you have not already done so; your PIN is required before you can order official tags.
2. Order tags in advance — do not wait until shipping day; tag supply can be inconsistent, and animals must be tagged before they leave your premises for interstate movement.
3. Verify the tag is RFID-capable — for any cattle or bison tagged after November 5, 2024, confirm the tag has an RFID transponder chip and carries a 15-digit number beginning with 840.
4. Apply the tag securely — use the applicator recommended by the manufacturer; a poorly applied tag that falls out must be replaced, and the replacement number must be recorded.
5. Record the tag number immediately — write down or scan the AIN before the animal leaves the chute; record the date, animal description, and premises location.
6. Do not remove tags — it is unlawful to remove an official scrapie or premises ID tag from your animal. The same prohibition applies to official 840 tags under federal regulations.

If a tag is lost after application, it can be replaced with permission with a new EID tag. The new tag number should be recorded, along with the date and location of the replacement. If the old number is known, that should be noted as well.

For swine, the Arizona Premises ID number or Arizona Flock ID is required for swine, sheep, and goats. This number is permanently marked on swine — found on the breeder’s ear tag or tattoo — and is found on the scrapie tags for sheep and goats.

If you raise multiple species, keep separate tagging records for each. Cattle use the 840 AIN system, sheep and goats use scrapie flock tags, and swine use the Arizona Flock ID tag or tattoo. Mixing these systems or using cattle tags on small ruminants creates compliance problems at inspection and at market.

Ear Tag Requirements for Interstate Movement in Arizona

Moving livestock across Arizona’s borders — whether you are shipping cattle to a New Mexico feedlot, hauling sheep to a Nevada sale, or transporting show pigs to a California fair — triggers both federal and state requirements that must be satisfied before the animals leave your property.

Unless specifically exempted, livestock traveling over a state border must be officially identified and accompanied by an interstate certificate of veterinary inspection (ICVI) or other documentation. Arizona has made this process more efficient: effective September 2024, the import permit requirement for eligible animals imported into Arizona is waived when an electronic certificate of veterinary inspection (eCVI) is issued and received, as long as all other import requirements are met under Arizona Revised Statutes.

For cattle and bison moving out of Arizona, the federal rule applies directly. The rule specifies that ear tags for all sexually intact cattle and bison 18 months of age or older, all dairy cattle, cattle and bison of any age used for rodeo or recreation events, and cattle or bison of any age used for shows or exhibition “must be both visually and electronically readable in order to be recognized for use as official identification for interstate movement.”

Several exemptions exist under the federal rule:

• Beef feeder cattle under 18 months — exempt unless the destination state or a disease program requires official ID
• Direct-to-slaughter cattle — direct-to-slaughter cattle, including cull cattle, are not subject to the identification requirements
• Commuter herd animals — under a commuter herd agreement between a livestock owner and State or Tribal animal health officials, cattle and bison may be moved interstate between two premises without a change of ownership in the course of normal livestock operations, subject to the conditions of the agreement
• Grandfathered animals — cattle with official visual-only tags applied before November 5, 2024, retain their official status for life

For all species, the destination state’s requirements must also be met. “If animals are crossing state lines and an official ID is required, then all parties involved are responsible for the animals and need to know the requirements of the state of destination,” including the breeder, livestock market, shipper, hauler, broker, veterinarian, and buyer.

If you are hauling livestock across state lines, review the livestock trailer requirements in Arizona as well — your trailer must meet specific standards for the load you are carrying. Producers moving into neighboring states should also check the livestock trailer requirements in Nevada and the livestock trailer requirements in Colorado, as those states have their own transport rules that apply once you cross the border.

Important Note: Non-compliance with official ID requirements is not treated lightly. As confirmed by livestock compliance resources, non-compliance can mean fines, confiscation, or loss of selling privileges. Verify requirements with both the AZDA and the destination state’s animal health authority before every interstate shipment.

Recordkeeping Requirements for Ear-Tagged Animals in Arizona

Tagging an animal is only half the job. Federal and state regulations require that specific records be created, retained, and made available to animal health officials when requested. These records are what make disease traceability actually work during an outbreak investigation.

Under 9 CFR Part 86, the federal recordkeeping framework is as follows:

• Any State, Tribe, accredited veterinarian, or other person or entity who distributes official identification devices must maintain for 5 years a record of the names and addresses of anyone to whom the devices were distributed. Official identification device distribution records must be entered into the Tribal, State, Federal, or other database acceptable to each government entity.
• Records of official identification devices applied by a federally accredited veterinarian to a client animal must be kept in a readily accessible record system.
• Approved livestock facilities must keep any ICVIs or alternate documentation required for interstate movement of covered livestock that enter the facility on or after March 11, 2013. For poultry and swine, such documents must be kept for at least 2 years, and for cattle and bison, sheep and goats, cervids, and equine species, 5 years.

For individual producers in Arizona, the practical recordkeeping checklist for each tagged animal should include:

1. Animal Identification Number (AIN) — the full 15-digit 840 tag number
2. Species, breed, sex, and approximate age
3. Date and location of tag application
4. Premises Identification Number (PIN) where the animal resides
5. ICVI or eCVI number for any interstate movement
6. Replacement tag records — if a tag is lost, record the old number (if known), new number, date of replacement, and location

Arizona uses the USAHERDS electronic system and the USDA APHIS Animal Disease Traceability platform to receive and store CVI data. The AZDA Animal Services Division, Office of the State Veterinarian, is responsible for implementing the animal disease traceability system for the state of Arizona. All traceability data is used internally by the AZDA to aid in disease investigations. Data is shared with USDA-APHIS-VS when requested.

Electronic CVIs are now the preferred format. Electronic CVIs, vaccination records, and other data points all improve traceability and reduce the possibility for human transcription error. Arizona accredited veterinarians can issue eCVIs through the GlobalVetLink or VSPS platforms, which integrate directly with the AZDA’s USAHERDS system.

If you also hold an Arizona fishing license or hunting license, note that those programs are managed separately from livestock ID — but the same AZDA agency oversees many rural compliance programs. For more on Arizona agricultural compliance topics, see the guide to fishing license requirements in Arizona and hunting license requirements in Arizona.

Producers in other states who need to understand how their home-state trailer and livestock rules interact with Arizona’s requirements can reference state-specific guides for Wyoming, Kansas, Oklahoma, and other major livestock states when planning multi-state shipments that pass through or terminate in Arizona.

The bottom line: maintain your records for a minimum of five years for cattle, bison, sheep, goats, and horses, and at least two years for swine and poultry. Store them in a format — paper or electronic — that you can produce quickly if an AZDA or USDA inspector requests them during a disease investigation.