Livestock Ear Tag Requirements in Maryland: What Every Producer Needs to Know
July 15, 2026
If you raise cattle, sheep, goats, swine, or bison in Maryland, ear tag compliance is not optional — it is a legal requirement tied directly to your ability to move animals off your farm. Get it wrong and you risk delayed shipments, fines, or animals turned away at the state line.
The rules changed significantly on November 5, 2024, when a new federal mandate took effect requiring electronic identification (EID) ear tags for covered cattle and bison moving interstate. Maryland producers now operate under both state identification requirements and the updated federal Animal Disease Traceability (ADT) framework. This guide walks you through every layer of those requirements so you can tag correctly, move animals legally, and keep your records clean.
Pro Tip: Before purchasing any ear tags, register your premises with the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) to receive your Premises Identification Number (PIN). You cannot legally order official 840 RFID tags without one.
Which Animals Require Official Ear Tags in Maryland
Maryland follows the federal Animal Disease Traceability (ADT) framework established under 9 CFR Part 86, which sets minimum identification requirements for livestock moving interstate. The federal government issued final regulations in January 2013 that now require most animals moving interstate — unless going directly to slaughter — to have official identification. Maryland has adopted these standards and enforces them for both intrastate commerce and exhibition.
At the state level, the Maryland Department of Agriculture requires official identification across multiple species. Swine must have tags bearing official identification, as recognized breed ear notches or tattoos are not acceptable as official identification in Maryland exhibitions. For cattle, brands or tattoos are not acceptable as official identification in Maryland exhibitions — animals must have a tag with official identification.
The following categories of livestock require official ear tags in Maryland:
- All cattle and bison that move interstate (specific classes — see below)
- All sheep and goats leaving the farm for any reason
- Swine moving in commerce or to exhibitions
- Cattle, bison, sheep, goats, and swine entering Maryland from out of state
- Any livestock presented at Maryland fairs, shows, or exhibitions
Maryland’s livestock definition includes cattle, sheep, new world camelids (llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, and guanacos), goats, bison, privately owned cervids, ratites, swine, equine, poultry, aquaculture, and rabbits. Each species has its own approved identification method, detailed in the species-specific section below.
Federal RFID Ear Tag Rule: What Changed in November 2024
The single biggest shift in livestock identification in a generation happened on November 5, 2024. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), as part of its effort to establish a national ADT program, published a final rule through the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) on April 26, 2024. The rule requires eartags to be visually and electronically readable in order to be recognized for use as official animal identification for the interstate movement of certain classes of cattle and bison by November 5, 2024.
Previously, eartags used as official animal ID had to be visually readable only. That meant a simple metal tag stamped with a number was sufficient. That is no longer the case for newly tagged animals. On November 5, 2024, new federal rules took effect requiring electronic identification (EID) ear tags for certain cattle and bison moving across state lines. The rule, published by USDA APHIS, replaces the old system of visual-only metal tags with radio frequency identification (RFID) tags that can be read electronically.
Importantly, the rule does not require you to retag animals already carrying official visual-only tags. Visual eartags applied to animals prior to November 5, 2024, will be recognized as official eartags for the life of the animal. You only need to apply an EID tag when tagging a new animal or replacing a lost tag on a covered animal after that date.
The APHIS final rule affects approximately 11 percent of the nation’s domestic cattle and bison herd, primarily breeding stock. Feeder cattle and animals moving directly to slaughter are largely exempt from the EID requirement at the federal level, though Maryland’s own rules may still apply.
Important Note: The November 2024 rule applies specifically to cattle and bison. Sheep, goats, and swine identification requirements are governed by separate federal programs (National Scrapie Eradication Program and swine ADT rules) and are not affected by the EID mandate for cattle.
Official 840 RFID Ear Tag Requirements in Maryland
A USDA rule requiring newly applied cattle and bison official ID tags to have both a visual and electronic component went into effect on November 5, 2024. The only official tags that meet these requirements are 840 RFID tags. Maryland producers must use these tags for any covered cattle or bison tagged on or after that date.
An official 840 tag has three required printed elements. 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.” If a tag you are considering does not display all three of these features, it is not an official tag.
Approved devices for EIDs include 134.2 kHz LF RFID tags compliant with both the 11784 and 11785 ISO standards, or UHF RFID tags. Both HDX (half-duplex) and FDX (full-duplex) low-frequency tags meet U.S. standards. You do not need to match a specific technology unless your farm management software or a destination state requires it.
You also do not need to invest in a reader to comply. Producers are not required to invest in tag-reading hardware or software, unless they choose to do so for herd management and record keeping. That said, using a reader at processing time speeds up recordkeeping considerably and reduces transcription errors.
To purchase official 840 tags, you must first have a Premises Identification Number (PIN). A premises identification number (PIN) or location identifier (LID) is a unique code permanently assigned to a physical location and is required to purchase official animal identification tags. Each State administers PIN or LID registration. In Maryland, contact the MDA Animal Health Section at 410-841-5810 or register through the Maryland OneStop Animal Premises Registration portal.
| Tag Feature | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Number format | 15 digits beginning with 840 |
| Visual readability | Readable at up to 30 inches by person with 20/20 vision |
| Electronic component | RFID chip (LF or UHF); must match printed AIN |
| Required markings | U.S. shield + “Unlawful to Remove” |
| Approved technology | 134.2 kHz LF (ISO 11784/11785) or UHF RFID |
| Tag design | Tamper-evident, one-time use |
Species-Specific Ear Tag Rules in Maryland
Each species in Maryland follows a distinct identification pathway. Understanding which rules apply to your operation prevents compliance gaps when animals move or go to shows.
Cattle and Bison
Cattle and bison moving interstate in covered categories must carry official 840 RFID tags applied on or after November 5, 2024. The covered categories include all sexually intact cattle and bison 18 months of age or over; all dairy cattle of any age (including dairy-beef cross calves); cattle and bison of any age used for rodeo or recreational events; and cattle and bison of any age used for shows or exhibitions. Beef feeder cattle under 18 months moving directly to a feedlot are generally exempt at the federal level.
The 2024 final rule does not discontinue the use of other means of official ID, if agreed on between the shipping state and the receiving state or tribal animal health authority. Other official ID includes brands registered with a recognized brand inspection authority and accompanied by an official brand inspection certificate, or tattoos and other ID methods acceptable to a breed association for registration purposes. However, Maryland exhibition rules do not accept brands or tattoos for cattle — an official tag is required at Maryland shows regardless.
Sheep
Sheep identification in Maryland falls under the federal National Scrapie Eradication Program. Scrapie tags are required for all sheep and goats leaving the farm. All sheep must be identified with USDA-approved Scrapie ear tags. These are flock ID tags, not 840 RFID tags, and they display the producer’s flock ID followed by an individual animal number.
For sheep moving to slaughter or through a livestock market, tattoos alone are not sufficient. Tattoos may not be used as the sole form of official ID for animals moving to slaughter or through a livestock market. Always pair a tattoo with an approved ear tag when those movement channels are involved.
Goats
All goats must be officially scrapie-identified. Approved identification for goats at Maryland exhibitions includes USDA-approved ear tags or legible tattoos consisting of an individual animal number unique within the flock in one ear and the official scrapie premises identification number (flock ID) in the other ear. Tattoos alone are not acceptable for market or slaughter movement.
Swine
Swine identification in Maryland requires an official ear tag. Breed ear notches and tattoos alone are not acceptable for Maryland exhibitions or interstate movement in most cases. APHIS-approved swine identification methods include official eartags, USDA backtags when used on swine moving in slaughter channels, official swine tattoos on swine moving in slaughter channels, and ear notching if the ear notching has been recorded in the book of record of a purebred registry association. For any movement other than direct-to-slaughter, an official ear tag bearing the Premises Identification Number is the safest choice.
Equine
Horses, mules, and donkeys in Maryland do not require official ear tags for routine movement. Individual official identification for equine at exhibitions includes an EIA test report with a photo or drawing of the animal, tattoo, brand, or microchip. A valid Coggins test (EIA test) within 12 months prior to exhibition entry is required for all equine attending Maryland fairs and shows.
Where to Get Official Ear Tags in Maryland
Maryland producers have two primary channels for obtaining official ear tags: the Maryland Department of Agriculture directly, and approved commercial manufacturers or distributors.
The Maryland Department of Agriculture provides free metal official identification tags to producers upon request. For 840 RFID tags specifically, contact MDA at 410-841-5810 to order free RFID tags. Free tag supply from state allocations can be limited, so contact MDA early in the season rather than waiting until you need to move animals.
You can also purchase tags 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. When ordering from any source, confirm the tag carries the USDA official ear tag shield — that marking is your assurance the tag meets federal standards.
RFID 840 tags cost between $2 and $5 per tag, depending on the manufacturer, tag style, and order quantity, as of 2024 reporting. Congress directed USDA-APHIS to allocate no less than $15 million for the cost of tags and related infrastructure to help offset those costs, and producers may be able to access EID tags for free via their state veterinarian.
For sheep and goat scrapie tags, first-time participants in the sheep and goat identification program can receive up to 100 plastic flock ID tags free of charge from the National Scrapie Eradication Program. After that initial allotment, tags can be purchased from approved vendors listed on the USDA APHIS sheep and goat identification page.
Pro Tip: Always verify that any tag you purchase from a distributor or online vendor displays the USDA official ear tag shield. Visual-only 840 tags exist and look nearly identical to RFID-capable tags — if you cannot confirm the RFID chip is present, contact the manufacturer before applying the tag.
How and When to Apply Ear Tags in Maryland
Timing and technique both matter when applying official ear tags. A tag applied incorrectly — or too late — can cause tag loss, animal injury, or compliance failure at a sale barn or state line.
When to Tag
Apply official tags well before the animal moves. Processing time, preconditioning, or the day of sale are common tagging points, but tagging at the last minute creates risk. If an animal arrives at an approved tagging site without official ID, most licensed livestock markets in Maryland are approved tagging sites and can apply tags on arrival — but this adds time and cost to your operation.
Cattle may be moved across state lines directly to an approved tagging site. Livestock auctions are often registered as approved tagging sites. This exception gives you flexibility, but it is not a substitute for tagging before movement when possible.
Placement and Technique
For cattle 840 RFID tags, place the tag in the middle third of the ear, between the two cartilage ribs, avoiding blood vessels. Follow the brand-specific instructions included with your tag applicator, as applicator models vary by tag manufacturer. Use a clean applicator and clean the ear before applying the tag. Check that the tag is firmly closed before the animal leaves the chute.
For sheep and goats, if you use metal tags, place it in the left ear, about a third of the way down from the head where it is easier to see and keep out of the way when shearing. This placement also reduces the risk of the tag being struck during shearing. Scrapie program plastic tags have their own applicator requirements — you will need to purchase a compatible applicator, as plastic Shearwell tags require the V6 Sheep SET Tag Applicator.
Lost Tags
If a covered animal loses its official tag, replace it promptly. Record both the original tag number (if known) and the new replacement tag number, along with the date of replacement. If you apply a new EID tag to an already officially identified animal, you must record both tag numbers and the date the new tag was applied.
Never remove an official tag without authorization. It is prohibited for any person to remove manually, for the purpose of concealing or falsely representing the identity of the animal, any means of identification such as back tag, ear tag, tattoo, or other means of identification recognized by the Secretary.
Ear Tag Requirements for Interstate Movement in Maryland
Moving livestock out of Maryland — or receiving animals from another state — triggers both federal and destination-state requirements. Maryland producers shipping animals interstate must ensure animals are properly tagged before they leave the farm.
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. This includes the breeder, livestock market, shipper, hauler, broker, veterinarian, and buyer. Do not assume that compliance with Maryland’s rules is sufficient for the receiving state — always check the destination state’s import requirements before loading.
In addition to official ear tags, most interstate movements require a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI), commonly called a health certificate. Animals should also have an accompanying certificate of veterinary inspection or owner shipper statement. Your accredited veterinarian issues the CVI after inspecting the animals, and it must accompany the shipment.
There are several exceptions to the interstate EID requirement for cattle and bison:
- Direct-to-slaughter movement: Animals moved from livestock markets directly to slaughter may use backtags and do not need official ID, even if traveling interstate.
- Commuter herds: Cattle moved as a commuter herd with a commuter herd agreement between states or tribes are exempt from individual tagging requirements.
- Approved tagging sites: Cattle can cross state lines to reach an approved tagging site where official tags will be applied upon arrival.
- Grandfathered visual tags: Animals already carrying official visual-only tags applied before November 5, 2024, do not need to be retagged.
Maryland producers who regularly move animals to neighboring states like Pennsylvania, Virginia, or West Virginia should review those states’ specific import rules. If you transport livestock, also review livestock trailer requirements in Pennsylvania and livestock trailer requirements in Georgia to ensure your transport setup is compliant at the destination as well.
For producers shipping to states farther afield, requirements vary significantly. Check out resources covering livestock trailer requirements in Missouri, livestock trailer requirements in Tennessee, and livestock trailer requirements in Florida if those routes apply to your operation.
Recordkeeping Requirements for Ear-Tagged Animals in Maryland
Tagging an animal is only half of the compliance equation. Maryland law and federal ADT regulations both require producers, dealers, and market operators to maintain records that can support a disease traceback investigation.
Under the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR 15.11.03), it is the duty of each livestock dealer and livestock market operator to maintain a record covering all animals received and disposed of. These records must include the date of receipt and date of sale, and the name and address of the consignor and purchaser. Each animal must be identified by a metal ear tag number, tattoo number, purebred name and registry number, or a horn or hoof brand number, by breed, sex, age, and approximate weight, the health status, and the purpose for which the animals are consigned.
At the federal level, the 2024 RFID rule added clarity on tag distribution recordkeeping. The 2024 final rule requires any entity who distributes official ID — including a state, tribe, or accredited veterinarian — to maintain a record for five years of the names and addresses of anyone to whom the devices were distributed. Producers, if applying tags to their own animals, do not need to record or store this information, as it has been accounted for by the distributing entity.
As a Maryland producer, your practical recordkeeping checklist for each tagged animal should include:
- Animal’s official ear tag number (all 15 digits for 840 tags)
- Date the tag was applied
- Species, breed, sex, and approximate age or birth date
- Your Premises Identification Number (PIN)
- Date and destination of any movement off the premises
- Name and address of the buyer or receiving premises
- CVI number if a health certificate was issued
- Replacement tag number and date if the original tag was lost
The purpose of official identification and traceability records is to improve livestock traceability. Electronic identification tags and systems provide many advantages over traditional metal tags, including faster information sharing, more accurate and precise identification of animals, and significantly faster record searches during disease outbreaks. Keeping complete records is not just a legal obligation — it protects your herd and your neighbors’ herds if a disease event occurs.
Maryland is an Accredited Tuberculosis-Free State and a Brucellosis Class-Free State, which reduces some testing burdens for in-state cattle. However, while Maryland is an Accredited Tuberculosis-Free State and no tuberculin test is required for Maryland cattle, cattle imported from states with lower TB status must meet additional testing requirements before entry — and those records must be maintained alongside identification records.
Pro Tip: Store your tag records in both a physical logbook and a digital format. The MDA Animal Health Section or your accredited veterinarian can advise on software tools compatible with 840 RFID readers that automate record entry at processing time, reducing errors and saving hours during a disease investigation.
Staying current on Maryland’s livestock identification rules protects your operation, your animals, and your access to markets. For other Maryland-specific animal regulations, see the guides on fishing license requirements in Maryland, rabies vaccine requirements for cats in Maryland, and hunting license requirements in Maryland. If you are expanding your operation to other states, review the livestock trailer requirements in Kansas, livestock trailer requirements in Oklahoma, and livestock trailer requirements in Wisconsin for transport compliance in those markets. For a broader view of ADT regulations, the USDA APHIS Animal Disease Traceability page is the authoritative federal source, and the Federal Register final rule published May 9, 2024 contains the complete legal text of the November 2024 EID mandate.