Livestock Ear Tag Requirements in New York: What Producers Need to Know

If you raise cattle, sheep, goats, swine, or other livestock in New York, the rules around official ear tags have changed significantly. A federal rule that took effect on November 5, 2024 overhauled how cattle and bison must be identified, and New York State has aligned its own program with those changes. Whether you sell at auction, move animals across state lines, or simply want to stay compliant, knowing exactly which tags are required — and when — protects your operation from fines and selling restrictions.

This guide breaks down every major requirement: which species need official tags, what the 840 RFID standard means in practice, where to get tags in New York, how to apply them correctly, and what records you must keep. Read each section carefully, because the rules differ meaningfully by species and by the type of movement you are making.

Important Note: New York State law (Article 5 § 95-a) prohibits removing official ear tags or other identification without authorization from the Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets. Never remove or replace a tag without proper authorization.

Which Animals Require Official Ear Tags in New York

Not every animal on your farm needs an official government-issued ear tag, but the list is broader than many producers expect. Some examples of cattle that require official identification include cattle going to a livestock dealer or through a market, cattle moving out of state on a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI), cattle coming to your New York farm from out of state, and all animals traveling to a New York-sponsored fair.

For sheep and goats, the trigger is ownership change rather than movement type. New York State requires official scrapie identification on all sheep and goats upon change of ownership, unless they are sold directly to slaughter. There is no exception for younger animals. If you sell, give away, or donate a sheep or goat, it needs official ID.

Between state and federal requirements, almost every sheep or goat requires official ID of some kind when it leaves your farm. If your animal is going to a livestock market and is not going to a breeding animal sale or registered animal sale, it needs an ear tag as that official identification.

For swine, swine must be identified by an official USDA-approved ear tag. Radio frequency identification (RFID) ear tags, commonly referred to as “840 RFID tags,” are strongly recommended. Miscellaneous ruminants such as llamas and alpacas attending fairs must be identified by a unique ear tag or microchip. The table below summarizes official ID triggers by species.

Species	Official ID Required When	Tag Type
Cattle & Bison	Moving to dealer, market, out of state, or to a fair	840 RFID AIN tag (if tagged after Nov. 5, 2024)
Sheep & Goats	Any change of ownership (except direct to slaughter)	Scrapie Flock ID ear tag, approved tattoo, or microchip (context-dependent)
Swine	Moving to market, fair, or interstate	USDA-approved ear tag; 840 RFID strongly recommended
Llamas & Alpacas	Attending a NY fair or moving interstate	Ear tag or microchip

Federal RFID Ear Tag Rule: What Changed in November 2024

The most significant shift in livestock identification in a generation came from USDA APHIS. USDA amended the animal disease traceability regulations to require that ear tags applied on or after a date 180 days after publication of the final rule be both visually and electronically readable in order to be recognized as official ear tags for interstate movement of cattle and bison. The rule also clarified certain record retention and record access requirements and revised some requirements pertaining to slaughter cattle. That effective date landed on November 5, 2024.

The rule requires newly applied cattle and bison official ID tags to have both a visual and electronic component. As of the rule’s effective date, the only official tags that meet these requirements are 840 RFID tags. The old silver metal National Uniform Eartagging System (NUES) tags — the familiar “21” tags — are no longer accepted for cattle tagged after that date.

This requirement applies to official identification placed for any reason, including interstate movement, brucellosis vaccination, and tuberculosis testing. It is not limited to animals crossing state lines — any new official tag applied to a covered animal in New York must be an 840 RFID tag.

Grandfathering Rule: All cattle — including dairy, beef, heifers, and steers — that already had a NUES tag or another grandfathered form of official ID in their ear on November 5, 2024, are considered officially tagged for life. These cattle will not require an RFID-capable 840 tag applied. You do not need to retag animals that were already officially identified before the deadline.

The purpose of this rule 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. The speed advantage matters most during disease investigations, where tracing animal movements within hours — not days — can limit spread across herds.

For more context on how New York animal health regulations interact with federal standards, see our guide on rabies vaccine requirements in New York.

Official 840 RFID Ear Tag Requirements in New York

The only USDA-approved ear tags for cattle tagged after March 11, 2015 use one of two numbering systems. Beginning November 5, 2024, the only official ear tag that can be applied is an RFID-capable AIN tag. These are 15-digit numeric tags with the first three digits indicating the country of origin — “840” for the United States.

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 those elements, it is not an official 840 tag.

One common point of confusion involves visual-only 840 tags. Visual-only 840 tags can look very similar to tags that have an RFID capability. If you cannot tell whether your tags are RFID capable, ask your supplier before applying them. Applying a non-RFID tag after November 5, 2024 means the animal is not officially identified, even if the tag number starts with 840.

Both HDX (half-duplex) and FDX (full-duplex) low-frequency ear tags meet U.S. standards for official EID. Either is acceptable for official purposes. Choose based on your reader equipment and existing herd management software. 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.

Species-Specific Ear Tag Rules in New York

Cattle and Bison: USDA’s final rule for cattle ID requires all official tags applied to cattle after November 5, 2024 to be both RFID and visually readable. New York State will no longer supply silver metal NUES or “brite” tags for use in cattle or swine when the current supply is finished. If you have cattle going to a dealer, market, fair, or out of state, they need an 840 RFID tag unless they were already officially tagged before the November 5, 2024 cutoff.

Cattle destined directly for a USDA-inspected slaughter facility have a limited exception. Backtags can still be used. Cattle going direct to a USDA-inspected slaughter facility can move on only a USDA backtag. This exception does not apply if the animal passes through a market or dealer first.

Sheep and Goats: Sheep and goats operate under a separate federal program — the National Scrapie Eradication Program — with its own tag types. New York State requires official scrapie identification on all sheep and goats upon change of ownership, unless they are sold directly to slaughter. There is no exception for younger animals. This identification can be approved scrapie ear tags, registry tattoos, flock/individual ID tattoos, or any other approved federal scrapie identification.

The type of ID that counts as “official” depends on where you are selling. Tattoos are NOT official for selling your sheep or goats in general auction sales. Microchips are official for movements between farms, including interstate movements. Microchips are NOT official for general auction sales, and animals need an official ear tag at those sales. Make sure you match the ID type to the sale venue.

Do NOT use cattle RFID tags on small ruminants. These animals have their own RFID tags. Sheep and goat RFID tags are approved separately and carry different specifications than cattle 840 tags.

Swine: Visual-only tags remain allowed for swine, though 840 RFID tags are strongly recommended by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets. Swine must be identified by an official USDA-approved ear tag. Radio frequency identification (RFID) ear tags, commonly referred to as “840 RFID tags,” are strongly recommended.

Camelids (Llamas and Alpacas): New world camelids attending a New York county or state fair must be accompanied by a CVI with animals individually identified by microchip or official ear tag. If you use a microchip, bring a working reader with you to the fair.

For producers transporting animals to other states, review our guides on livestock trailer requirements in Pennsylvania and livestock trailer requirements in Georgia to ensure your transport setup meets the destination state’s standards.

Where to Get Official Ear Tags in New York

New York producers have two main routes to obtaining official 840 RFID tags: through the state at no cost (while supplies last) or directly from approved manufacturers and distributors.

Free Tags from NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets: The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets received a limited supply of 840 RFID-capable ear tags for distribution to New York producers, dealers, rescues, and markets through USDA Traceability Funding. Due to receipt of a second shipment of 840 RFID-capable ear tags in September 2025, the department is now able to offer 500 additional ear tags to all New York premises ordering January 6, 2025 or later, while supplies last.

If you anticipate using more than 100 RFID tags on your animals this year, you can order additional approved tags from manufacturers or distributors. Contact the Division of Animal Industry at 518-457-3502 to inquire about free tag availability and to submit an order form.

Approved Manufacturers: As of October 30, 2024, approved manufacturers on the USDA website include: All Data Tags LLC, Allflex USA, Inc., AniTrace Inc., Datamars Inc. (including Temple Tags and Zee Tags), Digital Angel Corp., Eriginate Corp., Global Animal Mgmt., Leader Products, Shearwell Data Ltd., and Y-Tex.

RFID 840 tags cost between $2 and $5 per tag, depending on the manufacturer, tag style, and order quantity. You will need a Premises Identification Number (PIN) to order tags from manufacturers. If you do not have a PIN, contact the USDA APHIS Animal Disease Traceability program or your local state veterinarian’s office to obtain one before placing an order.

Pro Tip: The New York Department of Agriculture and Markets distributes official tags to Domestic Animal Health Permit (DAHP) holders at no charge while supplies are available. If you hold a DAHP, contact the department directly to request your allocation before purchasing from a private supplier.

For sheep and goat producers, free scrapie program tags are available through USDA APHIS by contacting 1-866-USDA-TAG (1-866-873-2824). You must have a flock or premises ID to order.

How and When to Apply Ear Tags in New York

Timing matters as much as tag type. Apply official identification well before any planned movement — tagging at the chute the morning of a sale creates unnecessary risk if a tag fails to seat properly. A good practice is to tag animals during routine processing, preconditioning, or at weaning so the tag is verified and recorded before transport day.

• Placement: Place the tag in the middle third of the ear, between the two cartilage ribs; avoid blood vessels. Follow the brand-specific instructions included with your applicator.
• Hygiene: Clean the applicator and the ear surface before applying. Ensure the tag closes firmly and check retention before animals leave the chute.
• Applicator match: Use the correct tagger for the brand and model of tag you purchased. Mismatched applicators are a leading cause of tag loss and improper seating.
• HDX vs. FDX: Match your tag technology (HDX or FDX) to your existing reader and software to avoid scanning compatibility issues at markets or during inspections.

If you add a new 840 RFID tag to an animal that was already officially identified with a grandfathered tag, you must record both tag numbers and the date the new tag was applied. Never remove the original tag unless it is damaged or unreadable, and only do so with proper authorization under New York State law.

For cattle going directly to a USDA-inspected slaughter facility, they can go direct to slaughter on a USDA backtag. The yellow slaughter-only backtag is applied at the point of sale or market and does not require a pre-applied 840 RFID tag for that specific movement pathway.

Producers moving animals across multiple states should also review trailer compliance requirements. Our guides on livestock trailer requirements in Nevada, livestock trailer requirements in Ohio, and livestock trailer requirements in Illinois cover the transport side of compliance.

Ear Tag Requirements for Interstate Movement in New York

Cattle moving interstate should be permanently identified with a USDA-approved ear tag and should move with an interstate Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (also called health papers). The CVI must be issued by a USDA Category 2 accredited veterinarian and is typically valid for 30 days from the date of inspection.

The 2013 “Traceability for Livestock Moving Interstate” rule established minimum animal ID and documentation requirements for the interstate travel of cattle and bison; sheep and goats; swine, horses, and other equines; captive cervids; and poultry. Unless specifically exempted, livestock traveling over a state border must be officially identified and accompanied by an interstate certificate of veterinary inspection or other documentation.

There are two key exceptions to the interstate RFID requirement for cattle:

1. Direct-to-slaughter exception: Animals moved from livestock markets directly to slaughter may use backtags and do not need official ID, even if traveling interstate.
2. Approved tagging site exception: Cattle may be moved across state lines directly to an approved tagging site. Livestock auctions are often registered as approved tagging sites. The market then applies the official 840 RFID tag upon arrival.

For dairy cattle specifically, New York has additional import requirements related to HPAI. During the outbreak of HPAI in livestock in several other states, the Department issued new import requirements for dairy cattle coming into New York. Importation of dairy cattle from a premises with a confirmed case of HPAI or a premises under investigation as a suspect premises is prohibited, and dairy cattle imported from affected states must be accompanied by a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection issued within 10 days prior to entry into the state.

For sheep and goats, New York requires official ID if you buy, sell, give away, or donate your sheep or goat, unless it is going direct to slaughter. If you sell an animal for slaughter and it goes to any person who moves sheep or goats between states, it will also require official identification unless your animals are kept separate from all other sheep and goats until slaughter.

If you are moving livestock into or out of neighboring states, our guides on livestock trailer requirements in Pennsylvania and livestock trailer requirements in Wisconsin cover equipment compliance for those routes.

Recordkeeping Requirements for Ear-Tagged Animals in New York

Ear tagging is only half of the compliance picture. New York State and federal law require detailed records that allow officials to trace any animal to its point of origin and disposition — and those records must be available for inspection on demand.

DAHP holders must keep a record of all livestock purchased, sold, or otherwise handled. The records must contain specific information. Sales tag numbers must be included in addition to ear tag numbers; they may not be used in place of ear tag numbers. An official ear tag must be applied if no other official form of identification is present.

By regulation, DAHP holders must present records at all reasonable times to a representative of the Department and/or a duly authorized representative of USDA immediately upon request. Keep your record books current — inspectors do not give advance notice.

Key recordkeeping rules to follow:

• Records must be legible and there can be no erasures. If a mistake is made, it should be indicated as such and the correct information written in the next space.
• Record the 15-digit AIN number from each 840 RFID tag, the date applied, and the premises identification number associated with the tag order.
• If you add a new tag to an already-identified animal, record both the old and new tag numbers along with the application date.
• Any entity who distributes official ID — including a state, tribe, or accredited veterinarian — must maintain a record for five years of the names and addresses of anyone to whom the devices were distributed.
• Livestock markets must retain buyer and seller records, including official ID numbers, for five years.

Department laws and regulations require dealers to properly identify animals handled and record the details of all transactions to allow for tracing to the point of origin and disposition. This is not a suggestion — it is a legal obligation that applies to every transaction, whether at auction, private sale, or farm-to-farm transfer.

Pro Tip: Use a dedicated record book or digital livestock management system to log tag numbers at the time of application. Waiting until later in the day or week increases the chance of transcription errors that can create compliance problems during an inspection or disease investigation.

New York producers dealing in horses alongside other livestock should note that Agriculture and Markets’ Part 61 and Article 5, Section 90 C requires all parties dealing in livestock, including horses, to obtain a Domestic Animal Health Permit (DAHP). Equine rescue organizations that place horses with third parties also fall under this requirement. For more on New York animal health rules, see our guide on rabies vaccine requirements for ferrets in New York and our overview of hunting license requirements in New York for producers who manage mixed-use land.

Staying current with ear tag and recordkeeping requirements protects your ability to sell at auction, move animals interstate, and participate in state-sponsored fairs. Contact the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Division of Animal Industry at 518-457-3502 if you have questions about your specific operation or need to confirm current tag availability.