Livestock Ear Tag Requirements in North Dakota: What Every Producer Needs to Know
July 24, 2026
If you raise cattle, bison, sheep, swine, or horses in North Dakota, official ear tag requirements affect nearly every animal you move off your property. Get it wrong and you risk fines, rejected shipments at state lines, or animals turned away at auction.
The rules tightened significantly on November 5, 2024, when a federal mandate replaced old-style metal clip tags with electronic RFID identification for covered cattle and bison. North Dakota producers are now operating under a dual framework: federal Animal Disease Traceability (ADT) rules that set the floor, and state-level requirements administered by the North Dakota Department of Agriculture (NDDA) that apply on top of them.
This guide walks you through which animals need tags, what type of tag is now required, how each species is handled differently, where to get approved tags, how to apply them correctly, and what records you must keep.
Important Note: Ear tag rules can change, and North Dakota may impose stricter standards than the federal minimum. Always confirm current import and movement requirements with the NDDA Animal Health Division or your accredited veterinarian before moving animals across state lines.
Which Animals Require Official Ear Tags in North Dakota
Not every animal on your operation needs an official government-issued ear tag. The requirement kicks in when animals move interstate, enter a livestock market, participate in exhibitions or shows, or fall under a federal disease program such as brucellosis vaccination or tuberculosis testing.
The species covered under the federal ADT rule include cattle and bison, sheep and goats, swine, horses and other equines, captive cervids (such as deer and elk), and poultry. For North Dakota producers, the animals most commonly requiring official identification are:
- Cattle and bison — the most strictly regulated category under both state and federal rules
- Dairy cattle — all dairy breeds regardless of age, sex, or current use
- Sheep and goats — required under the National Scrapie Eradication Program for interstate movement
- Swine — required for interstate movement per federal regulations
- Horses and other equines — required for most interstate movement
- Captive cervids — deer, elk, and similar species held in captivity
Cattle and bison are exempted from official identification requirements if they are going directly to slaughter. Beef feeder cattle under 18 months of age moving to a feedlot are also generally exempt from the RFID requirement, though destination state rules may differ. When in doubt, check with your veterinarian before loading.
For North Dakota’s nontraditional livestock — including captive cervids and exotic hoofstock — category 2 or category 3 hoofed nontraditional livestock not distinguishable from wild species must be identified individually with a visual tag approved by the board and must be marked within twelve months of birth, and before removal of the animal from the nontraditional livestock premises.
Federal RFID Ear Tag Rule: What Changed in November 2024
The biggest shift in livestock identification in a generation took effect on November 5, 2024. There was a significant rule change by USDA that took effect November 5, 2024. After this date, official ear tags for almost all cattle and bison must be both visually and electronically readable.
USDA APHIS amended the animal disease traceability regulations to require that eartags 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 for use as official eartags for interstate movement of cattle and bison covered under the regulations. That final rule was published May 9, 2024, making the effective date November 5, 2024.
The agency now requires that sexually intact cattle and bison moving interstate must be tagged with electronically readable tags. Previously, metal clip tags (brucellosis tags or something similar) were sufficient for this same class of livestock. Additionally, cattle and bison of any age used for rodeo or recreational events, and cattle and bison of any age used for shows or exhibitions, also require electronic tags.
North Dakota State Veterinarian Dr. Ethan Andress described the practical effect plainly: “This will only be required for interstate shipment,” he said, explaining that the rule essentially requires an electronic tag to replace the metal clip or “bangs” tag.
Pro Tip: Animals already tagged with official visual-only metal tags before November 5, 2024, do not need to be retagged. Animals already tagged with official visual-only tags before November 5, 2024, are grandfathered for the life of the animal; no retagging is required.
The rule’s goals, according to USDA, are “to enhance disease traceback, limit the spread of devastating diseases and provide information needed for foreign countries to recognize disease-free regions.” 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.
Official 840 RFID Ear Tag Requirements in North Dakota
The only tags that meet federal requirements are AIN (Animal Identification Number) ear tags, commonly known as “840” tags. AIN tags begin with the official country code (“840” for the U.S.) followed by 12 digits. That gives each tag a unique 15-digit number tied to a specific animal and its premises of origin.
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’re considering does not show all three of those features, it does not qualify as official identification.
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 the reader equipment you or your veterinarian uses.
The only EID technology approved by APHIS is an 840 tag. 900-series tags do not fulfill the requirements of this rule, because they are not approved as an official means of identification in the United States.
| Tag Feature | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Number format | 15 digits beginning with “840” |
| RFID technology | HDX or FDX low-frequency chip |
| Visual marking | U.S. shield printed on tag face |
| Tamper indicator | “Unlawful to Remove” text |
| Design | One-time use (tamper-evident) |
| Visual-only tags applied after Nov. 5, 2024 | Not accepted as official ID for cattle/bison |
A Premises Identification Number (PIN) is required before you can order 840 tags. Your premises identification number is required to order. Only Animal Identification Number Device Managers can redistribute official 840 EID tags. Contact the NDDA Animal Health Division or your accredited veterinarian to register your premises and obtain a PIN if you do not already have one.
Species-Specific Ear Tag Rules in North Dakota
Each livestock species operates under its own identification framework. While the 840 RFID tag is the new standard for cattle and bison, other species follow different approved devices and programs.
Cattle and Bison
For cattle and bison, the 840 RFID tag is now the only acceptable official identification for any animal tagged on or after November 5, 2024. The rule phases out traditional ear tags in favor of electronic identification for cattle and bison older than 18 months that are shipped across state lines, all dairy cattle, and cattle or bison used for rodeo or recreation. Beef steers going directly to a USDA-inspected slaughter facility can move on a USDA back tag rather than an official ear tag.
Sheep and Goats
Sheep and goats fall under the National Scrapie Eradication Program, which has its own identification requirements separate from the cattle RFID mandate. 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.
Producers and others who handle sheep or goats in commerce who need additional tags or want a different type or color of tag may purchase official plastic, metal, or radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags directly from approved tag manufacturers. A flock or premises ID is required to order tags from these sources. A national premises ID is also required to purchase official 840 RFID tags or implantable devices.
To request your flock ID and initial tags at no cost, call 1-866-USDA-Tag (866-873-2824). 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.
Swine
Swine moving interstate must be officially identified in accordance with § 71.19 of the federal code. APHIS is also offering no-cost radio frequency identification (RFID) eartags to eligible swine producers. Contact the NDDA or your veterinarian for current swine identification options, as commercial swine operations often use industry-endorsed group lot identification systems.
Horses and Equines
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 in lieu of an ear tag, depending on the destination state’s requirements.
Captive Cervids
Captive cervids that are required to be officially identified for interstate movement must be identified by a device or method authorized by part 77 of the federal code. In North Dakota, captive deer and elk held as nontraditional livestock must be individually tagged and registered with the State Board of Animal Health. Check with the NDDA for current approved device options for your specific species.
Where to Get Official Ear Tags in North Dakota
You have several avenues for obtaining official 840 RFID ear tags in North Dakota. Your first step is always confirming you have an active Premises Identification Number (PIN) — no PIN means no tags.
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.
The NDDA Animal Health Division also distributes free 840 RFID tags to producers when federal funding is available. Congress allocated $15 million in the March 2024 Consolidated Appropriations Act specifically for EID tags, and many state veterinarian offices distribute free 840 RFID tags to producers. However, supply is not guaranteed year-round. North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, and Montana all reported using up their 2024 allocations before year-end. Contact your state veterinarian’s office to check availability.
If you arrive at a North Dakota auction market without the required tag, the attending veterinarian can apply a tag for a fee. Public auction markets are required to watch for tags, and typically apply tags if needed for a fee of $18 or more per head. Building this cost into your operation is far easier than scrambling at the chute.
Pro Tip: RFID 840 tags cost between $2 and $5 per tag, depending on the manufacturer, tag style, and order quantity. For comparison, traditional visual-only metal tags cost $0.10 to $0.25 each. Ordering in bulk from an approved distributor is the most cost-effective approach for larger herds.
For sheep and goat producers, the National Scrapie Eradication Program provides up to 100 plastic flock ID tags free of charge to first-time participants in the sheep and goat identification program until available funds are expended. You will need to purchase a compatible applicator separately.
How and When to Apply Ear Tags in North Dakota
Timing and technique both matter. A tag applied incorrectly is more likely to be lost, and a lost official tag on an animal moving interstate creates a compliance problem you do not want to solve at a loading dock.
When to tag: Apply the official ear tag well before any planned movement — ideally at processing, preconditioning, or at the time of brucellosis vaccination. Apply the official tag well before movement (for example, at processing, preconditioning, or prior to sale or shipment) to avoid delays. Do not wait until the morning of transport.
Placement: Place the tag in the middle third of the ear, between the two cartilage ribs, avoiding blood vessels. Follow brand-specific instructions. For most 840 tags, either ear is acceptable, but consistency across your herd makes scanning faster and records cleaner.
Hygiene and retention: Clean the applicator and ear before tagging. Ensure firm closure and check retention before animals leave the chute. A tag that falls out is no longer official identification, and you will need to retag and update your records.
- Confirm your Premises Identification Number (PIN) is active with the NDDA
- Order the correct 840 RFID tags from an approved manufacturer or distributor
- Match your tag applicator to the specific brand and model of tag you purchased
- Restrain the animal safely in a chute before attempting to apply the tag
- Clean the ear and applicator with a disinfectant solution
- Place the tag in the middle third of the ear between the two cartilage ribs
- Confirm firm closure and visually verify the tag is seated correctly
- Record the tag number, animal description, and date of application immediately
If you apply a new 840 RFID tag to an animal that already carries an older official visual-only tag, you must record both tag numbers and the date the new tag was applied.
Ear Tag Requirements for Interstate Movement in North Dakota
Moving livestock out of North Dakota — or receiving animals from another state — triggers both federal ADT requirements and the destination state’s import rules. Those destination rules can be stricter than what North Dakota requires, so always verify before you load.
Effective March 11, 2013, USDA’s animal disease traceability rule established general regulations for livestock that move interstate. Under the rule, unless specifically exempted, livestock moved interstate must be officially identified and accompanied by an interstate certificate of veterinary inspection. That ICVI must be issued by an accredited veterinarian and typically needs to reach the destination state’s animal health office within a set window.
For cattle and bison, the post-November 2024 rule means the following animals must carry a valid 840 RFID tag before crossing a state line:
- Sexually intact beef cattle and bison 18 months of age or older
- All dairy cattle regardless of age or sex
- Cattle and bison of any age used for rodeo, recreation, shows, or exhibitions
- Animals required to be officially identified under any federal disease program
Beef feeder cattle under 18 months are exempt from the EID requirement unless the destination state or a disease program requires it. Always check the receiving state’s import page or call their state veterinarian to confirm — states may set stricter standards. Wisconsin, for example, requires official ID for all cattle and bison, except beef steers.
If you are also hauling animals across state lines, review North Dakota’s livestock trailer requirements and transporting livestock laws to make sure your vehicle and load documentation are both in order before departure. You should also be familiar with brand inspection requirements in North Dakota, which often apply alongside ear tag identification when moving cattle.
Pro Tip: 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. Exemptions apply for livestock moving within tribal land or to a custom slaughter facility.
For producers moving animals into South Dakota, the rules are similar — see our overview of livestock trailer requirements in South Dakota for the trailer side of that compliance picture.
Recordkeeping Requirements for Ear-Tagged Animals in North Dakota
Tagging an animal is only half the job. Federal regulations require you to maintain records that can be retrieved quickly if state or federal animal health officials request them — and “quickly” means within 48 hours under the updated rule.
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. As a producer, your obligation is to keep records of the tags applied to your animals.
The minimum records you should maintain for each tagged animal include:
- The official tag number (all 15 digits)
- The animal’s species, breed, sex, and approximate age or date of birth
- The date the tag was applied
- Your Premises Identification Number (PIN) and location
- The name and address of any person to whom the animal was sold or transferred
- Copies of any Interstate Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (ICVI) associated with the animal
Additional recordkeeping requirements under the updated rule include retrieval of official identification distribution records and certificates of veterinary inspection (CVI) within 48 hours of a request made by federal or state animal health officials. Keep your records in a format — paper binder, spreadsheet, or livestock management software — that lets you pull individual animal records quickly.
For ICVIs associated with livestock facility movements, approved livestock facilities must keep any ICVIs or alternate documentation required for the interstate movement of covered livestock. For poultry and swine, such documents must be kept for at least 2 years, and for cattle and bison and sheep the retention period is also a minimum of 5 years under federal guidance.
For sheep and goat producers, records must also capture the date the animals were officially identified and the number of identified sheep and goats. If you use group/lot identification, include the Group ID Number (GIN) in your records as well.
Animal disease traceability information is housed in official federal and state databases. Those databases are NOT publicly available. Your records stay with you and are only accessed by authorized state or federal animal health officials during a disease investigation.
Staying compliant with ear tag and recordkeeping rules is part of responsible livestock ownership in North Dakota. For more on the state’s broader animal laws and regulations, explore our guides on roadkill laws in North Dakota and hunting license requirements in North Dakota. If you raise animals for hunting purposes or operate a game farm alongside your livestock operation, the pheasant hunting season in North Dakota guide may also be relevant to your property management planning.