Livestock Ear Tag Requirements in Texas: What Every Producer Must Know
July 30, 2026
Texas is home to more cattle than any other state in the country, and keeping that industry healthy depends on one foundational tool: official ear tags. Whether you run a commercial beef operation in the Panhandle, a small goat herd in the Hill Country, or a dairy farm in East Texas, understanding which animals need official identification — and exactly what type — directly affects your ability to move, sell, and transport livestock without legal complications.
The rules changed significantly in November 2024. USDA published a final rule in the Federal Register on May 9, 2024, and the rule enhancing traceability took effect beginning November 5, 2024. If you haven’t reviewed your tagging practices since then, this guide covers everything you need to stay compliant in Texas — from which animals are covered to where you can get free tags from the state.
Pro Tip: Before ordering any official ear tags in Texas, register your premises with the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) to obtain a Premises Identification Number (PIN). You cannot legally purchase USDA 840 tags without one.
Which Animals Require Official Ear Tags in Texas
Official identification is fundamental to traceability and animal disease programs. Cattle, sheep, goats, swine, and other livestock are subject to official identification requirements as outlined by USDA and TAHC regulations. Not every animal on your property needs an official tag, but the categories that do are clearly defined by federal and state rules.
The Animal Disease Traceability (ADT) program began in 2013 and requires that for certain animals moving in interstate commerce, an interstate certificate of veterinary inspection and official identification must accompany the animal. The ADT program applies to sexually intact beef cattle and bison 18 months of age or older; all female dairy cattle of any age; all dairy males born after March 11, 2013; and cattle or bison of any age used for rodeo, show, exhibition, and recreational events.
For small ruminants, the scrapie eradication program drives identification requirements. All exhibition sheep must be officially identified with a Scrapie Eradication Program ear tag prior to entry. All sexually intact exhibition goats must be officially identified with a Scrapie Eradication Program ear tag prior to entry, except registered goats with a registration tattoo accompanied by registration papers.
Swine, equine, and poultry each fall under separate TAHC chapters with their own movement and identification rules. The Texas Animal Health Commission regulates the entry of many livestock, poultry, and exotic livestock species into the state and for interstate shows and exhibitions. State and federal rules regarding animal movement, travel, entry, and show requirements can be complex and involve more than one government agency. Always verify species-specific requirements directly with the TAHC before moving animals across county or state lines.
Federal RFID Ear Tag Rule: What Changed in November 2024
On November 5, 2024, new federal rules took effect requiring electronic identification (EID) ear tags for certain cattle and bison moving across state lines. This represents the most significant shift in livestock identification requirements in a generation, and it affects Texas producers directly given the state’s volume of interstate cattle shipments.
USDA APHIS amended the animal disease traceability regulations to require that ear tags applied on or after 180 days after publication in the Federal Register be both visually and electronically readable in order to be recognized for use as official ear tags for interstate movement of cattle and bison covered under the regulations. In plain terms: any new tag you apply to a covered animal must be an RFID tag — visual-only metal tags no longer qualify as official identification for cattle and bison tagged after November 5, 2024.
Cattle tagged with a metal tag or a plastic, non-RFID official identification tag prior to that date are grandfathered in. That tag remains official for the life of the animal. Currently, the only EID technology approved by APHIS is an 840 tag.
Important Note: The November 2024 rule does not expand which animals require official ID — it only changes what type of tag qualifies as official for cattle and bison tagged after that date. If your animals did not previously require official identification, they still do not.
This requirement applies to official identification placed for any reason, including interstate movement, brucellosis vaccination, and tuberculosis testing. The change also came with a funding provision: Congress allocated $15 million in the March 2024 Consolidated Appropriations Act specifically for EID tags.
Official 840 RFID Ear Tag Requirements in Texas
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.” These three features — the 840 number, the shield, and the removal warning — are what distinguish an official tag from a farm management tag.
USDA 840 tags are only developed by authorized manufacturers and have a unique Animal Identification Number (AIN) that begins with the prefix 840. Approved tags must be tamper-resistant, have a high retention rate of at least 99%, and start with the three numbers 840, the ISO code for the United States. Tags using a 900 series will not be recognized as official, even if electronically readable.
Two technology formats exist for 840 RFID tags. HDX tags utilize half duplex technology that can be read from a greater distance and are beneficial for automated systems. FDX tags utilize full duplex technology and are a cost-effective option. Both formats meet the federal requirement. RFID tags are recommended to be placed in the left ear.
You do not need a reader to apply 840 tags. Electronic identification tags do not require a reader to be used. However, using EID readers to scan tags, rather than manually reading, makes the process quicker, easier, and more accurate for recordkeeping. A Premises ID is required to purchase USDA tags.
| Tag Feature | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Number format | 15-digit AIN beginning with 840 |
| Official shield | US Route Shield with “US” imprinted — required on all tags applied after March 11, 2015 |
| Removal warning | “Unlawful to Remove” printed on tag |
| Electronic readability | Required for cattle and bison tagged after November 5, 2024 |
| Retention rate | Minimum 99% |
| 900-series tags | Not accepted as official identification |
Species-Specific Ear Tag Rules in Texas
Different species follow different identification frameworks in Texas. Understanding which program governs your animals prevents costly compliance mistakes at livestock markets, state borders, and exhibition events.
Cattle and Bison: These animals are governed by the federal ADT program under 9 CFR Part 86. Bison must meet the same ID requirements as beef cattle. The categories requiring official ID — sexually intact beef cattle 18 months and older, all dairy cattle, and exhibition/rodeo animals — have not changed under the 2024 rule. Only the tag type changed.
Sheep and Goats: Small ruminants in Texas are identified under the USDA Scrapie Eradication Program rather than the ADT cattle framework. Acceptable forms of official identification include plastic flock ID tags, Scrapie 840 radio frequency identification (RFID) ear tags, metal flock ID tags, and serial tags. Registered tattoos and 840 electronic implants are accepted as official ID, with the exception of sheep and goats that are in slaughter channels. To get a scrapie flock ID for your official tags, contact the TAHC ADT Department.
Scrapie tags are designed for the smaller, thinner ears of sheep and goats and should only be used in those species. Do not use cattle RFID tags on small ruminants — they have their own approved tag formats.
Equine: Horses, mules, and donkeys moving interstate into Texas require a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) and a current negative Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) test, commonly called a Coggins test. Equine intended for sale in Texas must have a valid CVI and current EIA test prior to entering the state. Texas requires all equine entering Texas to obtain a valid CVI and EIA test prior to entry. Individual ear tags are not the primary identification mechanism for horses; the CVI and Coggins test serve that function.
Swine: Swine movement in Texas is governed by TAHC Chapter 55 rules covering pseudorabies, entry requirements, and dealer recordkeeping. Swine moving interstate must be accompanied by a CVI, and specific pseudorabies status documentation may be required depending on the state of origin. Contact the TAHC directly at (512) 719-0777 for current swine entry requirements before any interstate movement.
Where to Get Official Ear Tags in Texas
Texas producers have two main pathways for obtaining official 840 RFID ear tags: through the TAHC’s no-cost program or directly from approved manufacturers and distributors.
Free Tags Through the TAHC: The TAHC received a limited number of no-cost RFID ear tags from the USDA to distribute to Texans for use in replacement breeding cattle to advance animal disease traceability efforts. These RFID tags are only intended for use in replacement breeding stock. Two types of tags are available to order: white “840” button tags and orange “840” calfhood vaccination (OCV) button tags. Both RFID tags are low frequency tags. Veterinarians may receive both white and orange tags, while other stakeholders may only receive white tags.
Tags are ordered in bags of 100 and will be made available for pickup at TAHC region offices. RFID tag inventory may include more than one brand of tag. A specific brand cannot be requested. Texans interested in ordering RFID tags at no cost may submit their request to the TAHC ADT department by phone at (512) 719-0733, or email at animal_id@tahc.texas.gov.
Purchasing from Approved Manufacturers: 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 and were often provided free by USDA through state veterinarian offices.
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 TAHC also lists additional approved distributors including All Data Tags, Destron Fearing, and Shearwell Data on its Animal Disease Traceability page.
Pro Tip: Before placing a commercial tag order, check with the TAHC on current free-tag availability. Supply fluctuates, and free tags from the state program are functionally identical to purchased tags for compliance purposes.
How and When to Apply Ear Tags in Texas
Timing and technique both matter when applying official ear tags. Applying a tag incorrectly — or at the wrong point in an animal’s life — can create traceability gaps that complicate future sales and movement.
When to Tag: For cattle subject to the ADT program, official identification must be applied before the animal moves off your premises for any covered purpose. This includes movement to a livestock market, interstate transport, brucellosis vaccination, and tuberculosis testing. This requirement applies to official identification placed for any reason, including interstate movement, brucellosis vaccination, and tuberculosis testing. For replacement breeding stock, tagging at weaning or before first movement is the most practical approach.
Placement: RFID tags are recommended to be placed in the left ear. Care should be taken to ensure that any calfhood vaccination tattoos in female cattle are not covered up when applying a button type RFID tag. Vaccination tattoos carry their own legal significance and must remain legible.
Tag Application Steps:
- Confirm your Premises ID (PIN) or Location ID (LID) is current with the TAHC before applying tags linked to your operation.
- Restrain the animal safely to minimize movement during application.
- Clean the ear and select the recommended placement site — middle third of the ear, away from major blood vessels.
- Use the manufacturer-approved applicator for the specific tag model; mismatched applicators reduce retention rates.
- Apply the tag to the left ear per USDA recommendation, avoiding the calfhood vaccination tattoo area in heifers.
- Record the tag number, animal description, and application date immediately — ideally into your premises management records.
While typically placing two official IDs on an animal is not allowed, an exception is made if the first tag is just visual and the second tag is electronically readable, such as an RFID tag. This grandfathering exception lets you bring older-tagged animals into full electronic compliance without violating the one-tag rule.
Ear Tag Requirements for Interstate Movement in Texas
Moving livestock out of Texas — or receiving animals from another state — triggers both federal ADT requirements and Texas-specific entry rules. The federal regulations apply to interstate transport of livestock. State-specific rules apply to intrastate transport, and many states may have import requirements for livestock from other states.
For cattle and bison moving out of Texas, the covered animal categories are:
- All sexually intact beef cattle and bison 18 months of age or older
- All female dairy cattle of any age
- All male dairy cattle born after March 11, 2013
- Cattle or bison of any age used for rodeo, shows, exhibitions, or recreational events
Exceptions apply for animals crossing state lines to go directly to an approved tagging site such as a livestock auction, for animals moved directly to slaughter or through no more than one USDA-approved livestock facility, and for commuter herds that travel between premises owned by the same person or entity in two different states.
In addition to official ear tags, most interstate movements require a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI). As of January 1, 2026, all import certificates of veterinary inspection (CVIs) must be electronic. Paper CVIs are no longer accepted for animals entering Texas from other states. CVIs only qualify movement for one trip — point A to point B. A new CVI is required for each move.
If you are receiving animals into Texas from another state, check the TAHC’s entry requirements by species. To move animals or animal products from Texas into other states, contact the state of destination. A downloadable list of contact information for all 50 state animal health agencies may be found on the US Animal Health Association website. You can also review transporting livestock laws in Texas for a broader look at movement requirements within and beyond the state.
Producers moving cattle to neighboring states should also review the specific trailer and transport requirements for those destinations. Requirements vary: see guides for Oklahoma, Louisiana, Kansas, and New Mexico to ensure your rig and paperwork meet destination-state standards.
Important Note: The TAHC’s movement summaries are unofficial guides. For official movement requirements, always refer to the TAHC rules directly or call the Permits Help Desk at (512) 719-0777.
Recordkeeping Requirements for Ear-Tagged Animals in Texas
Owning official ear tags is only part of the compliance picture. The ADT program requires that records travel with the tags — and that those records be accessible to state and federal officials during a disease investigation.
Premises and Location IDs: A national premises identification number (PIN) is a unique number permanently assigned to a physical address where livestock animals are located. All owner and premises information collected is stored and maintained in a federal database. Texas utilizes the USDA-APHIS provided Premises Management System to obtain a PIN from the federal allocator.
Texas also has a state system and process for issuing a Location Identifier (LID). A LID is a unique number permanently assigned to an owner’s contact and operation information, not a specific premises, and is stored in a state-administered database. To request a PIN, LID, or scrapie flock ID, contact the TAHC Animal Disease Traceability department at animal_id@tahc.texas.gov or (512) 719-0733.
What Records to Keep: When you apply an 840 tag to an animal, record the tag number alongside the animal’s description, date of application, and your PIN or LID. When you sell or transfer an animal, record the buyer’s name, address, and the date of sale alongside the tag number. Tag information is recorded when tags are applied, at selling points, when official movements are recorded, and when a disease investigation is being conducted.
Animal disease traceability information is housed in official federal and state databases. Those databases are not publicly available. They are only accessible to federal and state government officials who are responsible for dealing with high-impact animal diseases and who have passed extensive security screening and training to ensure data is handled correctly.
How Long to Keep Records: USDA ADT regulations under 9 CFR Part 86 require that records related to official identification and interstate movement be kept for a minimum of five years. This applies to tag distribution records, movement documentation, and CVIs. Keep physical or digital copies organized by year and accessible from your operation — not just at a remote office location.
USDA APHIS also clarified certain record retention and record access requirements as part of the November 2024 final rule. AIN device managers — including veterinarians who distribute tags — must enter distribution records into a tribal, state, or federal database. If your accredited veterinarian supplies your 840 tags, confirm they are logging distributions properly, as that record chain supports your compliance if an investigation ever reaches your herd.
| Record Type | What to Include | Retention Period |
|---|---|---|
| Tag application | Tag number, animal description, date applied, PIN/LID | 5 years minimum |
| Sale or transfer | Tag number, buyer name and address, date of sale | 5 years minimum |
| Interstate movement (CVI) | Electronic CVI with tag numbers, origin/destination, veterinarian signature | 5 years minimum |
| Tag distribution (for device managers) | Tags distributed, producer PIN/LID, quantity | Per USDA AIN Device Manager requirements |
Staying current on ear tag requirements protects more than regulatory compliance — it protects your ability to move and sell animals quickly if a disease event occurs near your operation. An efficient and accurate traceability system reduces the number of animals and response time involved in a disease investigation, which reduces the economic impact on owners and affected communities. For additional information on moving livestock in and out of Texas, review the livestock trailer requirements in Texas and the rabies vaccine requirements in Texas to make sure all aspects of your operation stay compliant.