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

If you raise cattle, sheep, goats, or other livestock in California, ear tag compliance is not optional — and the rules changed significantly in November 2024. A federal rule now requires that most cattle and bison moved across state lines carry an electronic 840 RFID tag, replacing the older visual-only metal tags that ranchers relied on for decades.

Whether you run a cow-calf operation in the Central Valley, a small sheep flock in the Sierra Nevada foothills, or a dairy herd in Tulare County, this guide walks you through exactly which animals require official identification, what tags are accepted in California, where to get them, and how to keep your records in order.

Which Animals Require Official Ear Tags in California

Official identification (ID) devices are approved by the USDA to aid with traceability and animal disease programs. Official ID devices must provide a unique identification number, be tamper-evident, have a high retention rate, and bear the US shield. Not every animal on your property needs one, but the categories that do are clearly defined at both the federal and state level.

Under federal regulations in 9 CFR § 86.4(b), 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.

Everyone raising sheep and goats in California requires official identification issued by the USDA. This requirement is tied to the National Scrapie Eradication Program, a mandatory federal program that applies to all sheep and goat producers nationwide. All goats in California require official scrapie identification issued by the USDA. Official scrapie identification — including official eartags, official tattoos, official electronic identification, or official premises identification numbers — is required before transport to show, fair, or petting events.

Swine moved interstate also fall under federal traceability requirements, and USDA APHIS announced an initiative to provide no-cost EID tags for swine beginning fall 2025, available for sow and exhibition swine producers. Check with CDFA’s Animal Health Branch at (916) 900-5002 for current California-specific swine identification rules before moving hogs across state lines.

Pro Tip: If you are unsure whether a specific animal on your operation needs official ID, contact CDFA directly at (916) 900-5002 or email ahbfeedback@cdfa.ca.gov before your next sale or movement. It is far easier to tag early than to delay a shipment at the border.

Federal RFID Ear Tag Rule: What Changed in November 2024

USDA published the final Animal Disease Traceability rule on May 9, 2024, making the effective date November 5, 2024. This was one of the most significant changes to livestock identification requirements in over a decade, and California producers need to understand exactly what it means for their operations.

The rule requires that eartags applied on or after November 5, 2024 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. In plain terms, the old silver metal “bright” tags and visual-only plastic tags no longer qualify as official identification when applied to cattle or bison after that date.

USDA’s Final 2024 Animal Disease Traceability rule only changes the type of tag that can be used — it does not change the class of animals that are required to be tagged. If your animals were not required to have official ID before November 2024, they still are not required to have it now.

Visual eartags applied to animals prior to November 5, 2024 will be recognized as official eartags for the life of the animal. Cattle tagged with official identification — including a metal clip tag or non-EID plastic tag — before November 5 should not be retagged with an 840. Existing tags will continue to be allowed for the rest of that animal’s life.

The intent of these changes is to strengthen the ability of the US to quickly respond to significant animal disease outbreaks, as rapid traceability is critical to ensuring appropriate disease response and timely return to business continuity. The Federal Register final rule contains the full regulatory text for producers who want to review the specific legal language.

Official 840 RFID Ear Tag Requirements in California

The only EID technology approved by USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) at this time is an 840 tag — that is what is required for covered classes of cattle. These tags carry a 15-digit Animal Identification Number (AIN) that begins with the country code “840,” indicating US origin.

Official EID tags are 15 digits long starting with “840-,” have the US shield, and say “Unlawful to Remove.” Official EID tags begin with 840- and are nationally unique. They also bear the US shield and the statement that they are “Unlawful to Remove.”

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 eartags meet US standards for official EID. Either is acceptable for official purposes — choose based on your reader equipment and management software.

To obtain EID eartags through CDFA or the tag manufacturer directly, you must have a Premises Identification Number (PIN). A PIN is a unique alphanumeric number assigned to a geographic location where livestock or poultry are managed or other locations associated with animal agriculture. PINs are permanently assigned to a single location and must match the “911” address/physical location of the animals.

California is also offering no-cost EID eartags to qualifying producers. No-cost Electronic Identification (EID) eartags for cattle and bison are available to California producers, veterinarians, and approved tagging sites. Contact your local CDFA Animal Health Branch district office to request tags or check availability.

Important Note: Visual-only 840 tags exist and can look nearly identical to RFID-capable tags. Always verify that the tags you order are RFID-capable before purchasing. If you cannot confirm RFID capability, ask your veterinarian or the tag manufacturer before applying them to animals intended for interstate movement.

Species-Specific Ear Tag Rules in California

Ear tag requirements differ by species, so what applies to your cattle herd does not necessarily apply to your sheep flock or swine. Here is a breakdown of the rules for the main livestock species in California.

Cattle and Bison

As described above, per 9 CFR Part 86, visual-only NUES tags are no longer acceptable as official identification for cattle and bison when applied on or after November 5, 2024. NUES tags applied to cattle or bison on or after November 5, 2024 are not recognized as official ID. All new official tags for covered cattle must be 840 RFID tags.

California’s state code for NUES-formatted tags is “93.” Older eartags that are silver or orange (Brucellosis vaccination tags) in color begin with the state code “93” for California, followed by three letters and four numbers. These remain valid only if applied before November 5, 2024, for the life of the animal.

Sheep and Goats

Sheep and goats fall under the National Scrapie Eradication Program (NSEP), a mandatory federal program separate from the 2024 cattle EID rule. The NSEP is a mandatory program that applies to all sheep and goat producers in the United States. The NSEP was revised in 2001 to accelerate the eradication of scrapie from the US. The revised program requires the official identification of most sexually intact sheep and goats in commerce.

Visual-only NUES tags are still official options for sheep and goats for which they are approved. This means the shift to mandatory RFID that applies to cattle does not automatically extend to sheep and goats — the scrapie program has its own identification standards. 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.

For sheep entering California from another state, California requires an Interstate Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (ICVI) for sheep within thirty (30) days before moving into the state with the statement: “The animals are not scrapie-positive or suspect or from a scrapie non-compliant flock.”

Swine

Swine moved interstate must comply with federal ADT requirements. The federal animal disease traceability rule for livestock moved interstate, effective March 2013, established minimum national official identification and documentation requirements. The species covered include cattle and bison, sheep and goats, swine, horses and other equines, captive cervids, and poultry. When these animals move interstate, unless otherwise exempt, they must be officially identified and accompanied by an interstate certificate of veterinary inspection (ICVI) or other movement document agreed upon by both the sending and receiving states.

For swine entering California, contact the CDFA permit desk at (916) 900-5002 before movement. California has specific swine entry requirements, and an Interstate Livestock Entry Permit is typically required.

Where to Get Official Ear Tags in California

You have two main paths for obtaining official 840 RFID eartags in California: through CDFA at no cost (while supplies last), or directly from USDA-approved manufacturers and distributors.

• CDFA Animal Health Branch (No-Cost Tags): All EID applications, requests, and reporting forms should be sent to your local Animal Health Branch district office. California producers can request no-cost EID tags through CDFA. A valid PIN is required to request tags.
• USDA-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.
• Approved Tagging Sites: An approved tagging site is a premises authorized by APHIS, State, or Tribal animal health officials where livestock without official identification may be transferred to have official identification applied on behalf of their owner or the person in possession, care, or control of the animals. CDFA maintains a list of approved tagging sites in California.
• Accredited Veterinarians: Category II accredited and California-licensed veterinarians can also assist with obtaining official tags and completing required documentation.

For sheep and goat scrapie tags specifically, the National Scrapie Eradication Program provides free eartags to sheep and goat producers. To order your free eartags, call 1-866-USDA-TAG (1-866-873-2824).

RFID 840 tags cost between $2 and $5 per tag, depending on the manufacturer, tag style, and order quantity when purchased commercially. 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 your local CDFA district office early in the season to check availability before your supply runs out. You can also learn more about California’s brand inspection requirements, which work alongside ear tag identification for cattle traceability in the state.

How and When to Apply Ear Tags in California

Timing and technique both matter. Applying a tag incorrectly or too late can create compliance problems and animal welfare issues.

When to Tag

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 day of transport. If an animal needs to be tagged at a livestock market or approved tagging site, factor in the time required to complete that process before your planned movement date.

Placement and Application

Place the tag in the middle third of the ear, between the two cartilage ribs, and avoid blood vessels. Follow brand-specific instructions. Tags should be placed in the left ear following standard protocol. Using the correct applicator for the specific brand and model of tag you purchase is important — an incompatible applicator can damage the RFID chip or result in poor tag retention.

Clean the applicator and ear before applying. Ensure firm closure and check retention before animals leave the chute. A tag that falls out before an animal reaches its destination creates a traceability gap and potential compliance issues at the receiving end.

Replacing Lost Tags

If an animal loses its official ear tag, it must be re-identified before interstate movement. Non-EID official eartags applied before November 5, 2024 remain valid. 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. Keep this documentation with your herd records. Never remove an official identification eartag without written authorization from CDFA.

Pro Tip: Remove twine from hay bales and keep hay rings in good condition to minimize catching and snagging of tags. Tag loss is one of the most common compliance issues California producers face, and prevention is far simpler than re-identification paperwork.

Ear Tag Requirements for Interstate Movement in California

Moving livestock out of California — or bringing animals into the state — triggers a specific set of documentation and identification requirements that go beyond simply having a tag in the ear.

It is important to verify entry requirements of the destination state before moving livestock and poultry in order to ensure that shipments comply with interstate movement laws and regulations. California’s CDFA provides a direct contact pathway: contact the destination state directly or visit the US State and Territory Animal Entry Requirements resource to determine entry requirements for each state.

For cattle and bison, when these animals move interstate, unless otherwise exempt, they must be officially identified and accompanied by an interstate certificate of veterinary inspection (ICVI) or other movement document agreed upon by both the sending and receiving states. Electronic CVIs (eCVIs) are available for both large and small animal veterinarians through third-party service providers.

California also offers a Pasture-to-Pasture Permit for certain beef breeding herds. This permit is available for beef breeding herds moving for pasture over the course of one grazing season between California and Oregon, Nevada, and Idaho. It allows for exemptions for certain movement and testing requirements. To apply or learn more, call the Animal Health Branch Permit Line at (916) 900-5052.

Species	Official ID Required for Interstate Movement	Additional Documentation
Cattle/Bison (covered classes)	840 RFID EID tag (if tagged on or after Nov. 5, 2024)	ICVI or approved movement document
Dairy Cattle (all ages)	840 RFID EID tag (if tagged on or after Nov. 5, 2024)	ICVI or approved movement document
Sheep	Official scrapie ID (eartag, tattoo, or RFID)	ICVI within 30 days; Interstate Livestock Entry Permit for CA entry
Goats	Official scrapie ID (eartag, tattoo, or RFID)	ICVI; Interstate Livestock Entry Permit for CA entry
Swine	Official ID per federal ADT rule	ICVI; permit required for CA entry

If you are moving livestock from California to neighboring states, review the specific entry requirements for each destination. Producers hauling animals to Nevada, Colorado, or other western states should review the livestock trailer requirements in Nevada and livestock trailer requirements in Colorado as part of their pre-movement checklist. For animals moving to southern or midwestern states, check the livestock trailer requirements in Oklahoma and livestock trailer requirements in Kansas as well.

Recordkeeping Requirements for Ear-Tagged Animals in California

Tagging an animal is only half the job. The federal ADT framework and California’s CDFA both require producers to maintain records that can be retrieved quickly during a disease investigation.

What Records You Must Keep

Additional recordkeeping requirements include retrieval of official identification distribution records and certificate of veterinary inspection (CVI) within 48 hours of a request made by federal or state animal health officials. This 48-hour retrieval standard means your records need to be organized and accessible at all times — not buried in a filing cabinet or scattered across multiple notebooks.

For sheep and goat producers, since the incubation period for scrapie is typically two to five years, producers should record individual identification numbers and the seller’s premises identification number on purchase and sales records. These records must be maintained for a minimum of five years. Your recordkeeping system should capture the official identification number applied to each animal. Records must be kept for 5 years after the animal is sold or otherwise disposed of.

For cattle producers using EID tags, CDFA provides recordkeeping templates. Recordkeeping templates include an EID Tag Application Log for Producers, available as a spreadsheet from CDFA. Using this template — or a compatible farm management software — keeps your records audit-ready.

Electronic vs. Paper Records

Ideally, producers should keep records in an electronic format, such as a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. An electronic system makes it far easier to respond quickly if CDFA or USDA contacts you during a traceback investigation. Paper records are not prohibited, but the 48-hour retrieval requirement makes digital recordkeeping the practical choice for most operations.

While the regulations do not require the digitization of paper records, APHIS has encouraged the use of electronic recordkeeping through targeted funding to State and Tribal animal health officials to support their electronic recordkeeping systems and maintain their internal databases used for animal disease traceability.

Tag Distribution Records

Official ear tags provide animal health officials with a specific starting point from which to trace diseased or potentially diseased animals. The required tag distribution records associate the official identification number with the person that received the device. Without official identification, animal health officials’ ability to accurately trace an animal’s movements can take months or may never be achieved.

When you receive a batch of 840 RFID tags from CDFA or a manufacturer, record the tag numbers received, the date received, and the premises where they will be applied. Link each tag number to a specific animal in your herd or flock records as soon as it is applied. This creates the chain of custody that makes rapid disease response possible.

Important Note: California’s livestock disease reporting requirements work hand-in-hand with your ear tag records. If a tagged animal shows signs of a reportable disease, your identification records are the first thing state and federal officials will request. Review the livestock disease reporting requirements in California to make sure your operation is prepared on both fronts.

Staying current with California’s ear tag and traceability rules protects your operation, your neighbors’ herds, and your access to interstate markets. Review your tagging practices now, confirm your PIN is active with CDFA, and make sure your recordkeeping system can meet the 48-hour retrieval standard. For questions specific to your operation, contact the CDFA Animal Health Branch at (916) 900-5002 or reach out to a CDFA Animal Disease Traceability resource page for the latest approved tag lists and forms. You may also find it useful to review California’s livestock trailer requirements to ensure your transport setup meets state standards alongside your identification compliance.