Livestock Ear Tag Requirements in Wyoming: What Every Rancher Needs to Know
August 4, 2026
If you raise cattle, sheep, goats, swine, or horses in Wyoming, official ear tags are not optional — they are a federal and state requirement tied directly to your ability to move animals across state lines and respond quickly to disease outbreaks. Wyoming ranchers operate in one of the most livestock-dense states in the country, and the rules that govern animal identification have grown more specific since a major federal update took effect in November 2024.
This guide walks you through every layer of Wyoming’s livestock ear tag requirements — from which animals need official identification to where you get tags, how to apply them correctly, and what records you must keep. Whether you run a commercial cow-calf operation, a sheep flock, or a small swine herd, the information below gives you a clear, actionable picture of what compliance looks like on the ground.
Which Animals Require Official Ear Tags in Wyoming
Not every animal on your Wyoming operation needs an official ear tag, but the categories that do are clearly defined under federal Animal Disease Traceability (ADT) regulations enforced in partnership with the Wyoming Livestock Board (WLSB). Understanding which classes of animals are covered is your first compliance step.
Under the current regulations in 9 CFR Part 86, 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 older; all female dairy cattle of any age and all male dairy cattle born after March 11, 2013; and cattle used for rodeo, shows, or exhibitions of any age.
The rule applies to intact cattle and bison 18 months or older, all dairy cattle, and show and rodeo cattle and bison of any age. Feeder cattle — animals destined directly for a feedlot or slaughter — are generally exempt from individual official identification requirements under the ADT program.
For small ruminants, the requirements are species-specific. The USDA Scrapie Flock Certification Program is a mandatory identification program for sheep and goats, covering all sheep over 18 months of age; sexually intact sheep under 18 months of age that are sold for breeding or exhibition; and sheep sold unrestricted or not in slaughter channels. All sheep and goats in Wyoming are required to be Scrapie tagged per Wyoming Livestock Board policies.
Swine moving interstate must carry official identification as well. Swine moving interstate must be officially identified in accordance with § 71.19 of the regulations. Horses and other equids also fall under ADT rules. 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 for travel to another location and then return directly to the original location.
Pro Tip: If you are unsure whether a specific class of animal on your operation requires official ID, contact the Wyoming Livestock Board Animal Health division directly or reach out to the USDA/APHIS Cheyenne Field Office at (307) 432-7960 before moving animals.
Federal RFID Ear Tag Rule: What Changed in November 2024
The single biggest shift in livestock identification in recent memory took effect on November 5, 2024. USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) published a final rule on April 26, 2024, requiring eartags to be both 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.
Previously, eartags used as official animal ID had to be visually readable only. Metal clip tags were all that were required for interstate travel. These have now been replaced by electronic RFID tags. The Wyoming Livestock Board and Wyoming State Veterinarian addressed rancher questions about the rule in early 2025, confirming that official ID under the new rule includes eartags which are both visually and electronically readable, a group or lot ID, breed registry tattoos and/or breed registration certificates, and a registered brand and official brand inspection certificate.
There is an important grandfathering provision you should know about. Animals identified with a visual-only official ID tag before the effective date of the final rule will not need to be tagged again with an EID eartag. Visual-only identification devices placed in cattle and bison after November 5, 2024, are not considered official. Visual-only devices placed before this date in cattle and bison may be used as official identification per 9 CFR Part 86.
The change in official animal ID requirements impacts 11–12% of the nation’s domestic cattle herd, according to USDA’s regulatory impact analysis. The 2024 final rule continues to exclude feeder cattle from these requirements.
Important Note: The 2024 rule does not eliminate all other forms of official ID for cattle. Brands registered with a recognized brand inspection authority and accompanied by an official brand inspection certificate remain valid under the federal rule when agreed upon between shipping and receiving states.
Official 840 RFID Ear Tag Requirements in Wyoming
The 840 RFID ear tag is the standard official identification device for cattle and bison in Wyoming and across the United States. AIN “840” tags indicate U.S. origin and are the standard official ID for cattle and bison. The number “840” is the country code for the United States, and every tag in this system carries a unique 15-digit Animal Identification Number (AIN).
Veterinarians now use a USDA 840 EID tag, which comes as a button and includes the country code for the U.S. — 840 — and the official USDA shield. The tag also has a unique 12-digit number to identify individual animals. Official tags display the 15-digit AIN starting with 840, the official ear tag shield, and “Unlawful to Remove.”
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 management software.
To purchase 840 EID tags, you must first have a Premises Identification Number (PIN). In order to purchase 840 EID tags, you must have a Premises Identification Number (PIN) assigned. Wyoming producers can request a PIN through the USDA/APHIS Wyoming Field Office by submitting a Premises Identification Number Request form. The USDA/APHIS Cheyenne office can be reached at (307) 432-7960 or by email at VSWY@usda.gov.
If a tag is lost, you are not without recourse. If an official eartag on an animal becomes lost, producers may apply a new eartag and maintain a record of the new device for the next five years.
Species-Specific Ear Tag Rules in Wyoming
Each livestock species carries its own identification framework. Here is a breakdown of what Wyoming producers need to know by animal type.
Cattle and Bison: As covered above, sexually intact cattle and bison 18 months or older, all dairy cattle, and exhibition or rodeo animals of any age require official 840 RFID ear tags for interstate movement as of November 5, 2024. Cattle and bison are exempted from official identification requirements if they are going directly to slaughter. Cattle may also be moved across state lines directly to an approved tagging site. Livestock auctions are often registered as approved tagging sites.
Sheep and Goats: All sheep and goats in Wyoming are required to be Scrapie tagged per Wyoming Livestock Board policies. White Scrapie tags are applied to sheep and goats that meet the requirements to move for any purpose. The WLSB has also issued specific press releases on Scrapie ID requirements for exhibition sheep and goats — check the WLSB Animal Health page for current guidance before moving animals to fairs or shows.
Swine: Swine identification in Wyoming follows federal rules under § 71.19. Premises Identification Number (PIN) tags are used for slaughter swine, with manufacturers reporting distribution of tags by product code to APHIS VS. Notably, USDA APHIS announced in 2025 a new initiative: APHIS announced a new initiative to provide no-cost RFID eartags for swine beginning fall 2025, available for sows and exhibition swine producers. Wyoming swine producers can monitor ordering details at www.840swinetags.com once the program opens.
Horses and Equids: Horses moving interstate from Wyoming must carry official identification. Acceptable methods include a description, registration papers, lip tattoo, or an 840 microchip implant. 840 AINs are available in microchip implants for equine and other species. The exemption applies when horses are ridden or driven as transportation and return directly to the original location without a change of ownership.
| Species | Official ID Required | Key Trigger | Exemptions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cattle / Bison | 840 RFID EID Tag | Intact 18+ mo., all dairy, show/rodeo | Direct to slaughter; approved tagging site |
| Sheep | Scrapie Tag (Flock ID or 840) | All ages for breeding, exhibition, unrestricted sale | Direct slaughter channels |
| Goats | Scrapie Tag | Sexually intact, not in slaughter channels | Direct slaughter channels |
| Swine | PIN Tag or 840 RFID | Interstate movement; sows and exhibition pigs | Direct-to-slaughter with backtag |
| Horses / Equids | Description, papers, tattoo, or 840 microchip | Any interstate movement with ownership change | Ridden transport returning to origin |
Where to Get Official Ear Tags in Wyoming
Sourcing the right tags before you need them prevents last-minute scrambles at shipping time. Wyoming producers have several reliable options for obtaining official 840 RFID ear tags and other official identification devices.
- Accredited veterinarians: Federal and state animal health officials and accredited veterinarians distribute official ear tags. Distribution directly to producers from accredited veterinarians or state/tribe animal health officials is optional and determined by the state. Your local large-animal vet is often the fastest source.
- Licensed tag distributors and feed stores: Buy 840 EID tags from approved vendors, locally or online. Distributors such as Allflex USA are among the approved manufacturers. Searching online for “USDA 840 Tags” will return additional approved vendors.
- USDA/APHIS Wyoming Field Office: The Cheyenne office (307-432-7960, VSWY@usda.gov) can direct you to tag sources and confirm your PIN status.
- No-cost cattle tags: USDA has been providing tags to farmers for free since 2020 and has said it will continue to do so as long as it can. Ask your accredited vet or the WLSB about current no-cost tag availability for your operation.
- No-cost swine tags (fall 2025 and beyond): Producers and state animal health officials will be able to order no-cost swine RFID tags on the Merck Animal Health website at www.840swinetags.com. In July 2025, APHIS awarded a contract to Merck Animal Health to supply up to $20 million in tags to sow and exhibition swine industry segments over the next five years.
Pro Tip: Always confirm your Premises Identification Number (PIN) is active before ordering 840 tags. Without a valid PIN linked to your operation, tag distributors cannot process your order. Contact the USDA/APHIS Wyoming office to register or verify your PIN.
How and When to Apply Ear Tags in Wyoming
Getting the tag in the right place — and at the right time — matters for both compliance and long-term retention. A tag that falls out before an animal crosses a state line creates a traceability gap and a compliance problem.
Placement: Place the tag in the middle third of the ear, between the two cartilage ribs, avoiding blood vessels. Follow brand-specific instructions for the applicator you are using. Tags should be placed in the middle rib of the ear with the 15-digit number viewable on the top of the button.
Timing: Apply the official tag well before movement — at processing, preconditioning, or prior to sale or shipment — to avoid delays. For Wyoming cow-calf producers, tagging calves at weaning with 840 EID tags is a practical approach. If a producer tags all calves at weaning with 840 EID tags, their vet will record those EID numbers when giving the brucellosis vaccine to heifers — the vet would not need to put a new EID tag in.
Who can apply tags: Producers can put the tags in themselves or have their vet do it. There is no requirement for a veterinarian to physically apply the tag unless it is tied to a vaccination event that requires veterinary certification.
Applicator hygiene: Clean the applicator and ear before tagging. Ensure firm closure and check retention before animals leave the chute. A loose or improperly seated tag is a liability — check each animal before it exits the working area.
Replacing lost tags: If an animal loses its official tag, apply a replacement 840 RFID tag as soon as possible. Record both the original tag number (if known) and the new tag number, along with the date of replacement. Keep this record for at least five years.
Ear Tag Requirements for Interstate Movement in Wyoming
Moving livestock across Wyoming’s borders — whether shipping cattle to a Nebraska sale barn or bringing replacement heifers in from Colorado — triggers both federal ADT requirements and Wyoming Livestock Board import rules. If you regularly transport livestock in Wyoming, understanding these layered requirements is essential.
Cattle and bison moved interstate must be accompanied by an Interstate Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (ICVI) unless they are moved directly to a recognized slaughtering establishment or directly to an approved livestock facility and then directly to a recognized slaughtering establishment, accompanied by an owner-shipper statement.
On the ICVI, all official individual identification numbers must be recorded. This means every 840 RFID tag number on every covered animal must appear on the paperwork before the truck leaves your property. For Wyoming producers hauling cattle, reviewing Wyoming’s livestock trailer requirements alongside ear tag rules ensures you are compliant on both fronts.
Wyoming also participates in brand-based identification agreements with neighboring states. 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.
For animals coming into Wyoming from out of state, animals coming into Wyoming need to have an official USDA ear tag in their ear, put in by the producer. Additionally, the vet that inspects the animals before they are shipped to Wyoming should be calling the Wyoming State Vet’s office to get an import permit number that is placed on the health papers (CVI).
Producers moving animals to or from neighboring states should also review the trailer and transport rules for those states. Relevant resources include Colorado livestock trailer requirements, South Dakota livestock trailer requirements, and Nevada livestock trailer requirements — all common destinations for Wyoming producers.
Important Note: Wyoming’s import rules are detailed in Chapter 8 of the WLSB Animal Health Rules. Requirements vary by species and origin state. Always confirm current import permit requirements with the WLSB before moving animals into Wyoming from another state.
Recordkeeping Requirements for Ear-Tagged Animals in Wyoming
Tagging an animal is only half the job — maintaining accurate records is the other half, and federal regulations specify exactly how long those records must be kept.
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 distribution information, as it has been accounted for by the distributing entity.
For ICVIs and movement documents, retention periods depend on species. For poultry and swine, such documents must be kept for at least two years. For cattle and bison, sheep and goats, cervids, and equine species, the retention period is five years.
Tag distribution records are housed in the APHIS Animal Identification Number Management System (AIMS), which is accessible to approved device manufacturers, device managers, resellers such as accredited veterinarians, online retailers, and feed stores, as well as state and federal animal health officials. APHIS maintains record of EID device distribution indefinitely.
The WLSB and Wyoming State Veterinarian have emphasized that three things are needed during a disease trace: official identification, good recordkeeping, and documentation of animal movement. Official ID and good records help locate animals with the disease or animals which have been exposed faster and with less labor, halt the spread of disease faster, decrease the number of quarantined animals, and decrease the overall time, labor, and expense of disease traceability.
As a practical matter, keep a farm or ranch logbook that records the following for every officially tagged animal: the 15-digit AIN from the ear tag, the date the tag was applied, the animal’s date of birth, species and sex, and any subsequent tag replacements with both the old and new tag numbers. If you use a livestock management app or software that integrates with RFID readers, scan and sync tag numbers at every handling event. This creates an automatic audit trail that satisfies both federal and Wyoming state requirements.
If you sell, transfer, or move animals to another state, retain a copy of the ICVI and any owner-shipper statements for the full five-year period. Records of official identification devices applied by a federally accredited veterinarian to a client animal must be kept in a readily accessible record system. Your records do not need to be digital, but they do need to be organized and retrievable on short notice in the event of a disease investigation.
For producers who also need to stay current on other Wyoming livestock regulations, resources like Wyoming hunting license requirements and Wyoming fishing license requirements round out the broader regulatory picture for land and resource management in the state.