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

If you raise cattle, bison, sheep, goats, or swine in Alabama, ear tag compliance is one of the most consequential animal health obligations you face. Get it wrong and you can face delayed sales, animals turned back at state lines, and potential fines. Get it right and you protect your herd, your markets, and your bottom line.

Alabama’s ear tag rules draw from two sources: the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) and federal USDA-APHIS Animal Disease Traceability (ADT) regulations. A landmark federal rule that took effect on November 5, 2024 changed the type of tag required for cattle and bison moving across state lines. This guide walks you through every requirement — by species, by movement type, and by recordkeeping obligation — so you know exactly what to do before your next sale or shipment.

Which Animals Require Official Ear Tags in Alabama

Not every animal on your farm needs an official ear tag, but the rules are more far-reaching than many producers realize. Unless otherwise exempt, certain livestock must be officially identified for disease control purposes whenever a change of ownership occurs within the state of Alabama. Official identification is a method or device approved by the USDA-APHIS Administrator and the State Veterinarian that assigns a nationally unique number to an animal or group of animals traceable to the point of application or subsequent movement.

In the case of ear tags, the device must bear an official number, the U.S. shield, and be tamper-resistant. That language applies to all species covered under Alabama’s animal identification rules.

Here is a quick reference for which animals trigger the tagging requirement:

Species	Trigger for Official ID	Key Exemptions
Cattle (beef)	Change of ownership if 18+ months; rodeo, show, exhibition use	Cattle under 18 months; slaughter-only animals
Dairy cattle	All female dairy cattle of any age; all dairy males born after March 11, 2013	None
Bison	Same categories as beef cattle	Same as beef cattle
Sheep	Change of ownership; interstate movement	Castrated sheep under 18 months; direct-to-slaughter with group ID
Goats	Change of ownership; interstate movement	Registered goats with legible tattoo and registry certificate (not through concentration points)
Swine	Interstate movement under federal ADT rules	Custom slaughter; tribal land crossings

Official ID is required for cattle 18 months of age or older at change of ownership; all female dairy cattle; and cattle and bison used in rodeo, show, exhibition, or recreational events. Exemptions to the rule are cattle less than 18 months of age and cattle sold for slaughter purposes.

Pro Tip: Even if your cattle are exempt from the federal interstate tag requirement, Alabama’s intrastate change-of-ownership rules may still require official identification. Confirm with the ADAI State Veterinarian’s office before any sale.

Federal RFID Ear Tag Rule: What Changed in November 2024

The single biggest shift in livestock identification in more than a decade happened on November 5, 2024. USDA-APHIS amended the animal disease traceability regulations to require that eartags applied on or after that date be both visually and electronically readable in order to be recognized as official eartags for interstate movement of cattle and bison covered under the regulations.

USDA published the final rule on May 9, 2024, making the effective date November 5, 2024. The rule was published in the Federal Register under Docket No. APHIS-2021-0020 and is codified at 9 CFR Part 86.

A critical point for producers who already tagged animals before the deadline: visual eartags applied to animals prior to November 5, 2024 will be recognized as official eartags for the life of the animal. You do not need to retag those animals.

The 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. The same categories that needed official ID before still need it; they just need a different kind of tag going forward.

As one USDA-APHIS Area Veterinarian in Charge explained during a producer webinar: “This doesn’t add any new classes of livestock to what previously required official ID, they just have to have an EID tag now, and it’s for interstate movement only. It’s still all sexually intact cattle and bison 18 months of age or over; all dairy cattle of any age (including dairy-beef cross calves); cattle and bison of any age used for rodeo or recreational events; and cattle and bison of any age used for shows or exhibitions.”

These changes enhance the ability of Tribal, State, and Federal officials, private veterinarians, and livestock producers to quickly respond to high-impact diseases currently existing in the United States, as well as foreign animal diseases that threaten the viability of the U.S. cattle and bison industries.

Important Note: The November 2024 rule applies specifically to cattle and bison. Sheep, goats, and swine operate under separate federal identification frameworks described in the Species-Specific section below.

Official 840 RFID Ear Tag Requirements in Alabama

The 840 Animal Identification Number (AIN) tag is now the standard official ID for cattle and bison in Alabama and across the country. As of November 5, 2024, all official eartags for cattle and bison must be both readable visually and electronically. A purely visual tag applied after that date no longer qualifies as official identification for those species.

Understanding what makes a tag “official” saves you from purchasing the wrong product. Official EID tags are 15 digits long, starting with 840-, and have the US shield along with the statement “Unlawful to Remove.” Official EID tags begin with 840- and are nationally unique, and they also bear the US shield and that removal statement.

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.

On cost: 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.

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 the ADAI State Veterinarian’s office directly to ask about Alabama’s current tag allotment and availability.

To purchase 840 tags, you need a Premises Identification Number (PIN). Official tags display the 15-digit AIN (starts with 840), the official ear tag shield, and “Unlawful to Remove.” The PIN is required to purchase 840 tags. If you do not yet have a PIN, contact the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries Animal Industries division to register your premises.

Species-Specific Ear Tag Rules in Alabama

Alabama producers who raise multiple species need to track separate identification frameworks for each. The 840 RFID mandate is specific to cattle and bison; other species follow different federal programs with their own tag types and triggers.

Cattle and Bison

The November 2024 federal rule governs cattle and bison most directly. Under the current regulations in § 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.

USDA estimates this affects approximately 11 to 12 percent of the national cattle herd in any given year. Several categories are exempt from the EID requirement, including beef feeder cattle under 18 months unless the destination state or a disease program requires it.

Sheep and Goats

Sheep and goats fall under the National Scrapie Eradication Program, a mandatory federal identification program separate from the cattle ADT rule. All sheep and goats must be officially identified before a change of ownership by any method, with one exemption: Alabama sheep and goats moving from farm directly to an in-state livestock market or slaughter establishment.

Sheep and goats shall be officially identified as required by the scrapie regulations in 9 CFR parts 54 and 79 and Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries Administrative Code Rule 80-3-6.18.

For out-of-state movements, all sheep and goats must be officially identified. You should check the destination state’s requirements, as some states require an Interstate Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (ICVI) or owner-hauler statement. All sheep and goats moving out of state must meet the entry and state-of-origin requirements prior to transport.

One important exception for goat producers: goats that are registered with one of USDA’s approved breed registries do not require tags if not moving through a concentration point such as a livestock market or moving in slaughter channels. Registered goats will need to have a legible registry tattoo and be accompanied by their registry certificate.

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. To request tags or a flock ID, call 1-866-USDA-Tag (866-873-2824).

Swine

The federal animal disease traceability rule for livestock moved interstate, effective March 2013, established minimum national official identification and documentation requirements for traceability of livestock moving interstate. 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 ICVI or other movement document agreed upon by both the sending and receiving states.

For swine, the USDA has also announced a new EID initiative: USDA-APHIS announced an initiative to provide no-cost EID tags for swine beginning fall 2025. These EID tags will be available for sow and exhibition swine producers, and once available, producers can order tags on the Merck Animal Health website at www.840swinetags.com. Alabama swine producers should monitor that program for availability updates.

Pro Tip: Do not use cattle RFID tags on sheep or goats. Each species has its own approved tag type. Using the wrong tag can invalidate the animal’s official identification and create traceability problems at the point of sale or inspection.

Where to Get Official Ear Tags in Alabama

Alabama producers have several channels for obtaining official ear tags, and the right source depends on your species, tag type, and volume needs.

ADAI State Veterinarian’s Office — The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries distributes official tags and assigns Premises Identification Numbers. Livestock identifiers distributed by the State Veterinarian’s office shall be assigned to a Premises ID or Farm Location number. Contact the ADAI Animal Industries division at agi.alabama.gov to request tags or confirm PIN assignment.

USDA-Approved Tag Manufacturers — For 840 RFID tags, you can purchase directly from approved vendors. 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.

Accredited Veterinarians — Your accredited veterinarian can also distribute official tags. Distribution directly to producers from accredited veterinarians or State/Tribe Animal Health Officials is optional and determined by the State or Tribe.

Livestock Markets — All approved livestock markets are also approved tagging sites. If an animal arrives at a market without the required tag, it can be tagged there before movement continues — but tagging ahead of time avoids delays and potential compliance questions.

Sheep and Goat Tags — 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 RFID tags directly from approved tag manufacturers. A flock or premises ID is required to order tags from these sources.

• Contact ADAI Animal Industries: agi.alabama.gov
• USDA Scrapie tag hotline: 1-866-USDA-Tag (for sheep and goat flock IDs and free tags)
• Allflex USA: approved manufacturer for cattle and sheep/goat 840 RFID tags
• Datamars Inc. (including Temple Tags and Zee Tags): approved for cattle 840 RFID
• Y-Tex: approved for cattle 840 RFID tags

How and When to Apply Ear Tags in Alabama

Knowing which tag to use is only half the job — proper application technique determines whether the tag stays in, stays readable, and keeps the animal’s identification valid throughout its life.

Timing: Apply the official tag well before movement — for example, at processing, preconditioning, or prior to sale or shipment — to avoid delays. Tagging at the chute the morning of a sale is possible but creates unnecessary stress and risk of error. Build tagging into your routine processing schedule instead.

Placement: Place the tag in the middle third of the ear, between the two cartilage ribs, and avoid blood vessels. Follow brand-specific instructions for your tag model. The standard industry protocol places the tag in the left ear, though either ear is acceptable under federal rules.

Hygiene and Retention: Clean the applicator and ear before tagging. Ensure firm closure and check retention before animals leave the chute. A tag that is not fully closed is a tag that will fall out — and a lost tag creates a recordkeeping and compliance problem you will need to resolve before the animal can move.

Lost Tags: If an official tag falls out, replace it as soon as possible. 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 that dual-tag record with your herd documentation.

Equipment: You need a tag applicator matched to your specific brand and model. The main tools needed are a tag applicator, EID tags, and an RFID reader. While an RFID reader is not legally required to apply tags, using EID readers to scan tags can make it quicker and easier to more accurately record the tag number.

Pro Tip: Match your HDX or FDX tag choice to your existing reader and farm management software before ordering. Switching tag frequencies mid-herd creates compatibility headaches at livestock markets and veterinary inspections.

Ear Tag Requirements for Interstate Movement in Alabama

Moving livestock across state lines triggers both federal ADT requirements and the destination state’s import rules. Alabama producers shipping animals out of state — and producers receiving animals into Alabama — must satisfy both sets of requirements.

For cattle and bison: animals required to have an official tag based on the ruling and leaving a premise for interstate movement should have one in place when leaving the premise, or can obtain one at an official tagging site. Do not wait until the sale barn to sort this out if you can avoid it.

Animals should also have an accompanying Certificate of Veterinary Inspection or Owner Shipper Statement. “If animals are crossing state lines and an official ID is required, then all parties involved are responsible for the animals and need to know the requirements of the state of destination,” according to USDA-APHIS. “This includes the breeder, livestock market, shipper, hauler, broker, veterinarian and buyer.”

For sheep and goats moving out of Alabama: sheep and goats moving interstate shall be officially identified as required by the scrapie regulations in 9 CFR parts 54 and 79. Additionally, out-of-state sheep and goats (with or without official identification) must move on an owner-hauler statement or ICVI.

There are a few notable exemptions to the interstate identification requirement. 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.

Always verify the destination state’s import requirements before loading. Requirements vary — some states require health certificates for species and movements that Alabama does not. Resources like USDA-APHIS’s interstate movement reference guide and the Federal Register final rule provide the authoritative federal baseline.

If you are also transporting animals, review Alabama’s livestock trailer requirements to make sure your hauling setup meets state standards alongside your tagging obligations. Producers moving livestock through neighboring states may also want to check trailer rules for Tennessee, Mississippi, Georgia, and Florida.

Recordkeeping Requirements for Ear-Tagged Animals in Alabama

Tagging an animal is only the first step. Maintaining accurate records of that identification is a legal requirement — and a practical safeguard when disease investigations, ownership disputes, or audit requests arise.

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.

For cattle producers, the 2024 federal rule also clarified record retention obligations. The rule clarifies certain record retention and record access requirements and revises some requirements pertaining to slaughter cattle. Specifically, additional recordkeeping requirements include the retrieval of official identification distribution records and Certificate of Veterinary Inspection within 48 hours of a request made by federal or state animal health officials.

For sheep and goat producers, records must be kept for five years after the animal is sold or otherwise disposed of. Producers should keep records in an electronic format, such as a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet.

The minimum information you need to record for each tagged animal includes:

• The official tag number (all 15 digits for 840 AIN tags)
• The date the animal was officially identified
• Species, breed, and sex of the animal
• The premises ID or farm location number associated with the tag
• For sheep and goats: the flock ID number of the flock of origin, the name and address of the person who currently owns the animals, and the name and address of the owner of the flock of origin if different
• If a replacement tag was applied: the original tag number, the new tag number, and the date of retagging

Producers are required to follow federal and state regulations for officially identifying their sheep and goats. Producers must also keep herd records showing what new animals were added and what animals left the herd or flock. The same expectation of movement documentation applies to cattle operations under Alabama and federal rules.

Pro Tip: Store your tag distribution records, CVIs, and owner-hauler statements in the same location — physical or digital — so you can pull them within the 48-hour window required by federal regulation. A simple farm management app or even a dedicated folder in cloud storage handles this well for most operations.

Alabama livestock producers who stay current on ear tag requirements protect more than regulatory compliance — they protect access to interstate markets, exhibition eligibility, and the broader disease response infrastructure that keeps U.S. livestock trade viable. Confirm your Premises ID is active, source 840 RFID tags from an approved manufacturer before your next sale or shipment, and keep your records current. For questions specific to your operation, contact the ADAI Animal Industries division or the USDA-APHIS Veterinary Services office serving Alabama.

If your operation spans multiple states, it is worth reviewing livestock trailer rules in states you frequently ship to, including Louisiana, Oklahoma, Missouri, and Kansas, to make sure your full transport chain is compliant from the farm gate to the destination.