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

Georgia farmers move millions of animals across state lines every year. A University of Georgia Beef Extension specialist estimated roughly 400,000 head of livestock travel through Georgia daily. That volume of movement means ear tag compliance is not a back-burner issue — it directly affects your ability to sell, transport, and show animals without delays or legal exposure.

If you raise cattle, bison, swine, sheep, goats, horses, or farmed deer in Georgia, official ear tag rules apply to you. Some of those rules changed significantly in November 2024 when a new federal RFID mandate took effect. This guide walks you through every requirement — which animals need tags, which tag types are approved, where to get them, how to apply them, and what records you must keep.

Pro Tip: Before you order any official ear tags, confirm your Premises Identification Number (PIN) with the Georgia Department of Agriculture. You cannot order official 840 RFID tags without one.

Which Animals Require Official Ear Tags in Georgia

The current Animal Disease Traceability (ADT) program began in 2013 through USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. It establishes minimum identification and documentation requirements to trace livestock moving across state lines. Livestock species covered under ADT are cattle, bison, equine, goats, sheep, poultry, swine, and farmed deer.

Traceability is achieved by applying a form of official ID to an animal, and for most livestock species, that official ID is an ear tag. Georgia follows the federal ADT standard as its baseline. Amanda Cathers, GDA Animal Disease Traceability coordinator, explained that Georgia adopted the ADT standard set by USDA, though other states may have more stringent rules.

The table below summarizes which animals trigger official ear tag requirements when moving interstate from Georgia:

Species	Tagging Trigger	Tag Type Required
Cattle & Bison (sexually intact, 18+ months)	Interstate movement	Official 840 RFID (EID)
Dairy Cattle (all ages)	Interstate movement	Official 840 RFID (EID)
Beef Feeder Cattle (under 18 months)	Destination state or disease program may require	840 RFID if required
Sheep & Goats	Interstate movement (scrapie program)	Official scrapie flock ID tag or 840 RFID
Swine	Interstate movement	Official ID per 9 CFR § 71.19
Horses & Equids	Interstate movement (with exceptions)	Official ID device or method
Captive Cervids (farmed deer, elk)	Interstate movement	Official ID per 9 CFR Part 77

The federal rule applies to specific categories of cattle and bison crossing state lines: sexually intact beef cattle and bison 18 months of age or older, and animals required to be officially identified under any federal disease program such as brucellosis or tuberculosis. USDA estimates this affects approximately 11 to 12 percent of the national cattle herd in any given year.

Federal RFID Ear Tag Rule: What Changed in November 2024

USDA published the final rule on May 9, 2024, making the effective date November 5, 2024. This was the most significant change to livestock identification rules in over a decade, and it directly affects Georgia producers who move cattle or bison across state lines.

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: if you tag a cow after that date with a visual-only metal tag, that tag is no longer valid as official identification for interstate movement.

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. Visual-only NUES tags for cattle and bison placed in ears prior to this date will be considered official for the life of the animal. You do not need to retag animals that already carry a valid pre-November 2024 visual tag.

Important Note: The November 2024 rule does not change which classes of animals must be tagged — it only changes the type of tag required. Beef feeder cattle under 18 months remain exempt unless the destination state or a federal disease program requires otherwise.

The USDA continues to provide tags to producers free of charge to jumpstart efforts to enable the fastest possible response to a foreign animal disease. Contact the Georgia Department of Agriculture Animal Health Office to check current free tag availability for your operation.

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. Georgia’s ADT coordinator noted the state can typically trace an animal within 15 minutes when proper tags and records are in place.

Official 840 RFID Ear Tag Requirements in Georgia

The 840 Animal Identification Number (AIN) tag is the standard official ear tag for cattle and bison in the United States. 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, and they also bear the US shield and the statement that they are “Unlawful to Remove.”

EID technologies: 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.

Official identification is required for moving livestock interstate (see 9 CFR Part 86). A Premises Identification Number (PIN) is required to order official identification ear tags. Registering for a PIN is free through the GDA Animal Health Office. Once you have your PIN, you can order tags directly from the state office or from an approved manufacturer.

The Animal Health Office has official identification ear tags available for cattle and domestic swine at no cost. To order official identification ear tags, contact the office and provide your PIN. Free tag availability can vary by year and funding cycle, so contact the GDA office early — especially before peak shipping seasons.

Tag Feature	Requirement
Number format	15 digits beginning with 840
Readability	Both visual and electronic (RFID)
Frequency type	HDX or FDX low-frequency
Required markings	US Shield + “Unlawful to Remove”
Design	One-time use, tamper-evident
Species approval	Tags approved separately per species — do not use cattle tags on small ruminants

Species-Specific Ear Tag Rules in Georgia

Different livestock species follow different identification frameworks under federal and Georgia rules. Knowing which program applies to your animals saves time and prevents compliance errors.

Cattle and Bison
As covered above, all cattle and bison tagged on or after November 5, 2024 for interstate movement must carry an official 840 RFID tag. The rule also expands the definition of dairy cattle to include all animals born from dairy cows — meaning beef-on-dairy calves are covered regardless of how they are raised or marketed. Beef feeder cattle under 18 months are exempt unless the destination state or a disease program requires it.

Sheep and Goats
Sheep and goats are governed by the National Scrapie Eradication Program (NSEP). Federal and state regulations require producers to officially identify their sheep and goats under the NSEP. This includes using official ear tags or implants and maintaining herd records that track animal movement added or removed from the flock.

There are multiple styles of official USDA scrapie tags available. These include visual tags, which must be read visually by handlers or inspectors, and electronic tags (RFID), which contain electronic chips that can be scanned to quickly access the animal’s identification data. While electronic identification is not currently mandatory for sheep and goats, its use is strongly encouraged. Visit the GDA Scrapie Tag Information page for Georgia-specific forms and ordering details.

Swine
Swine that are required to be officially identified for interstate movement must be identified by a device or method authorized by § 71.19 of the Code of Federal Regulations. USDA APHIS announced an initiative to provide no-cost EID tags for swine beginning fall 2025. These EID tags are available for sow and exhibition swine producers. Contact the GDA Animal Health Office to confirm current swine tag options and availability in Georgia.

Horses and Equids
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, or they are moved from the farm or stable for veterinary medical examination or treatment and returned to the same location without change in ownership. Review the transporting livestock laws in Georgia for additional movement documentation requirements that apply alongside ear tag rules.

Captive Cervids
Captive cervids that are required to be officially identified for interstate movement must be identified by a device or method authorized by 9 CFR Part 77. Farmed deer and elk operations in Georgia should contact the GDA Animal Health Office for the specific approved tag options under that program.

Where to Get Official Ear Tags in Georgia

You have two main pathways for obtaining official ear tags in Georgia: through the state and through approved private manufacturers. Both routes require a valid PIN.

Through the Georgia Department of Agriculture
The Animal Health Office has official identification ear tags available for cattle and domestic swine at no cost. To order official identification ear tags, contact the office and provide your PIN. For sheep and goat producers, the National Scrapie Eradication Program provides up to 100 plastic flock ID tags for sheep and goats at no cost to first-time participants. A PIN and flock ID are required.

Through 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. Additional approved vendors as of October 2024 include All Data Tags LLC, AniTrace Inc., Digital Angel Corp., Eriginate Corp., Global Animal Management, Leader Products, and Shearwell Data Ltd.

RFID 840 tags cost between $2 and $5 per tag, depending on the manufacturer, tag style, and order quantity. If your operation tags a large number of animals annually, buying in bulk directly from a manufacturer typically lowers per-tag cost. Producers will need to purchase the compatible tag applicator directly from the tag manufacturer.

Pro Tip: Free tag supplies from the GDA can run low during high-demand periods. Order early in the calendar year and keep a buffer stock on hand so you are never caught short before a scheduled shipment or livestock market.

For sheep and goat producers who need tags beyond the free allotment, if you are not eligible for free tags, or if you prefer a specific tag type or color, you may purchase official tags directly from an approved manufacturer. The USDA provides a list of authorized tag manufacturers on their website. You can also find that list through the USDA APHIS Sheep and Goat Identification page.

How and When to Apply Ear Tags in Georgia

Timing and technique both matter when applying official ear tags. A tag applied incorrectly or too late can delay a shipment, trigger a failed inspection, or result in a lost tag that requires replacement documentation.

When to Tag
Apply the official tag well before movement — for example, at processing, preconditioning, or prior to sale or shipment — to avoid delays. Ear tags can also be applied to livestock at the time of an inspection for a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) or when moving through a livestock market. Waiting until the day of movement is a common mistake that creates unnecessary pressure and increases the risk of errors.

Placement and Technique
Place the tag in the middle third of the ear, between the two cartilage ribs; avoid blood vessels. Follow brand-specific instructions. Tags should be placed in the left ear, following standard protocol. Clean the applicator and ear before applying. Ensure firm closure and check retention before animals leave the chute.

Replacing Lost Tags
If an animal loses an official tag, you must replace it and document both the original tag number and the replacement tag number in your records. 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.

• Never remove an official ear tag from a live animal without authorization from the GDA or USDA
• Do not use cattle RFID tags on sheep or goats — each species has its own approved tag format
• Match your HDX or FDX tag choice to any reader or software already in use at your farm or market
• Keep your tag applicator clean and in good working condition to reduce tag loss and injury

Ear Tag Requirements for Interstate Movement in Georgia

Moving livestock out of Georgia — or receiving animals from another state — triggers both federal ADT rules and the destination state’s import requirements. Georgia follows the federal minimum standard, but the state you are shipping to may have stricter rules.

When covered 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. Livestock crossing state lines requires a movement document such as a certificate of veterinary inspection (CVI), often referred to as a health certificate.

Review the livestock trailer requirements in Georgia alongside ear tag rules — both sets of requirements apply simultaneously during any interstate transport. You should also check the specific import rules for your destination state before loading animals. Requirements for neighboring states such as Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana may differ from Georgia’s baseline.

Visual-only identification options remain valid for some purposes, but for interstate movement of covered animals, an 840 RFID tag is now the standard. The rule applies to sexually intact beef cattle and bison 18 months of age or older crossing state lines.

Key exemptions from the interstate EID requirement include:

• Beef feeder cattle under 18 months of age (unless the destination state requires it)
• Animals moving directly to a USDA-inspected slaughter facility on a USDA back tag
• Animals already tagged with a valid official visual tag applied before November 5, 2024 (grandfathered for the animal’s life)
• Horses used as transportation (horseback or horse and buggy) returning directly to origin
• Equids moved for veterinary treatment and returned to the same location without change of ownership

Important Note: The destination state sets its own import requirements, which may be stricter than Georgia’s rules. Always verify current import conditions with the receiving state’s animal health office before shipping. You can check requirements at InterstateLivestock.com.

Georgia’s ADT program includes a statewide database established in 2020. The statewide ADT database was established in 2020, and GDA has scored well in USDA’s annual performance testing, administered to states and tribal lands to assess readiness to conduct animal disease tracing if needed. That infrastructure means officials can trace a tagged animal’s movement history quickly — which also means gaps in your documentation are easy to spot during an investigation.

Recordkeeping Requirements for Ear-Tagged Animals in Georgia

Applying a tag is only half the compliance equation. Federal regulations under 9 CFR Part 86 require specific records to be maintained by anyone who applies or distributes official ear tags — including producers, veterinarians, and livestock markets.

Anyone who applies official identification ear tags must maintain tag application records. 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.

For poultry and swine, movement documents must be kept for at least 2 years, and for cattle and bison, sheep and goats, cervids, and equids, 5 years. Keep these records organized and accessible — USDA and GDA officials have the right to inspect them during a disease investigation.

Here is what your records should capture for each tagged animal:

• The animal’s official ear tag number (15-digit AIN beginning with 840 for cattle and bison)
• Your Premises Identification Number (PIN) associated with the tag application
• Date the tag was applied
• Species and description of the animal
• If a replacement tag was applied: both the original tag number and the new tag number, plus the replacement date
• Movement documents (CVI/ICVI) for any animal moved interstate

The tags used for ADT have the animal’s unique identification number, which is recorded in a database. Together, the PINs, animal IDs, and movement documents like CVIs are used by Animal Health officials to quickly identify the location and movements of diseased animals to reduce the threat of a disease outbreak.

For sheep and goat producers, federal and state regulations require producers to officially identify their sheep and goats under the NSEP. This includes using official ear tags or implants and maintaining herd records that track animal movement added or removed from the flock. That means your flock records must reflect every animal that enters or leaves your operation, not just those that move interstate.

Electronic recordkeeping is not required, but it makes compliance far easier — especially for larger operations. It is not necessary to use an EID reader; however, using EID readers to scan tags can make it quicker and easier to more accurately record the tag number. Many producers pair a wand reader with basic herd management software to automate tag number capture at the chute.

For additional guidance on movement rules and documentation requirements in Georgia, review the transporting livestock laws in Georgia and consult the GDA Animal Health and Diseases webpage for the most current state-level requirements. Producers moving animals into or through neighboring states should also review trailer and transport rules for South Dakota, Oklahoma, and Kansas if those routes are part of your operation.

Staying Compliant as a Georgia Livestock Producer

Ear tag compliance in Georgia comes down to three things: having the right tag on the right animal before it moves, keeping accurate records for the required retention period, and knowing when your destination state’s rules add requirements beyond Georgia’s baseline. The November 2024 federal RFID mandate raised the bar for cattle and bison producers specifically, but the core framework — official ID plus movement documents — has been consistent since 2013.

Start by confirming your PIN with the GDA Animal Disease Traceability program. Order tags early, apply them before movement, and keep your records for the full retention period. If you are unsure whether a specific animal or movement scenario requires official ID, contact the GDA Animal Health Office or your accredited veterinarian before the animal leaves the farm. For related compliance topics, explore rabies vaccine requirements in Georgia and livestock trailer requirements in Georgia to make sure your operation meets all state and federal standards.