Livestock Ear Tag Requirements in Illinois: What Every Producer Must Know

If you raise cattle, bison, swine, sheep, or goats in Illinois, ear tag compliance is no longer a background concern — it is a front-line operational requirement. The federal rule that took effect November 5, 2024, changed which type of tag qualifies as official identification, and the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) has layered its own exhibition requirements on top of that federal baseline.

Getting this wrong can mean animals turned away at state lines, denied entry at county fairs, or flagged during a disease investigation. This guide walks you through every major requirement — from which animals need tags and what kind of tag qualifies, to where to get them, how to apply them correctly, and what records you must keep.

Which Animals Require Official Ear Tags in Illinois

Not every animal on your operation needs an official ear tag, but the list is longer than many producers expect. Under federal 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; cattle and bison of any age used for rodeo or recreational events; and cattle and bison of any age used for shows or exhibitions.

Cattle and bison going directly to slaughter are still exempted from official identification requirements under this rule. That exemption is important for operations that send animals straight to a federally inspected facility without stopping at an intermediate point.

For sheep and goats, the scrapie eradication program drives identification requirements. All intact sheep of all ages, and wethers over 18 months of age, require official individual animal identification. All intact goats of all ages, and wethers over 18 months of age, also require official individual animal identification. For swine, swine shall be identified by an official ear tag, tattoo, or recognized breed ear notch. Illinois also requires identification for cervidae moving within the state — elk and other cervidae changing ownership or moving within the state require a permit issued by the Department prior to movement.

Pro Tip: If you exhibit animals at any Illinois county or state fair, identification requirements apply regardless of whether the animal crosses a state line. The IDOA enforces these rules at the fairgrounds level, not just at the border.

Federal RFID Ear Tag Rule: What Changed in November 2024

In April 2024, USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced a rule update requiring that certain cattle and bison possess electronic identification (EID) ear tags when traveling between state lines. This rule became effective November 5, 2024.

The core change is about tag technology, not the categories of animals that need tagging. 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. Before this rule, a simple visual metal ear tag could serve as official identification. Ear tags applied on or after November 5, 2024, must 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.

Producers with animals already carrying older-style tags do not need to retag them. Visual ear tags applied to animals prior to November 5, 2024, will be recognized as official ear tags for the life of the animal. However, animals tagged prior to the effective date do not need to be re-tagged, except for exhibition livestock — the Illinois Department of Agriculture is also requiring exhibition animals within the state to have an 840 tag.

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. The IDOA has aligned Illinois exhibition rules with this federal framework, making the 840 RFID tag the de facto standard for any animal leaving your farm for a show or sale.

Important Note: The November 2024 rule applies directly to interstate movement of cattle and bison. For swine, sheep, and goats, separate federal scrapie and disease programs govern official ID requirements. Check with the IDOA Bureau of Animal Health and Welfare at (217) 782-4944 for species-specific guidance.

Official 840 RFID Ear Tag Requirements in Illinois

The “840” tag gets its name from the Animal Identification Number (AIN) system. The AIN consists of 15 digits beginning with the official country code — “840” for the United States. That prefix tells inspectors and veterinarians at a glance that the animal is U.S.-origin and carries a nationally unique identification number.

To be accepted as official identification, the tag must meet specific physical criteria. 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.”

Two RFID technology formats are approved. 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. Most farm supply stores and livestock markets stock both types.

Your Premises Identification Number (PIN) is required before you can order 840 tags. IDOA uses only the State Premises Registration System (SPRS), which utilizes a 7-digit alphanumeric system. Once registered, your Premises Identification Number (PIN) becomes your operation’s official identifier for traceability purposes. Premises identification is voluntary and cost-free for producers. If you choose not to obtain a PIN for your operation, 840 tags need to be acquired through a licensed veterinarian who will use their PIN number.

Pro Tip: Register your premises before you need tags — the PIN application process through IDOA is free and straightforward, but waiting until the week before a show or sale will put you behind. Call IDOA at (217) 782-4944 or visit agr.illinois.gov to get started.

Species-Specific Ear Tag Rules in Illinois

Illinois applies different identification standards depending on the species. Understanding which rules apply to your animals prevents compliance gaps that can delay movement or disqualify animals from exhibition.

Cattle and Bison

Key changes focus on the use of electronic identification (EID) as the official identification for all sexually intact cattle and bison 18 months of age and older, all dairy cattle of any age, and any cattle used for rodeo, recreation, or exhibition moving interstate — and this identification is required to be read both visually and electronically. For Illinois exhibition animals specifically, beginning in 2025, individual identification of each animal shall be by a USDA official animal identification number ear tag (“840” tag), and the tag must be able to be read both visually and electronically.

Swine

Swine identification in Illinois follows both federal scrapie-adjacent PIN tag requirements and IDOA exhibition rules. Individual identification of each swine shall be by a USDA official animal identification number ear tag (“840” tag), and the identification tag must be able to be read both visually and electronically. Ear notch identification is acceptable for all barrows, crossbred gilts, and breeding swine. However, ear notch identification of crossbred swine does not satisfy USDA identification requirements for interstate movement or official testing. If you plan to move swine across state lines or exhibit them at a fair, the 840 tag is your safest and most compliant option.

Sheep

All intact sheep of all ages, and wethers over 18 months of age, require official individual animal identification. Official ear tags must bear the US shield and can consist of a Scrapie tag or an EID (electronic identification device, such as an 840 tag). When using ear tags, the tag must indicate the premises ID and state of origin. The tag number must be assigned by a state or APHIS representative and recorded in the Scrapie Record Database. Tattoos are also acceptable when accompanied by a registration certificate listing the tattoo number.

Goats

All intact goats of all ages, and wethers over 18 months of age, require official individual animal identification. Official ear tags must bear the US shield and can consist of a Scrapie tag or an EID (electronic identification device, such as an 840 tag). A flock ID or first USDA-provided tags can be ordered by calling 1-866-USDA-TAG. Legible flock ID tattoos and electronic implants with numbers noted on registered paperwork are also accepted for goats.

Cervidae

All animals shall be individually identified with an approved tag, microchip, or tattoo. For cervidae changing ownership or moving within the state, the owner must obtain a permit issued by the Department prior to movement, and the cervid must originate from a herd enrolled in the Certified Program. All cervidae entering Illinois must be in compliance with the Illinois Wildlife Code (520 ILCS 5). For more information, contact the Illinois Department of Natural Resources at (217) 782-6384.

Species	Animals Requiring Official ID	Accepted ID Types	Exhibition Requirement (2025+)
Cattle & Bison	Intact animals 18+ months; all dairy; rodeo/exhibition animals	840 RFID EID tag (visual + electronic)	840 RFID tag required
Swine	All exhibition and interstate movement animals	840 RFID tag; ear notch (intrastate only)	840 RFID tag required
Sheep	All intact; wethers 18+ months	Scrapie tag, 840 EID, or flock tattoo	Official ear tag or tattoo with registration
Goats	All intact; wethers 18+ months	Scrapie tag, 840 EID, flock tattoo, or microchip	Official ear tag or tattoo with registration
Cervidae	All animals changing ownership or moving intrastate	Approved tag, microchip, or tattoo	Approved individual ID required

Where to Get Official Ear Tags in Illinois

You have several options for sourcing official 840 RFID tags in Illinois, including a free tag program administered by the state.

To support the transition to EID tags, the Illinois Department of Agriculture Bureau of Animal Health and Welfare continues to offer free electronic 840 tags to cattle and bison producers for use in replacement cattle. See the information on the IDOA Animal Disease Traceability page to order these tags. As producers implement new traceability requirements, the Illinois Department of Agriculture will provide them with up to 500 EID tags free of charge. To claim these tags, you need a valid premises PIN.

If you need more tags than the state allotment covers, approved commercial manufacturers are your next option. 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. RFID 840 tags cost between $2 and $5 per tag, depending on the manufacturer, tag style, and order quantity.

For sheep and goat producers, the USDA National Scrapie Eradication Program offers a separate avenue. 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. A national premises ID is also required to purchase official 840 RFID tags or implantable devices.

If you do not have a premises PIN and need tags quickly, your licensed veterinarian can tag your animals using their own PIN. This is a practical short-term solution, but registering your own premises gives you more flexibility and control over your operation’s traceability records. Contact the IDOA Bureau of Animal Health and Welfare at (217) 782-4944 to begin the premises registration process.

Pro Tip: Order tags well before your first planned movement or show date. Illinois 4-H cattle weigh-ins historically begin as early as February 1, and swine weigh-ins follow in late March. If you raise and produce your own stock, you need to get a premises ID and order 840 tags for your cattle and swine herd before the weigh-ins.

How and When to Apply Ear Tags in Illinois

Timing and technique both matter when applying official ear tags. A tag applied incorrectly — or too late — can create compliance problems that are difficult to fix in the field.

Apply the tag before the animal leaves your premises for any covered purpose. Apply the official tag well before movement — at processing, preconditioning, or prior to sale or shipment — to avoid delays. Waiting until you arrive at a livestock market or fairgrounds puts you at risk of turning back or facing penalties.

Proper placement reduces tag loss and improves readability. Place the tag in the middle third of the ear, between the two cartilage ribs, avoiding blood vessels. Follow brand-specific instructions for your tag model. Tags should be placed in the left ear, following standard protocol. Clean the applicator and ear before tagging. Ensure firm closure and check retention before animals leave the chute.

Once a tag is applied, its status is permanent. Once a tag is applied to an animal, it is the official ID that remains with the animal for its lifetime. Do not remove an official ID and do not apply a second official ID. If an animal loses its official ID, the official retag must be recorded and reported with both the old number and the replacement number.

For two-piece tags, orientation matters for readability. Tag Piece A is the piece attached to the inside of the animal’s ear (visible from the front of the animal). Tag Piece B is attached to the outside. Imprinting the AIN on Tag Piece A is required; imprinting the AIN on Tag Piece B is optional.

Ear Tag Requirements for Interstate Movement in Illinois

Moving livestock across Illinois’ borders triggers a set of requirements that go beyond the ear tag itself. The tag is necessary, but it is rarely sufficient on its own.

All livestock — cattle, bison, swine, equine, llamas, alpacas, sheep, goats, and cervids — moving into Illinois shall be accompanied by a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) issued by an accredited veterinarian, except cattle consigned to approved stockyards or federally approved markets. All animals entering Illinois for the purpose of livestock production or exhibition must also be accompanied by an entry permit from the Department. Entry permits are available online at entrypermit.agr.illinois.gov.

CVI validity windows are tight. CVIs for out-of-state livestock are void 30 days after issuance. CVIs for Illinois-origin livestock are void 90 days after issuance. Plan your movement timing around these windows — an expired CVI means your animals cannot legally enter their destination.

For dairy cattle, federal requirements add another layer. A Certificate of Veterinary Inspection with each animal individually identified with an official identifier is required for lactating dairy cattle moving into or out of Illinois other than direct to slaughter, along with a negative test for Influenza A no more than 7 days prior to movement.

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. This includes the breeder, livestock market, shipper, hauler, broker, veterinarian, and buyer. Destination state rules may be stricter than Illinois rules, so always verify requirements at both ends of the trip before loading. You can find additional guidance in our article on transporting livestock laws in Illinois and livestock trailer requirements in Illinois.

Important Note: If you are moving livestock to neighboring states, their identification and health certificate requirements may differ from Illinois standards. Review destination state rules before your animals leave the farm. See our guides on Missouri, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Indiana for state-specific details.

Recordkeeping Requirements for Ear-Tagged Animals

Ear tags create a traceable identity for your animals — but that identity is only useful if it is backed by accurate records. Illinois and federal rules both impose recordkeeping obligations that you need to understand and follow.

Recordkeeping is a mandatory component of movement control, not an optional add-on. Record all animal movements on and off the premises. Record all semen, embryo, milk, and colostrum movements on and off the premises as well. These records support traceability investigations and may be reviewed during a disease response.

When a tag is distributed to you, that distribution event itself creates a record. Official ear tags provide animal health officials with a specific starting point from which to trace diseased or potentially exposed animals. The required tag distribution records associate the official identification number with the person that received the device. If you receive free 840 tags from IDOA, the department maintains those distribution records. If you purchase tags commercially, the manufacturer or distributor reports tag distribution to APHIS.

For retagging situations, the recordkeeping obligation is explicit. Non-EID official ear tags 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. This dual-number record ensures continuity of the animal’s identity through the tag transition.

Sheep and goat producers face an additional layer of scrapie program recordkeeping. Under USDA APHIS scrapie recordkeeping requirements, you must document the date animals were officially identified, the number of identified sheep and goats, and the official ID numbers applied. A PIN or LID is required to order electronic ID tags or implants — a scrapie premises ID cannot be used. In most states, PINs and LIDs are assigned by the state office.

• Keep records of all tag numbers assigned to animals on your premises
• Record the date each tag was applied and the animal it was applied to
• Document all movements of tagged animals on and off your premises
• If an animal loses its tag, record the original tag number and the replacement tag number together
• Retain copies of all CVIs, entry permits, and owner-shipper statements associated with animal movements
• For sheep and goats, maintain records in compliance with the National Scrapie Eradication Program Standards

Without official identification, animal health officials’ ability to accurately trace an animal’s movements can take months or may never be achieved. Your records are the paper trail that makes your animals’ tags meaningful — maintain them as carefully as the tags themselves. For a broader look at your disease reporting obligations, see our guide on livestock disease reporting in Illinois.

Illinois livestock producers who stay current on ear tag requirements protect more than their own operations — they support the statewide disease traceability network that keeps Illinois agriculture competitive in domestic and international markets. Register your premises, order your 840 tags before you need them, apply them correctly, and keep the records that back them up. Those four steps cover the core of what Illinois and federal rules require of you.