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

If you raise cattle, swine, sheep, goats, or cervids in Indiana, official ear tags are not optional — they are a legal requirement tied directly to animal disease traceability. The Indiana State Board of Animal Health (BOAH) administers these rules alongside federal USDA standards, and a major federal update took effect in November 2024 that changed what counts as an acceptable tag for cattle and bison.

Whether you are moving animals across state lines, selling at a licensed market, or simply keeping your operation in compliance, understanding Indiana’s ear tag requirements protects your herd and your business. This guide walks through every key requirement — species by species — so you know exactly what tags you need, where to get them, when to apply them, and what records to keep.

Pro Tip: Before ordering any official ear tags in Indiana, you must have a valid Premises ID Number (PremID) issued by BOAH. Without it, tag distributors cannot process your order. Contact BOAH at animalid@boah.in.gov or (317) 544-2400 to register.

Which Animals Require Official Ear Tags in Indiana

BOAH requires premises registration of all sites associated with the sale, purchase, and/or exhibition of cattle, swine, sheep, goats, and cervids. Official individual animal identification is tied to that premises registration, and each species has its own set of rules for when a tag must be applied and what form it must take.

In general, livestock species need to be individually identified before entering the state of Indiana. Specific requirements, including types of official ID and when ID must be applied, will vary by species. The table below gives you a quick overview before the species-specific sections go deeper.

Species	Official ID Required?	RFID Required for New Tags?	Primary Tag Type
Cattle & Bison	Yes	Yes (as of Nov. 5, 2024)	840 RFID ear tag
Swine	Yes	No (PIN tags accepted)	PIN tag, USDA ear tag, or tattoo
Sheep & Goats	Yes	No (Scrapie tags accepted)	USDA Scrapie Program flock tag
Cervids	Yes (premises ID required)	No	USDA-approved tag
Equine & Poultry	Voluntary premises registration	No	N/A

Indiana has required premises identification for all cattle, swine, cervid, sheep, and goat sites since 2006, as well as individual animal identification since 2010. That long track record means BOAH’s infrastructure for issuing and tracking tags is well established — but the 2024 federal rule added a new layer of complexity for cattle producers specifically.

Federal RFID Ear Tag Rule: What Changed in November 2024

On November 5, 2024, new federal rules took effect requiring electronic identification (EID) ear tags for certain cattle and bison moving across state lines. The rule, published by USDA APHIS, replaces the old system of visual-only metal tags with radio frequency identification (RFID) tags that can be read electronically.

USDA APHIS amended the animal disease traceability regulations to require that eartags applied on or after a date 180 days after publication in the Federal Register 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. USDA published the final rule on May 9, 2024, making the effective date November 5, 2024.

The rule specifies that ear tags for all sexually intact cattle and bison 18 months of age or older, all dairy cattle, cattle and bison of any age used for rodeo or recreation events, and cattle or bison of any age used for shows or exhibition must be both visually and electronically readable in order to be recognized for use as official identification for interstate movement.

If your cattle already carried visual-only metal tags before the rule’s effective date, you do not need to retag them. Cattle tagged with visual-only official tags prior to November 5, 2024, do not need to be retagged unless they lose their ID. Going forward, however, any new official tag applied to a covered animal must be an RFID-capable 840 tag.

Important Note: As of March 2026, a federal lawsuit (R-CALF USA et al. v. USDA) challenging the EID rule was still active in the U.S. District Court for the District of South Dakota. The rule remains in effect unless a court order states otherwise. Check with BOAH or your accredited veterinarian for any updates before moving animals interstate.

Official 840 RFID Ear Tag Requirements in Indiana

The EID tags bear a unique 15-digit identification number and replace the metal ear tags. They are commonly referred to as 840 tags because any RFID tags applied in the United States start with those three digits. The number “840” is code for the United States. After the 840, these tags will have 12 other numbers unique to that animal.

The Indiana State Board of Animal Health (BOAH) recognizes three forms of identification as official for cattle and bison. All are approved by USDA for interstate movements of livestock. All ear tags for cattle and bison must be visually and electronically readable, whether bangle, button, or clip-style, beginning November 5, 2024.

The three official forms Indiana recognizes are:

• 840 AIN RFID Tags — The standard for new tags applied after November 5, 2024. Available in bangle, button, and clip styles. Must be both visually printed and electronically readable.
• USDA Program Tags — Such as orange calfhood vaccination tags for brucellosis. The new official brucellosis identification is an orange RFID button, placed in the right ear by the herd veterinarian at the time of vaccination.
• NUES Metal Tags (Grandfathered) — 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.

Two important rules apply to all 840 tags in Indiana. First, a premises ID number issued by BOAH is required to order official ID tags. The PremID is necessary to link the tags to a specific location — usually the animals’ point of origin. Once assigned to a specific premise, the tags cannot be transferred to another farm or operation. Those who have cattle in multiple locations should request different tags for each premise.

Second, under federal law, 840 tags can only be used in American-born livestock. Removal of tags is unlawful once they have been placed in an animal, because they are official U.S. government identification. Also note that cattle breed registry tattoos are not recognized as official ID in Indiana.

Species-Specific Ear Tag Rules in Indiana

While cattle and bison get the most attention under the 2024 federal rule, Indiana’s other livestock species each have their own official ID requirements. Here is what you need to know for swine, sheep, goats, and cervids.

Swine

The Indiana State Board of Animal Health (BOAH) recognizes several forms of identification as official for swine. Some forms are acceptable for exhibition, while others are only for approved commercial group/lot movements. Exhibitors should always contact the show manager to verify what form(s) of ID are acceptable for a specific event.

Accepted official ID forms for Indiana swine include a USDA-approved official ear tag bearing the US shield, a PIN tag (which must include a unique management ID imprinted by the manufacturer for interstate movement), a tattoo bearing the premises ID of the farm of origin, or an ear notch for registered purebred swine only. Crossbred swine must have an approved official ear tag.

If the tag includes a unique management number imprinted by the manufacturer, the tag would also qualify as a location-based number tag and be official for interstate movement of individual animals. Tags are considered official ID and must not be removed at any point in the life of the animal. Application of the PIN tags is the responsibility of the producer.

Sheep and Goats

The Indiana State Board of Animal Health (BOAH) recognizes three official forms of identification for sheep and goats. All are approved by the USDA for interstate livestock movements. The three accepted forms are:

• Scrapie Program Flock Tags — Official USDA Scrapie tags include the US shield, the Scrapie Flock ID, and a unique individual ID. They may or may not be an RFID device.
• Electronic Implant (Microchip) — For breed-registered animals only. The microchip number must appear on registration paperwork, and this form of ID is only accepted when the animal travels with corresponding registration papers.
• Tattoo — With registration papers or an entire flock ID beginning with the state prefix (e.g., “IN”) and a unique individual ID number.

Upon change of ownership and for exhibitions, Indiana sheep and goats must have unique, individual ID. Any form of unique, individual ID may be used, and a 4-H tag is sufficient ID for wethers. Always call ahead to the state of destination for animals moving out of Indiana, as requirements can vary.

Cervids

BOAH requires premises registration of all sites associated with the sale, purchase, and/or exhibition of cervids. Cervid identification requirements in Indiana follow USDA Animal Disease Traceability guidelines. Contact BOAH’s cervid program directly at (317) 544-2400 for the specific tag types and timing requirements that apply to your operation, as cervid rules can differ from those for traditional livestock.

Where to Get Official Ear Tags in Indiana

You have several options for sourcing official 840 RFID tags and other official identification in Indiana. The first step in every case is securing your Premises ID Number from BOAH, since a premises ID number issued by BOAH is required to order official ID tags, and the PremID is necessary to link the tags to a specific location — usually the animals’ point of origin.

Once you have your PremID, here are your sourcing options:

1. Licensed Indiana Livestock Markets — In Indiana, all licensed livestock markets are considered tagging sites. However, the market may or may not provide this service on animals not moving through the facility. All animals that move through a given market must be tagged in some manner upon arrival if the animal does not already bear official ID.
2. Accredited Veterinarians — BOAH provides a limited quantity of free RFID tags and tag applicators to help participating veterinarians provide their clients with the latest technology. Ask your herd vet whether they participate in this program.
3. Approved Tag 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.
4. Online Ag Supply Retailers — Retailers like Valley Vet Supply stock USDA 840 ear tags and ship directly to producers. You will need your PremID to complete the order.

RFID 840 tags cost between $2 and $5 per tag, depending on the manufacturer, tag style, and order quantity. Federal funding has helped offset these costs — Congress allocated $15 million in the March 2024 Consolidated Appropriations Act specifically for EID tags, and many state veterinarian offices distribute free 840 RFID tags to producers, though supply has been uneven. Contact BOAH to ask about tag availability in Indiana.

For swine producers, USDA APHIS announced a new initiative to provide no-cost RFID eartags for swine beginning fall 2025, available for sow and exhibition swine producers. To order these tags, producers must have a valid premises identification number, provide shipping and contact information, and provide the number of sows onsite or the number of show pigs on the premises.

How and When to Apply Ear Tags in Indiana

Timing matters just as much as tag type. Indiana and federal rules specify when official ID must be applied based on the animal’s intended movement and species. For cattle and bison, the general rule is that official ID must be in place before the animal leaves the farm of origin for any covered movement — interstate transport, a licensed market, a show, or a rodeo.

When applying 840 RFID tags, follow these practical steps:

1. Confirm your PremID is active — Tags ordered under an inactive or incorrect PremID cannot be used as official ID.
2. Select the correct tag style — Bangle, button, and clip styles are all approved for cattle and bison as long as they are both visually and electronically readable. Choose based on your handling equipment and management system.
3. Apply to either ear — Either ear application is permitted for AIN 840 tags. The exception is brucellosis vaccination tags, which go in the right ear.
4. Record the tag number immediately — Write down the 15-digit AIN at the time of application and link it to the animal’s records in your farm management system.
5. Do not remove the tag — An official RFID tag cannot be removed from an animal’s ear once applied. If a tag is lost, apply a replacement and document both the old and new tag numbers.

If an animal loses an official ID tag, another official ID may be applied. The producer should note the date and reason the new tag was placed, as well as the ear tag numbers of the old and new ID in the farm’s records. This is important information should an animal or farm be involved in a disease trace.

Pro Tip: You are not required to purchase electronic tag readers to comply with the 840 RFID rule. You are not required to buy any electronic tag readers or software unless you want to for easier record keeping and herd management. However, a reader makes chute-side data entry significantly faster and reduces transcription errors.

Ear Tag Requirements for Interstate Movement in Indiana

Moving livestock out of or into Indiana across state lines triggers both federal Animal Disease Traceability (ADT) rules and Indiana-specific entry requirements. Official ID is just one piece — documentation is the other.

For cattle and bison entering Indiana: a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) is required for entry into Indiana for all cattle and bison, both domestic and wild, with the following exceptions: animals traveling directly to slaughter, or directly to a licensed market for resale as direct to slaughter, and animals traveling directly to a licensed market that do not leave Indiana.

For cattle and bison leaving Indiana, the federal 840 RFID rule applies to the same categories of animals:

• All sexually intact cattle and bison 18 months of age or older
• All dairy cattle of any age
• Cattle and bison of any age used for rodeo, recreation events, shows, or exhibitions
• Animals required to be officially identified under any federal disease program (brucellosis, tuberculosis)

For pre-entry permits: a pre-entry permit is required for all animals that require a paper certificate of veterinary inspection. A pre-entry permit is not required for cattle when the CVI is submitted to BOAH electronically prior to movement. A permit must be obtained prior to transporting such animals into Indiana.

For sheep and goats: always call ahead to the state of destination for sheep and/or goats moving out of Indiana. Sheep and goats that meet Indiana’s ID requirements will meet the ID requirements for all states based on USDA’s ADT rules.

If you are also planning interstate livestock transport, review Indiana’s livestock trailer requirements to make sure your hauling setup meets state standards as well. Producers moving cattle through neighboring states can also reference trailer rules for Illinois, Ohio, and Missouri — common destination states for Indiana producers.

Recordkeeping Requirements for Ear-Tagged Animals in Indiana

Tagging your animals is only half the job. Indiana and federal rules require you to maintain records that link each animal’s ID to its movements, ownership history, and health status. These records are what allow BOAH and USDA to conduct rapid disease traces when an outbreak occurs.

Here is what Indiana law requires you to keep:

• Movement records — Records of all animal movements, including purchases, sales, leases, and barter agreements must be kept for 5 years. Records must include: name and address of buyer and seller, sale date, animal IDs, breed, sex, and reason for movement.
• Tag distribution records — Any person or organization, including a veterinarian, that distributes official animal identification devices is required to keep a record for 5 years of the device identification number as well as the name and address of the device recipient. These records must be kept in a readily accessible record system and/or entered into a database approved by the USDA.
• Replacement tag records — When a tag is lost and replaced, document the old tag number, the new tag number, the date of replacement, and the reason.
• Market movement reports — Reports for out-of-state animals that are moving through Indiana markets to Indiana farms must be submitted to BOAH. Submit reports via email to ekoch@boah.in.gov or via fax to 317-974-2011. Reports are due on the first and third Fridays of each month.

Producers may keep records however works best for them as long as the required information is recorded. A simple spreadsheet, farm management software, or even a paper ledger all satisfy the requirement — the key is that your records are complete, accurate, and retrievable for five years.

Pro Tip: BOAH provides a sample movement record spreadsheet on its Traceability and Premise ID page that you can download and adapt for your operation. Using a consistent format makes it easier to respond quickly if BOAH ever contacts you during a disease investigation.

Staying current on Indiana’s ear tag and traceability rules is an ongoing responsibility. BOAH updates its guidance as federal rules change, so bookmark the BOAH Traceability and Premise ID page and check it before any major animal movement. You can also reach BOAH directly at (317) 544-2400 or toll-free at (877) 747-3038 for species-specific questions. For other Indiana livestock compliance topics, see our guides on rabies vaccine requirements in Indiana and fishing license requirements in Indiana.