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

If you raise cattle, sheep, goats, or swine in Washington state, ear tag compliance is not optional. Official identification ties your animals to your premises, speeds up disease response, and keeps your operation moving livestock across state lines without delays or fines.

Washington’s ear tag rules sit at the intersection of state-level oversight by the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) and a significant federal rule change that took effect in November 2024. Understanding both layers — and how they apply to each species you raise — is the fastest way to stay compliant and protect your herd or flock.

Which Animals Require Official Ear Tags in Washington

Washington follows the federal Animal Disease Traceability (ADT) framework, which covers multiple livestock species. The species covered under the traceability rule include cattle and bison, sheep and goats, swine, horses and other equines, captive cervids (such as deer and elk), and poultry. Not every animal in every category requires an ear tag in every situation, but the default rule is clear: if an animal moves interstate or changes ownership, official identification is required.

For cattle and bison specifically, the following categories 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.

Feeder beef cattle under 18 months of age moving to a feedlot or directly to slaughter are generally exempt from the ear tag requirement at the federal level, though Washington and destination states may impose additional rules. All sheep and goats must have official ID when moving off their premises of origin. Swine entering Washington state also require official individual identification, as covered in the species-specific section below.

Pro Tip: Even if your animals are exempt from the federal tagging rule, Washington may still require official ID for intrastate movement or sale through a livestock market. Contact WSDA at (360) 902-1881 or your accredited veterinarian to confirm requirements for your specific situation before moving animals.

Federal RFID Ear Tag Rule: What Changed in November 2024

The most significant shift in livestock identification in decades took effect on November 5, 2024. USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (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 for use as official eartags for interstate movement of cattle and bison covered under the regulations.

APHIS issued the proposed rule on January 19, 2023. The rule was finalized on April 26, 2024, and became effective on November 5, 2024. The driving concern behind the rule traces back to Washington state itself. One of the factors that led to the establishment of a national ADT program was a dairy cow in Washington State that tested positive for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE, or “mad cow disease”) on December 23, 2003.

The rule requires that all sexually intact cattle and bison 18 months of age or older, all dairy cattle, and all cattle and bison used in rodeo, exhibition, recreational events and livestock shows which move across state lines possess EID tags. 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 required to be tagged.

Critically, animals tagged before the effective date are not required to be retagged. Visual eartags applied to animals prior to November 5, 2024, will be recognized as official eartags for the life of the animal. 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.

There are also specific exemptions worth knowing. Animals moved from livestock markets directly to slaughter may use backtags and do not need official ID, even if traveling interstate. Cattle may also be moved across state lines directly to an approved tagging site. Livestock auctions are often registered as approved tagging sites.

Important Note: The November 2024 federal rule applies to cattle and bison only. Sheep, goats, and swine operate under separate identification frameworks described in the species-specific section of this article.

Official 840 RFID Ear Tag Requirements in Washington

The 840 RFID ear tag — formally called the Animal Identification Number (AIN) tag — is now the standard official ID for covered cattle and bison in Washington. 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. They also bear the US shield and the statement that they are “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. You do not need an RFID reader to apply tags, but having one makes recording tag numbers faster and more accurate.

Certain standards must be met for an EID eartag to be approved as official ID, including the use of contrasting colors and visual readability at up to 30 inches away by a person with 20/20 vision. Since March 11, 2015, all official eartags applied to animals must bear an official eartag shield.

Before you can order 840 EID tags in Washington, you need a Premises Identification Number (PIN). In order to purchase official 840 EID tags, you must first have a Premises Identification Number (PIN) assigned to your premises. A PIN is used to help identify animals. The PIN is a unique number assigned by a federal or state animal health official to a livestock production unit that is epidemiologically distinct from other livestock production units.

Registering your premises and obtaining a PIN provides WSDA and USDA with specific location information that allows for easier animal tracking and a faster response in the event of an animal disease outbreak, thereby assisting producers if an animal health or food safety issue should ever arise. To get your PIN or check whether one has already been assigned to your operation, call WSDA at (360) 725-5493 or (360) 902-7566.

Species-Specific Ear Tag Rules in Washington

While the November 2024 federal rule focuses on cattle and bison, each major livestock species has its own identification framework. Here is what Washington producers need to know by species.

Cattle and Bison

As described above, covered cattle and bison tagged on or after November 5, 2024, must carry an official 840 RFID ear tag for interstate movement. Washington also has a state-specific program for bulls related to trichomoniasis testing. The trichomoniasis year is defined as September 1 and runs through August 31, so application of the appropriate tag color changes each year on September 1. Previous year trichomoniasis tags are removed and replaced with the tag consistent with the current year’s test. Trichomoniasis tag colors for the current cycle are: Yellow (2025, Sep 1, 2024 – Aug 31, 2025), Green (2026, Sep 1, 2025 – Aug 31, 2026), White (2027), Orange (2028), and Blue (2029).

The 2024 final rule does not discontinue the use of other means of official ID if agreed upon 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. Washington producers using brands should review the brand inspection requirements in Washington to understand how branding and tagging work together.

Sheep and Goats

Sheep and goats in Washington are governed by the USDA’s National Scrapie Eradication Program. All sheep and goats must have official ID when moving off their premises of origin. The Code of Federal Regulations Part 79.2 and the National Scrapie Eradication Program Standards allow sheep and goats to be officially identified with registry tattoos for movement in interstate commerce, with some exceptions.

Approved tag types for sheep and goats include official plastic flock ID tags, metal serial tags, and RFID tags. Producers and others who handle sheep or goats in commerce and 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. A national premises ID is also required to purchase official 840 RFID tags or implantable devices.

Sheep entering Washington must also meet import health requirements. A certificate of veterinary inspection must accompany all sheep entering Washington state. The certificate of veterinary inspection must state that the sheep originated from a flock in which scrapie has not been diagnosed in the past five years, or are from a flock enrolled in the USDA Voluntary Scrapie Flock Certification Program.

Swine

Swine identification in Washington focuses on slaughter traceability and import health. An official Premises Identification Number (PIN) tag is an official identification option to officially identify sows and boars to the premises they were kept immediately prior to entering harvest channels. This tag is not to be used for swine movements outside of harvest channels.

All swine entering Washington state must be accompanied by an entry permit, a certificate of veterinary inspection, and official individual identification. The certificate of veterinary inspection must contain certification that the swine have not originated from a premises known to be affected by Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea virus (PEDv), and have not been exposed to PEDv within the last 30 days. Feral swine are prohibited in Washington state entirely.

USDA also launched a no-cost EID tag initiative for swine. 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. Once available, producers can order tags on the Merck Animal Health website at www.840swinetags.com.

Where to Get Official Ear Tags in Washington

Washington producers have two main pathways for obtaining official 840 RFID ear tags: purchasing directly from approved manufacturers or distributors, or working through an accredited veterinarian.

Producers can purchase official 840 EID tags and tag applicators directly from tag distributors or talk to their local veterinarian. Washington’s accredited veterinarians can obtain regulatory tags and forms from WSDA. Before placing any order, confirm your PIN is active by calling WSDA at (360) 725-5493.

Approved manufacturers for 840 RFID tags include well-known suppliers. As of October 30, 2024, approved manufacturers on the USDA website include: All Data Tags LLC, Allflex USA, Inc., AniTrace, Inc., Datamars Inc. (including Temple Tags and Zee Tags), Digital Angel Corp., Eriginate Corp., Global Animal Mgmt., Leader Products, Shearwell Data Ltd, and Y-Tex. Additional manufacturers and distributors are available by searching online for “USDA 840 Tags.”

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. Some federal funding remains available to offset tag costs. 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 WSDA directly to ask about current free-tag availability in Washington.

For sheep and goat tags under the National Scrapie Eradication Program, to request official sheep and goat tags, a flock or premises ID, or both, call 1-866-USDA-Tag (866-873-2824). This number has a telephone tree that routes you to the correct APHIS Veterinary Services or State office.

Pro Tip: Order tags well before you need them. Tag supply can run short during peak movement seasons, and you cannot legally move covered animals interstate without official ID already applied. Plan at least two to four weeks ahead of any scheduled sale or transport.

How and When to Apply Ear Tags in Washington

Timing and technique both matter when applying official ear tags. The general rule is simple: tag your animals before they leave your premises for any qualifying movement, not at the sale barn or border.

Apply the official tag well before movement — for example, at processing, preconditioning, or prior to sale or shipment — to avoid delays. Placement should be 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 the ear before applying. Ensure firm closure and check retention before animals leave the chute. A poorly applied tag that falls out before the animal reaches its destination creates a traceability gap and potential compliance problems.

If you apply a new 840 RFID tag to an animal that already carries an older official tag, documentation is required. 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.

Animal Category	Tag Type Required	When to Tag
Sexually intact cattle/bison 18+ months	Official 840 RFID EID tag	Before interstate movement
All dairy cattle (any age)	Official 840 RFID EID tag	Before interstate movement
Cattle/bison for rodeo, shows, exhibitions	Official 840 RFID EID tag	Before interstate movement
Cattle/bison tagged before Nov. 5, 2024	Existing visual tag (grandfathered)	No retagging required
Sheep and goats leaving premises of origin	Official scrapie ID tag or approved RFID	Before leaving premises
Swine entering Washington	Official individual ID + entry permit + CVI	Before crossing state line
Bulls (trichomoniasis testing, WA)	Color-coded WSDA visual tag	At time of test

Ear Tag Requirements for Interstate Movement in Washington

Moving livestock across Washington’s borders — whether outbound to Oregon, Idaho, or Montana, or inbound from another state — triggers both federal and Washington-specific requirements. If you are transporting animals, review the transporting livestock laws in Washington and the livestock trailer requirements in Washington alongside ear tag rules, since all three apply simultaneously.

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. The ear tag provides the individual animal ID number that goes on that certificate — without a readable tag number, the ICVI cannot be properly completed.

Receiving states set their own import rules, which can be stricter than federal minimums. Always confirm the latest import, exhibition, and interstate movement rules for your destination. Receiving states and exhibition organizers may impose additional requirements. For example, producers moving cattle into Oregon should check Oregon’s livestock transport requirements, while those moving animals to Nevada should review Nevada’s livestock trailer requirements.

Sheep entering Washington face additional documentation requirements beyond ear tags. All breeding rams over six months of age require an entry permit. The certificate of veterinary inspection must state that the rams tested negative on an ELISA test for Brucella ovis within sixty days before entering Washington state.

For cattle moving to slaughter, the rules are more flexible. Animals moved from livestock markets directly to slaughter may use backtags and do not need official ID, even if traveling interstate. However, once an animal enters any other channel — breeding, exhibition, or sale as a stocker — the full official ID requirement applies.

Brands remain a valid supplemental identification in Washington. In addition to eartags, brands, when accompanied by an official brand inspection certificate, are recognized as a means of official identification for cattle when the shipping and receiving states or tribes are in agreement. See the brand inspection requirements in Washington for details on how brand certificates work alongside ear tags for interstate shipments.

Important Note: Interstate movement requirements vary by destination state. Before shipping animals to Wyoming, Colorado, South Dakota, Missouri, or any other state, verify that state’s current import rules. Visit Wyoming, Colorado, or South Dakota livestock trailer and transport pages for state-specific guidance.

Recordkeeping Requirements for Ear-Tagged Animals in Washington

Applying an ear tag is only half the job. Federal and state rules require you to maintain records that link each tag number to a specific animal, premises, and movement history. These records are what allow animal health officials to trace a disease outbreak in hours rather than weeks.

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 who apply 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. However, you still need to keep your own herd records.

The requirement for the maintenance of interstate movement records for poultry and swine is two years. The requirement remains five years for cattle and bison, sheep and goats, cervids, and equines. Keep these records in a format you can access quickly — a disease investigation can start with a phone call and move fast.

For sheep and goat producers, the recordkeeping requirements under the National Scrapie Eradication Program are detailed. Records must be kept for five years after the animal is sold or otherwise disposed of. Ideally, producers should keep records in an electronic format, such as a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. Required entries include the official ID numbers applied to each animal, the date of identification, the flock of origin, and the name and address of the current owner.

At a minimum, your records for each ear-tagged animal should include:

• The complete 15-digit official tag number (840 AIN or scrapie program tag number)
• The date the tag was applied
• Your Premises Identification Number (PIN)
• Species, breed, sex, and approximate age of the animal
• Any prior official ID numbers if the animal was retagged
• Movement records: date, origin, destination, and accompanying document number (ICVI or brand certificate)
• Date of sale or disposal, and the name and address of the buyer or receiving facility

Washington cattle owners can electronically report change of ownership or out-of-state movement of cattle using Electronic Cattle Transaction Reporting (ECTR). Using ECTR reduces paperwork and creates an automatic digital record that satisfies state reporting requirements. Ask WSDA about enrolling your operation.

Washington producers dealing with rabies vaccination requirements for livestock should also review the rabies vaccine requirements in Washington, as vaccination records are often kept alongside ear tag and movement documentation in a complete animal health file.

Non-compliance carries real consequences. Ignorance is not a defense, and non-compliance can mean fines, confiscation, or loss of selling privileges. Keeping accurate, up-to-date records is the simplest way to protect your operation if an inspector or animal health official ever asks to verify your animals’ identification history.

If your operation ships animals to other states regularly, it is worth reviewing the livestock transport rules for common destination states. Producers moving animals through the Midwest and South can find relevant guidance for states including Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, and Illinois to ensure you meet requirements at every point along the route.