Brand Inspections

What Brand Inspections Do

Brand inspections verify ownership of livestock and help protect against theft. For horse travelers, they can matter when transporting animals across state lines, crossing certain geographic zones, or changing ownership.

Rules vary by state and situation. Before hauling through western states, double-check your route, destination, unloading plans, and ownership status with the appropriate agency.

States Commonly Associated With Brand Inspection Requirements

Brand inspection laws are most common in the western United States. The primary states listed in this reference are:

• Colorado
• Idaho
• Montana
• Nevada
• New Mexico
• North Dakota
• South Dakota
• Utah
• Wyoming

When an Inspection May Be Needed

• Transporting out of state: Taking livestock into, out of, or across a brand inspection state may trigger requirements.
• Change of ownership: Selling, gifting, or trading livestock may require inspection, even if the animal is not branded.
• Crossing district lines: Some states require inspections when livestock cross specific internal boundaries.
• Passing through: If you are not stopping, unloading, or changing ownership, requirements may be different. Confirm before departure.

Animals This Can Apply To

Brand inspection rules may apply to more than horses, including mules, donkeys, burros, and miniature horses. If an animal does not have a visible brand, you may still need a no-brand certificate or other ownership verification.

Brand Inspection Contacts

• ColoradoColorado Brand Inspection Division(303) 869-9160colorado.gov/agbrands
• IdahoIdaho Brand Inspector(208) 884-7070isp.idaho.gov/brands
• MontanaMontana Dept. of Livestock - Brands Enforcement Division(406) 444-2045liv.mt.gov/Brands
• NevadaNevada Dept. of Agriculture - Livestock Identification(775) 738-8076agri.nv.gov
• New MexicoNew Mexico Livestock Board(505) 841-6161nmlbonline.com
• North DakotaNorth Dakota Stockmen's Association - Brand Inspection(701) 223-2522ndstockmen.org
• South DakotaSouth Dakota Brand Board(605) 773-3324brandboard.sd.gov
• UtahUtah Dept. of Agriculture - Brand Inspection(801) 538-7166ag.utah.gov
• WyomingWyoming Livestock Board - Brand Inspection(307) 777-7515wlsb.state.wy.us