Utah Requirements for the Sale and Movement of Livestock

Brand Inspection Requirements for Horses and Cattle 

• It is recommended but not required that horse owners record a brand with the state and have their horses branded. A freeze brand may be more visually appealing or eye catching and less painful than a hot iron brand, but either is acceptable. All cattle that forage on open range must be branded with an Utah recorded brand. You should always carry your wallet-size brand card with you. It is recommended that all cattle not grazing on open range also be branded with a recorded brand to assist in the return of stray cattle and to prevent theft. 
• Brand inspections are required by law. Brand inspections are required, even if cattle or horses are not branded, as follows: 
  • For Horses: 
    • Changing ownership 
    • Leaving the state. This requirement may be met by obtaining: 
      • 72-hour travel inspection; cost $20.00 (one-way) up to 10-head; then $2.00 per head after the first 10 
      • Yearly travel inspection; cost $25.00 per head
      • Lifetime travel permit (honored in all states and Canada; good for lifetime of horse); Cost: First horse $55.00; each additional $35.00 per head
  • For Cattle:
    • Changing ownership 
    • Going to slaughter 
    • Leaving the state (yearly show cattle inspections are provided at a cost of $25.00 per head) 
• When traveling within the state, always carry proof of ownership. The following items will be accepted as proof: 
  • Wallet-size brand card matching brand on cattle/horse 
  • Brand inspection certificate or the auction invoice showing where you purchased the animal. A bill of sale will not be accepted as proof of ownership.
  • Lifetime or yearly travel permit. 
• When you are transporting cattle/horses that belong to someone else, carry written permission from owner. All cattle should be rebranded with  new owner’s brand within 30 days of purchase. 

Please call your local brand inspector at least 24 hours in advance to schedule an inspection. Brand inspections are conducted only during daylight  hours.

Brand inspection for cattle is required in the state of Utah under the following circumstances:

Please call your local Brand Inspector at least 24 hours in advance to schedule an inspection. Brand inspections are conducted only during daylight hours.

Transportation Rule – Owner/Transporter must have an official Brand Inspection Certificate or other acceptable proof of ownership in his/her possession.

Brand Inspection Fees

Horse Brand Inspection (Horses & All Other Equidae)

Transportation Rule – Owner/Transporter must have an official Brand Inspection Certificate or other acceptable proof of ownership in his/her possession.

A Yearly Travel Permit or Lifetime Travel Permit may be issued instead of a Brand Inspection Certificate.

Brand Inspection Requirements for Sheep

• Transportation of sheep must be accompanied by proof of ownership such as:
  • Brand card
  • Sheep-hauling permit
  • Bill of sale

Brand Inspection Requirements for Hogs

• No brand or transportation requirements