Registering Your Brand
Step-by-step guide to officially registering a livestock brand in your state.
Registration
Most states require brand registration with their Department of Agriculture. Requirements vary by state.
Renewal
Renewal periods range from 2 years (California) to 10 years (Texas). Check your state's requirements.
Size
Most states require brands to be at least 3 inches in diameter for readability.
Distinctiveness
New brands typically need 2-4 characters and must differ from existing brands in at least 2 ways.
Step 1: Design Your Brand
Create a unique brand design following your state's guidelines. Most states require brands to be distinct from existing registered brands. Your brand should be simple enough to apply cleanly with a branding iron, yet distinctive enough to identify your livestock at a glance.
When designing your brand, consider using a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols. Many ranchers incorporate their initials, ranch name abbreviations, or meaningful symbols. Keep in mind that simpler designs are easier to read when applied to hide and are less likely to blur over time.
Design Your Brand Online
Use our free Brand Designer to create and visualize your custom brand. Experiment with different letters, symbols, and orientations to find the perfect design before submitting your application.
Open Brand Designer →Step 2: Check Availability
Before finalizing your design, verify that your brand isn't already registered in your state. Many states require brands to differ from existing ones in at least two significant ways -such as different characters, orientation, or placement location.
Contact your state's brand registration office to confirm availability. Some states provide online databases where you can search registered brands, while others require a phone call or office visit.
Search Existing Brands
Use our Brand Search to browse through thousands of registered brands across different states. This can help you get ideas and ensure your design is sufficiently unique before applying.
Search Brands →Step 3: Submit Application
Complete the registration application for your brand design, intended placement location, and required fees. Processing times vary by state -some process applications within a few days, while others may take several weeks.
Most applications require you to specify where on the animal the brand will be placed (left hip, right rib, etc.), as the same brand design can be registered to different owners if placed in different locations. Be sure to include all required documentation and the appropriate fees with your application.
After Registration
Once your brand is approved, you'll receive a certificate of registration. Keep this document safe -you'll need it for cattle sales, transfers, and any ownership disputes. Remember to renew your brand before it expires to maintain your exclusive rights to use it.
Many ranchers also choose to create branded merchandise, signage, and decals to display their brand proudly. Your brand becomes part of your ranch's identity and legacy.