04/24/2023
Good information for owners, traveling outside of California. It is in regard to states that require brand inspection on horses and mules. 
Stole this from another gentleman that did a fantastic job on writing up manifest/permit requirements.
There seems to be a lot of confusion around the subject of Brand Inspections as it applies to horses and mules. Let me see if I can simplify this so that it makes more sense.
When you live in a brand inspection state, your horses and mules will have individual brand inspection certificates and you will be required to carry these with you as proof of ownership. Currently Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Nevada, North Dakota and South Dakota (west of the Missouri river) require brand inspection for horses and mules. This is also the case for Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia in Canada.
For those of you living outside these states or provinces who plan to travel to these locations, you will have to obtain a brand inspection for each horse or mule. If you live outside the western states or provinces, then your home state or province may not require or provide brand inspections. If so, then you will have to call ahead to the first brand inspection state you are planning to visit and make an appointment with a brand inspector.
But what if my horse doesn’t have a brand?
That’s where a lot of the confusion begins. Brand inspection is not about whether your horse or mule is branded, but rather about providing proof of ownership. Your mount may or may not have an actual brand, regardless the animal must go through a brand inspection process when entering a brand inspection state.
The brand inspector will ask to see your proof of ownership which will include a bill of sale signed by the seller with a description that adequately describes the animal(s). Once you prove to the inspector that you lawfully possess the animal in question, they will issue brand inspection certificate for each animal. These certificates show the animals markings, brands if applicable and or distinguishing marks.
How much does it cost?
Fees vary by state, but let’s use Montana for the example. The inspection fee for a 1-year permit in 2023 is currently ten dollars. A lifetime horse inspection permit is thirty dollars. In Idaho a lifetime permit is fifty-three dollars. The lifetime permit is good for as long as you own the horse or mule and is non-transferrable.
Do I need one for every state? That could get expensive!
No, brand inspection permits are reciprocal. Once you are issued brand inspection certificate it is valid in all the other BI states for the term of the permit.
What if I am just passing through?
The law requires anyone transporting livestock into or out of a brand inspection state to have a current brand inspection.
What if I elect not to get a brand certificate for my horse?
Brand inspectors are peace officers by statue, carry a firearm and have the power to arrest with or without a warrant. If you are stopped by a brand inspection officer, they will expect you to have brand inspections for every horse and mule in your trailer. Failure to do so can result in significant fines and your animals could be impounded until you can show proof of ownership. If you are hauling horses with no bill of sale or brand inspections you could even be arrested if the BI feels the animals are stolen. It’s absolutely NOT worth the risk.
Fine . . . how do I get a Brand Certificate?
You can use the Internet to Google “Brand Inspection” and the name of the FIRST brand inspection state you are traveling to. From these pages there is generally a “Find a brand inspector” link to a page that will usually be broken down by county or some kind of district. Contact the closest inspector to your point of entry in that state and tell them that you would like to make an appointment. They will direct you on how to proceed from there.
It sounds like a lot of hassle!
The actual process is really quite simple. The inspector will review your bill of sale and make notations about your animal’s brands, socks, blazes, scars or other marks that would uniquely identify them on the certificate. It doesn’t typically take very long and the more polite and cooperative you are the faster it will move along. For a one-hour investment you can get a lifetime of security for your horses and if stopped it will prevent you from being detained along your way.
What if I don’t have a Bill of Sale, are my registration papers enough?
Typically, registration papers are not considered proof of ownership. If you cannot produce a Bill of Sale, then contact any Brand Inspection office for assistance.
For more information contact one of the agencies below;
Montana – Montana Department of Livestock (406) 444-2045
Idaho – State Brand Inspectors Office (800) 772-8442
North Dakota – North Dakota Stockmen’s Office (701) 223-2522
South Dakota – South Dakota Brand Board (605) 773-3324
Wyoming – Wyoming Livestock Board (307) 777-7515
Colorado – Brand Inspection Division (303) 869-9160
New Mexico – New Mexico Livestock Board (505) 841-6161
Utah – Utah Livestock Inspection Bureau (801) 982-2240
Alberta – Livestock Identification Service (866) 509-2088
British Columbia – Livestock Brands, Registry and Inspection Service (250) 314-9686
Saskatchewan – Livestock Services of Saskatchewan (306) 546-5086
Manitoba – Brands Registry (431) 271-0161
Travel safe out there!
UPDATED TO ADD: if you are from a non brand state just traveling thru a brand state you DO NOT need to seek out a brand inspector. If you are traveling from a non brand state to a brand state AND staying permanently or for an extended period of time then you'll want to reach out to the local inspector.
