Brand Information

For more information, contact program staff.

• How to record / Application process
• Renewal
• Transferring
• Livestock Brand Book
• Heritage

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How to Record / Application Process

The first step in recording a brand is to create three designs that are simple and will be easy to read when applied to livestock. Next you will designate on the application Form AGR 7052, your three brand choices in order of preference.

Upon submitting your application, along with a recording fee, the brand Registrar will compare your design with others currently recorded to avoid duplication or similarities. If any one of your brand choices is available and the information you provided complete, you will be sent a:

• registration form to sign before a Notary Public
• a pattern for a livestock branding iron showing the size requirements
• and a set of white cardboards to burn an imprint once your branding iron has been built

Note: It is unlawful to apply a brand on livestock until the entire registration process has been complete and all fees have been paid.

If all of your choices are currently recorded to someone else, you will be offered alternative design ideas by mail. Washington does not record duplicate or similar brands as in many other states.

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Renewal

Notice Of Renewal of your livestock brand will then be on November 1, of the next renewal year, regardless of the recording date. If a brand is not renewed during the renewal period, the brand expires. It is held for one year after which time the brand may be issued to anyone requesting it. Reinstatement of such brands is treated the same as recording a new brand, and the same fee is charged.

A renewal fee (plus a late charge if applicable), is required for the above transaction.

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Transferring

Under RCW 16.57.090, a livestock brand is the personal property of the owner(s) on record. Any instrument affecting the title of such brand shall be acknowledged in the presence of the recorded owner(s) and a Notary Public.

To change the ownership of a brand, a Transfer of Brand Title must be completed.

To Add Persons, the current owner(s) on a recorded brand must sign the Transfer form before a Notary Public stating that they wish to include new person(s) on the existing brand.

To Delete Persons, the current owner(s) to be removed from recorded brand must sign the Transfer form before a Notary Public stating that they wish to give up all ownership in the present recorded brand.

If a current owner on a recorded brand is deceased and is to be removed from the ownership title, the Transfer form must be signed by the Executor or Administrator of the Estate. A copy of the death certificate and power of attorney must be submitted with the Transfer form.

A transfer fee is required for the above transactions.

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Livestock Brand Book

The Livestock Brand Book is published following the completion of the renewal of registered brands for Washington state. To obtain a copy of the current Livestock Brand Book or a updated supplement, contact your local brand inspector, the brand Registrar, or download and complete the order form AGR 7053.

The cost of the brand book is $15.00.

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Heritage

The 1998 Legislative Session allowed the WSDA to establish criteria and fees for the permanent renewal of brands registered with the Department. This designation called Heritage was intended to allow the industry to "retire" long time family brands. Heritage brands are not intended to be used on livestock.

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