In North Dakota, livestock brands must be renewed every five years. The last renewal period ended Dec. 31, 2025. State law provides a one-year grace period. The grace period ends Dec. 31, 2026. After that time, brands that are not renewed will lapse.
The renewal fee is $50 per location per species.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to renew my brand?
Does my brand renew automatically?
When will I get my renewal form?
Where do I go to record my brand?
How do I record or renew my brand?
How can I find out if the brand design I want is available?
Can I record more than one brand?
Can I record more than one brand on a form?
Do I need to record ear marks, electronic devices or tattoos?
Can I transfer a brand to another family member?
How much does it cost to record or renew my brand?
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Do I need to renew my brand? Yes. In North Dakota, brands must be renewed every five years. The brand renewal ended De. 31, 2025. If a brand is allowed to expire, the person will have lost ownership interest in the brand and may no longer use it. NDCC 4.1-73.11
Does my brand automatically renew? No. Brands must be renewed every five years. All brand owners are mailed a renewal form that must be completed, signed and returned to the North Dakota Stockmen's Association by the deadline to be recorded.
When will I get my renewal form? Renewal forms were mailed August 2025. Forms were mailed to the last address on record in the brand recorder's office.To update your address, call (701) 223-2522.
Where do I go to record or renew my brand? The North Dakota Stockmen's Association is located at 4520 Ottawa Street, Bismarck, ND 58503.
How do I record a brand? Brands are recorded in North Dakota through the North Dakota Stockmen's Association. A brand must be recorded for the brand to be considered a legal proof of ownership.
How can I find out if the brand I want to record is already being used? The online brand book is updated quarterly and can be found here.
Can I record more than one brand? Yes, it is lawful for any owner to own and use more than one brand; however, you may not own the same brand in the same location in another state at the same time.
Can I record more than one brand on a form? No. Use one form for each brand you wish to register.
Do I need to record ear marks, electronic devices or tattoos? No.
Can I transfer a brand to another family member? Brands may be transferred. This requires a Brand Bill of Sale/Transfer form to be completed and returned to the brand office for recording. The fee is $50. The Brand Bill of Sale/Transfer is also on the renewal form, and a transfer can also be done as part of that process for the same fee.
How much does it cost to register or renew my brand? The fee for renewing, recording and transferring a brand is $50 per location per species.