Texas does not have a statewide brand registry database. Texas counties may have county-level brand archives.
Persons who own cattle, hogs, sheep or goats are required to register that person’s earmarks, brands, tattoos and electronic devices with the county clerk of the county in which the animals are located. [Article 144.041 Agriculture Code]
Every 10th year thereafter, persons who own livestock are required by law to re-register their brands and earmarks if they intend to continue using them. Re-registered brands and other marks must be recorded in the County Clerk’s office between August 31, 2021 and February 29, 2022. [Article 144.044 Agriculture Code]
Persons who wish to re-register their brands may download the Application form on this website, fill it out and bring it in person to record with the County Clerk. The filing fee is $26.00 and $5.00 for each additional brand location if recorded at the same time. Only Cash or Cashier’s Checks are accepted.
The County Clerk will then submit the recorded brands to the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association. [7 U.S.C. §217A] You will be able to search/research brands on the TSCRA website: www.tscrabrands.com
Brands registered and recorded prior to August 31, 2021 and not re-registered will have no force and effect and only the records made after each recording may be examined or considered in recording marks and brands in the county.
Texas Agriculture Code CHAPTER 144. MARKS AND BRANDS
- Section 144.041 of the Texas Agriculture Code addresses recording of marks and brands:
- § 144.041. MARKS AND BRANDS TO BE RECORDED. (a) Each person who owns cattle, hogs, sheep, or goats shall record that person's earmarks, brands, tattoos, and electronic devices with the county clerk of the county in which the animals are located.
- (b) A person who owns a horse shall record an identification mark authorized by Section 144.001(b) with the county clerk of the county in which the animal is located.
- (c) The county clerk shall keep a record of the marks and brands of each person who applies to the clerk for that purpose.
- (d) A person may record that person's marks and brands in as many counties as necessary.
- (e) A person may record any mark or brand that the person desires to use if no other person has recorded the mark or brand, without regard to whether that person has previously recorded a mark or brand.
- (f) Not later than the 30th day after the date a county clerk receives a record relating to cattle or horses under this section, the clerk shall forward a copy of the record to the association authorized to inspect livestock under 7 U.S.C. Section 217a (Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association).
For marks and brands frequently asked questions (FAQ), visit http://www.tscrabrands.com/FAQ.html