---
kind: "section"
citation: "9 C.F.R. § 2.51"
title: "9"
number: "2.51"
heading: "Form of official tag."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/9/2.51"
---

# §2.51. Form of official tag.

- (a) The official tag shall be made of a durable alloy such as brass, bronze, or steel, or of a durable plastic. Aluminum of a sufficient thickness to assure the tag is durable and legible may also be used. The tag shall be one of the following shapes:
  - (1) Circular in shape and not less than 1 1/4 inches in diameter, or
  - (2) **Oblong and flat in shape, not less than 2 inches by 3/4 inch and riveted to an acceptable collar.**
- (b) Each tag shall have the following information embossed or stamped on so that it is easily readable:
  - (1) The letters “USDA”;
  - (2) Numbers identifying the State and dealer, exhibitor, or research facility (e.g., 39-AB); and
  - (3) Numbers identifying the animal (e.g., 82488).
- (c) Official tags shall be serially numbered. No individual dealer or exhibitor shall use any identification tag number more than once within a 5-year period.

## Notes

### Authority

Authority: 7 U.S.C. 2131-2159; 7 CFR 2.22, 2.80, and 371.7.

### Source

Source: 54 FR 36147, Aug. 31, 1989, unless otherwise noted.