COUNTY CLERK

Texas Agriculture Code Chapter 144

**All Livestock Brands in Texas EXPIRE August 30, 2031**

Overview 
By Texas law, marks, brands, and tattoos placed on cattle, horses, hogs, sheep, and goats must be registered with the County Clerk in the county in which the animals reside. These brands function as proof of ownership and the record found in the County Clerk’s Office can be used by a court if disputes arise.

The definition of a brand as defined by the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association is a “mark plus location.”

STEP 1: Verify Uniqueness of Brand
A brand shows ownership; therefore, it is important for the owner to verify that the brand which they plan to use is unique.

The Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association has the ability for you to easily view all brands submitted during the current registration period for each county in Texas. Using the link below, select Montgomery from the list of counties and then click search. You will then be able to see pictures of existing brands in our county.

http://www.tscrabrands.com/

STEP 2: Fill Out the Registration Form
Fill out the form completely and sign it in front of a notary. It is a specific policy in Montgomery County that a notary be used for this form. If an owner plans to use multiple brands on an animal, a separate form is needed for each unique brand.

Brand Registration Form
Brand Registration Form (Fillable)

For help filling out the form:
Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association: 1-800-242-7820
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office – Montgomery County: 936-539-7822

STEP 3: Submit the Registration Form
Once the form has been completed, either mail the notarized form with the fee to the County Clerk or bring it to the office in Conroe. At this time, there is no notary available in our office, so please have the document fully completed before arrival.

You will receive your receipt along with a copy of your recorded brand. The County Clerk’s Office will then forward your registration to the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, which is the authorized body by the State of Texas and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to inspect livestock in Texas under 7 U.S.C. Section 217a.

• Include a self-addressed and stamped envelope for us to return the certificate to you
• Include payment in the form of a cashier’s check, money order or personal/business check made out to:
  • Brandon Steinmann, Montgomery County Clerk
  • Include a photo copy of a valid I.D. that corresponds to the check
• NO CASH
• Mailing Address: P.O. Box 959, Conroe, TX 77305

• Brand Registration Fee  TX Local Gov Code § 118.011(a)(9)--$5
• Records Management Fee  TX Local Gov Code § 118.011(b)(2)--$10
• Records Archive Fee TX Local Gov Code §118.011(f)--$10

Copies
If you need a plain copy of your processed Brand Registration Form, the cost is $1 per page.
If you need a certified copy, the cost is $1 per page plus $5 for the certification. Texas Local Government Code § 118.014

Expiration and Renewal
Once registered, all marks, brands and tattoos are in effect until the statewide brand registration period ends. ALL brands in Texas will expire on August 30, 2031. New brands can be registered at any time but all registrations in Texas will expire at the same time.

The renewal period for all of Texas will begin at the conclusion of the current 10-year brand registration period; therefore, renewals will begin August 31, 2031 and will run for 6 months. Current owners of registered brands must re-register with the County Clerk between August 31, 2031 and February 28, 2032. Any brand that is not renewed is considered unclaimed, and becomes eligible for registration by anyone starting on March 1, 2032. Texas Agriculture Code § 144.044(a)(c)

Release / Transfer / Inherit Branded Livestock
A release of brand is a notice that the owner no longer will use their mark on livestock.

A transfer of brand allows for the organized method of allowing a specific person to take over ownership of an existing registered brand from the current owner.

If inheriting an existing brand, a will is a valid document for completing a brand transfer without the signature of the deceased owner. The will must specifically mention the brand OR ranch operations and the beneficiary is listed on the form as the new owner.

For all three functions, complete and notarize the Release / Transfer form. Same fees as a brand registration will apply. The Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association will be notified of the change in ownership.

Release / Transfer Brand Form
Release / Transfer Brand Form (Fillable)