9 CFR § 2.51 - Form of official tag.

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t9/s2.51"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "9 CFR § 2.51 - Form of official tag."
title_number: 9
title_name: "Animals and Animal Products"
section_number: "2.51"
section_name: "Form of official tag."
chapter_name: "ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH INSPECTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE"
subchapter_number: "A"
subchapter_name: "ANIMAL WELFARE"
part_number: "2"
part_name: "REGULATIONS"
positive_law: false
currency: "2026-03-24"
last_updated: "2026-03-24"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
authority: "7 U.S.C. 2131-2159; 7 CFR 2.22, 2.80, and 371.7."
regulatory_source: "54 FR 36147, Aug. 31, 1989, unless otherwise noted."
cfr_part: "2"
---


# 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.