Also consider...

• Use the Brands database (iBrands) to submit your brand or earmark application or search registration details.
• Find out about the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS).
• Read the Brands Act 1915.
• Phone our Customer Service Centre on 13 25 23 for more information.

Also consider...

• Use the Brands database (iBrands) to submit your brand or earmark application or search registration details.
• Find out about the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS).
• Read the Brands Act 1915.
• Phone our Customer Service Centre on 13 25 23 for more information.

You must transfer a brand or earmark when its ownership changes. For example:

• the company or trust that owns the registered brand or earmark is dissolved
• a part owner is added or removed
• the guardian of a minor changes to another guardian, or a guardian is added or removed.

Apply to transfer ownership

Before submitting your application form to transfer a brand or earmark, you must ensure:

• All signatures are witnessed by one of the following
  • justice of the peace (JP)
  • solicitor
  • barrister
  • legal practitioner
  • Commissioner of the Supreme Court.
• Witnesses include their position(s) on the form.
• A JP provides their name and Seal number for the signature to be accepted.
• All signatures are dated and witnesses sign on the same date as the applicant(s).
• All current registered owners have signed the form.
• All new owners have signed the form.
• If an owner is deceased, the executor or administrator of their estate has signed the form and stated their capacity as executor or administrator.
• If the owner is a company, the company secretary and director have signed, or 2 directors, or a sole director—they must also state their position(s) on the form.
• When transferring a brand or earmark, you must provide the property identification code (PIC) where it is intended to be used (in Queensland, all properties where livestock are kept must have a PIC allocated by Biosecurity Queensland).

You must also provide any necessary documents with your transfer application form if:

• someone holds a power of attorney—forward a copy of the power of attorney document
• a brand is being transferred to a trust—provide a copy of the trust papers.

Step 1: Submit your application

Complete the transfer application form in full and submit it using one of these options:

• Email brands@dpi.qld.gov.au
• In person at a Department of Primary Industries (DPI) office
• Post to
  
  Licensing and Transaction Unit
  Department of Primary Industries
  GPO Box 46
  BRISBANE  QLD  4001

Step 2: Application review

Once received, your application will be checked for completeness. Incomplete applications will not be accepted and will be returned to you for correction.

Step 3: Payment request

If your application is complete, you will receive a payment request. Please note that payment is required before the processing of your application can begin.

Transferring a sheep brand, symbol or earmark

A sheep brand, symbol or earmark will only be transferred if it is to be used in the same district it was originally registered. If the sheep brand or earmark is to be used in a different district, it will be cancelled, and you will need to apply to use it in the new district.

A paint brand may only be used in the same colour and position as shown on the certificate of registration.

A sheep brand or earmark will only be registered to the applicant if it hasn't already been registered to another person in the district.

Also consider...

• Use the Brands database (iBrands) to submit your brand or earmark application or search registration details.
• Find out about the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS).
• Read the Brands Act 1915.
• Phone our Customer Service Centre on 13 25 23 for more information.

If you do not submit a return for 3 consecutive years, your brand (and associated symbols and marks) may be cancelled.

Before submitting, registered owners should check that their registration details are correct by using the Brands database (iBrands) and searching My Brands.

When brand or earmark details are unchanged

If your details haven't changed, you may submit your return by 1 of these methods:

• online using the Brands database (iBrands) – you will also need your PIC number or certificate number of the registered brand
• complete the brands return form (PDF, 571KB), then print and mail your form to:
  
  Brands Registrar
  GPO Box 46
  BRISBANE  QLD  4001

Alternatively, you can scan and email the form to brands@dpi.qld.gov.au.


• lodge at your local Department of Primary Industries office—you will also need your PIC number or certificate number of the registered brand.

For further assistance, contact the Customer Service Centre on 13 25 23, or (07) 3404 6999 for interstate callers.

When your details have changed

If your details have changed, use the Brands database (iBrands), go to My Brands and use the 'change of details' option.

Important brand updates

Transfers – brands and earmarks are not automatically transferred by a property sale or by a Will. When you intend to change ownership of a brand or earmark, you must lodge an application to transfer a brand or earmark form. A fee applies.

Change of address – owners of brands are required to notify the Registrar of Brands of any change of property address or district to which the brand is registered. You can notify us by email or go to My Brands and add your brand and certificate number to see your records. Then click on 'change of details' and update your address details. No fee applies.

Change of contact details – owners of brands or earmarks should notify the Registrar of Brands of any changes to contact details. You can notify us by email or go to My Brands and add your brand and certificate number to see your records. Then click on 'change of details' and update your contact details. No fee applies.

Change of name – if you are an owner or part owner and have legally changed your name, you should notify the Registrar of Brands. You can notify us by email or go to My Brands and add your brand and certificate number to see your records. Then click on 'change of details' and update your name details. No fee applies.

Relinquishment of guardianship or trusteeship – if you wish to cancel a guardianship or trusteeship in connection with a brand, you can notify us by email or go to My Brands and add your brand and certificate number to see your records. Then click on 'change of details' and relinquish guardianship. It is usual to cancel a guardianship when the person involved reaches 18 years of age. No fee applies.

Notification of death – there is no legal requirement to notify the Registrar of Brands in the event of a death. You only need to advise us about a death if you intend to transfer the brand—read the Transfers information above.

Cancellation – if you no longer wish to retain registration of a brand, complete a cancellation authority form (PDF, 225KB). Where there is more than 1 owner of the brand, all owners must sign the form. If the owner is deceased, the executors or administrators of the estate must sign the form. No fee applies.

How we use annual brand returns

These returns are used to:

• update the brands register
• identify brands being incorrectly used
• allow cancellation of brands no longer in use so they can be reissued to other applicants
• check that earmarks are being used in the correct district for which they are registered
• check that the brand is correctly registered
• identify the need for a transfer, change of address or name, or other action as necessary.

Also consider...

• Use the Brands database (iBrands) to submit your brand or earmark application or search registration details.
• Find out about the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS).
• Read the Brands Act 1915.
• Phone our Customer Service Centre on 13 25 23 for more information.