General Information
Under Kansas law, livestock brand registrations were started on a state level in 1939. Each brand is registered for a five-year period (original registrations are for four full years after the following April 1) with brands expiring on April 1. Each calendar year ending in the number "9" or "4" has a larger number of brands for renewal than for other years. The brand registration fee and the renewal fee are each $45.00, the fee for transfer of ownership is $15.00. It is unlawful for any person to use a brand unless the brand is legally recorded in his or her name.
The brand division administers the estray law. The brand office has two special investigators that work closely with county sheriffs, the brand officials of other states, and other law enforcement officials to recover lost or stolen livestock.
Brand inspection is not mandatory in the State of Kansas. Brand inspection shall be performed in areas designated as brand inspection areas, provided funds for inspection are available. Brand inspection may also be performed upon request. Currently, three counties participate in the county option brand inspection program and seven livestock markets are contracting with the department for inspection services.
The brand division maintains the state brand registry, which consists of approximately 17,890 brands. The new 2008 Kansas Brand Book is available with four supplements for $70.00. The Brand Book can be ordered without suppliments for $35.00. And it is now also available on CD with four suppliments for $15.00. The 2003 Brand Book , with supplements, is still available at a reduced cost of $35.00 (reduced from $50.00). Copies of the 1998 Brand Book are still available for purchase for $20.00.
