Submitting annual returns for cattle and horses

If you own a registered cattle or horse brand, or registered cattle earmark, you must complete a brand return in January every year.

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

Review your current details

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

Brand returns must be completed by a registered owner of the brand or earmark.

No changes needed

If your details haven't changed, submit your return using either of these methods:

online Brands database (iBrands)—you will need your PIC or certificate number of the registered brand
brands return form—complete and return it using one of these options
- Email brands@dpi.qld.gov.au
- In person at a Department of Primary Industries (DPI) office
- Post to
  
  Brands Registrar
  Department of Primary Industries
  GPO Box 46
  BRISBANE QLD 4001.

Changes are needed

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

- Brands and earmarks are not automatically transferred by a property sale or 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.
- Brand owners 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.
- Brand or earmark owners 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.
- If you are an owner or part owner and have legally changed your name, you can update your registration.
- 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.
- If you wish to cancel a guardianship 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.
- No fee applies.

- A brand or earmark registered in the name of a deceased person must not be used on livestock once the estate has been finalised.
- When the estate has been finalised, executors of the deceased and any other registered owners must transfer the brand or earmark to include only living registered owners
- If you no longer wish to retain registration of a brand or any associated symbol brands or earmarks, complete a cancellation authority 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.

More information

Use the Brands database (iBrands) to search registration details.
Find out about the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS).
Read the Brands Act 1915.
Contact us online, by phone or in person.