Types of sheep and goat brands

Fire brands and paint brands may be registered for use on sheep and goats.

Paint brands

  • May take the form of a letter, numeral or other shape.
  • May be registered with other shapes or designs, in which case the brand is known as a symbol paint brand.
  • Do not have to be a specific size for sheep and goat brands; however, they are required to be of a practical size for legibility.
  • Can only be 3 colours:
    • blue
    • red
    • green.

Use of any other colour is illegal and does not constitute proof of ownership.

Registered sheep and goat districts

Queensland is divided into registered sheep and goat districts.

Sheep brands are registered for use only within a specified district, as recorded by the registrar. They must not be used elsewhere.

View the map and districts for registered sheep brands and earmarks (PDF, 103KB).

Assessing your paint brand application

Sheep brands that are too similar or easily changed to look like a neighbour's brand will not be registered.

If you want to use a sheep brand in a district other than the one it is registered to, you must notify the registrar. The brand will automatically be cancelled, and you will need to apply for the brand in the new district.

If you want to use the brand in a different sheep district in addition to the original district, you must:

  • apply to register the same brand in the new district (if available)
  • or
  • apply for a new brand in the new district.

There is no guarantee you will be able to re-register the same brand in a new district.

Branding positions

Paint brands are registered in a specific colour for use in a specified position.

The only branding positions that may be registered are:

  1. between shoulders
  2. near shoulder
  3. off shoulder
  4. middle of back near rib
  5. off ribs
  6. near rump
  7. off rump
  8. top of rump.

'Off' refers to the right side of the animal and 'near' refers to the left side of the animal.

View the positions for paint branding image in the Sheep and goat brands and earmarks owners' manual (PDF, 103KB).

How to apply for a sheep or goat brand

Your brand must be registered before it can be legally used in Queensland.

Reminders for brand and earmark applications

  • Email all brand and earmark applications to brands@dpi.qld.gov.au.
  • Brands and earmarks must be associated with a property identification code (PIC) of intended use.
  • Do not enter credit card details on the application form.
  • Payments are processed via BPoint. We will contact you about payment before your application is processed.
  • There is currently a turnaround period of 40 working days for all applications.

Step 1: Submit your application

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

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.

Brands are registered to an individual or entity.

In Queensland, all properties where livestock are kept must have a property identification code (PIC) allocated by Biosecurity Queensland.

When registering or transferring or updating property details for a brand, you must provide the PIC where the brand is intended to be used.

Step 3: Payment request

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

Payment does not guarantee the approval or registration of your earmark.

Applications are processed in the order we receive them and only if they have been fully completed and the correct fee has been paid.

Step 4: Approval

When your application is approved, you will be issued a registration certificate.

It is your responsibility to organise and pay for the sheep branding implements. Sheep brands must be made to the exact shape shown on your certificate of registration.

More information