Texas Horse / Livestock Bill of Sale Overview
Texas livestock health is regulated by the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC), not the Department of Agriculture. Texas has the largest cattle herd and one of the largest horse populations in the nation. While Texas does not require universal brand inspections like Montana or Colorado, the state has a brand registration program and the TAHC oversees livestock movement, disease testing, and health regulations. The Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA) provides brand inspection and livestock theft investigation services.
6.25%
Sales tax
Yes
Brand inspection
Required
Health certificate
Required
Coggins test
Texas Livestock Transfer Requirements
Here's what you need to know for a smooth horse or livestock transaction in Texas:
Important: Texas Health Documentation
Texas requires a current negative Coggins test for all equine change of ownership. Ensure your Coggins test is within the required timeframe before completing the sale. For interstate transport, both a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection and negative Coggins are required.
What the Seller Must Provide
- Signed Bill of Sale: Complete bill of sale with animal description, sale price, and both parties' information
- Current Negative Coggins: EIA test within 12 months performed by an accredited veterinarian
- Registration Papers: Signed transfer section on breed registration certificate (if registered)
- Health Records: Vaccination history, deworming schedule, and veterinary records
- Disclosure of Known Issues: Any known health problems, lameness, vices, or behavioral issues
What the Buyer Should Obtain
- Signed Bill of Sale: Original copy with both signatures
- Coggins Test Certificate: Copy of the current negative Coggins report
- Registration Certificate: With signed transfer (if registered animal)
- Health Certificate: If transporting across state lines, CVI within 30 days
How to Fill Out a Texas Horse Bill of Sale
Follow these steps to properly complete your Texas horse or livestock bill of sale.
Enter Seller Information
Include the seller's full legal name, farm or ranch name (if applicable), Texas mailing address, phone number, and email. If the seller is a licensed dealer or breeder, include the license or business registration number.
Enter Buyer Information
Include the buyer's full legal name, farm or ranch name, Texas address, phone number, and email. The buyer's location determines which local tax rates apply to the transaction.
Describe the Animal
Provide a detailed description: species (horse, cattle, goat, etc.), breed, registered name and number (if applicable), sex, age or date of birth, color, height (in hands for horses), weight, and all identifying markings, brands, tattoos, or microchip numbers.
Document Health Status
Record the Coggins test date and result (for equines), health certificate number and date, vaccination history, and deworming schedule. Attach copies of all health documentation to the bill of sale.
State Sale Price and Terms
Enter the agreed purchase price in both numbers and words. Note the payment method and any installment terms. State whether the sale is as-is or includes warranties (soundness, breeding, vice-free, etc.). Disclose any known health issues or behavioral concerns.
Sign and Complete Documentation
Both buyer and seller sign and date the bill of sale. Print two copies. Transfer breed registration papers by signing the transfer section. Ensure Coggins and health certificates are current. Complete any required brand inspections before transport.
Texas Brand Inspection Requirements
Texas has a brand registration program through county clerks and the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA) provides brand inspection services. Unlike states with mandatory state-run inspection programs, Texas brand inspections are not universally required at every change of ownership. However, brand registration provides legal protection, and the TSCRA's special rangers investigate livestock theft. Bills of sale are especially important in Texas for documenting ownership transfers in private treaty sales.
Texas Health & Veterinary Requirements
Texas requires a negative Coggins test within 12 months for equine change of ownership, shows, and events. Interstate imports require a CVI issued within 30 days and negative Coggins. The TAHC requires entry permits for livestock and has specific cattle requirements including brucellosis testing for cattle from certain areas. Texas has a cattle fever tick quarantine zone along the Mexico border with mandatory inspections. The state also monitors for trichomoniasis in breeding bulls and vesicular stomatitis.
Texas Livestock Fees & Taxes
Here's a breakdown of the typical costs associated with a horse or livestock transaction in Texas:
| Fee / Tax | Amount |
|---|---|
| Coggins Test | $20 - $40 |
| Health Certificate (CVI) | $25 - $60 |
| TSCRA Brand Inspection | Varies (membership-based) |
| Brand Registration (county) | $5 - $25 |
| State Sales Tax | 6.25% (plus local taxes; livestock may be exempt for agricultural use) |
Sample Texas Horse Bill of Sale
Below is a preview of our Texas-specific horse bill of sale. Your customized document will include all fields required for Texas livestock transactions.
STATE OF TEXAS
HORSE / LIVESTOCK BILL OF SALE
Equine & Livestock Transfer Document
SELLER:
Name: [Seller Name]
Farm/Ranch: [Farm Name]
Address: [Texas Address]
BUYER:
Name: [Buyer Name]
Farm/Ranch: [Farm Name]
Address: [Texas Address]
ANIMAL DESCRIPTION
Species: [Species] Breed: [Breed]
Registered Name: [Name]
Reg. #: [Number] Sex: [Sex]
Coggins Date: [Date] Result: [Negative]
Sale Price: $[Amount]
Texas Horse / Livestock Bill of Sale FAQ
Answers to common questions about Texas horse and livestock bills of sale, health requirements, and transfer regulations.
Official Texas Resources
Use these official state resources to verify requirements, check import regulations, and access government information for your Texas livestock transaction.
Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC)
Livestock regulations and agricultural services
Texas State Veterinarian
Animal health, Coggins testing, and import requirements
USDA APHIS — Veterinary Services
Federal animal health regulations and accredited veterinarians
USDA — Interstate Livestock Movement
Federal requirements for transporting livestock across state lines
Other Texas Bill of Sale Templates
Need a different type of bill of sale for Texas? We offer state-specific templates for every type of property transfer.
Texas Vehicle Bill of Sale
Cars, trucks, and SUVs
Texas Boat Bill of Sale
Boats, jet skis, and watercraft
Texas Motorcycle Bill of Sale
Motorcycles, scooters, and mopeds
Texas Trailer Bill of Sale
Utility, travel, and cargo trailers
Texas Firearm Bill of Sale
Handguns, rifles, and shotguns
Texas General Bill of Sale
Furniture, electronics, and personal property
Texas ATV Bill of Sale
ATVs, UTVs, and off-road vehicles
Texas Mobile Home Bill of Sale
Manufactured and mobile homes
Create Your Texas Horse / Livestock Bill of Sale
Answer a few questions and download your Texas-compliant document in minutes. Includes Coggins test and health certificate fields.
No account required. Free to create and preview.