Here to serve the people of Montana and its livestock industry.
Brands Enforcement Division
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Online Services
Contact Information
Department of Livestock
Brands Enforcement Division
PO Box 202001
Helena, MT 59620-2001
(406) 444-2045
Email: brands@mt.gov
Livestock Dealer Licensing
LICENSE RENEWAL PERIOD
LIVESTOCK DEALER LICENSING - LIVESTOCK MARKET LICENSING - VIDEO SATELLITE AUCTION LICENSING
The renewal period for Dealer Licensing, Livestock Market Licensing and Video Satellite Auction Licensing begins March 15, 2026 and will end on May 1, 2026.
License Renewal Letters will be mailed on March 13, 2026.
Please email Kim Dallas or phone (406) 444-9762 for assistance.
Thank you!
According to Montana law 2025 - MCA 81-8-213 states the following:
(a) "Livestock dealer" means a person engaged in the business of buying or selling livestock in commerce on the person's own account or as an employee or agent of a vendor or purchaser.
(b) The term does not include:
(i) a farmer or rancher who buys or sells livestock in the ordinary course of a farming or ranching operation; or
(ii) a livestock market.
If you meet any of these criteria, you are a livestock dealer and must be licensed by the Montana Department of Livestock. Please note that the term “dealer” does not include farmers or ranchers who buy or sell livestock in the ordinary course of or in the day-to-day activities and operation of their ranch or farm.
To obtain a Montana livestock dealer license, specific requirements must be met.
First, you are required to register with USDA-Grain Inspection, Packers & Stockyards (USDA-GIPSA). GIPSA regional office staff that serves your area will work with you to obtain proper registration and bonding. USDA Contact is:
Stacey M. Schofield
(303) 375-4287
Email: Stacey.M.Schofield@usda.gov
USDA requires annual updates to your registration information and bond information.
Once registered with USDA, you are required to apply and register with the Dept of Livestock. Submit a completed and notarized Montana Livestock Dealer License Application to:
Montana Department of Livestock
ATTN: Dealer Licensing
PO Box 202001
Helena MT 59620-2001
The applicant must submit a license fee for each person who intends to act as an agent for the applicant. Dealer license fees are $50 for first-time dealers and $50 for each additional buyer.
Livestock Dealer Licenses are renewed annually. The Department of Livestock will send renewal notices annually in April. Dealer renewals fees are $250 for one licensed dealer and $250 per additional buyer. Dealer Licenses which are not renewed will be set to an inactive status.
For additional information, contact the Dept of Livestock, Brands Enforcement Division at 406-444-9762 or by email.
Forms and Additional Information:
- Montana Livestock Dealer License Application
- Licensed Montana Livestock Dealers and Markets
- USDA Packers & Stockyards Checklist