Horse identification
(for Scotland)
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An identification document (formerly referred to as a passport) must be obtained for all horses on or before 31 December of the year of their birth, or within six months of their birth, whichever is the later. Any foals born after 01 July 2009 must also be microchipped.
A horse cannot be sold or moved without a valid identification document.
When a horse is sold, the seller must give its identification document to the buyer at the time of sale (or in the case of auction sales, to the auctioneers, who must then give the identification document to the buyer). The new owner or his representative must, within 30 days of purchase, return the identification document for the horse to the issuing body with their name and address.
In the guide
The Regulations
Why does my horse need an identification document?
What's in the identification document and how do I get one?
Intended for human consumption?
Imported horses
Horses living under wild or semi-wild conditions
When must the identification document accompany a horse?
What if I buy or sell a horse?
What do I do if my horse dies, is slaughtered or killed?
What should I do if the passport is lost or damaged?
Offences in relation to the identification document
Enforcement / powers of entry
Penalties for breach of legislation
Organizations authorized to issue horse identification documents
Further reading
