Getting and using a horse passport
Apply for a horse passport
If you own the horse or related animal, you must get a passport for it before it reaches 12 months of age.
How to apply
Apply through a Passport Issuing Organisation (PIO). If you have a pedigree animal, you need to register through a PIO that manages studbooks.
You need a vet to implant a microchip in your horse before you can apply.
Send your application by whichever date is later:
- 30 November of the animal’s year of birth
- within 6 months of the animal’s birth
Applications can take up to 6 weeks. How much you pay depends on the PIO and type of animal.
A passport issued more than 12 months after birth will be treated as late. It will be issued as a duplicate or replacement passport and the animal cannot be used as food for humans.
There’s no expiry on horse passports - they last an animal’s lifetime.