Free Nebraska Horse Bill of Sale
Selling a horse in Nebraska requires a certificate of brand inspection from the Nebraska Brand Committee under the Nebraska Brand Act — the bill of sale alone is not sufficient to document a lawful transfer. The good news is that horses are completely exempt from Nebraska sales tax under the agricultural exemption (NRS § 77-2704.24). For any interstate movement, a negative Coggins (EIA) test is also required, and most buyers will expect to see a current certificate.
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Nebraska Horse Bill of Sale — What You Need to Know
Inspection Requirements
Brand inspection by the Nebraska Brand Committee is required when horses are sold or transported within Nebraska. A certificate of brand inspection must be obtained before or at the time of sale. For interstate movement, a current Coggins (EIA) certificate is also required.
Nebraska Horse Sale — Step-by-Step Checklist
- Contact the Nebraska Brand Committee to schedule a brand inspection before or at the time of sale; the inspector issues a certificate of brand inspection
- Write a bill of sale identifying seller, buyer, sale price, date, and a clear description of the horse (breed, color, sex, age, distinguishing markings, brand if any, microchip number if applicable)
- Obtain a current Coggins (EIA) negative test certificate if the horse will cross state lines — most buyers require it regardless
- Both parties sign the bill of sale; the seller provides the brand inspection certificate to the buyer
- Buyer retains the bill of sale and brand inspection certificate as proof of ownership — these documents stay with the horse
- Confirm with the Nebraska Department of Agriculture's State Veterinarian office if any additional health certificates are required for your specific transaction
Common Pitfalls
- Completing the sale without a brand inspection certificate; moving or selling a horse in Nebraska without one violates the Nebraska Brand Act and can result in the horse being held
- Relying on the bill of sale alone; the brand inspection certificate is the state-recognized proof of a lawful livestock transfer in Nebraska
- Missing the Coggins certificate for interstate transport; a horse transported across state lines without a current negative EIA test can be turned back at the border
- Omitting the horse's brand (if any) from the bill of sale; a brand is a formal ownership mark in Nebraska and must be accurately described
Pro Tip
The brand inspection certificate is the cornerstone of a legally complete horse sale in Nebraska — schedule it before the buyer arrives and hand it over at closing alongside the signed bill of sale.