Compliance packet
Pick a run, or a pair of states on one run, and a ship date. The packet sets out every jurisdiction on the run in travel order, counts the working dates back from the ship date over the windows the states themselves publish, and renders the same run as the paper to carry and as a dated proof page for a grower. Every counted-back date is labeled computed and sits over the fact it was counted from.
Route view — Northern Plains to Texas holding to California
Canonical circuit per BRIEF section 3 run 1: northern Great Plains honey base, Texas holding yards, west to the California almond bloom. Operators vary by highway; the run records the states, not one road.
Ship date: Feb 1, 2027. Every counted-back date below is labeled as computed and sits over the fact it was counted from, with that fact's confidence, check date, and source. Where a fact is not published, or its check has expired, the leg says so in plain words instead of counting over the gap.
Step 1 of 9 — North Dakota (ND)
RegulatorNorth Dakota Department of Agriculture — Apiary Program
Registration · issued by the destination side · beekeepers-license
This is published (see the fact below), but not as a count of days or months tied to the shipment that can be counted back from a ship date — we have not guessed a date from it.
This is published (see the fact below), but not as a count of days or months tied to the shipment that can be counted back from a ship date — we have not guessed a date from it.
Apply / file by (counted back over the published lead time): Jan 18, 2027 computed from the facts below (ship date Feb 1, 2027 counted back over the published 2 weeks)
At the ship date this fact is past half its check window and is shown one confidence step lower — see the fact below.
Fee$5 (per-year) — The fee for a beekeeper's license is five dollars (NDCC § 4.1-16-06). In addition to the license fee, an applicant must submit a colony assessment in an amount equal to fifteen cents multiplied by the maximum number of colonies listed in the application (NDCC § 4.1-16-07).
Validity windowA beekeeper's license issued under this chapter expires on December thirty-first and is not transferable (NDCC § 4.1-16-04). If bees leave the state for a portion of the year, the license must be renewed before hives are brought back into the state; if hives are in state year-round, the license should be renewed prior to January 1st (NDDA Apiary page).
Notice deadlineBefore placing or locating hives in this state, a beekeeper shall notify the agriculture commissioner of the location of each apiary — to the nearest section, quarter section, township, and range (or, in a city, the lot, block, and addition), or using satellite navigation system coordinates — and the name of the person who owns or leases the property on which the apiary is located; the notification may be in written or electronic format (NDCC § 4.1-16-08).
Lead timeBeekeeping License Applications are due before entry into the state. NDDA attempts to issue licenses quickly; applicants should plan on submitting the application at least 2 weeks prior to the estimated arrival in the state (NDDA Information for Beekeepers).
What the certificate must stateThe license application must include: the applicant's name, address, and telephone number; the maximum number of colonies to be located in or placed in this state; and the name, address, and telephone number of a resident agent authorized to accept service of process. As a condition of licensure the applicant declares that an apiary will not be placed without first obtaining the property owner's consent, and that an apiary will be relocated at the commissioner's request on the conditions stated in § 4.1-16-02(4)(b) (NDCC § 4.1-16-02).
Origin history requiredNot published / not yet checked
Who applies / who signsBefore a person may act as a beekeeper in this state, the person must be licensed by the agriculture commissioner (NDCC § 4.1-16-02(1)). The beekeeper applies: print and mail the Application for Beekeeper's License and the Application for Registration of Apiary Locations with the license fees, or complete the whole license process online at ole.ndda.nd.gov (NDDA Information for Beekeepers).
Health / inspection certificate · issued by the origin side · health-certificate
Inspection window not published for this state — we have not guessed it, so no latest-inspection date is counted back here.
Notice deadline not published for this state — we have not guessed it, so no notice-by date is counted back here.
Lead time not published for this state — we have not guessed it, so no apply-by date is counted back here.
Fee$0 (per-inspection) — 'Inspections- All inspections and certificates are free.' (NDDA Information for Beekeepers). NDCC § 4.1-16-13 authorizes the commissioner to charge a fee to cover the costs of a certificate inspection; NDDA's published position is that inspections and certificates are free.
Validity windowNot published / not yet checked
Notice deadlineNot published / not yet checked
Lead timeNot published / not yet checked
What the certificate must stateThe health inspection is for hives traveling to states that require a health certificate prior to entry; in inspections NDDA looks for pests and diseases such as Varroa mites, American foulbrood, European foulbrood, chalk brood and small hive beetles (NDDA Apiary page). The agriculture commissioner, at the request of a beekeeper, inspects an apiary for the purpose of issuing a certificate of inspection or other official document or validation (NDCC § 4.1-16-13). What the certificate must state for a given move is set by the destination state's requirements, which the beekeeper is told to check before requesting the inspection (NDDA Information for Beekeepers).
Origin history requiredNot published / not yet checked
Who applies / who signsThe beekeeper requests the inspection: the health certificate inspection is done at the request of the beekeeper, and a beekeeper who needs one after the license has been issued is told to call the department (NDDA Apiary page; NDDA Information for Beekeepers). The commissioner inspects and issues the certificate (NDCC § 4.1-16-13).
Ant-free or equivalent certification · issued by the origin side · california-pre-inspection
Inspection window not published for this state — we have not guessed it, so no latest-inspection date is counted back here.
Notice deadline not published for this state — we have not guessed it, so no notice-by date is counted back here.
Apply / file by (counted back over the published lead time): Jan 18, 2027 computed from the facts below (ship date Feb 1, 2027 counted back over the published 2 weeks)
At the ship date this fact is past half its check window and is shown one confidence step lower — see the fact below.
FeeNot published / not yet checked
Validity windowNot published / not yet checked
Notice deadlineNot published / not yet checked
Lead timeParticipating beekeepers are asked to contact NDDA at least two weeks before they would like their inspection (NDDA Pre-Inspection Program page).
What the certificate must stateNDDA conducts California pre-inspections in North Dakota for beekeepers shipping directly to California, under published Pre-Inspection Protocols and a Pre-Inspection Compliance Agreement; only colonies present at the time of inspection can be certified. The information needed up front is the beekeeper's name, phone number, and email address, the counties in California the beekeeper plans to visit, the entry station the beekeeper plans on using, and the dates the beekeeper expects to stockpile (NDDA Pre-Inspection Program page).
Origin history requiredNot published / not yet checked
Who applies / who signsThe beekeeper shipping directly to California contacts NDDA to participate. The program began in 2018 as an NDDA/CDFA pilot with California inspectors pre-inspecting in North Dakota; since 2020 NDDA conducts all the inspections itself (NDDA Pre-Inspection Program page).
Step 2 of 9 — South Dakota (SD)
RegulatorSouth Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources — Apiary Program
Entry permit · issued by the destination side · entrance-permit
Inspection window not published for this state — we have not guessed it, so no latest-inspection date is counted back here.
Notice by: Jan 2, 2027 computed from the facts below (ship date Feb 1, 2027 counted back over the published 30 days)
At the ship date this fact is past half its check window and is shown one confidence step lower — see the fact below.
Apply / file by (counted back over the published lead time): Jan 2, 2027 computed from the facts below (ship date Feb 1, 2027 counted back over the published 30 days)
At the ship date this fact is past half its check window and is shown one confidence step lower — see the fact below.
FeeNot published / not yet checked
Validity windowNot published / not yet checked
Notice deadlineThe entrance-permit application is itself the advance filing: it is due thirty days before transporting bees or used bee equipment into the state (SDCL § 38-18-4). No separate notice deadline is published.
Lead timeThirty days before transporting bees or used bee equipment not included in a compliance agreement into the state, a person shall file with the secretary an application for an entrance permit; the secretary shall act upon an application within thirty days (SDCL § 38-18-4). DANR states the same dates: entrance permit applications must be submitted 30 days in advance of the expected arrival date, and the Secretary then has 30 days to approve or disapprove a request.
What the certificate must stateA certificate of health, pursuant to SDCL § 38-18-23, shall be filed with the secretary prior to approval of the entrance permit (SDCL § 38-18-4). The forms furnished by the secretary for registration or entrance permits contain, as necessary: the landowner's or lessee's name, address, date, and signature; the legal description of the location (county, quarter-section, section, township, and range); the crop, crop location, and number of acres to be pollinated; the date bees will be placed if the permit is temporary; a two-year history of the bees; fee calculations; and a certificate of consent to allow inspections of apiaries and honey houses (ARSD 12:41:02:03).
Origin history requiredA two-year history of the bees, including the state and county of each location and the dates the bees were in each location where the bees have been placed previously, is among the information the secretary's forms for registration or entrance permits contain as necessary (ARSD 12:41:02:03(5)). A two-year disease and location history with no lapse in registration is likewise required to transfer a permanent location permit (ARSD 12:41:03:04.01).
Who applies / who signsThe person transporting the bees applies to the Secretary of Agriculture and Natural Resources: 'Movement of bees into South Dakota requires an entrance permit from the Secretary of Agriculture and Natural Resources. This applies to queens, nucs, packages, colonies and equipment.' (DANR Apiary Inspection Program page)
Health / inspection certificate · issued by the origin side · certificate-of-health
Latest inspection date: Nov 3, 2026 computed from the facts below (ship date Feb 1, 2027 counted back over the published 90 days)
At the ship date this fact is past half its check window and is shown one confidence step lower — see the fact below.
Notice by: Jan 2, 2027 computed from the facts below (ship date Feb 1, 2027 counted back over the published 30 days)
At the ship date this fact is past half its check window and is shown one confidence step lower — see the fact below.
Lead time not published for this state — we have not guessed it, so no apply-by date is counted back here.
FeeNot published / not yet checked
Validity windowInspection within ninety days of shipment: 'The certificate of health shall certify to the apparent freedom from regulated pests, and shall be based on actual inspection of bees and material within ninety days of the date of shipment.' (SDCL § 38-18-23)
Notice deadlineA certificate of health, pursuant to SDCL § 38-18-23, shall be filed with the secretary prior to approval of the entrance permit (SDCL § 38-18-4) — in practice with the entrance-permit application filed thirty days before transport.
Lead timeNot published / not yet checked
What the certificate must stateThe certificate of health shall certify to the apparent freedom from regulated pests, and shall be based on actual inspection of bees and material (SDCL § 38-18-23).
Origin history requiredNot published / not yet checked
Who applies / who signsAnyone who brings bees into the state must have a health certificate from the state of origin (DANR Apiary Inspection Program page). For movement out of the state, those who wish to move bees out of South Dakota may use the inspection service provided by the state (DANR).
Registration · issued by the destination side · registration
This is published (see the fact below), but not as a count of days or months tied to the shipment that can be counted back from a ship date — we have not guessed a date from it.
Notice deadline not published for this state — we have not guessed it, so no notice-by date is counted back here.
This is published (see the fact below), but not as a count of days or months tied to the shipment that can be counted back from a ship date — we have not guessed a date from it.
Fee$16 (per-permanent-location) — SDCL § 38-18-5 as amended by 2023 House Bill 1025 (enrolled): 'Any person registering an apiary pursuant to § 38-18-3 shall pay a registration fee of sixteen dollars per permanent location and forty dollars per temporary location.' Separately, a continuing annual assessment of one dollar per location is imposed at registration for the honey industry fund (SDCL § 38-18-36).The other published figure: $11 (per-apiary) — 'The registration fee, based on a per-apiary basis, covers all routine inspections and sampling. The fee is $11 per apiary, plus $1 per apiary for the Honey Promotion Fund.' (DANR Apiary Inspection Program page — this is the pre-2023 statutory figure and does not distinguish permanent from temporary locations.)
Validity windowAnnual: all apiaries, including hobbyists, must be registered with the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources by February 1st each year, or within 10 days after coming into possession of an apiary (DANR Apiary Inspection Program page, summarizing SDCL 38-18).
Notice deadlineNot published / not yet checked
Lead timeThe registration application shall be filed before the first day of February each year or within ten days of acquiring ownership or possession of any bees or apiary or before moving bees into the state (SDCL § 38-18-3).
What the certificate must stateThe application shall contain each location by legal description, the name of the landowner or lessee of the location, the number of colonies of bees in each apiary, and any other information required by the secretary (SDCL § 38-18-3). Before a person may apply for registration, the person must obtain from the landowner or lessee written notification to the department that the person has been authorized to place bees on the location specified (ARSD 12:41:03:01). Commercial apiaries must sit three or more miles from the nearest commercial apiary, with the hobbyist, landowner-beekeeper, and temporary-pollination-permit exceptions DANR lists (DANR; SDCL § 38-18-3.1).
Origin history requiredNot published / not yet checked
Who applies / who signsAny person owning, leasing, or possessing bees shall file an application registering the bees and each apiary with the secretary (SDCL § 38-18-3). The registration fee covers all routine inspections and sampling (DANR Apiary Inspection Program page).
Entry permit · issued by the destination side · compliance-agreement
Inspection window not published for this state — we have not guessed it, so no latest-inspection date is counted back here.
Notice deadline not published for this state — we have not guessed it, so no notice-by date is counted back here.
Lead time not published for this state — we have not guessed it, so no apply-by date is counted back here.
Fee$50 (per-agreement) — 'A beekeeper who wishes to enter into a compliance agreement to facilitate interstate movement of his bees, must submit a completed application form and a fee of $50.' (DANR Apiary Inspection Program page)
Validity windowNot published / not yet checked
Notice deadlineNot published / not yet checked
Lead timeNot published / not yet checked
What the certificate must stateNot published / not yet checked
Origin history requiredNot published / not yet checked
Who applies / who signsThe beekeeper submits a completed application form and the $50 fee to enter into the compliance agreement with the department (DANR Apiary Inspection Program page). Bees or used bee equipment included in a compliance agreement are excepted from the thirty-day entrance-permit application duty in SDCL § 38-18-4.
Entry permit · issued by the destination side · temporary-pollination-permit
This is published (see the fact below), but not as a count of days or months tied to the shipment that can be counted back from a ship date — we have not guessed a date from it.
Notice deadline not published for this state — we have not guessed it, so no notice-by date is counted back here.
Lead time not published for this state — we have not guessed it, so no apply-by date is counted back here.
FeeNot published / not yet checked
Validity windowThe length of a temporary pollination permit may not exceed 40 days. The number of temporary pollination permits issued to a beekeeper may not exceed 5 percent of the number of permanent locations approved for that beekeeper, with the small-operation exceptions stated in the rule (ARSD 12:41:03:08).
Notice deadlineNot published / not yet checked
Lead timeNot published / not yet checked
What the certificate must stateThe secretary shall inspect all apiaries qualifying for a temporary permit; the detection of any regulated pest is sufficient cause for revoking a temporary permit (ARSD 12:41:03:03).
Origin history requiredNot published / not yet checked
Who applies / who signsTemporary pollination permits, available from the Department of Agriculture, are exempt from the three-mile commercial-apiary spacing limit (DANR Apiary Inspection Program page).
Step 3 of 9 — Nebraska (NE)
RegulatorNebraska Department of Agriculture — Apiary Inspection Program
Health / inspection certificate · issued by the origin side · bee-health-certificate
Latest inspection date: Feb 1, 2026 computed from the facts below (ship date Feb 1, 2027 counted back over the published 1 year)
At the ship date this fact is past half its check window and is shown one confidence step lower — see the fact below.
Notice deadline not published for this state — we have not guessed it, so no notice-by date is counted back here.
Lead time not published for this state — we have not guessed it, so no apply-by date is counted back here.
Fee$150 (per-inspection) — 25 NAC 1-003.02: prior to issuance of a certificate certifying that an apiary is free of infectious disease, a certificate fee shall be paid based on the number of colonies in the apiary: $150 for the inspection of 1 to 250 colonies; $200 for 251 to 500 colonies; $300 for 501 to 1,000 colonies; $400 for more than 1,000 colonies. Neb. Rev. Stat. § 81-2,174 requires the fee, set by rule, not to exceed $200 (250 colonies or less), $250 (251 to 500), $350 (501 to 1,000), or $450 (more than 1,000), paid prior to issuance of the certificate.
Validity windowThe certificate shall state the date of inspection of the apiary and shall continue in force for one year unless revoked for cause (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 81-2,173(1)).
Notice deadlineNot published / not yet checked
Lead timeNot published / not yet checked
What the certificate must stateThe department issues certificates to beekeepers stating that their apiaries are apparently free from infectious or contagious diseases, parasites, or pests, after an inspection of the apiaries and payment of the certificate fee (§ 81-2,173(1)). Under 25 NAC 1-002, an apiary is 'apparently free' of American foulbrood if less than 3% of the colonies are infected and infected colonies are removed (or, if more than 3% are infected, the apiary is not moved for at least 30 days, infected colonies are removed, proper treatment is taken, and the department has reinspected and released the apiary); 'apparently free' of Varroa mites if an EPA-approved acaricide was placed in the apiary prior to inspection, or if ether roll or alcohol shake testing by the department indicates Varroa mites are not present; and 'apparently free' of Africanized honey bees if descended from breeding stock certified European under the FABIS system. No certificate to move or sell an apiary shall be issued unless the required fees have been paid and the apiary is found apparently free (25 NAC 1-002).
Origin history requiredNot published / not yet checked
Who applies / who signsA Nebraska beekeeper requests it: 'NDA conducts inspections of hives when a Nebraska beekeeper requests a Bee Health Certificate for shipping their hives interstate. Requests for a Health Certificate and inspection should be sent to the NDA State Entomologist at agr.plant@nebraska.gov.' (NDA Apiary Inspection Program page) Any person may request an inspection of his or her apiary in order to obtain a certificate (§ 81-2,173(2)).
Step 4 of 9 — Kansas (KS)
RegulatorNot published / not yet checked
Health / inspection certificate · issued by the origin side · outbound-inspection-certification
Inspection window not published for this state — we have not guessed it, so no latest-inspection date is counted back here.
Notice deadline not published for this state — we have not guessed it, so no notice-by date is counted back here.
Lead time not published for this state — we have not guessed it, so no apply-by date is counted back here.
Fee$30 (per-certificate) — K.A.R. 4-15-9(a): if a state certificate is required for the entry of an inspected article into another state or a foreign country, the person needing certification shall pay $30 for a certificate for a commodity or article certified for domestic shipment, or $50 for a certificate for international shipment, plus any federal certificate fee if a federal certificate is required. The inspection itself is charged under K.A.R. 4-15-8 at $45 per hour plus mileage.
Validity windowNot published / not yet checked
Notice deadlineNot published / not yet checked
Lead timeNot published / not yet checked
What the certificate must stateUpon request the secretary may provide inspection services for purposes of determining whether bees or beekeeping equipment to be shipped meet the legal requirements of another state or country, and a report or certificate setting forth the inspection results shall be issued if requested; where any intended receiving state or country requires or authorizes certification to be based on origin, special handling, treatment, or any other procedure in addition to or in lieu of actual visual inspection, the secretary may provide such certification (K.S.A. 2-2118). K.A.R. 4-15-8(a) provides for inspection, certification, and diagnostic services upon request by the secretary of agriculture related to bees and beekeeping equipment.
Origin history requiredNot published / not yet checked
Who applies / who signsThe person who owns or possesses the bees or beekeeping equipment requests the inspection and certification from the secretary of agriculture: services are provided 'upon request' (K.S.A. 2-2118; K.A.R. 4-15-8). There is no published Kansas entry-side application; this is an outbound service for shipments leaving Kansas.
Step 5 of 9 — Oklahoma (OK)
RegulatorOklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry
Entry permit · issued by the destination side · entry-permit
Inspection window not published for this state — we have not guessed it, so no latest-inspection date is counted back here.
Notice deadline not published for this state — we have not guessed it, so no notice-by date is counted back here.
This is published (see the fact below), but not as a count of days or months tied to the shipment that can be counted back from a ship date — we have not guessed a date from it.
Fee$100 (per-operation) — 'The entry permit fee for migratory beekeepers moving colonies of bees into this state shall be One Hundred Dollars ($100.00).' (OAC 35:2-3-26(b), reprinted in ODAFF's Oklahoma Apiary Act & Rules; the same fee schedule appears at OAC 35:30-38-13). The Act requires an entry inspection fee as established by the Department to be provided prior to entry (§ 2-3-117.1(A)(2)).
Validity windowNot published / not yet checked
Notice deadlineNot published / not yet checked
Lead timePrior to entry, with no number of days published: 'Prior to entry into Oklahoma all migratory beekeepers and persons shipping or transporting bees into Oklahoma shall provide to the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry: 1. Information required on an entry form prescribed by the Department; 2. An entry inspection fee as established by the Department; and 3. A copy of the certificate of inspection issued from the state of origin.' (§ 2-3-117.1(A))
What the certificate must stateThe entry-permit application shall include: (1) the name and addresses of the person owning the bees; (2) the name and address of the shipper if different from the owner; (3) a complete description of the shipment; (4) the destination of the shipment; (5) the nearest town and county where the bees shall be located; (6) the legal description of where the bees shall be located; (7) the name and address of the person or land owner receiving the bees; (8) the approximate date of the shipment; and (9) a certificate of inspection signed by the official apiary inspector or entomologist of the state, territory, or country from which the bees are shipped, stating that the bees are apparently free of diseases and pests and based on an actual inspection performed not more than three (3) months prior to the date of shipment (OAC 35:30-38-10(b)).
Origin history requiredNot published / not yet checked
Who applies / who signsAny migratory beekeeper who brings bees into the state shall obtain an entry permit from the Department (OAC 35:30-38-10(a)); the Board has authority to issue entry permits to any person transporting bees or apiary equipment into this state (§ 2-3-101(D)(3)).
Health / inspection certificate · issued by the origin side · origin-certificate-of-inspection
Latest inspection date: Nov 1, 2026 computed from the facts below (ship date Feb 1, 2027 counted back over the published 3 months)
At the ship date this fact is past half its check window and is shown one confidence step lower — see the fact below.
This is published (see the fact below), but not as a count of days or months tied to the shipment that can be counted back from a ship date — we have not guessed a date from it.
Lead time not published for this state — we have not guessed it, so no apply-by date is counted back here.
FeeNot published / not yet checked
Validity windowBased on an actual inspection performed not more than three (3) months prior to the date of shipment: the entry-permit certificate 'shall state that the bees are apparently free of diseases and pests and shall be based on an actual inspection performed not more than three (3) months prior to the date of shipment' (OAC 35:30-38-10(b)(9)).
Notice deadlineA copy of the certificate of inspection issued from the state of origin shall be provided to ODAFF prior to entry (§ 2-3-117.1(A)(3)). A seller shipping bees for sale shall also provide a copy of the certificate of inspection to the purchaser; all other shippers shall retain a copy for the duration the bees remain in Oklahoma and present it to the Department upon request (§ 2-3-117.1(B)-(C)).
Lead timeNot published / not yet checked
What the certificate must stateA certificate of inspection signed by the official apiary inspector or entomologist of the state, territory, or country from which the bees are shipped, stating that the bees are apparently free of diseases and pests (OAC 35:30-38-10(b)(9)). 'Certificate of inspection' is defined as a document issued based on an inspection by the Department or another state or province stating that the apiary, bees, and apiary equipment appear free of bee diseases and pests (§ 2-3-100.1(8)). Any apiary, apiary equipment, bee, or hive shipped or transported interstate shall be accompanied with a certificate of inspection issued by the state of origin (§ 2-3-106(B)).
Origin history requiredNot published / not yet checked
Who applies / who signsThe official apiary inspector or entomologist of the state of origin signs the certificate; the migratory beekeeper or person shipping or transporting bees into Oklahoma provides a copy to ODAFF before entry (OAC 35:30-38-10(b)(9); § 2-3-117.1(A)(3)).
Registration · issued by the destination side · voluntary-registration
This is published (see the fact below), but not as a count of days or months tied to the shipment that can be counted back from a ship date — we have not guessed a date from it.
Notice deadline not published for this state — we have not guessed it, so no notice-by date is counted back here.
Lead time not published for this state — we have not guessed it, so no apply-by date is counted back here.
Fee$10 (per-year) — 'The fee for any person registering pursuant to the Oklahoma Apiary Act shall be Ten Dollars ($10.00).' (OAC 35:2-3-26(a)) Registrants pay the fees established by the Board to the Board prior to processing of the registration (§ 2-3-113(C)). By contrast, the entry permit fee for migratory beekeepers moving colonies into the state is $100 (OAC 35:2-3-26(b)).
Validity windowRegistration is renewed annually in practice: registration under the rules is completed by submitting the registration form and fee by January 31 of each year (OAC 35:30-38-3(a)). The Act itself establishes the program as voluntary and states no term (§ 2-3-113).
Notice deadlineNot published / not yet checked
Lead timeNot published / not yet checked
What the certificate must stateUpon registration the Department issues a registration identification number, which a registrant may use on signs or other identification devices in lieu of personal contact information (§ 2-3-113(B)). A certificate of registration is issued containing a registration number which shall be clearly displayed at each apiary location on a permanent sign, with letters and numbers at least one and one-half (1½) inches in height and in a contrasting color (OAC 35:30-38-3(b)). A person who does not register must instead post personal contact information at or near the apiary (§ 2-3-113(B)); the rules require the owner's name, address, and telephone number on a permanent sign (OAC 35:30-38-4).
Origin history requiredNot published / not yet checked
Who applies / who signsVoluntary: the voluntary registration program is available for any person establishing, maintaining, or locating an apiary in this state, for any person shipping bees into this state, and for migratory beekeepers transporting colonies of bees into this state (§ 2-3-113(A)).
Health / inspection certificate · issued by the origin side · certificate-of-inspection-oklahoma
Inspection window not published for this state — we have not guessed it, so no latest-inspection date is counted back here.
Notice deadline not published for this state — we have not guessed it, so no notice-by date is counted back here.
Lead time not published for this state — we have not guessed it, so no apply-by date is counted back here.
Fee$10 (per-inspection) — Inspection fees by number of hives listed on the certificate: 1 to 25 hives $10; 26 to 50 hives $25; 51 to 100 hives $50; 101 to 250 hives $75; 251 to 500 hives $100; 501 to 1,000 hives $200; more than 1,000 hives $250 — charged at the time of inspection (OAC 35:2-3-26(c)). Fees are due within thirty (30) days after the inspection is completed; late payment draws a penalty of ten percent (10%) of the amount due or Ten Dollars ($10.00), whichever is greater (OAC 35:2-3-26(e)).
Validity windowNot published / not yet checked
Notice deadlineNot published / not yet checked
Lead timeNot published / not yet checked
What the certificate must stateUpon completion of the requested inspection the Department shall issue a certificate of inspection showing that the apiary, colony, hive, apiary equipment, or premise is either: (1) apparently free of bee diseases or pests, or (2) not free of bee diseases or pests, including a list of all diseases or pests found (§ 2-3-116(B)). Inspection procedure under the rules: hives are selected by a random-number table, and a minimum of fifteen (15) hives must be inspected, or all colonies if fewer than 15 are owned; a minimum of fifteen percent (15%) of the hives to be certified must be opened and inspected (OAC 35:30-38-5(c)).
Origin history requiredNot published / not yet checked
Who applies / who signsA person may request the Department to inspect their apiary, colony, hive, apiary equipment, or premise to obtain a certificate of inspection (§ 2-3-116(A)). The inspection request must be in writing and include the owner's name, address, and telephone number, the number of colonies to be inspected, and the name of the destination state if applicable (OAC 35:30-38-5(b)(1)). Requested inspections are limited to availability of time and personnel (§ 2-3-117(B)).
Step 6 of 9 — Texas (TX)
RegulatorTexas Apiary Inspection Service
Entry permit · issued by the destination side · interstate-permit
This is published (see the fact below), but not as a count of days or months tied to the shipment that can be counted back from a ship date — we have not guessed a date from it.
Notice deadline not published for this state — we have not guessed it, so no notice-by date is counted back here.
Apply / file by (counted back over the published lead time): Jan 22, 2027 computed from the facts below (ship date Feb 1, 2027 counted back over the published 10 days)
At the ship date this fact is past half its check window and is shown one confidence step lower — see the fact below.
Fee$200 (per-year) — Interstate Permit – $200.00; this permit will be valid for any state line movement between Sept. 1st through Aug. 31st of each year. (TAIS Forms & Fees)
Validity windowThe permit 'applies to all shipments made by the beekeeper and expires on August 31 following the date the permit is issued. The term of a permit may not exceed one year' (Tex. Agric. Code § 131.041(b)). TAIS Forms & Fees states the same window: valid for any state line movement between Sept. 1st through Aug. 31st of each year.
Notice deadlineNot published / not yet checked
Lead timeA person may apply at any time, but 'a person must apply for a permit before the 10th day preceding the date of a shipment if the person does not hold a permit on the 10th day preceding the date of the shipment' (Tex. Agric. Code § 131.041(c)).
What the certificate must stateAn application must include all information required by the chief apiary inspector (§ 131.041(c)). A shipment originating outside Texas requires, before it may enter, either (1) a certificate of inspection signed by the official apiary inspector or entomologist of the state, territory, or country of origin, or (2) an inspection of the shipment by the chief apiary inspector of Texas not more than 12 months before the date of shipment (§ 131.041(d)). The inspector issues the permit if satisfied the shipments do not pose a threat to disease and pest control in the beekeeping industry (§ 131.041(f)). The statute (§ 131.041(h)) requires a fee for each permit, set at an amount reasonable in relation to the costs of administering the section; TAIS publishes the amount as $200 (Forms & Fees).
Origin history requiredNot published / not yet checked
Who applies / who signsThe person shipping bees or equipment into or out of Texas applies to the chief apiary inspector (TAIS). TAIS publishes an Interstate Permit Application form; completed forms with payment are sent to Texas Apiary Inspection Service, 2475 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-2475 (TAIS Forms & Fees). TAIS Regulations states: 'If bees are brought into the state from outside the border, then the beekeeper must have a health certificate and an interstate permit ($200). The health certificate can originate from the same state as the bees, but the Texas interstate permit is required.'
Health / inspection certificate · issued by the origin side · health-certificate
Latest inspection date: Feb 1, 2026 computed from the facts below (ship date Feb 1, 2027 counted back over the published 1 year)
At the ship date this fact is past half its check window and is shown one confidence step lower — see the fact below.
Notice deadline not published for this state — we have not guessed it, so no notice-by date is counted back here.
Lead time not published for this state — we have not guessed it, so no apply-by date is counted back here.
FeeNot published / not yet checked
Validity windowOne year. TAIS Regulations: 'The health certificate is valid for one year after the date of inspection.' The statute matches the clock: the certificate must be based on an actual inspection conducted not more than 12 months before the date of the shipment (Tex. Agric. Code § 131.041(e)); commercial operations are required to have a health inspection from the state agency upon movement across state lines (TAIS Regulations).
Notice deadlineNot published / not yet checked
Lead timeNot published / not yet checked
What the certificate must stateThe certificate must certify that the bees or equipment 'are apparently free from disease and reportable pests based on an actual inspection conducted not more than 12 months before the date of the shipment' (Tex. Agric. Code § 131.041(e)). TAIS's published reportable pests and diseases are American Foulbrood (AFB), Tropilaelaps Mites, and Yellow Legged Hornet (TAIS Regulations).
Origin history requiredNot published / not yet checked
Who applies / who signsThe certificate is signed by the official apiary inspector or entomologist of the state, territory, or country from which the bees are shipped (§ 131.041(d)(1)); the alternative published route is an inspection of the shipment by the chief apiary inspector of Texas not more than 12 months before shipment (§ 131.041(d)(2)). TAIS Regulations: the health certificate can originate from the same state as the bees, but the Texas interstate permit is separately required.
Health / inspection certificate · issued by the destination side · apiary-inspection-requested
Latest inspection date: Feb 1, 2026 computed from the facts below (ship date Feb 1, 2027 counted back over the published 1 year)
At the ship date this fact is past half its check window and is shown one confidence step lower — see the fact below.
Notice deadline not published for this state — we have not guessed it, so no notice-by date is counted back here.
Lead time not published for this state — we have not guessed it, so no apply-by date is counted back here.
Fee$100 (per-inspection) — Apiary Inspection (requested by beekeeper) – $100.00 (TAIS Forms & Fees); TAIS Regulations: 'Small-scale operations can request a health inspection for a fee ($100).'
Validity windowTAIS performs health inspections on honey bees on an as needed basis; the health certificate resulting from inspection is valid for one year after the date of inspection (TAIS Regulations).
Notice deadlineNot published / not yet checked
Lead timeNot published / not yet checked
What the certificate must stateNot published / not yet checked
Origin history requiredNot published / not yet checked
Who applies / who signsRequested by the beekeeper from TAIS. TAIS Regulations distinguishes the tiers: commercial beekeeping operations are required to have a health inspection from the state agency upon movement across state lines; small-scale operations can request a health inspection for the $100 fee. (TAIS Forms & Fees separately lists a Queen Breeder Inspection at $300.00, an Apiary Equipment Brand at $10.00, and an official extra copy of a permit at $10.00.)
Registration · issued by the destination side · beekeeper-registration
This is published (see the fact below), but not as a count of days or months tied to the shipment that can be counted back from a ship date — we have not guessed a date from it.
Notice deadline not published for this state — we have not guessed it, so no notice-by date is counted back here.
This is published (see the fact below), but not as a count of days or months tied to the shipment that can be counted back from a ship date — we have not guessed a date from it.
Fee$35 (per-year) — Beekeeper Registration – $35.00; Registration will be valid from Sept. 1st through Aug. 31st of each year. It will not be mandatory by state law but may be required for participation in other programs. (TAIS Forms & Fees)
Validity windowSeptember 1 through August 31 of each year (TAIS Forms & Fees).
Notice deadlineNot published / not yet checked
Lead timeBeekeeper registration may be requested at any time but is only valid through August 31 of the same fiscal year (TAIS Regulations).
What the certificate must stateNot published / not yet checked
Origin history requiredNot published / not yet checked
Who applies / who signsThe beekeeper applies to TAIS (Beekeeper Registration Application, Forms & Fees). Registration is distinct from the interstate permit: 'The state of Texas does not require a beekeeper to register' (TAIS Regulations), but a beekeeper must maintain a beekeeper registration in force with TAIS to legally perform bee removal in Texas (an exemption from the structural pest control section of the Texas Occupation Code, Chapter 1951.056), and registration may be required for participation in other programs.
Step 7 of 9 — New Mexico (NM)
RegulatorNew Mexico Department of Agriculture — Entomology & Nursery Industries Section
Health / inspection certificate · issued by the origin side · import-certificate-of-inspection
Latest inspection date: Jan 2, 2027 computed from the facts below (ship date Feb 1, 2027 counted back over the published 30 days)
At the ship date this fact is past half its check window and is shown one confidence step lower — see the fact below.
Notice by: Jan 22, 2027 computed from the facts below (ship date Feb 1, 2027 counted back over the published 10 days)
At the ship date this fact is past half its check window and is shown one confidence step lower — see the fact below.
Apply / file by (counted back over the published lead time): Jan 22, 2027 computed from the facts below (ship date Feb 1, 2027 counted back over the published 10 days)
At the ship date this fact is past half its check window and is shown one confidence step lower — see the fact below.
FeeNot published / not yet checked
Validity window30 days: 'The certificate of inspection for a colony of bees shall be based on an inspection by an authorized apiary inspector of the state of origin within thirty (30) days prior to date of movement into the state' (21.27.2.10(C) NMAC).
Notice deadlineCertificate filed with the department ten (10) days prior to movement into the state (21.27.2.10(B) NMAC); and the department shall be notified within ten (10) days after arrival of the bees in the state (21.27.2.10(E) NMAC). The Bee Act (§ 76-9-11(A)) also requires the receiver to file a statement of the proposed location and a notice that the bees have arrived, in accordance with the board's regulations.
Lead timeTwo pre-move duties are published for commercial beekeepers: obtain a registration for any planned apiary prior to importing or locating bees in the state (21.27.2.10(A) NMAC), and file the certificate of inspection with the department ten (10) days prior to the movement of bees or used equipment into the state (21.27.2.10(B) NMAC).
What the certificate must state'No colonies or equipment shall be moved into the state, unless accompanied by a certificate of inspection signed by an authorized apiary inspector of the state from which the bees originated. The certificate of inspection shall state that the colonies are apparently free of contagious disease, and shall meet other requirements as designated by the board' (Bee Act § 76-9-11(A)).
Origin history requiredNot published / not yet checked
Who applies / who signsThe certificate is signed by an authorized apiary inspector of the state of origin; the commercial beekeeper files it with the New Mexico Department of Agriculture before movement and notifies the department after arrival (21.27.2.10 NMAC; Bee Act § 76-9-11(A)). The beekeeper pays the actual cost of the department's initial post-arrival inspection and of subsequent inspections required because of contagious disease (§ 76-9-11(A)) — an actual-cost duty, not a published fee amount, so the fee fact is Unknown.
Registration · issued by the destination side · commercial-apiary-registration
This is published (see the fact below), but not as a count of days or months tied to the shipment that can be counted back from a ship date — we have not guessed a date from it.
Notice deadline not published for this state — we have not guessed it, so no notice-by date is counted back here.
This is published (see the fact below), but not as a count of days or months tied to the shipment that can be counted back from a ship date — we have not guessed a date from it.
Fee$3 (per-apiary-per-year) — The annual registration fee of each commercial apiary shall be three dollars ($3.00), provided that no commercial beekeeper shall pay more than two-hundred dollars ($200) in apiary registration fees (21.27.2.9(B) NMAC). The Bee Act § 76-9-10 caps the board-set registration fee at not more than five dollars ($5.00) for each commercial apiary and $200 in any one year.
Validity windowAnnual. An apiary not re-registered within thirty (30) days of the expiration of its previous registration is available for registration by another commercial beekeeper (21.27.2.9(B) NMAC).
Notice deadlineNot published / not yet checked
Lead timeEach commercial apiary shall be registered annually on or before November 1 for each established apiary, or prior to the establishment of a commercial apiary not registered at the time of the last annual registration (21.27.2.9(A) NMAC); for imports, registration for the planned apiary must be obtained prior to importing or locating bees in the state (21.27.2.10(A) NMAC).
What the certificate must stateEach commercial beekeeper shall register the location of each commercial apiary under his control with the department and give an accurate description of the location of each commercial apiary (Bee Act § 76-9-10). 'Commercial apiary' means any location north of Interstate Highway 40 where fifteen (15) or more bee colonies are located, or south of Interstate Highway 40 where twenty-five (25) or more bee colonies are located (21.27.2.7 NMAC).
Origin history requiredNot published / not yet checked
Who applies / who signsEach commercial beekeeper registers each commercial apiary location with the New Mexico Department of Agriculture (Bee Act § 76-9-10; 21.27.2.9 NMAC). Registration is forfeited if the beekeeper does not place at least the required number of colonies at the location for a minimum of fifteen (15) days during any one of two consecutive registration periods (21.27.2.9(D) NMAC).
Health / inspection certificate · issued by the destination side · annual-inspection-certificate
This is published (see the fact below), but not as a count of days or months tied to the shipment that can be counted back from a ship date — we have not guessed a date from it.
Notice deadline not published for this state — we have not guessed it, so no notice-by date is counted back here.
Lead time not published for this state — we have not guessed it, so no apply-by date is counted back here.
FeeNot published / not yet checked
Validity windowAnnual: 'Each beekeeper that manages bees shall apply to the department for an annual inspection certificate' (Bee Act § 76-9-6). No honey shall be offered for sale unless the beekeeper holds an inspection certificate in force.
Notice deadlineNot published / not yet checked
Lead timeNot published / not yet checked
What the certificate must stateThe certificate is issued by the department upon completion of the apiary inspection and 'shall state the colonies and apiaries that are apparently free of contagious disease and the colonies and apiaries that are infected with contagious disease' (Bee Act § 76-9-6).
Origin history requiredNot published / not yet checked
Who applies / who signsEach beekeeper that manages bees applies to the New Mexico Department of Agriculture for the annual inspection certificate (Bee Act § 76-9-6). This is an in-state annual certificate, distinct from the origin-state import certificate.
Entry permit · issued by the destination side · pollination-permit
This is published (see the fact below), but not as a count of days or months tied to the shipment that can be counted back from a ship date — we have not guessed a date from it.
Notice deadline not published for this state — we have not guessed it, so no notice-by date is counted back here.
This is published (see the fact below), but not as a count of days or months tied to the shipment that can be counted back from a ship date — we have not guessed a date from it.
FeeNot published / not yet checked
Validity windowOnly for the period of time the bees are effectively pollinating the designated crop (Bee Act § 76-9-9(C)).
Notice deadlineNot published / not yet checked
Lead timeThe permit is filed with the department not more than twenty-four (24) hours after placing the colonies for pollination (21.27.2.11(B) NMAC). NOTE: despite the instrument kind used here (the schema's only permit kind), this is an in-state pollination-placement permit, not an entry permit — entry into New Mexico is governed by the import certificate and registration above.
What the certificate must stateNot published / not yet checked
Origin history requiredNot published / not yet checked
Who applies / who signsA commercial beekeeper placing colonies for pollination within one and one-half (1 1/2) miles of another beekeeper's registered apiary must obtain a pollination permit, on a form supplied by the department (21.27.2.11 NMAC). Under Bee Act § 76-9-9, no apiary may be moved or established closer than one and one-half miles from an existing registered commercial apiary (unless the apiary owner also owns the location), and a beekeeper using colonies for pollination within the board-specified distance applies to the department for a special pollination permit, granted only if the colonies are apparently free of contagious disease. Colonies placed without a pollination permit are a violation subject to the penalties in § 76-9-13 (21.27.2.11(C) NMAC).
Step 8 of 9 — Arizona (AZ)
RegulatorNot published / not yet checked
Advance notice · issued by the destination side · commercial-agriculture-notification
Inspection window not published for this state — we have not guessed it, so no latest-inspection date is counted back here.
This is published (see the fact below), but not as a count of days or months tied to the shipment that can be counted back from a ship date — we have not guessed a date from it.
This is published (see the fact below), but not as a count of days or months tied to the shipment that can be counted back from a ship date — we have not guessed a date from it.
FeeNot published / not yet checked
Validity windowNot published / not yet checked
Notice deadlineBefore locating bees on an apiary site (A.R.S. § 3-367.02(A)). This is a notice to the commercial-agriculture operators on whose land the bees may forage — not a notice to the state, and not an entry notice: Arizona publishes no entry permit, entry health certificate, or advance notice to a state apiary authority in the primary sources searched for this packet (see sources-K2a.md for the search evidence).
Lead time'Before locating bees on an apiary site' — the notice duty attaches before the bees are placed; no number of days is published (A.R.S. § 3-367.02(A)).
What the certificate must stateThe written notice 'shall include the beekeeper's address and telephone number, the location of the hives within a quarter section and the exact dates that the bees will be in the area' (A.R.S. § 3-367.02(A)).
Origin history requiredNot published / not yet checked
Who applies / who signsThe owner of the bees: 'Before locating bees on an apiary site, the owner of the bees shall obtain the landowner's or lessee's permission and notify in writing persons engaged in commercial agriculture on whose land the bees may forage' (A.R.S. § 3-367.02(A)). After receiving the notice, the commercial-agriculture operator must inform the beekeeper, before application, when a bee-sensitive pesticide will be applied to the area in which the bees are foraging (§ 3-367.02(B)).
Step 9 of 9 — California (CA)
RegulatorCDFA Apiary Protection Program
Health / inspection certificate · issued by the origin side · health-certificate
This is published (see the fact below), but not as a count of days or months tied to the shipment that can be counted back from a ship date — we have not guessed a date from it.
This is published (see the fact below), but not as a count of days or months tied to the shipment that can be counted back from a ship date — we have not guessed a date from it.
Lead time not published for this state — we have not guessed it, so no apply-by date is counted back here.
FeeNot published / not yet checked
Validity windowCertificates required by Section 29120 'are valid only during the inspection season in which they were issued, except that a certificate that covers a shipment arriving prior to April 1 from a locality that has severe winters shall be valid if it shows the last inspection of the apiary was made on or after August 15 of the preceding year' (FAC § 29125). No fixed 30/60/90-day window is published in Article 9.
Notice deadlineNo advance-notice deadline is published in Article 9. The filing duty runs the other way: the certificate must be delivered to the commissioner of the county of destination (or to the Secretary, if there is no commissioner in the county) within 72 hours after the arrival of the load, lot, or shipment (FAC § 29120).
Lead timeNot published / not yet checked
What the certificate must stateThe certificate must certify to all of the following (FAC § 29122): (a) the name and address of the owner or shipper and the place of destination in this state; (b) the number or amount of queen bees, package bees, bee semen, hives, or nuclei that contain bees, the number of used hives either empty or containing comb, and a complete list of any other used beekeeping equipment in the shipment; (c) the county and state or territory of origin; (d) the date on which inspection was last made of the apiary in which the bees, comb, used hives, and appliances originated; (e) that the apiary was found free of all pests denoted as pests by the State of California, using detection procedures and methods approved by the secretary; (f) if the pest is American foulbrood, the total number of colonies in the apiary at the time of inspection and the number of colonies found infested; (g) that all American foulbrood colonies found upon inspection were destroyed, removed to a quarantine apiary, removed to wax salvage, or otherwise destroyed by specified methods pursuant to Section 29208, before issuance of the certificate.
Origin history requiredNot published / not yet checked
Who applies / who signsThe certificate must be signed by the State Entomologist, State Apiary Inspector, or comparable officer in charge of apiary inspection for the state or territory of origin (FAC § 29122). It must accompany each separate load, lot, or shipment of comb, bees on comb, queen bees, package bees, bee semen, or any used hive or used appliance imported or transported into California (§ 29120).
Health / inspection certificate · issued by the origin side · california-return-certificate
Latest inspection date: Feb 1, 2026 computed from the facts below (ship date Feb 1, 2027 counted back over the published 12 months)
At the ship date this fact is past half its check window and is shown one confidence step lower — see the fact below.
Notice deadline not published for this state — we have not guessed it, so no notice-by date is counted back here.
Lead time not published for this state — we have not guessed it, so no apply-by date is counted back here.
FeeNot published / not yet checked
Validity window12 months: in lieu of the Section 29122 requirements, the Section 29120 certificate may be a California certificate of inspection (issued under Sections 29140–29145) showing the comb, bees on comb, or hives or appliances were inspected in California within the 12 months prior to their return to California (FAC § 29123).
Notice deadlineNot published / not yet checked
Lead timeNot published / not yet checked
What the certificate must stateThe California certificate must show the comb, bees on comb, or hives or appliances were inspected in California within the 12 months prior to return and at the time of inspection were found to have had less than 1 percent American foulbrood disease (FAC § 29123).
Origin history requiredNot published / not yet checked
Who applies / who signsBeekeepers or their agents using the Section 29123 return route 'shall carry a copy of the certificate with them and proof of ownership of the apiary and its contents, for production to the border inspectors on demand upon reentry' (FAC § 29123).
Registration · issued by the destination side · registration
This is published (see the fact below), but not as a count of days or months tied to the shipment that can be counted back from a ship date — we have not guessed a date from it.
Notice deadline not published for this state — we have not guessed it, so no notice-by date is counted back here.
This is published (see the fact below), but not as a count of days or months tied to the shipment that can be counted back from a ship date — we have not guessed a date from it.
FeeApiary registration fee schedule, 3 CCR Section 2951 (filed and effective March 20, 2025), paid January 1 of each year, based on the total number of colonies and not on a per-colony basis: 1-9 colonies $10.00; 10-49 colonies $100.00; 50+ colonies $250.00; Broker $250.00. The broker fee is a flat rate annually regardless of the number of colonies managed and is valid through December 31 of each year.
Validity windowAnnual: registration and the registration fee are due once annually, on January 1 of each year; the fee is based on the total number of colonies registered in the previous 12 months of the calendar year (CDFA Apiary Registration Flyer 2026).
Notice deadlineNot published / not yet checked
Lead timeApiary registration is due January 1 of each year if an apiary is located within California, or within 30 days of any person acquiring or moving bees into the state (CDFA Apiary Registration Flyer 2026, FAC Div. 13 §§ 29040–29045). Registration fees are late on February 1 of each year, when a penalty fee of one-half the amount due is added.
What the certificate must stateRegistration is required in each county where apiaries are located, and is required of all beekeepers including beekeepers entering the state for pollination services. All bee brokers are required to register each year and identify all beekeepers they represent; the broker fee is an annual flat rate regardless of the number of colonies managed, and each beekeeper operating under a broker must also pay an annual registration fee. Registration is filed through BeeWhere (BeeWhere.calagpermits.org) / the County Agricultural Commissioner's office (CDFA Apiary Registration Flyer 2026).
Origin history requiredNot published / not yet checked
Who applies / who signsEach beekeeper, apiary owner, apiary operator, broker, or person in possession of any apiary pays the registration fee on January 1 of each year and registers in each county where apiaries are located (CDFA Apiary Registration Flyer 2026).
Ant-free or equivalent certification · issued by the origin side · ant-free-certification
Inspection window not published for this state — we have not guessed it, so no latest-inspection date is counted back here.
Notice deadline not published for this state — we have not guessed it, so no notice-by date is counted back here.
Lead time not published for this state — we have not guessed it, so no apply-by date is counted back here.
FeeNot published / not yet checked
Validity windowNot published / not yet checked
Notice deadlineNot published / not yet checked
Lead timeNot published / not yet checked
What the certificate must stateVoluntary program: agricultural officials in participating origin states inspect bee shipments destined to California for pests, specifically ants, and excessive debris which may harbor ants; shipments found free of ants are issued an Ant-Free Certificate by officials in the participating state (CDFA Voluntary Ant-Free Certification Program page).
Origin history requiredNot published / not yet checked
Who applies / who signsThe certificate is issued by agricultural officials in the origin (participating) state and presented by the shipper at the California Border Protection Station. The certification is not required to enter California; CDFA urges beekeepers to have colonies inspected and certified to expedite entry. What it earns at the border (CDFA, same page): if no actionable ants are found, the certified shipment may enter under quarantine and be off-loaded at the final destination prior to inspection by the County Agricultural Commissioner; if five or fewer worker actionable ants are found, it may enter under quarantine but may not be off-loaded without prior authorization from the County Agricultural Commissioner; if more than five worker actionable ants, or any other life stage, are found, the shipment is rejected. For shipments NOT accompanied by the certificate, if any number or life stage of actionable ants are found, the shipment is rejected; rejected shipments must be cleaned and/or reconditioned and re-inspected prior to entry.
Carry checklist — Northern Plains to Texas holding to California
The paper an operator carries, in the order a border or destination inspector asks for it: first the certificates and permits to hold, then the dates that had to be hit before the truck rolled, then what is owed on arrival. Ship date: Feb 1, 2027.
1 — Paper to hold on the truck, in travel order
Step 1 — North Dakota (ND)
Registration · issued by the destination side
Who applies / who signsBefore a person may act as a beekeeper in this state, the person must be licensed by the agriculture commissioner (NDCC § 4.1-16-02(1)). The beekeeper applies: print and mail the Application for Beekeeper's License and the Application for Registration of Apiary Locations with the license fees, or complete the whole license process online at ole.ndda.nd.gov (NDDA Information for Beekeepers).
What the certificate must stateThe license application must include: the applicant's name, address, and telephone number; the maximum number of colonies to be located in or placed in this state; and the name, address, and telephone number of a resident agent authorized to accept service of process. As a condition of licensure the applicant declares that an apiary will not be placed without first obtaining the property owner's consent, and that an apiary will be relocated at the commissioner's request on the conditions stated in § 4.1-16-02(4)(b) (NDCC § 4.1-16-02).
Fee$5 (per-year) — The fee for a beekeeper's license is five dollars (NDCC § 4.1-16-06). In addition to the license fee, an applicant must submit a colony assessment in an amount equal to fifteen cents multiplied by the maximum number of colonies listed in the application (NDCC § 4.1-16-07).
Health / inspection certificate · issued by the origin side
Who applies / who signsThe beekeeper requests the inspection: the health certificate inspection is done at the request of the beekeeper, and a beekeeper who needs one after the license has been issued is told to call the department (NDDA Apiary page; NDDA Information for Beekeepers). The commissioner inspects and issues the certificate (NDCC § 4.1-16-13).
What the certificate must stateThe health inspection is for hives traveling to states that require a health certificate prior to entry; in inspections NDDA looks for pests and diseases such as Varroa mites, American foulbrood, European foulbrood, chalk brood and small hive beetles (NDDA Apiary page). The agriculture commissioner, at the request of a beekeeper, inspects an apiary for the purpose of issuing a certificate of inspection or other official document or validation (NDCC § 4.1-16-13). What the certificate must state for a given move is set by the destination state's requirements, which the beekeeper is told to check before requesting the inspection (NDDA Information for Beekeepers).
Fee$0 (per-inspection) — 'Inspections- All inspections and certificates are free.' (NDDA Information for Beekeepers). NDCC § 4.1-16-13 authorizes the commissioner to charge a fee to cover the costs of a certificate inspection; NDDA's published position is that inspections and certificates are free.
Ant-free or equivalent certification · issued by the origin side
Who applies / who signsThe beekeeper shipping directly to California contacts NDDA to participate. The program began in 2018 as an NDDA/CDFA pilot with California inspectors pre-inspecting in North Dakota; since 2020 NDDA conducts all the inspections itself (NDDA Pre-Inspection Program page).
What the certificate must stateNDDA conducts California pre-inspections in North Dakota for beekeepers shipping directly to California, under published Pre-Inspection Protocols and a Pre-Inspection Compliance Agreement; only colonies present at the time of inspection can be certified. The information needed up front is the beekeeper's name, phone number, and email address, the counties in California the beekeeper plans to visit, the entry station the beekeeper plans on using, and the dates the beekeeper expects to stockpile (NDDA Pre-Inspection Program page).
FeeNot published / not yet checked
Step 2 — South Dakota (SD)
Entry permit · issued by the destination side
Who applies / who signsThe person transporting the bees applies to the Secretary of Agriculture and Natural Resources: 'Movement of bees into South Dakota requires an entrance permit from the Secretary of Agriculture and Natural Resources. This applies to queens, nucs, packages, colonies and equipment.' (DANR Apiary Inspection Program page)
What the certificate must stateA certificate of health, pursuant to SDCL § 38-18-23, shall be filed with the secretary prior to approval of the entrance permit (SDCL § 38-18-4). The forms furnished by the secretary for registration or entrance permits contain, as necessary: the landowner's or lessee's name, address, date, and signature; the legal description of the location (county, quarter-section, section, township, and range); the crop, crop location, and number of acres to be pollinated; the date bees will be placed if the permit is temporary; a two-year history of the bees; fee calculations; and a certificate of consent to allow inspections of apiaries and honey houses (ARSD 12:41:02:03).
FeeNot published / not yet checked
Health / inspection certificate · issued by the origin side
Who applies / who signsAnyone who brings bees into the state must have a health certificate from the state of origin (DANR Apiary Inspection Program page). For movement out of the state, those who wish to move bees out of South Dakota may use the inspection service provided by the state (DANR).
What the certificate must stateThe certificate of health shall certify to the apparent freedom from regulated pests, and shall be based on actual inspection of bees and material (SDCL § 38-18-23).
FeeNot published / not yet checked
Registration · issued by the destination side
Who applies / who signsAny person owning, leasing, or possessing bees shall file an application registering the bees and each apiary with the secretary (SDCL § 38-18-3). The registration fee covers all routine inspections and sampling (DANR Apiary Inspection Program page).
What the certificate must stateThe application shall contain each location by legal description, the name of the landowner or lessee of the location, the number of colonies of bees in each apiary, and any other information required by the secretary (SDCL § 38-18-3). Before a person may apply for registration, the person must obtain from the landowner or lessee written notification to the department that the person has been authorized to place bees on the location specified (ARSD 12:41:03:01). Commercial apiaries must sit three or more miles from the nearest commercial apiary, with the hobbyist, landowner-beekeeper, and temporary-pollination-permit exceptions DANR lists (DANR; SDCL § 38-18-3.1).
Fee$16 (per-permanent-location) — SDCL § 38-18-5 as amended by 2023 House Bill 1025 (enrolled): 'Any person registering an apiary pursuant to § 38-18-3 shall pay a registration fee of sixteen dollars per permanent location and forty dollars per temporary location.' Separately, a continuing annual assessment of one dollar per location is imposed at registration for the honey industry fund (SDCL § 38-18-36).The other published figure: $11 (per-apiary) — 'The registration fee, based on a per-apiary basis, covers all routine inspections and sampling. The fee is $11 per apiary, plus $1 per apiary for the Honey Promotion Fund.' (DANR Apiary Inspection Program page — this is the pre-2023 statutory figure and does not distinguish permanent from temporary locations.)
Entry permit · issued by the destination side
Who applies / who signsThe beekeeper submits a completed application form and the $50 fee to enter into the compliance agreement with the department (DANR Apiary Inspection Program page). Bees or used bee equipment included in a compliance agreement are excepted from the thirty-day entrance-permit application duty in SDCL § 38-18-4.
What the certificate must stateNot published / not yet checked
Fee$50 (per-agreement) — 'A beekeeper who wishes to enter into a compliance agreement to facilitate interstate movement of his bees, must submit a completed application form and a fee of $50.' (DANR Apiary Inspection Program page)
Entry permit · issued by the destination side
Who applies / who signsTemporary pollination permits, available from the Department of Agriculture, are exempt from the three-mile commercial-apiary spacing limit (DANR Apiary Inspection Program page).
What the certificate must stateThe secretary shall inspect all apiaries qualifying for a temporary permit; the detection of any regulated pest is sufficient cause for revoking a temporary permit (ARSD 12:41:03:03).
FeeNot published / not yet checked
Step 3 — Nebraska (NE)
Health / inspection certificate · issued by the origin side
Who applies / who signsA Nebraska beekeeper requests it: 'NDA conducts inspections of hives when a Nebraska beekeeper requests a Bee Health Certificate for shipping their hives interstate. Requests for a Health Certificate and inspection should be sent to the NDA State Entomologist at agr.plant@nebraska.gov.' (NDA Apiary Inspection Program page) Any person may request an inspection of his or her apiary in order to obtain a certificate (§ 81-2,173(2)).
What the certificate must stateThe department issues certificates to beekeepers stating that their apiaries are apparently free from infectious or contagious diseases, parasites, or pests, after an inspection of the apiaries and payment of the certificate fee (§ 81-2,173(1)). Under 25 NAC 1-002, an apiary is 'apparently free' of American foulbrood if less than 3% of the colonies are infected and infected colonies are removed (or, if more than 3% are infected, the apiary is not moved for at least 30 days, infected colonies are removed, proper treatment is taken, and the department has reinspected and released the apiary); 'apparently free' of Varroa mites if an EPA-approved acaricide was placed in the apiary prior to inspection, or if ether roll or alcohol shake testing by the department indicates Varroa mites are not present; and 'apparently free' of Africanized honey bees if descended from breeding stock certified European under the FABIS system. No certificate to move or sell an apiary shall be issued unless the required fees have been paid and the apiary is found apparently free (25 NAC 1-002).
Fee$150 (per-inspection) — 25 NAC 1-003.02: prior to issuance of a certificate certifying that an apiary is free of infectious disease, a certificate fee shall be paid based on the number of colonies in the apiary: $150 for the inspection of 1 to 250 colonies; $200 for 251 to 500 colonies; $300 for 501 to 1,000 colonies; $400 for more than 1,000 colonies. Neb. Rev. Stat. § 81-2,174 requires the fee, set by rule, not to exceed $200 (250 colonies or less), $250 (251 to 500), $350 (501 to 1,000), or $450 (more than 1,000), paid prior to issuance of the certificate.
Step 4 — Kansas (KS)
Health / inspection certificate · issued by the origin side
Who applies / who signsThe person who owns or possesses the bees or beekeeping equipment requests the inspection and certification from the secretary of agriculture: services are provided 'upon request' (K.S.A. 2-2118; K.A.R. 4-15-8). There is no published Kansas entry-side application; this is an outbound service for shipments leaving Kansas.
What the certificate must stateUpon request the secretary may provide inspection services for purposes of determining whether bees or beekeeping equipment to be shipped meet the legal requirements of another state or country, and a report or certificate setting forth the inspection results shall be issued if requested; where any intended receiving state or country requires or authorizes certification to be based on origin, special handling, treatment, or any other procedure in addition to or in lieu of actual visual inspection, the secretary may provide such certification (K.S.A. 2-2118). K.A.R. 4-15-8(a) provides for inspection, certification, and diagnostic services upon request by the secretary of agriculture related to bees and beekeeping equipment.
Fee$30 (per-certificate) — K.A.R. 4-15-9(a): if a state certificate is required for the entry of an inspected article into another state or a foreign country, the person needing certification shall pay $30 for a certificate for a commodity or article certified for domestic shipment, or $50 for a certificate for international shipment, plus any federal certificate fee if a federal certificate is required. The inspection itself is charged under K.A.R. 4-15-8 at $45 per hour plus mileage.
Step 5 — Oklahoma (OK)
Entry permit · issued by the destination side
Who applies / who signsAny migratory beekeeper who brings bees into the state shall obtain an entry permit from the Department (OAC 35:30-38-10(a)); the Board has authority to issue entry permits to any person transporting bees or apiary equipment into this state (§ 2-3-101(D)(3)).
What the certificate must stateThe entry-permit application shall include: (1) the name and addresses of the person owning the bees; (2) the name and address of the shipper if different from the owner; (3) a complete description of the shipment; (4) the destination of the shipment; (5) the nearest town and county where the bees shall be located; (6) the legal description of where the bees shall be located; (7) the name and address of the person or land owner receiving the bees; (8) the approximate date of the shipment; and (9) a certificate of inspection signed by the official apiary inspector or entomologist of the state, territory, or country from which the bees are shipped, stating that the bees are apparently free of diseases and pests and based on an actual inspection performed not more than three (3) months prior to the date of shipment (OAC 35:30-38-10(b)).
Fee$100 (per-operation) — 'The entry permit fee for migratory beekeepers moving colonies of bees into this state shall be One Hundred Dollars ($100.00).' (OAC 35:2-3-26(b), reprinted in ODAFF's Oklahoma Apiary Act & Rules; the same fee schedule appears at OAC 35:30-38-13). The Act requires an entry inspection fee as established by the Department to be provided prior to entry (§ 2-3-117.1(A)(2)).
Health / inspection certificate · issued by the origin side
Who applies / who signsThe official apiary inspector or entomologist of the state of origin signs the certificate; the migratory beekeeper or person shipping or transporting bees into Oklahoma provides a copy to ODAFF before entry (OAC 35:30-38-10(b)(9); § 2-3-117.1(A)(3)).
What the certificate must stateA certificate of inspection signed by the official apiary inspector or entomologist of the state, territory, or country from which the bees are shipped, stating that the bees are apparently free of diseases and pests (OAC 35:30-38-10(b)(9)). 'Certificate of inspection' is defined as a document issued based on an inspection by the Department or another state or province stating that the apiary, bees, and apiary equipment appear free of bee diseases and pests (§ 2-3-100.1(8)). Any apiary, apiary equipment, bee, or hive shipped or transported interstate shall be accompanied with a certificate of inspection issued by the state of origin (§ 2-3-106(B)).
FeeNot published / not yet checked
Registration · issued by the destination side
Who applies / who signsVoluntary: the voluntary registration program is available for any person establishing, maintaining, or locating an apiary in this state, for any person shipping bees into this state, and for migratory beekeepers transporting colonies of bees into this state (§ 2-3-113(A)).
What the certificate must stateUpon registration the Department issues a registration identification number, which a registrant may use on signs or other identification devices in lieu of personal contact information (§ 2-3-113(B)). A certificate of registration is issued containing a registration number which shall be clearly displayed at each apiary location on a permanent sign, with letters and numbers at least one and one-half (1½) inches in height and in a contrasting color (OAC 35:30-38-3(b)). A person who does not register must instead post personal contact information at or near the apiary (§ 2-3-113(B)); the rules require the owner's name, address, and telephone number on a permanent sign (OAC 35:30-38-4).
Fee$10 (per-year) — 'The fee for any person registering pursuant to the Oklahoma Apiary Act shall be Ten Dollars ($10.00).' (OAC 35:2-3-26(a)) Registrants pay the fees established by the Board to the Board prior to processing of the registration (§ 2-3-113(C)). By contrast, the entry permit fee for migratory beekeepers moving colonies into the state is $100 (OAC 35:2-3-26(b)).
Health / inspection certificate · issued by the origin side
Who applies / who signsA person may request the Department to inspect their apiary, colony, hive, apiary equipment, or premise to obtain a certificate of inspection (§ 2-3-116(A)). The inspection request must be in writing and include the owner's name, address, and telephone number, the number of colonies to be inspected, and the name of the destination state if applicable (OAC 35:30-38-5(b)(1)). Requested inspections are limited to availability of time and personnel (§ 2-3-117(B)).
What the certificate must stateUpon completion of the requested inspection the Department shall issue a certificate of inspection showing that the apiary, colony, hive, apiary equipment, or premise is either: (1) apparently free of bee diseases or pests, or (2) not free of bee diseases or pests, including a list of all diseases or pests found (§ 2-3-116(B)). Inspection procedure under the rules: hives are selected by a random-number table, and a minimum of fifteen (15) hives must be inspected, or all colonies if fewer than 15 are owned; a minimum of fifteen percent (15%) of the hives to be certified must be opened and inspected (OAC 35:30-38-5(c)).
Fee$10 (per-inspection) — Inspection fees by number of hives listed on the certificate: 1 to 25 hives $10; 26 to 50 hives $25; 51 to 100 hives $50; 101 to 250 hives $75; 251 to 500 hives $100; 501 to 1,000 hives $200; more than 1,000 hives $250 — charged at the time of inspection (OAC 35:2-3-26(c)). Fees are due within thirty (30) days after the inspection is completed; late payment draws a penalty of ten percent (10%) of the amount due or Ten Dollars ($10.00), whichever is greater (OAC 35:2-3-26(e)).
Step 6 — Texas (TX)
Entry permit · issued by the destination side
Who applies / who signsThe person shipping bees or equipment into or out of Texas applies to the chief apiary inspector (TAIS). TAIS publishes an Interstate Permit Application form; completed forms with payment are sent to Texas Apiary Inspection Service, 2475 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-2475 (TAIS Forms & Fees). TAIS Regulations states: 'If bees are brought into the state from outside the border, then the beekeeper must have a health certificate and an interstate permit ($200). The health certificate can originate from the same state as the bees, but the Texas interstate permit is required.'
What the certificate must stateAn application must include all information required by the chief apiary inspector (§ 131.041(c)). A shipment originating outside Texas requires, before it may enter, either (1) a certificate of inspection signed by the official apiary inspector or entomologist of the state, territory, or country of origin, or (2) an inspection of the shipment by the chief apiary inspector of Texas not more than 12 months before the date of shipment (§ 131.041(d)). The inspector issues the permit if satisfied the shipments do not pose a threat to disease and pest control in the beekeeping industry (§ 131.041(f)). The statute (§ 131.041(h)) requires a fee for each permit, set at an amount reasonable in relation to the costs of administering the section; TAIS publishes the amount as $200 (Forms & Fees).
Fee$200 (per-year) — Interstate Permit – $200.00; this permit will be valid for any state line movement between Sept. 1st through Aug. 31st of each year. (TAIS Forms & Fees)
Health / inspection certificate · issued by the origin side
Who applies / who signsThe certificate is signed by the official apiary inspector or entomologist of the state, territory, or country from which the bees are shipped (§ 131.041(d)(1)); the alternative published route is an inspection of the shipment by the chief apiary inspector of Texas not more than 12 months before shipment (§ 131.041(d)(2)). TAIS Regulations: the health certificate can originate from the same state as the bees, but the Texas interstate permit is separately required.
What the certificate must stateThe certificate must certify that the bees or equipment 'are apparently free from disease and reportable pests based on an actual inspection conducted not more than 12 months before the date of the shipment' (Tex. Agric. Code § 131.041(e)). TAIS's published reportable pests and diseases are American Foulbrood (AFB), Tropilaelaps Mites, and Yellow Legged Hornet (TAIS Regulations).
FeeNot published / not yet checked
Health / inspection certificate · issued by the destination side
Who applies / who signsRequested by the beekeeper from TAIS. TAIS Regulations distinguishes the tiers: commercial beekeeping operations are required to have a health inspection from the state agency upon movement across state lines; small-scale operations can request a health inspection for the $100 fee. (TAIS Forms & Fees separately lists a Queen Breeder Inspection at $300.00, an Apiary Equipment Brand at $10.00, and an official extra copy of a permit at $10.00.)
What the certificate must stateNot published / not yet checked
Fee$100 (per-inspection) — Apiary Inspection (requested by beekeeper) – $100.00 (TAIS Forms & Fees); TAIS Regulations: 'Small-scale operations can request a health inspection for a fee ($100).'
Registration · issued by the destination side
Who applies / who signsThe beekeeper applies to TAIS (Beekeeper Registration Application, Forms & Fees). Registration is distinct from the interstate permit: 'The state of Texas does not require a beekeeper to register' (TAIS Regulations), but a beekeeper must maintain a beekeeper registration in force with TAIS to legally perform bee removal in Texas (an exemption from the structural pest control section of the Texas Occupation Code, Chapter 1951.056), and registration may be required for participation in other programs.
What the certificate must stateNot published / not yet checked
Fee$35 (per-year) — Beekeeper Registration – $35.00; Registration will be valid from Sept. 1st through Aug. 31st of each year. It will not be mandatory by state law but may be required for participation in other programs. (TAIS Forms & Fees)
Step 7 — New Mexico (NM)
Health / inspection certificate · issued by the origin side
Who applies / who signsThe certificate is signed by an authorized apiary inspector of the state of origin; the commercial beekeeper files it with the New Mexico Department of Agriculture before movement and notifies the department after arrival (21.27.2.10 NMAC; Bee Act § 76-9-11(A)). The beekeeper pays the actual cost of the department's initial post-arrival inspection and of subsequent inspections required because of contagious disease (§ 76-9-11(A)) — an actual-cost duty, not a published fee amount, so the fee fact is Unknown.
What the certificate must state'No colonies or equipment shall be moved into the state, unless accompanied by a certificate of inspection signed by an authorized apiary inspector of the state from which the bees originated. The certificate of inspection shall state that the colonies are apparently free of contagious disease, and shall meet other requirements as designated by the board' (Bee Act § 76-9-11(A)).
FeeNot published / not yet checked
Registration · issued by the destination side
Who applies / who signsEach commercial beekeeper registers each commercial apiary location with the New Mexico Department of Agriculture (Bee Act § 76-9-10; 21.27.2.9 NMAC). Registration is forfeited if the beekeeper does not place at least the required number of colonies at the location for a minimum of fifteen (15) days during any one of two consecutive registration periods (21.27.2.9(D) NMAC).
What the certificate must stateEach commercial beekeeper shall register the location of each commercial apiary under his control with the department and give an accurate description of the location of each commercial apiary (Bee Act § 76-9-10). 'Commercial apiary' means any location north of Interstate Highway 40 where fifteen (15) or more bee colonies are located, or south of Interstate Highway 40 where twenty-five (25) or more bee colonies are located (21.27.2.7 NMAC).
Fee$3 (per-apiary-per-year) — The annual registration fee of each commercial apiary shall be three dollars ($3.00), provided that no commercial beekeeper shall pay more than two-hundred dollars ($200) in apiary registration fees (21.27.2.9(B) NMAC). The Bee Act § 76-9-10 caps the board-set registration fee at not more than five dollars ($5.00) for each commercial apiary and $200 in any one year.
Health / inspection certificate · issued by the destination side
Who applies / who signsEach beekeeper that manages bees applies to the New Mexico Department of Agriculture for the annual inspection certificate (Bee Act § 76-9-6). This is an in-state annual certificate, distinct from the origin-state import certificate.
What the certificate must stateThe certificate is issued by the department upon completion of the apiary inspection and 'shall state the colonies and apiaries that are apparently free of contagious disease and the colonies and apiaries that are infected with contagious disease' (Bee Act § 76-9-6).
FeeNot published / not yet checked
Entry permit · issued by the destination side
Who applies / who signsA commercial beekeeper placing colonies for pollination within one and one-half (1 1/2) miles of another beekeeper's registered apiary must obtain a pollination permit, on a form supplied by the department (21.27.2.11 NMAC). Under Bee Act § 76-9-9, no apiary may be moved or established closer than one and one-half miles from an existing registered commercial apiary (unless the apiary owner also owns the location), and a beekeeper using colonies for pollination within the board-specified distance applies to the department for a special pollination permit, granted only if the colonies are apparently free of contagious disease. Colonies placed without a pollination permit are a violation subject to the penalties in § 76-9-13 (21.27.2.11(C) NMAC).
What the certificate must stateNot published / not yet checked
FeeNot published / not yet checked
Step 8 — Arizona (AZ)
Advance notice · issued by the destination side
Who applies / who signsThe owner of the bees: 'Before locating bees on an apiary site, the owner of the bees shall obtain the landowner's or lessee's permission and notify in writing persons engaged in commercial agriculture on whose land the bees may forage' (A.R.S. § 3-367.02(A)). After receiving the notice, the commercial-agriculture operator must inform the beekeeper, before application, when a bee-sensitive pesticide will be applied to the area in which the bees are foraging (§ 3-367.02(B)).
What the certificate must stateThe written notice 'shall include the beekeeper's address and telephone number, the location of the hives within a quarter section and the exact dates that the bees will be in the area' (A.R.S. § 3-367.02(A)).
FeeNot published / not yet checked
Step 9 — California (CA)
Health / inspection certificate · issued by the origin side
Who applies / who signsThe certificate must be signed by the State Entomologist, State Apiary Inspector, or comparable officer in charge of apiary inspection for the state or territory of origin (FAC § 29122). It must accompany each separate load, lot, or shipment of comb, bees on comb, queen bees, package bees, bee semen, or any used hive or used appliance imported or transported into California (§ 29120).
What the certificate must stateThe certificate must certify to all of the following (FAC § 29122): (a) the name and address of the owner or shipper and the place of destination in this state; (b) the number or amount of queen bees, package bees, bee semen, hives, or nuclei that contain bees, the number of used hives either empty or containing comb, and a complete list of any other used beekeeping equipment in the shipment; (c) the county and state or territory of origin; (d) the date on which inspection was last made of the apiary in which the bees, comb, used hives, and appliances originated; (e) that the apiary was found free of all pests denoted as pests by the State of California, using detection procedures and methods approved by the secretary; (f) if the pest is American foulbrood, the total number of colonies in the apiary at the time of inspection and the number of colonies found infested; (g) that all American foulbrood colonies found upon inspection were destroyed, removed to a quarantine apiary, removed to wax salvage, or otherwise destroyed by specified methods pursuant to Section 29208, before issuance of the certificate.
FeeNot published / not yet checked
Health / inspection certificate · issued by the origin side
Who applies / who signsBeekeepers or their agents using the Section 29123 return route 'shall carry a copy of the certificate with them and proof of ownership of the apiary and its contents, for production to the border inspectors on demand upon reentry' (FAC § 29123).
What the certificate must stateThe California certificate must show the comb, bees on comb, or hives or appliances were inspected in California within the 12 months prior to return and at the time of inspection were found to have had less than 1 percent American foulbrood disease (FAC § 29123).
FeeNot published / not yet checked
Registration · issued by the destination side
Who applies / who signsEach beekeeper, apiary owner, apiary operator, broker, or person in possession of any apiary pays the registration fee on January 1 of each year and registers in each county where apiaries are located (CDFA Apiary Registration Flyer 2026).
What the certificate must stateRegistration is required in each county where apiaries are located, and is required of all beekeepers including beekeepers entering the state for pollination services. All bee brokers are required to register each year and identify all beekeepers they represent; the broker fee is an annual flat rate regardless of the number of colonies managed, and each beekeeper operating under a broker must also pay an annual registration fee. Registration is filed through BeeWhere (BeeWhere.calagpermits.org) / the County Agricultural Commissioner's office (CDFA Apiary Registration Flyer 2026).
FeeApiary registration fee schedule, 3 CCR Section 2951 (filed and effective March 20, 2025), paid January 1 of each year, based on the total number of colonies and not on a per-colony basis: 1-9 colonies $10.00; 10-49 colonies $100.00; 50+ colonies $250.00; Broker $250.00. The broker fee is a flat rate annually regardless of the number of colonies managed and is valid through December 31 of each year.
Ant-free or equivalent certification · issued by the origin side
Who applies / who signsThe certificate is issued by agricultural officials in the origin (participating) state and presented by the shipper at the California Border Protection Station. The certification is not required to enter California; CDFA urges beekeepers to have colonies inspected and certified to expedite entry. What it earns at the border (CDFA, same page): if no actionable ants are found, the certified shipment may enter under quarantine and be off-loaded at the final destination prior to inspection by the County Agricultural Commissioner; if five or fewer worker actionable ants are found, it may enter under quarantine but may not be off-loaded without prior authorization from the County Agricultural Commissioner; if more than five worker actionable ants, or any other life stage, are found, the shipment is rejected. For shipments NOT accompanied by the certificate, if any number or life stage of actionable ants are found, the shipment is rejected; rejected shipments must be cleaned and/or reconditioned and re-inspected prior to entry.
What the certificate must stateVoluntary program: agricultural officials in participating origin states inspect bee shipments destined to California for pests, specifically ants, and excessive debris which may harbor ants; shipments found free of ants are issued an Ant-Free Certificate by officials in the participating state (CDFA Voluntary Ant-Free Certification Program page).
FeeNot published / not yet checked
2 — Dates to have hit before the truck rolls
| State | Instrument | Working date | Counted from |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Dakota | Registration | This is published (see the fact below), but not as a count of days or months tied to the shipment that can be counted back from a ship date — we have not guessed a date from it. | Published · Checked Oct 20, 2026 · Source: North Dakota Century Code, Title 4.1, Chapter 4.1-16 — Beekeeping (statute text via Justia) |
| North Dakota | Registration | This is published (see the fact below), but not as a count of days or months tied to the shipment that can be counted back from a ship date — we have not guessed a date from it. | Published · Checked Oct 20, 2026 · Source: North Dakota Century Code, Title 4.1, Chapter 4.1-16 — Beekeeping (statute text via Justia) |
| North Dakota | Registration | Apply / file by (counted back over the published lead time): Jan 18, 2027 — computed from the facts on the route view | Published · Checked Oct 20, 2026 · Source: North Dakota Department of Agriculture — Information for Beekeepers |
| North Dakota | Health / inspection certificate | Inspection window not published for this state — we have not guessed it, so no latest-inspection date is counted back here. | Not published / not yet checked · Looked on Oct 20, 2026 |
| North Dakota | Health / inspection certificate | Notice deadline not published for this state — we have not guessed it, so no notice-by date is counted back here. | Not published / not yet checked · Looked on Oct 20, 2026 |
| North Dakota | Health / inspection certificate | Lead time not published for this state — we have not guessed it, so no apply-by date is counted back here. | Not published / not yet checked · Looked on Oct 20, 2026 |
| North Dakota | Ant-free or equivalent certification | Inspection window not published for this state — we have not guessed it, so no latest-inspection date is counted back here. | Not published / not yet checked · Looked on Oct 20, 2026 |
| North Dakota | Ant-free or equivalent certification | Notice deadline not published for this state — we have not guessed it, so no notice-by date is counted back here. | Not published / not yet checked · Looked on Oct 20, 2026 |
| North Dakota | Ant-free or equivalent certification | Apply / file by (counted back over the published lead time): Jan 18, 2027 — computed from the facts on the route view | Published · Checked Oct 20, 2026 · Source: North Dakota Department of Agriculture — Pre-Inspection Program (Apiary) |
| South Dakota | Entry permit | Inspection window not published for this state — we have not guessed it, so no latest-inspection date is counted back here. | Not published / not yet checked · Looked on Oct 20, 2026 |
| South Dakota | Entry permit | Notice by: Jan 2, 2027 — computed from the facts on the route view | Published · Checked Oct 20, 2026 · Source: South Dakota Codified Laws § 38-18-4 (South Dakota Legislature) |
| South Dakota | Entry permit | Apply / file by (counted back over the published lead time): Jan 2, 2027 — computed from the facts on the route view | Published · Checked Oct 20, 2026 · Source: South Dakota Codified Laws § 38-18-4 (South Dakota Legislature) |
| South Dakota | Health / inspection certificate | Latest inspection date: Nov 3, 2026 — computed from the facts on the route view | Published · Checked Oct 20, 2026 · Source: South Dakota Codified Laws § 38-18-23 (statute text via Justia) |
| South Dakota | Health / inspection certificate | Notice by: Jan 2, 2027 — computed from the facts on the route view | Published · Checked Oct 20, 2026 · Source: South Dakota Codified Laws § 38-18-4 (South Dakota Legislature) |
| South Dakota | Health / inspection certificate | Lead time not published for this state — we have not guessed it, so no apply-by date is counted back here. | Not published / not yet checked · Looked on Oct 20, 2026 |
| South Dakota | Registration | This is published (see the fact below), but not as a count of days or months tied to the shipment that can be counted back from a ship date — we have not guessed a date from it. | Published · Checked Oct 20, 2026 · Source: South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources — Apiary Program, Inspection Program |
| South Dakota | Registration | Notice deadline not published for this state — we have not guessed it, so no notice-by date is counted back here. | Not published / not yet checked · Looked on Oct 20, 2026 |
| South Dakota | Registration | This is published (see the fact below), but not as a count of days or months tied to the shipment that can be counted back from a ship date — we have not guessed a date from it. | Published · Checked Oct 20, 2026 · Source: South Dakota Codified Laws § 38-18-3 (statute text via Justia) |
| South Dakota | Entry permit | Inspection window not published for this state — we have not guessed it, so no latest-inspection date is counted back here. | Not published / not yet checked · Looked on Oct 20, 2026 |
| South Dakota | Entry permit | Notice deadline not published for this state — we have not guessed it, so no notice-by date is counted back here. | Not published / not yet checked · Looked on Oct 20, 2026 |
| South Dakota | Entry permit | Lead time not published for this state — we have not guessed it, so no apply-by date is counted back here. | Not published / not yet checked · Looked on Oct 20, 2026 |
| South Dakota | Entry permit | This is published (see the fact below), but not as a count of days or months tied to the shipment that can be counted back from a ship date — we have not guessed a date from it. | Published · Checked Oct 20, 2026 · Source: South Dakota Administrative Rules 12:41:03 (South Dakota Legislature) |
| South Dakota | Entry permit | Notice deadline not published for this state — we have not guessed it, so no notice-by date is counted back here. | Not published / not yet checked · Looked on Oct 20, 2026 |
| South Dakota | Entry permit | Lead time not published for this state — we have not guessed it, so no apply-by date is counted back here. | Not published / not yet checked · Looked on Oct 20, 2026 |
| Nebraska | Health / inspection certificate | Latest inspection date: Feb 1, 2026 — computed from the facts on the route view | Published · Checked Oct 20, 2026 · Source: Nebraska Apiary Act, Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 81-2,165 to 81-2,180 (Nebraska Legislature) |
| Nebraska | Health / inspection certificate | Notice deadline not published for this state — we have not guessed it, so no notice-by date is counted back here. | Not published / not yet checked · Looked on Oct 20, 2026 |
| Nebraska | Health / inspection certificate | Lead time not published for this state — we have not guessed it, so no apply-by date is counted back here. | Not published / not yet checked · Looked on Oct 20, 2026 |
| Kansas | Health / inspection certificate | Inspection window not published for this state — we have not guessed it, so no latest-inspection date is counted back here. | Not published / not yet checked · Looked on Oct 20, 2026 |
| Kansas | Health / inspection certificate | Notice deadline not published for this state — we have not guessed it, so no notice-by date is counted back here. | Not published / not yet checked · Looked on Oct 20, 2026 |
| Kansas | Health / inspection certificate | Lead time not published for this state — we have not guessed it, so no apply-by date is counted back here. | Not published / not yet checked · Looked on Oct 20, 2026 |
| Oklahoma | Entry permit | Inspection window not published for this state — we have not guessed it, so no latest-inspection date is counted back here. | Not published / not yet checked · Looked on Oct 20, 2026 |
| Oklahoma | Entry permit | Notice deadline not published for this state — we have not guessed it, so no notice-by date is counted back here. | Not published / not yet checked · Looked on Oct 20, 2026 |
| Oklahoma | Entry permit | This is published (see the fact below), but not as a count of days or months tied to the shipment that can be counted back from a ship date — we have not guessed a date from it. | Published · Checked Oct 20, 2026 · Source: Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry — Oklahoma Apiary Act & Rules (Title 2 §§ 2-3-100 to 2-3-122; OAC 35:30-38; OAC 35:2-3-26), Consumer Protection Services Division (ag.ok.gov) |
| Oklahoma | Health / inspection certificate | Latest inspection date: Nov 1, 2026 — computed from the facts on the route view | Published · Checked Oct 20, 2026 · Source: Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry — Oklahoma Apiary Act & Rules (Title 2 §§ 2-3-100 to 2-3-122; OAC 35:30-38; OAC 35:2-3-26), Consumer Protection Services Division (ag.ok.gov) |
| Oklahoma | Health / inspection certificate | This is published (see the fact below), but not as a count of days or months tied to the shipment that can be counted back from a ship date — we have not guessed a date from it. | Published · Checked Oct 20, 2026 · Source: Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry — Oklahoma Apiary Act & Rules (Title 2 §§ 2-3-100 to 2-3-122; OAC 35:30-38; OAC 35:2-3-26), Consumer Protection Services Division (ag.ok.gov) |
| Oklahoma | Health / inspection certificate | Lead time not published for this state — we have not guessed it, so no apply-by date is counted back here. | Not published / not yet checked · Looked on Oct 20, 2026 |
| Oklahoma | Registration | This is published (see the fact below), but not as a count of days or months tied to the shipment that can be counted back from a ship date — we have not guessed a date from it. | Published · Checked Oct 20, 2026 · Source: Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry — Oklahoma Apiary Act & Rules (Title 2 §§ 2-3-100 to 2-3-122; OAC 35:30-38; OAC 35:2-3-26), Consumer Protection Services Division (ag.ok.gov) |
| Oklahoma | Registration | Notice deadline not published for this state — we have not guessed it, so no notice-by date is counted back here. | Not published / not yet checked · Looked on Oct 20, 2026 |
| Oklahoma | Registration | Lead time not published for this state — we have not guessed it, so no apply-by date is counted back here. | Not published / not yet checked · Looked on Oct 20, 2026 |
| Oklahoma | Health / inspection certificate | Inspection window not published for this state — we have not guessed it, so no latest-inspection date is counted back here. | Not published / not yet checked · Looked on Oct 20, 2026 |
| Oklahoma | Health / inspection certificate | Notice deadline not published for this state — we have not guessed it, so no notice-by date is counted back here. | Not published / not yet checked · Looked on Oct 20, 2026 |
| Oklahoma | Health / inspection certificate | Lead time not published for this state — we have not guessed it, so no apply-by date is counted back here. | Not published / not yet checked · Looked on Oct 20, 2026 |
| Texas | Entry permit | This is published (see the fact below), but not as a count of days or months tied to the shipment that can be counted back from a ship date — we have not guessed a date from it. | Published · Checked Oct 20, 2026 · Source: Texas Agriculture Code § 131.041 — Permit for Interstate Movement (statute text as amended by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., Ch. 882 (H.B. 4538), via Texas.Public.Law) |
| Texas | Entry permit | Notice deadline not published for this state — we have not guessed it, so no notice-by date is counted back here. | Not published / not yet checked · Looked on Oct 20, 2026 |
| Texas | Entry permit | Apply / file by (counted back over the published lead time): Jan 22, 2027 — computed from the facts on the route view | Published · Checked Oct 20, 2026 · Source: Texas Agriculture Code § 131.041 — Permit for Interstate Movement (statute text as amended by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., Ch. 882 (H.B. 4538), via Texas.Public.Law) |
| Texas | Health / inspection certificate | Latest inspection date: Feb 1, 2026 — computed from the facts on the route view | Published · Checked Oct 20, 2026 · Source: Texas Apiary Inspection Service (TAIS) — Regulations |
| Texas | Health / inspection certificate | Notice deadline not published for this state — we have not guessed it, so no notice-by date is counted back here. | Not published / not yet checked · Looked on Oct 20, 2026 |
| Texas | Health / inspection certificate | Lead time not published for this state — we have not guessed it, so no apply-by date is counted back here. | Not published / not yet checked · Looked on Oct 20, 2026 |
| Texas | Health / inspection certificate | Latest inspection date: Feb 1, 2026 — computed from the facts on the route view | Published · Checked Oct 20, 2026 · Source: Texas Apiary Inspection Service (TAIS) — Regulations |
| Texas | Health / inspection certificate | Notice deadline not published for this state — we have not guessed it, so no notice-by date is counted back here. | Not published / not yet checked · Looked on Oct 20, 2026 |
| Texas | Health / inspection certificate | Lead time not published for this state — we have not guessed it, so no apply-by date is counted back here. | Not published / not yet checked · Looked on Oct 20, 2026 |
| Texas | Registration | This is published (see the fact below), but not as a count of days or months tied to the shipment that can be counted back from a ship date — we have not guessed a date from it. | Published · Checked Oct 20, 2026 · Source: Texas Apiary Inspection Service (TAIS) — Forms & Fees |
| Texas | Registration | Notice deadline not published for this state — we have not guessed it, so no notice-by date is counted back here. | Not published / not yet checked · Looked on Oct 20, 2026 |
| Texas | Registration | This is published (see the fact below), but not as a count of days or months tied to the shipment that can be counted back from a ship date — we have not guessed a date from it. | Published · Checked Oct 20, 2026 · Source: Texas Apiary Inspection Service (TAIS) — Regulations |
| New Mexico | Health / inspection certificate | Latest inspection date: Jan 2, 2027 — computed from the facts on the route view | Published · Checked Oct 20, 2026 · Source: New Mexico Administrative Code 21.27.2 — Commercial Apiaries (NM State Records Center and Archives, srca.nm.gov) |
| New Mexico | Health / inspection certificate | Notice by: Jan 22, 2027 — computed from the facts on the route view | Published · Checked Oct 20, 2026 · Source: New Mexico Administrative Code 21.27.2 — Commercial Apiaries (NM State Records Center and Archives, srca.nm.gov) |
| New Mexico | Health / inspection certificate | Apply / file by (counted back over the published lead time): Jan 22, 2027 — computed from the facts on the route view | Published · Checked Oct 20, 2026 · Source: New Mexico Administrative Code 21.27.2 — Commercial Apiaries (NM State Records Center and Archives, srca.nm.gov) |
| New Mexico | Registration | This is published (see the fact below), but not as a count of days or months tied to the shipment that can be counted back from a ship date — we have not guessed a date from it. | Published · Checked Oct 20, 2026 · Source: New Mexico Administrative Code 21.27.2 — Commercial Apiaries (NM State Records Center and Archives, srca.nm.gov) |
| New Mexico | Registration | Notice deadline not published for this state — we have not guessed it, so no notice-by date is counted back here. | Not published / not yet checked · Looked on Oct 20, 2026 |
| New Mexico | Registration | This is published (see the fact below), but not as a count of days or months tied to the shipment that can be counted back from a ship date — we have not guessed a date from it. | Published · Checked Oct 20, 2026 · Source: New Mexico Administrative Code 21.27.2 — Commercial Apiaries (NM State Records Center and Archives, srca.nm.gov) |
| New Mexico | Health / inspection certificate | This is published (see the fact below), but not as a count of days or months tied to the shipment that can be counted back from a ship date — we have not guessed a date from it. | Published · Checked Oct 20, 2026 · Source: New Mexico Bee Act, NMSA 1978 §§ 76-9-1 to 76-9-13 (statute text, hosted by New Mexico State University San Juan County Extension) |
| New Mexico | Health / inspection certificate | Notice deadline not published for this state — we have not guessed it, so no notice-by date is counted back here. | Not published / not yet checked · Looked on Oct 20, 2026 |
| New Mexico | Health / inspection certificate | Lead time not published for this state — we have not guessed it, so no apply-by date is counted back here. | Not published / not yet checked · Looked on Oct 20, 2026 |
| New Mexico | Entry permit | This is published (see the fact below), but not as a count of days or months tied to the shipment that can be counted back from a ship date — we have not guessed a date from it. | Published · Checked Oct 20, 2026 · Source: New Mexico Bee Act, NMSA 1978 §§ 76-9-1 to 76-9-13 (statute text, hosted by New Mexico State University San Juan County Extension) |
| New Mexico | Entry permit | Notice deadline not published for this state — we have not guessed it, so no notice-by date is counted back here. | Not published / not yet checked · Looked on Oct 20, 2026 |
| New Mexico | Entry permit | This is published (see the fact below), but not as a count of days or months tied to the shipment that can be counted back from a ship date — we have not guessed a date from it. | Published · Checked Oct 20, 2026 · Source: New Mexico Administrative Code 21.27.2 — Commercial Apiaries (NM State Records Center and Archives, srca.nm.gov) |
| Arizona | Advance notice | Inspection window not published for this state — we have not guessed it, so no latest-inspection date is counted back here. | Not published / not yet checked · Looked on Oct 20, 2026 |
| Arizona | Advance notice | This is published (see the fact below), but not as a count of days or months tied to the shipment that can be counted back from a ship date — we have not guessed a date from it. | Published · Checked Oct 20, 2026 · Source: Arizona Revised Statutes § 3-367.02 — Notification by beekeepers of bees located in a commercial agricultural area (Arizona State Legislature, azleg.gov) |
| Arizona | Advance notice | This is published (see the fact below), but not as a count of days or months tied to the shipment that can be counted back from a ship date — we have not guessed a date from it. | Published · Checked Oct 20, 2026 · Source: Arizona Revised Statutes § 3-367.02 — Notification by beekeepers of bees located in a commercial agricultural area (Arizona State Legislature, azleg.gov) |
| California | Health / inspection certificate | This is published (see the fact below), but not as a count of days or months tied to the shipment that can be counted back from a ship date — we have not guessed a date from it. | Published · Checked Oct 20, 2026 · Source: California Food and Agricultural Code, Division 13, Chapter 1, Article 9 — Importation (§§ 29120–29128, statute text, via LawServer) |
| California | Health / inspection certificate | This is published (see the fact below), but not as a count of days or months tied to the shipment that can be counted back from a ship date — we have not guessed a date from it. | Published · Checked Oct 20, 2026 · Source: California Food and Agricultural Code § 29120 (statute text, via LawServer) |
| California | Health / inspection certificate | Lead time not published for this state — we have not guessed it, so no apply-by date is counted back here. | Not published / not yet checked · Looked on Oct 20, 2026 |
| California | Health / inspection certificate | Latest inspection date: Feb 1, 2026 — computed from the facts on the route view | Published · Checked Oct 20, 2026 · Source: California Food and Agricultural Code § 29123 (statute text, via LawServer) |
| California | Health / inspection certificate | Notice deadline not published for this state — we have not guessed it, so no notice-by date is counted back here. | Not published / not yet checked · Looked on Oct 20, 2026 |
| California | Health / inspection certificate | Lead time not published for this state — we have not guessed it, so no apply-by date is counted back here. | Not published / not yet checked · Looked on Oct 20, 2026 |
| California | Registration | This is published (see the fact below), but not as a count of days or months tied to the shipment that can be counted back from a ship date — we have not guessed a date from it. | Published · Checked Oct 20, 2026 · Source: CDFA Apiary Protection Program — Apiary Registration Flyer 2026 (FAC Div. 13 §§29040–29045) |
| California | Registration | Notice deadline not published for this state — we have not guessed it, so no notice-by date is counted back here. | Not published / not yet checked · Looked on Oct 20, 2026 |
| California | Registration | This is published (see the fact below), but not as a count of days or months tied to the shipment that can be counted back from a ship date — we have not guessed a date from it. | Published · Checked Oct 20, 2026 · Source: CDFA Apiary Protection Program — Apiary Registration Flyer 2026 (FAC Div. 13 §§29040–29045) |
| California | Ant-free or equivalent certification | Inspection window not published for this state — we have not guessed it, so no latest-inspection date is counted back here. | Not published / not yet checked · Looked on Oct 20, 2026 |
| California | Ant-free or equivalent certification | Notice deadline not published for this state — we have not guessed it, so no notice-by date is counted back here. | Not published / not yet checked · Looked on Oct 20, 2026 |
| California | Ant-free or equivalent certification | Lead time not published for this state — we have not guessed it, so no apply-by date is counted back here. | Not published / not yet checked · Looked on Oct 20, 2026 |
3 — On arrival, in travel order
Step 1 — North Dakota (ND)
Border and destination inspectionNo border-station inspection regime for incoming bees is published. The published inspection reality is in-state: NDDA staff routinely travel the state to check hives for pests, diseases and compliance with state law; external inspections check that hives are registered and have signs posted, and can be random or complaint-driven (NDDA Apiary page; NDDA Information for Beekeepers page).
Step 2 — South Dakota (SD)
Border and destination inspectionNo border-station inspection is published. The Secretary of Agriculture and Natural Resources or his representative has authority to inspect bee colonies to determine the presence of any bee disease or regulated pest; if unacceptable levels of disease or pest are found, the beekeeper is ordered to eliminate the problem, and a beekeeper who fails to do so becomes liable for all cost incurred in abating the disease or pest (DANR Apiary Inspection Program page). Under ARSD 12:41:03:03 the secretary shall inspect all apiaries qualifying for a temporary permit.
Step 3 — Nebraska (NE)
Border and destination inspectionNo border-station inspection is published. Department officers may inspect or reinspect at any time or place any bees, bee products, or used bee equipment shipped in or into this state, and may stop any pedestrian, motor car, or other vehicle which the officer believes to be carrying bees, comb, or used bee equipment contrary to the Apiary Act (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 81-2,167).
Step 5 — Oklahoma (OK)
County layerNo county filing duty is published. The entry-permit application instead fixes the in-state location by county: it must state the nearest town and county where the bees shall be located and the legal description of where the bees shall be located (OAC 35:30-38-10(b)(5)-(6)). Separately, no county, municipality, or other political subdivision may adopt or maintain any ordinance prohibiting, impeding, or restricting the establishment or maintenance of honeybees in hives, although local zoning authority to establish appropriate locations for apiaries is preserved (§ 2-3-125).
Border and destination inspectionNo border-station inspection regime is published. The Department may inspect any bees or vehicles transporting bees entering the state at any time (§ 2-3-117.1(D)), and the Board or its agents may enter any premises or mode of transportation during normal business hours or during times of agricultural or public activity to implement the provisions of the Oklahoma Apiary Act (§ 2-3-101(A)).
Passing throughThrough-movement is not exempted; the published transit rule is a securing duty plus the origin-certificate duty: 'Any person moving or transporting colonies into, within, or through the State of Oklahoma shall secure the colonies in a manner that prevents the escape of bees.' (§ 2-3-106(C)) Any apiary, apiary equipment, bee, or hive shipped or transported interstate shall be accompanied with a certificate of inspection issued by the state of origin (§ 2-3-106(B)), and honey or honey products used in the shipping cages of package bees shall be boiled for at least thirty (30) minutes (§ 2-3-106(D)).
Step 6 — Texas (TX)
County layerNo county filing duty for interstate entry is published by TAIS. TAIS notes on its Regulations page: 'Other regulations that may apply to beekeepers can be found in the local city or county ordinances' (and homeowner association rules may also apply). Intrastate (county-to-county) TAIS permits were dropped effective September 1, 2023, per TAIS's published post-2023 framework as reflected on its Regulations / Forms & Fees pages (no intrastate permit form or fee is listed).
Passing throughNo pass-through / through-transit exemption is published. Texas Agriculture Code § 131.041(a) bars shipping bees or equipment into OR out of Texas without a permit from the chief apiary inspector, and § 131.041(g) provides only that the section 'does not apply to a shipment of package bees.' TAIS states the same rule for entry: if bees are brought into the state from outside the border, the beekeeper must have a health certificate and an interstate permit.
Step 7 — New Mexico (NM)
Border and destination inspectionNo border-station inspection is published. The published inspection is at destination, after arrival: 'The department shall, as soon as practicable after arrival, inspect the colonies for contagious disease. The beekeeper shall pay the actual cost of the initial inspection and all subsequent inspections required because of the presence of any contagious disease' (Bee Act § 76-9-11(A)). The person receiving colonies or equipment must file with the department a statement of the proposed location where the colonies will be managed and a notice that the bees have arrived (§ 76-9-11(A)); under 21.27.2.10(E) NMAC the department shall be notified within ten (10) days after arrival.
Filing duty tied to arrival — Health / inspection certificateCertificate filed with the department ten (10) days prior to movement into the state (21.27.2.10(B) NMAC); and the department shall be notified within ten (10) days after arrival of the bees in the state (21.27.2.10(E) NMAC). The Bee Act (§ 76-9-11(A)) also requires the receiver to file a statement of the proposed location and a notice that the bees have arrived, in accordance with the board's regulations.
Passing throughNo pass-through / through-transit rule is published in the Bee Act or 21.27.2 NMAC as fetched. The one published exemption from the importation section is for packaged bees or queen bees moved into the state in mailing cages free of honey: 'This section shall not apply to the movement into the state of packaged bees or queen bees if moved into the state in mailing cages free of honey' (Bee Act § 76-9-11(B)).
Step 9 — California (CA)
County layerCounty layer is published and load-bearing in two places. (1) The Section 29120 certificate must be delivered to the commissioner of the destination county (or to the Secretary, if the county has no commissioner) within 72 hours after arrival. (2) County small hive beetle (SHB) acceptance policies, surveyed county by county and published by CDFA in its Border Station Operating Guide § 1.6.3 (revised October 12, 2023): if SHB is found and confirmed and the destination county's policy is 'Will Not Accept SHB,' the shipment is rejected with the options of returning out of state or diverting to a county that will accept the beetle; if the county 'Will Accept SHB,' the shipment goes to destination under a Warning Hold Notice (66-008) noting SHB was found. The published chart lists an accept / will-not-accept position for each California county. Apiary registration is also per-county (see the registration instrument).
Border and destination inspectionHoneybee shipments entering California are subject to two inspections: a cursory inspection at the border (Border Protection) station and a more detailed inspection at destination. Border inspectors check exterior colonies and pallets (bee nets may be lifted; making the shipment ready is the driver's responsibility). If no pests of concern are detected, the shipment is placed under a Quarantine Hold Notice and proceeds to destination, where it is subject to inspection by the County Agricultural Department; it may not be offloaded until the county inspector gives permission, unless accompanied by a valid ant-free certificate. If a pest of concern or excessive soil/debris is found, the colonies and pallets must be cleaned (typically pressure washing) before entering; contaminated shipments must return out of state for cleaning, at the driver's arrangement and expense.
Filing duty tied to arrival — Health / inspection certificateNo advance-notice deadline is published in Article 9. The filing duty runs the other way: the certificate must be delivered to the commissioner of the county of destination (or to the Secretary, if there is no commissioner in the county) within 72 hours after the arrival of the load, lot, or shipment (FAC § 29120).
Passing throughNo pass-through / through-transit exemption is published in FAC Article 9. Section 29120 bars importing or transporting into the state any comb, bees on comb, queen bees, package bees, bee semen, or any used hive or used appliance unless each separate load, lot, or shipment is accompanied by a valid certificate under Article 9. Section 29121 exempts only: packaged comb honey, empty package bee cages, moving screens, bee smokers, bee veils, and hive tools — and no importation is allowed if it would violate a quarantine regulation adopted under Section 29110.
Grower proof page — Northern Plains to Texas holding to California
Colony movement — published requirements for this load
This page is a summary of the published requirements for this route and the dates they were checked, assembled for the operator. It is compliance documentation: it sets out what the published rules call for on this run and when those rules were last checked. It does not state colony strength, colony counts, or the outcome of any inspection, and nothing on this page was inspected or certified by the maker of this page — inspection and certification stay with each state's regulator and the operator's own records.
Operator: — not entered — · Load: — not entered —
The operator name and load description above were typed by the operator into this page in their own browser. They are not stored and not sent anywhere.
Route: Northern Plains to Texas holding to California
Ship date: Feb 1, 2027 · Assembled on: Oct 24, 2026
Jurisdictions crossed, in travel order: North Dakota → South Dakota → Nebraska → Kansas → Oklahoma → Texas → New Mexico → Arizona → California
| Jurisdiction | Instruments the published requirements call for | Working dates counted back from the ship date | Facts checked on |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Dakota (ND) | Registration (issued by the destination side) Health / inspection certificate (issued by the origin side) Ant-free or equivalent certification (issued by the origin side) | Registration: no date counted back — This is published (see the fact below), but not as a count of days or months tied to the shipment that can be counted back from a ship date — we have not guessed a date from it. Apply / file by (counted back over the published lead time) (Registration): Jan 18, 2027 — computed from the published 2 weeks Health / inspection certificate: no date counted back — Inspection window not published for this state — we have not guessed it, so no latest-inspection date is counted back here. Ant-free or equivalent certification: no date counted back — Inspection window not published for this state — we have not guessed it, so no latest-inspection date is counted back here. Apply / file by (counted back over the published lead time) (Ant-free or equivalent certification): Jan 18, 2027 — computed from the published 2 weeks | Validity window — Published · Checked Oct 20, 2026 · Source: North Dakota Century Code, Title 4.1, Chapter 4.1-16 — Beekeeping (statute text via Justia) Lead time — Published · Checked Oct 20, 2026 · Source: North Dakota Department of Agriculture — Information for Beekeepers Validity window — Not published / not yet checked · Looked on Oct 20, 2026 Validity window — Not published / not yet checked · Looked on Oct 20, 2026 Lead time — Published · Checked Oct 20, 2026 · Source: North Dakota Department of Agriculture — Pre-Inspection Program (Apiary) |
| South Dakota (SD) | Entry permit (issued by the destination side) Health / inspection certificate (issued by the origin side) Registration (issued by the destination side) Entry permit (issued by the destination side) Entry permit (issued by the destination side) | Entry permit: no date counted back — Inspection window not published for this state — we have not guessed it, so no latest-inspection date is counted back here. Notice by (Entry permit): Jan 2, 2027 — computed from the published 30 days Apply / file by (counted back over the published lead time) (Entry permit): Jan 2, 2027 — computed from the published 30 days Latest inspection date (Health / inspection certificate): Nov 3, 2026 — computed from the published 90 days Notice by (Health / inspection certificate): Jan 2, 2027 — computed from the published 30 days Registration: no date counted back — This is published (see the fact below), but not as a count of days or months tied to the shipment that can be counted back from a ship date — we have not guessed a date from it. Entry permit: no date counted back — Inspection window not published for this state — we have not guessed it, so no latest-inspection date is counted back here. Entry permit: no date counted back — This is published (see the fact below), but not as a count of days or months tied to the shipment that can be counted back from a ship date — we have not guessed a date from it. | Validity window — Not published / not yet checked · Looked on Oct 20, 2026 Notice deadline — Published · Checked Oct 20, 2026 · Source: South Dakota Codified Laws § 38-18-4 (South Dakota Legislature) Lead time — Published · Checked Oct 20, 2026 · Source: South Dakota Codified Laws § 38-18-4 (South Dakota Legislature) Validity window — Published · Checked Oct 20, 2026 · Source: South Dakota Codified Laws § 38-18-23 (statute text via Justia) Notice deadline — Published · Checked Oct 20, 2026 · Source: South Dakota Codified Laws § 38-18-4 (South Dakota Legislature) Validity window — Published · Checked Oct 20, 2026 · Source: South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources — Apiary Program, Inspection Program Validity window — Not published / not yet checked · Looked on Oct 20, 2026 Validity window — Published · Checked Oct 20, 2026 · Source: South Dakota Administrative Rules 12:41:03 (South Dakota Legislature) |
| Nebraska (NE) | Health / inspection certificate (issued by the origin side) | Latest inspection date (Health / inspection certificate): Feb 1, 2026 — computed from the published 1 year | Validity window — Published · Checked Oct 20, 2026 · Source: Nebraska Apiary Act, Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 81-2,165 to 81-2,180 (Nebraska Legislature) |
| Kansas (KS) | Health / inspection certificate (issued by the origin side) | Health / inspection certificate: no date counted back — Inspection window not published for this state — we have not guessed it, so no latest-inspection date is counted back here. | Validity window — Not published / not yet checked · Looked on Oct 20, 2026 |
| Oklahoma (OK) | Entry permit (issued by the destination side) Health / inspection certificate (issued by the origin side) Registration (issued by the destination side) Health / inspection certificate (issued by the origin side) | Entry permit: no date counted back — Inspection window not published for this state — we have not guessed it, so no latest-inspection date is counted back here. Latest inspection date (Health / inspection certificate): Nov 1, 2026 — computed from the published 3 months Registration: no date counted back — This is published (see the fact below), but not as a count of days or months tied to the shipment that can be counted back from a ship date — we have not guessed a date from it. Health / inspection certificate: no date counted back — Inspection window not published for this state — we have not guessed it, so no latest-inspection date is counted back here. | Validity window — Not published / not yet checked · Looked on Oct 20, 2026 Validity window — Published · Checked Oct 20, 2026 · Source: Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry — Oklahoma Apiary Act & Rules (Title 2 §§ 2-3-100 to 2-3-122; OAC 35:30-38; OAC 35:2-3-26), Consumer Protection Services Division (ag.ok.gov) Validity window — Published · Checked Oct 20, 2026 · Source: Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry — Oklahoma Apiary Act & Rules (Title 2 §§ 2-3-100 to 2-3-122; OAC 35:30-38; OAC 35:2-3-26), Consumer Protection Services Division (ag.ok.gov) Validity window — Not published / not yet checked · Looked on Oct 20, 2026 |
| Texas (TX) | Entry permit (issued by the destination side) Health / inspection certificate (issued by the origin side) Health / inspection certificate (issued by the destination side) Registration (issued by the destination side) | Entry permit: no date counted back — This is published (see the fact below), but not as a count of days or months tied to the shipment that can be counted back from a ship date — we have not guessed a date from it. Apply / file by (counted back over the published lead time) (Entry permit): Jan 22, 2027 — computed from the published 10 days Latest inspection date (Health / inspection certificate): Feb 1, 2026 — computed from the published 1 year Latest inspection date (Health / inspection certificate): Feb 1, 2026 — computed from the published 1 year Registration: no date counted back — This is published (see the fact below), but not as a count of days or months tied to the shipment that can be counted back from a ship date — we have not guessed a date from it. | Validity window — Published · Checked Oct 20, 2026 · Source: Texas Agriculture Code § 131.041 — Permit for Interstate Movement (statute text as amended by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., Ch. 882 (H.B. 4538), via Texas.Public.Law) Lead time — Published · Checked Oct 20, 2026 · Source: Texas Agriculture Code § 131.041 — Permit for Interstate Movement (statute text as amended by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., Ch. 882 (H.B. 4538), via Texas.Public.Law) Validity window — Published · Checked Oct 20, 2026 · Source: Texas Apiary Inspection Service (TAIS) — Regulations Validity window — Published · Checked Oct 20, 2026 · Source: Texas Apiary Inspection Service (TAIS) — Regulations Validity window — Published · Checked Oct 20, 2026 · Source: Texas Apiary Inspection Service (TAIS) — Forms & Fees |
| New Mexico (NM) | Health / inspection certificate (issued by the origin side) Registration (issued by the destination side) Health / inspection certificate (issued by the destination side) Entry permit (issued by the destination side) | Latest inspection date (Health / inspection certificate): Jan 2, 2027 — computed from the published 30 days Notice by (Health / inspection certificate): Jan 22, 2027 — computed from the published 10 days Apply / file by (counted back over the published lead time) (Health / inspection certificate): Jan 22, 2027 — computed from the published 10 days Registration: no date counted back — This is published (see the fact below), but not as a count of days or months tied to the shipment that can be counted back from a ship date — we have not guessed a date from it. Health / inspection certificate: no date counted back — This is published (see the fact below), but not as a count of days or months tied to the shipment that can be counted back from a ship date — we have not guessed a date from it. Entry permit: no date counted back — This is published (see the fact below), but not as a count of days or months tied to the shipment that can be counted back from a ship date — we have not guessed a date from it. | Validity window — Published · Checked Oct 20, 2026 · Source: New Mexico Administrative Code 21.27.2 — Commercial Apiaries (NM State Records Center and Archives, srca.nm.gov) Notice deadline — Published · Checked Oct 20, 2026 · Source: New Mexico Administrative Code 21.27.2 — Commercial Apiaries (NM State Records Center and Archives, srca.nm.gov) Lead time — Published · Checked Oct 20, 2026 · Source: New Mexico Administrative Code 21.27.2 — Commercial Apiaries (NM State Records Center and Archives, srca.nm.gov) Validity window — Published · Checked Oct 20, 2026 · Source: New Mexico Administrative Code 21.27.2 — Commercial Apiaries (NM State Records Center and Archives, srca.nm.gov) Validity window — Published · Checked Oct 20, 2026 · Source: New Mexico Bee Act, NMSA 1978 §§ 76-9-1 to 76-9-13 (statute text, hosted by New Mexico State University San Juan County Extension) Validity window — Published · Checked Oct 20, 2026 · Source: New Mexico Bee Act, NMSA 1978 §§ 76-9-1 to 76-9-13 (statute text, hosted by New Mexico State University San Juan County Extension) |
| Arizona (AZ) | Advance notice (issued by the destination side) | Advance notice: no date counted back — Inspection window not published for this state — we have not guessed it, so no latest-inspection date is counted back here. | Validity window — Not published / not yet checked · Looked on Oct 20, 2026 |
| California (CA) | Health / inspection certificate (issued by the origin side) Health / inspection certificate (issued by the origin side) Registration (issued by the destination side) Ant-free or equivalent certification (issued by the origin side) | Health / inspection certificate: no date counted back — This is published (see the fact below), but not as a count of days or months tied to the shipment that can be counted back from a ship date — we have not guessed a date from it. Latest inspection date (Health / inspection certificate): Feb 1, 2026 — computed from the published 12 months Registration: no date counted back — This is published (see the fact below), but not as a count of days or months tied to the shipment that can be counted back from a ship date — we have not guessed a date from it. Ant-free or equivalent certification: no date counted back — Inspection window not published for this state — we have not guessed it, so no latest-inspection date is counted back here. | Validity window — Published · Checked Oct 20, 2026 · Source: California Food and Agricultural Code, Division 13, Chapter 1, Article 9 — Importation (§§ 29120–29128, statute text, via LawServer) Validity window — Published · Checked Oct 20, 2026 · Source: California Food and Agricultural Code § 29123 (statute text, via LawServer) Validity window — Published · Checked Oct 20, 2026 · Source: CDFA Apiary Protection Program — Apiary Registration Flyer 2026 (FAC Div. 13 §§29040–29045) Validity window — Not published / not yet checked · Looked on Oct 20, 2026 |
Working dates on this page are counted back from the ship date over the published windows named beside them; where a window is not published, this page says so rather than supplying a date. The full text of every fact, with its source, is on the route view of this packet and on each state's page in the corridor table.
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