Horse Passports

All horses and ponies (and other equines) in the UK will need to have a passport identifying the animal. All owners or keepers of equines will need to obtain a horse passport for each animal they own or keep. Passports will last for the life time of the animal and will include a Unique Equine Life Number.

A number of organisations have been authorised by DEFRA to issue horse passports, including the British Driving Society. It is strongly recommended that owners of Registered horses/ponies should apply to their own Breed Society for a passport. for a full list of horse passport issuing organisations.

The BDS is now issuing horse passports to both members and non-members.

IMPORTANT - PLEASE NOTE
The diagram and description on the back of the passport application form must be completed and signed by a Veterinary Surgeon. You may send a copy of your existing vaccination certificate or other veterinary identification. Only if your equine is micro-chipped may you complete the diagram/description yourself

Horse Passport questions and answers

for information about passports from the BDS President John Parker

for a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions (DEFRA website)

for a list of passport issuing organisations (DEFRA website)

for the latest update on horse passports from DEFRA

Passport Application Forms

You can obtain a passport application form form the BDS office or you can download and print a form from this web site. We also have guidelines to help you fill in the form and speed up the processing.

Useful links (click below):

DEFRA - Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs