ADGA Registration: Papers, Herd Names, Tattoos and Current Fees

ADGA registration is the registry’s record of a dairy goat’s identity and ancestry. Before applying, match the goat, its parents, the breeder and its ownership paperwork. You can organize those names and parent links with the free goat pedigree chart maker, then submit the application through ADGA’s own process.

Rules and fees checked November 12, 2026. This guide uses ADGA’s current instructions, linked rate sheet and electronic 2026 Guidebook.

Put the evidence together before you apply

Lay out the parents’ certificates, breeding notes, birth record, tattoo record and any purchase or lease documents. Make a separate line for each kid. That gives you one place to spot a mismatch before copying details into an application.

Keep the sire and dam’s own registration numbers beside their names. A grandparent number is not a substitute. Our goat pedigree guide helps you read the papers; the goat record keeping guide helps keep the working records together.

ADGA’s registration instructions define the breeder as the owner of the dam at conception. A service memo is needed when official sire and dam ownership differ at breeding. A purchased bred doe must be officially transferred before her kid is registered, with the required sire service memo. Keep those documents with that breeding rather than reconstructing them at sale time.

Check the sire’s DNA status too. ADGA requires a DNA profile on file for every buck born on or after January 1, 2024 before any of his kids can be registered. The buck himself can be registered first. ADGA’s DNA testing page explains how to request the test.

Membership, herd name and tattoo are different records

Membership identifies the person or entity doing business with ADGA. The rate sheet includes nonmember registration fees as well as member rates, so compare the correct column for your situation. ADGA’s membership explanation describes individual, joint and youth membership choices. Put the membership in the ownership name you intend to use for your goats.

A herd name identifies the breeder in the kid’s registered name. It is not the same thing as the herd-identifying tattoo sequence. ADGA’s herd-name application asks for first and second name choices. It describes a $15 reservation maintained with membership, a $100 permanent-reservation option, and lifetime-membership protection. If the breeder has no reserved herd name, the form says the goat’s name begins with “The.” Confirm availability with ADGA before using a proposed prefix.

Complete the application against the original records

Use the current ADGA forms page to reach the registration application and customer portal. A tidy farm list is useful preparation; it does not replace the application and supporting evidence.

1. Check the kid’s birth date, sex and litter details against the birth record. Siblings’ records should tell the same story.
2. Copy the sire and dam from their certificates. Keep each parent’s number next to the correct animal.
3. Enter the breeder and ownership information from the relevant breeding and sale documents.
4. Check the proposed registered name, appearance and actual identification before submitting.
5. Include the applicable service, AI or embryo-transfer documents and payment, then save your submitted copy.

ADGA limits the registered name, herd name included, to 30 letters and spaces and says it cannot be changed once registered. ADGA requires the goat to be tattooed before you apply. Record the actual tattoo exactly as it appears on the goat. The detailed registration instructions cover each application field.

Do not fill an uncertain parent into a blank just to complete the form. Keep the uncertainty in your working notes and ask ADGA how its current rules apply. The same goes for an animal whose breed or herdbook category is unclear; goat registries compared explains why the categories differ.

ADGA registration fees checked in 2026

The ADGA Schedule of Rates linked on November 12, 2026 lists these registration/recordation rates in US dollars:

The same sheet lists a new Regular membership at $60 and Youth membership, under 21, at $20. Paperless registration, certificate conversion, re-registration and transfers have their own lines. These are dated registry charges, not an all-in price for every application; use the current sheet for the exact service you need.

Registration and ownership transfer are separate jobs

ADGA’s forms page encourages online registration, including simultaneous transfer of a newly registered animal. It says a transfer of an existing registration requires the original certificate with the transfer section completed. Check which situation you have before choosing a route. ADGA forms and transfer instructions are the source to use when preparing the packet.

Make a readable copy for your own records before sending original papers. Keep a note of what you sent, for which animal and on what date. When the certificate returns, compare the name, parents, identification and ownership details with your submitted copy.

Keep the certificate with the goat’s working history

On Creatures, create the goat’s profile with its existing identity. Add a registration record naming ADGA and its number, then keep the certificate or a clear paper image with that animal. Registration numbers from another registry belong in separate registration records, with their own issuer names.

Creatures can read PDFs and photos of papers for review. Sign in with a free account before opening Import; the import guide lists the file types and limits. Check the proposed names, IDs and parent links before saving. You still send the official application or transfer to ADGA; saving a profile or importing a certificate does not submit a registry application.

Keep the original tattoo and individual ID consistent with the goat tattoo guide. If you are deciding how to organize a larger herd, the goat app comparison covers device access and imports.

Questions breeders ask

Can a pedigree chart stand in for registration papers?

Use the chart to organize ancestry. Use the registry’s certificate and application process for official registration. Keep both connected to the same animal so a chart never becomes the only copy of the evidence.

Which ADGA rule source should I use?

ADGA says its electronic Guidebook supersedes other versions. Start from ADGA’s current site when the rule, form or rate matters, rather than reusing an old downloaded form without checking.

See the goat species guides for the breeding, pedigree and herd records behind the paperwork.

Do this next on Creatures

Keep the paperwork with the goat it identifies. Start with one animal and the certificate or identification record you need to keep next.

• Add your goat’s profile with its existing name and ID. The adding an animal guide walks through the form.
• Add a registration or ID record. The form opens for visitors; a free account is needed to save. Follow the record guide.
• Create your farm profile. This has a guest signup path; the breeder directory guide explains the listing.
• Save a goat listing alert if you are looking for breeding stock.
• Browse current goat listings and ask each seller for the animal’s actual papers.
• Browse the breeder directory to contact farms about their herds.