They must also have a functioning microchip, which must be recorded in the passport by the Passport Issuing Organisation (PIO).

A foal must be microchipped by a vet before a passport can be applied for.

Legislative requirements on equine identification are actively enforced by the Department for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM).

The owner must apply for a passport from Weatherbys before the foal is 6 months old or before the end of the calendar year - whichever is the later.

Once the passport is issued, it is your responsibility to keep it safe.

You can complete all your registrations online via General Stud Book Online.

When selling a horse or transferring ownership you must give the passport to the new owner at the time of sale. A record of the transfer of ownership of an equine should be maintained by both the person transferring ownership and the person to whom ownership is transferred.

It is also a legal requirement to register ownership with us within 30 days of acquiring a horse.

You can complete change of ownership applications online via General Stud Book Online.

Alternatively, please download, complete and return the Equidae Transfer of Ownership form below, together with the horse’s passport and the indicated fee.

When buying a horse or acquiring ownership:

• You must receive the passport from the seller at the time of purchase.

• You must complete Section A, Section B and Section C of this form.

• You must forward this form and the passport with the appropriate fee to the PIO (Weatherbys Ireland) within 30 days of acquiring ownership.

Both parties must keep a copy of this transfer of ownership declaration - photocopying or photo will suffice. DAFM-authorised officers will carry out inspections and have powers to inspect records and documents.

Failure to register the transfer of ownership within the time limit is now a serious offence in Ireland and attracts heavy penalties.

It is a legal requirement under the Control on Places where Horses are kept Regulation (SI 113 of 2014) that all premises where equines are kept must be registered with the Department of Agriculture. Accordingly, you should ensure that your equine is being kept on a registered premises. If your holding is not already registered as an Equine premises, you should apply immediately to DAFM for an Equine Premises Number.

If the original passport has been lost, owners are required to apply for a duplicate.

In order to apply for a duplicate passport please download, complete and return the Duplicate Passport Application form and the Age & Markings form below with a set of veterinary markings (including the scanned microchip number if present), plus the relevant fee.

For further information on Passports for racing and breeding animals, please refer to Ireland Registrations.