At 12:01 a.m. tomorrow, the Montana Department of Livestock will launch its newest online service: Online livestock dealer licensing and dealer licensing renewal.
Livestock dealer licenses are required, per Montana Code Annotated 81-8-213 (6), for anyone who buys cattle in Montana for immediate resale or interstate shipment, or for those who buy cattle on a commission or fee basis. Licenses must be renewed on an annual basis; DOL mails out renewal notices, and license holders must then submit an application for renewal. The new online system will allow license holders to submit renewal applications online from April 1 through April 30.
"We've really been embracing the internet as a tool to enhance access to the department's services, and this is just one more thing we're able to offer," said John Grainger, Brands Division administrator for MDOL. "The web is becoming an increasingly valuable tool that saves time and money for the department as well as our constituents."
Other online services implemented by the department the past two years include market transportation permits, sheep permits, estray notices, a brand rerecord address update form, and a per capita fee calculator.
Ron Hoyt, systems analyst for MDOL, said the department is currently updating its aging infrastructure, which will allow even more online services going forward.
"Modernizing our infrastructure will give us the opportunity to look at things that could be made easier," Hoyt said. "We have some plans and ideas for where we're going to go, but there are probably a lot of good ideas we haven't thought of."
Some possibilities for online services include payment of laboratory and other fees, requests for animal health permits, and even online brand research capabilities.
"We've got some items in the works and others on the drawing board," Hoyt said. "It's not all going to happen overnight, but there are a lot of exciting possibilities."
Beginning May 1, cattle buyers can also use the new online service to apply for new dealer licenses.
For additional information about dealer licensing or the department's online services, please contact MDOL public information officer Steve Merritt at 406/444-9431.
Source: Montana Department of Livestock - Posted by Kaci Switzer