Attention Migratory Beekeepers: Certificate of Apiary Inspection

From DATCP

If you’re a migratory beekeeper in need of a Certificate of Apiary Inspection required to move your honey bees from Wisconsin to another state (e.g., for crop pollination), please contact us at DATCPapiary@wisconsin.gov to request an inspection by October 15. After the inspection, the state apiarist will issue your Certificate(s) of Apiary Inspection once all fees are paid and data are evaluated. We advise bringing a check to your inspection to avoid the need for us to invoice you.

A DATCP apiary inspection is free, but each apiary certificate costs $50. Many states require certification to import honey bee colonies. If you are moving honey bees or regulated honey bee materials (e.g., beekeeping byproducts or beekeeping equipment) into another state, verify the destination state’s requirements with their local apiary inspection service. For migratory inspections, colonies must be accessible in the yard and not yet loaded on the truck.​​​

After overwintering your bees in another state, please remember to fill out a Honey Bee Import Report and send a copy of your most recent inspection (from up to 12 months prior, from Wisconsin or from inspection in another state) to DATCPapiary@wisconsin.gov before returning to Wisconsin with your bees.

For more information, check out our Moving Bees Into Wisconsin factsheet.