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Oklahoma Statewide Rule

Oklahoma Beekeeping: Apiary Registration Is Voluntary Under State Law

Few RestrictionsApplies statewide across Oklahoma (2026)

Key Facts

Governing statute
2 O.S. § 2-3-113
Registration
Voluntary, not required
Enforcing agency
ODAFF / State Board of Agriculture
Renewal deadline
January 31 annually
If unregistered
Post contact info at hives
Last verified: July 31, 2026

Summary

Oklahoma runs a voluntary apiary registration program under 2 O.S. § 2-3-113. Keeping bees needs no state license, but the Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry issues registration numbers, sets fees, and any keeper who does not register must post personal contact information at the apiary.

A. The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry, on a form prescribed by the Department, shall establish a voluntary registration program. The program shall be available to any of the following: 1. Any person establishing, maintaining, or locating an apiary within the state; 2. Any person shipping bees into the state; or 3. Migratory beekeepers that transport colonies of bees into the state. B. The Department shall issue to each registrant a registration identification number.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Section 2-3-113 directs the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry (ODAFF) to run a voluntary registration program open to anyone establishing an apiary, shipping bees into the state, or moving colonies as a migratory beekeeper. Registrants receive an identification number and pay fees set by the State Board of Agriculture; anyone who declines to register must instead post personal contact information at or near the hives. ODAFF may inspect colonies, order destruction of bees or equipment infected with disease such as American foulbrood, quarantine apiaries, and block a new apiary that threatens an established one with disease or pests.

Violations & Penalties

No penalty attaches to keeping unregistered bees, but non-registrants must post name, address, and phone at the apiary. Under § 2-3-121, failing to pay required fees or retaining Africanized honeybees is prohibited and enforceable by ODAFF.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to register my beehives in Oklahoma?
No. Under 2 O.S. § 2-3-113 registration is voluntary. If you don't register, you must post your name, address, and phone on a sign at or near the apiary.
Who regulates beekeeping in Oklahoma?
The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry administers the Apiary Act, issues registration numbers, sets fees through the State Board of Agriculture, and inspects colonies for disease and pests.
Can the state destroy my hives?
Yes. The Board may order destruction of bees or equipment infected with disease such as American foulbrood, and may quarantine or inspect apiaries to stop its spread.

Sources

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