Food and Agricultural Code § 29056
ARTICLE 4. Registration and Identification of Apiaries
It is unlawful for any person to do any one of the following:
(a) Use any serial number brand unless it is registered pursuant to this article provided that the National Crime Identification Center (NCIC) numbers may be used.
(b) Alter, deface, remove, or obliterate the brand on any apiary equipment to prevent the identification of the equipment.
(c) Be in possession of any apiary equipment upon which the brand has been altered, defaced, removed, or obliterated.