Chief Gary Batton announcing the Choctaw Nation car tags at the State of the Nation address during the Labor Day Festival.
New tags will continue to benefit state-run services
With the New Year comes a new way for Choctaw citizens to display their heritage.
All Choctaw tribal members living in Oklahoma will be eligible to purchase the automobile tags starting Jan. 1, 2015.
The agreement to sell the tags came after the Choctaw Nation negotiated an agreement, or in this case a car tag compact, with the state.
All state programs will continue to be funded at the same rate as before per the negotiated compact. The compact will allow for revenue to go back into services for the state—services such as schools, roads, bridges, and law enforcement.
The joint agreement aligns with Chief Gary Batton’s vision to promote Choctaw culture and to open paths of success for all Choctaws. “Doing what is best for Choctaws,” and to continue the Nation’s progress with a focus on jobs and heritage.
“A Choctaw tag is much more than just saving money—it is a way to show our heritage,” said Chief Batton. “There is resurgence in interest of the culture within the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. The new license plates are a great way for our members to display their pride in tribal heritage.”
Choctaws will be able to visit any tag agency and present their tribal membership card to purchase the tag. The fees and taxes will be the same as a non-Choctaw would pay. However, tribal citizens should expect to receive a 20 percent rebate for new tag licensing, registration, and payment of excise taxes.
Tag Purchase for New Vehicle
- Can purchase tags starting Jan. 1, 2015 at local tag agency
- Must present a Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma tribal membership card at the time of purchase
- Will pay regular fees and taxes at the time of purchase; the 20 percent rebate will be mailed to vehicle owner from the Choctaw Nation within 60 days
- Do not have to live within the 10.5 counties of the Choctaw Nation but must live in Oklahoma
Tag Renewal (non-commercial)
- Must wait until current tag expires
- Purchase Choctaw Nation tag at tag agency, not by mail
- Must present a Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma tribal membership card at the time of purchase
- Will pay regular fees and taxes at the time of purchase; the $20 rebate will be mailed to vehicle owner from the Choctaw Nation within 60 days
There is no limit on the number of tags sold per household as long as the tribal member is listed on the vehicle title. Motorcycle and motor home tags will be available.
Tags for the physically disabled will be available for currently registered vehicles if the driver already has a disabled placard from the Department of Public Safety. There is no separate charge for a disabled plate. However, there is a $10 charge for an optional front plate and a $25 charge for the “in lieu of” plates for vehicles modified because of the owner’s disability.
Vanity plates will also be available through the new program. A $20 fee will be charged to the owner of any currently registered vehicle requesting a personalized tag.
Registration forms for either the disabled or vanity plates can be found at any tag agency or online here.
For more detailed information regarding the new tags, see Choctaw Nation.