How do I get a tribal ID card?

The process for obtaining a tribal ID card may be slightly different for each tribe, and may differ depending on whether you are already enrolled with the tribe.

PLEASE NOTE: Requests for tribal ID cards no longer go through the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). All requests for tribal ID cards now go directly to the tribe.

Basic steps for getting a tribal ID card:

Determine the name of the tribe.Call or write your tribe’s enrollment department, and ask if they have forms and instructions for enrollment and/or obtaining a tribal ID card. Follow any instructions given to you by the tribe, including sending any forms and supporting documentation. If you are not currently enrolled, send the tribe as many details as possible about your family history and tribal ancestry (and if applicable, use the forms they sent you).

You will need to give the tribe as many details about your ancestry as possible — not just your parents’ information, but also information about your grandparents, great-grandparents, great-great grandparents, great-great-great grandparents, and so on. Include information about your family tree and history as far back as you can.

Note: The process for obtaining a tribal ID card is much easier if you or one of your parents is enrolled in the tribe.