How to Apply for a Tribal Card
Tribal membership cards are issued by each federally recognized tribe — not by one federal office. Pick your state and tribe below for a step-by-step guide.
Questions about health coverage — call now800-214-8976Already have your tribal card? Apply for health coverage any month.How to apply for a tribal card: 5 steps
1.Confirm which tribe you descend from
There is no single "federal" tribal card. Membership cards are issued by each federally recognized tribe, and every tribe sets its own rules. Start by identifying the tribe your Native ancestor was enrolled in.
2.Gather family records
Most tribes ask for certified birth certificates linking you, your parents and grandparents back to an enrolled ancestor or an ancestor listed on the tribe's base roll. Death certificates, marriage records and court documents for name changes can help.
3.Check if you need a CDIB first
Some tribes require a Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood (CDIB) before membership. CDIBs are issued by the Bureau of Indian Affairs or, for some tribes, by the tribe itself. Ask the tribe's enrollment office which applies.
4.Contact the tribe's enrollment office
Request the current membership application. Requirements may include lineal descent, a minimum blood quantum, or other criteria. Forms, fees and processing times vary.
5.Submit and wait for review
The tribe reviews your application. Processing can take weeks or months. Once approved, the tribe issues your membership or citizenship card.
Tribal card guides by state
Tribal card questions
General information only. TXInsurance.com is a licensed health insurance agency, not a tribe, the Bureau of Indian Affairs or a government agency, and cannot issue tribal cards, CDIBs or decide tribal membership. Each tribe sets its own enrollment rules; contact the tribe's enrollment office for current requirements, forms and fees. Health plan eligibility is confirmed through the official Marketplace application.
*Some ACA plans in some areas have a small one-time enrollment fee due to little or no broker compensation. Agency enrollment fees never apply to Medicare products.