How to Apply for a Tribal Card in Virginia
Your tribe — not the state of Virginia or the federal government — issues your membership card. Choose your tribe below, or follow the general steps.
Virginia tribal members — call now800-214-8976Already have your tribal card? Apply for health coverage any month.Tribal card guides for Virginia tribes
- Chickahominy Indian Tribe
- Chickahominy Indian Tribe — Eastern Division
- Monacan Indian Nation
- Nansemond Indian Nation
- Pamunkey Indian Tribe
- Rappahannock Tribe
- Upper Mattaponi Indian Tribe
Members of any federally recognized tribe living in Virginia can use their tribal card for health coverage — even if their tribe is based elsewhere.
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.
Virginia tribal card questions
Virginia Native American health insurance →
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.