Vehicle Industry Registration Procedures Manual

California Native American Tribes and/or Tribal Member Vehicles—Vehicles owned or leased by California Native American tribes and/or tribal members living on a federal Native American reservation or rancheria located in California are exempt from the vehicle license fee (VLF). This includes vehicles operated on or off public highways. The exemption must be established annually upon renewal of registration.

The following must be submitted:

• A Miscellaneous Certifications (REG 256A) form with the California Native American Certifications section completed along with the registration application.

Federally-Recognized Native American Tribe Vehicles—Vehicles registered to a federally-recognized Native American tribe and used exclusively within the boundaries and jurisdiction of the tribe are exempt from all fees, including miscellaneous city/county fees, except the registration fee. The fee exemption must be established annually upon renewal of registration.

The following must be submitted:

• A REG 256A with the California Native American Certifications section completed with the registration application.
• A letter written on Native American tribal letterhead which:
  • Is signed by an authorized tribal council member, such as the tribal chief or secretary.
  • Identifies the vehicle.
  • States the vehicle is owned by, and registered in, the federally-recognized Native American tribal name and will be used exclusively within the boundaries of Native American tribal land, including any incidental operation on the highways within those boundaries.
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