Chickasaw license plates popping up across state!

This article appeared in the March 2015 edition of the Chickasaw Times

ADA, Okla. – Pauline Brown had been looking forward to Feb. 2 with great anticipation.

While some look forward to the date to see whether a groundhog predicts the end of winter, this Chickasaw Nation Hall of Fame honoree, cultural preservationist and fluent speaker knew it was the first day she could tag her car with a Chickasaw Nation license plate.

For decades, Mrs. Brown has wished she could display a tag showing she is a citizen of the tribe that has always been such an important part of her life.

That wish came true for Mrs. Brown and for thousands of Chickasaws living throughout Oklahoma last month.

“I don’t know if I was the first Chickasaw in Pontotoc County to get the tag, but I was one of the first, Mrs. Brown said with a broad smile.

“I’m really proud. It shows how far we have advanced (as a tribe). Now, wherever we travel it tells others what tribe we are. We are very proud of our tribe. I put it on my car and stood there and admired it for a long time. I couldn’t believe it.”

The first Chickasaw Nation plate for a motorcycle was purchased in Pontotoc County by Garry and Elizabeth Harrison. Both work for the Chickasaw Nation and are excited to be the first in Oklahoma to buy the motorcycle tag.

“We have taken day trips on the Harley since we bought it in 2013, and one trip to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and Cherokee, North Carolina, last summer,” Mrs. Harrison said. “We meet lots of nice people on our trips and having a Chickasaw Nation tag on the bike will a great conversation starter.  We’re proud to have the first one sold and bought it now even though our tags are paid up until May. We just couldn’t wait.”

Chickasaw leadership last year inked compacts with the state that cleared the way for the tribal tags.

Gov. Bill Anoatubby announced at his October State of the Nation address Chickasaw tags would be available in 2015.

“We are very pleased to work with the state to offer Chickasaw Nation license plates,” Gov. Anoatubby said at the time. “These tags offer Chickasaw citizens a very visible way to demonstrate their pride in being Chickasaw, while keeping funding for schools, roads, state employee retirement, wildlife conservation and other state programs intact.”

Chickasaw tags are sold exclusively at state-licensed tag agencies across Oklahoma. Chickasaws purchasing tags must present their Chickasaw Nation citizenship card and pay the same fees and taxes any Oklahoman would pay.

After the transaction, the Oklahoma Tax Commission will notify the Chickasaw Nation and send a rebate for a percentage of the fees and taxes.

After the tag is purchased the Chickasaw Nation will issue the rebate to the citizen.

Mrs. Brown was fortunate. Her tag was due for renewal. However that may not be case for all Chickasaws, like the Harrisons. For those who wish to purchase the tag between renewal dates, additional fees for a replacement tag may be charged. Standard fees and taxes will apply on tags purchased during regular renewal cycles.