TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – Cherokee Nation citizens can renew their tribal license plates online starting Sept. 1.

The online renewal is more convenient for Cherokee citizens in further corners of the state, saving them gas money, waiting in line and processing time. The Cherokee Nation expanded its car tags to Cherokee citizens in all 77 Oklahoma counties last year.

“We are thrilled to be able to offer this kind of progressive online service to the Cherokee people,” said Principal Chief Bill John Baker. “No matter where our Cherokee Nation citizens reside in Oklahoma, they can easily log on and renew their license plate. The new online service will save time and money for our people by simplifying the renewal process. Instead of driving to the tag office and waiting in line for a renewal, the process is now just a few simple clicks on the computer. This effort was spearheaded by the talented staff at the Cherokee Nation Tax Commission, and I applaud them for their efforts. It will truly make the renewal process faster and easier.”

The Cherokee Nation has six tag offices, including in Tulsa, Tahlequah, Collinsville, Sallisaw, Adair and Jay.

Tax Commission Administrator Sharon Swepston said the online service is for regular motor vehicles and motorcycles needing renewal stickers only.

New car tags, commercial vehicle plates and boats do not have the online service option since each requires additional paperwork.

“This is exciting for the tribe. It will be a great convenience for our citizens who live outside our 14-county jurisdiction, and even for those close by who want to save some time inside the jurisdiction,” Swepston said. “Once received and processed online, the renewal should arrive by mail in about three to four days.”

Cherokee Nation citizens need a copy of their citizenship card, last four digits of their VIN, insurance verification and tag number.

The Cherokee Nation averaged about $9 million annually in car tag revenue before expanding statewide last year.

In fiscal year 2014, the tribe earned $11.6 million in revenue, with projections expected to exceed that in fiscal year 2015, which ends Oct. 1.

The tribe donates 38 percent of the sale of its tribal car tag monies to schools, 20 percent for roads and bridges, and 5 percent to help law enforcement in northeastern Oklahoma.

For more information on tribal car tags or online tag renewals, call 918-453-5100 or log onto Cherokee.org and follow the links for the tag office and tax commission.