Mandan, Hidatsa, & Arikara Nation
Department of Transportation
Licensing Administration
9710 Hwy 23
New Town, ND 58763
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT
On September 02, 2015, The Mandan Hidatsa Arikara (MHA), Tribal Business Council (TBC), approved and voted in favor of tribal plates, resolution #15-147-LKH. The Mandan Hidatsa Arikara Nation Department of Transportation (MHADOT) Licensing Administration will on October 01, 2018 begin licensing vehicles with Mandan Hidatsa and Arikara (MHA) license plates. At this time the license plates will be available only to members residing on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation (FBIR). License plates will be available for; motor vehicles, campers, motorcycles, and boat trailers.
In order to comply with Motor Vehicle rules and regulations; all vehicles must be physically inspected (VIN inspection) before plates can be issued. Vehicle Inspection can be done by; (1) vehicle owner, or a (2) MHADOT licensing agent. Inspection forms will be available at www.mhadot.com/forms, inspection form must be; completed, signed, notarized and accompanied by a $3.00 processing fee.
Questions the Public Asked Concerning MHA license plates
Is there a financial investment for the tribe to license vehicles if so where will the money go?
This program will be very lucrative for the MHA Nation at the discretion of the MHA Tribal Business Council, any money that flows into MHADOT licensing program can; create jobs or a percentage of any money can help fund other tribal programs.
Will fees be paid with the tribe or the state?
Enrolled members would only pay the MHADOT Licensing Administration, the fees would be for tags, license plates, renewals, plate fees or for other vehicles on the roadway.
Are my plates recognized by the state?
Yes, The MHADOT Licensing Administration will have a Compact agreement with the state of North Dakota for the MHA Licensing plates. The plates and tags would be recognized by the state
Do we have to buy the MHA plates?
NO, this is optional an enrolled member can still have the North Dakota State Plates if they choose, the decision is totally up to enrolled members. MHA members now have a choice!
Is this only available to enrolled members?
Yes, it is only for the enrolled members.
What types of vehicle plates are available?
Cars, trucks, semi-truck, ATV’s, pull trailers
What license plate design would represent MHA Nation?
The program has a few samples but nothing is set.
Can enrolled members buy plates for non-enrolled member?
Exception if a couple is married and one is not enrolled the enrolled can have a vehicle with MHA plates because the enrolled members are on the title.
Where is the MHA Nation licensing administration office located?
4 Miles east of 4 Bears Casino 9710 Hwy 23 New Town, ND 58763
Will I be profiled when I drive off the reservation?
Highway officers need to have probable cause when stopping drivers. We at MHA always practice good driving.
Benefits of Administrating MHA Plates
Tribal plates this will bring money back to the MHA Tribe and increase additional financial revenue for MHA programs that can help enrolled members. This money won’t go to the state of North Dakota this money stays with the MHA Nation.
Vehicle Documents Needed to Register for MHA Plates
- properly assigned titles or manufactured certificate origin, bill of sale, lien release.
- tribal enrollment card and a valid North Dakota Driver’s license,
- current insurance verification for each vehicle, and
- current physical address for proof of physical address
- accepted as alternate proof of current physical address,
- utility bill showing enrolled members physical address within FBIR
- three pieces of current mail with physical address within FBIR
Vehicle Documents Needed if Transferring from North Dakota to MHA
- properly assigned titles or manufactured certificate origin, bill of sale, lien release.
- tribal enrollment card and a valid North Dakota Driver’s license,
- current insurance verification for each vehicle, and
- current physical address for proof of physical address
- accepted as alternate proof of current physical address,
- utility bill showing enrolled members physical address within FBIR
- three pieces of current mail with physical address within FBIR
