By: NP staff | The Navajo Post | May 22

 Window Rock, Ariz. -With today’s 21st Century of Technology and States amending mandates that all citizens carry some type of ID, the Navajo Nation finally took the first step in creating a Tribal ID.

Navajo Nation President Ben Shelly announced in a press released, that the Navajo Nation identification cards are ready for public distribution. “It is a priority that the Navajo people have an identification card that better serves the Navajo people’s needs. I am happy to announce the Navajo people can now get their tribal I.D. cards” President Shelly stated.

Navajo officials say the card will be used  to identify ‘Navajo citizens’ and to verify their membership with the Navajo Tribe. The cards can be used to enter government building and cross the borders into Canada and Mexico, essentially making it easier on the Navajo people.

“We worked with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to make sure our Navajo Nation I.D. cards could work like a state I.D. with added benefits,” President Shelly said.

In the press release, the Shelly Administration said people who want to have an identification card are asked to update their files with local Navajo Agency Office of Vital Records & Identification have been updated. The person then would have their photo taken and signature saved. The final I.D. card would be available for purchase at the Navajo Office of Vital Records and Identification in Window Rock. The card is $17.00, the cost of the Navajo identification card goes toward materials to print the card.

Once the Office of Vital Records & Identification receives payment with updated records the holder of the Navajo identification will provide their personal signature and their picture will be taken to put on identification card.

The Tribal ID cards are only available at the Window Rock Vital Records & Identification office by the purchaser and is expected to go Nation wide.