18 CFR 381.108: Exemptions.

(a) Filing of petition. States, municipalities and anyone who is engaged in the official business of the Federal Government are exempt from the fees required by this part and may file a petition for exemption in lieu of the applicable fee.

(b) Decision on petition. A petitioner may claim this exemption by filing an original and two copies of a petition for exemption that includes evidence that the petitioner is a State or municipality, or is engaged in the official business of the Federal Government. The Commission or its designee will analyze each petition to determine whether the petition has met the standards for exemption and will notify the petitioner whether it is granted or denied. If the petition is denied, the person will have thirty days from the date of notification of the denial to submit the appropriate fee to the Commission.