Specialty License Plates in South Dakota

Specialty plates let you support causes, schools, conservation, or service organizations while displaying a unique plate design. Most options add a small annual surcharge that goes to the sponsoring program.

Popular Categories

• Military & Veterans: Veteran, branch-specific (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard), campaign, Purple Heart, disabled veteran.
• Education: USD, SDSU, School of Mines, BHSU, DSU, NSU and other school/college designs that often fund scholarships.
• Conservation & Outdoors: Pheasant/wildlife habitat, state parks/outdoor recreation themes.
• Organizations & Service: Fire/EMS, fraternal groups (e.g., Elks, Moose, Masonic), veterans’ service organizations (American Legion, VFW, DAV).
• Cause Awareness & Heritage: Organ donation, autism awareness, agriculture & rural heritage, cultural/historical designs.

Eligibility

• Open to all: Many conservation, education, and cause plates require only the fee.
• Proof required: Membership-based or service plates (e.g., veteran, firefighter) need documentation (DD-214, membership card/letter, retiree ID, etc.).
• Keep it current: If eligibility (e.g., membership) lapses, you may need to switch plates.

Costs & Renewal

• Standard registration fee (varies by vehicle) plus a specialty plate surcharge.
• Annual surcharge: typically assessed every renewal; some plates also have a one-time setup fee.
• Plates renew on your birthday; pay on time to avoid penalties.

How to Get a Specialty Plate

1. Choose a design: Review available categories and confirm the plate is active.
2. Gather documents: Proof of eligibility (if required), current registration, ID, proof of insurance.
3. Apply: At your county treasurer’s office (some may allow online requests depending on the plate).
4. Pay fees: Registration + specialty surcharge (and any initial fee).
5. Receive plates: Most specialty plates are manufactured and mailed in a few weeks; install securely on the vehicle.

Transfers, Switches & Returns

• Transfer to a new vehicle: Bring your specialty plates, new title, proof of insurance, and pay any transfer fees.
• Switch back to standard: Return specialty plates and request standard replacements (surcharges stop at next renewal).
• Old plates: Keep as memorabilia (if allowed), return, or destroy to prevent misuse—follow local guidance.

Quick FAQs

• Specialty vs. Personalized: Specialty = unique design (cause/organization). Personalized = your custom characters. Some designs allow both (extra cost).
• Who gets the money? The sponsor (e.g., university, conservation program) typically receives the surcharge portion.
• How long does it take? Many specialty plates are made to order; plan for a few weeks before installation.

Ready to showcase what matters to you? Pick a design, bring the right documents, and turn your plate into year-round support for a cause, school, or community you love.