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    • Temporary Tags in South Dakota

    Temporary tags are short-term registrations that let you legally drive while your title/registration and permanent plates are being processed. They’re commonly used after a purchase (dealer or private sale), when moving to South Dakota, or while resolving paperwork delays.

    When You Might Need One

    • Dealership purchase: Dealer issues a temp tag while handling your paperwork.
    • Private-party purchase: Drive legally to complete title/registration.
    • New to SD: Cover the gap while you switch to South Dakota registration.
    • In-transit: Moving a vehicle from another state or location.
    • Administrative delays: Title or lien release still in progress.

    Validity Period

    • Standard window: Typically 45 days from issuance.
    • In-transit permits: May be shorter (often days, not weeks).
    • No grace period: Driving after the printed expiration date is the same as no registration.

    Where to Get a Temporary Tag

    • From a dealer: Issued at purchase and included in your paperwork/fees.
    • County Treasurer’s Office: For private sales, out-of-state vehicles, or special cases.
    • Authorized agents: Some third parties can issue on the state’s behalf (availability varies).

    What to Bring

    • Ownership proof: Properly assigned title or Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin; bill of sale.
    • Proof of insurance: Active policy listing the vehicle/VIN.
    • ID & residency: Driver’s license/ID (and proof of SD address if needed).
    • VIN & odometer: VIN on documents; odometer disclosure for qualifying vehicles.
    • Payment: Temp tag fee, title/registration fees, and applicable taxes.
    • Lien details (if financed): Lienholder name/address; title release if recently paid off.

    Fees (At a Glance)

    • Temporary tag: Modest fixed fee (varies by tag type).
    • Plus standard title, registration, and tax as applicable.

    How to Apply (Private Sale / Non-Dealer)

    1. Gather documents (title/bill of sale, insurance, ID, VIN/odometer, lien info if any).
    2. Visit your County Treasurer’s Office.
    3. Complete provided forms; clerk verifies documents and calculates fees.
    4. Pay fees and receive your temporary tag with a printed expiration date.
    5. Display the tag as instructed and complete full registration before it expires.

    Display Rules

    • Mount in the rear plate area or clearly in the rear window.
    • Keep it unobstructed, readable, and secure (no tint/frames covering details).
    • Ensure the plate light illuminates if mounted in the plate area at night.

    Expiring Soon or Didn’t Receive Plates?

    • Track the printed expiration date—set reminders a week in advance.
    • Contact the Treasurer’s Office to check status if plates haven’t arrived.
    • Extensions are rare: Park the vehicle if you cannot complete registration in time.
    • If the temp tag is lost/damaged, request a replacement immediately.

    Quick FAQs

    • Can I renew a temp tag? Generally no—complete full registration within the valid period.
    • Can I drive after it expires? No. That’s treated as no registration and may result in citations or impound.
    • Out-of-state purchase? Bring the out-of-state title; expect extra verification and allow more time.
    • Dealer vs. private sale? Dealers usually issue the temp tag on the spot; private sales require a Treasurer’s Office visit.

    Bottom line: temporary tags bridge the gap while paperwork finishes—use them properly, watch the expiration date, and finalize your registration before time runs out.