Types of License Plates in South Dakota

South Dakota offers several plate options so you can keep it simple, show school spirit, support a cause, or personalize your ride. Below is a quick, practical guide to what’s available, who qualifies, and how to get them.

Standard Plates

• What they are: The default Mount Rushmore design issued at registration.
• Cost: Included in your normal registration fees (no extra surcharge).
• How to get: Automatically provided when registering a vehicle unless you choose another type.

Personalized (Custom) Plates

• What they are: You pick the letter/number combo (up to 7 characters; letters, numbers, spaces).
• Not allowed: Symbols/special characters; offensive or confusing content.
• Fees: One-time personalization fee plus a small annual surcharge in addition to registration.
• How to get: Check availability online or apply at your County Treasurer’s Office.

Specialty Plates

Pre-designed themes supporting schools, causes, organizations, or service.

• Military & Veteran: General veteran, branch-specific (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard), campaign/service, Purple Heart, Disabled Veteran (documentation required).
• Education: University & college plates (portion of fees supports the school).
• Wildlife & Conservation: Pheasant, habitat, parks/outdoors, and similar conservation designs.
• Organizations & Professions: Fraternal groups (e.g., Elks, Knights of Columbus), Fire/EMS, and other service plates (eligibility proof may be required).
• Heritage & Culture: Designs celebrating South Dakota history and cultural identity.
• Fees: Annual surcharge (and sometimes an initial setup fee) in addition to standard registration.
• How to get: Apply at your County Treasurer’s Office; bring eligibility documents if the plate requires them.

Disability Plates & Placards

• Plates: Permanent disability plates include the wheelchair symbol and grant disability parking privileges.
• Placards: Hanging placards for temporary or permanent needs; can move between vehicles.
• How to qualify: Medical certification from a licensed provider; submit with application at the Treasurer’s Office.
• Fees: Plate/registration fees apply; placards generally issued without extra plate surcharges.

How to Choose

• Budget: Specialty/personalized plates add recurring annual surcharges.
• Meaning: Support a cause, show service/school pride, or keep it classic.
• Longevity: Pick something you’ll still want in a few years.

How to Order / Switch

1. Decide the plate type (and check custom text availability if personalizing).
2. Gather documents: ID, proof of insurance, registration/title; eligibility proof for certain specialty plates.
3. Apply online (when available) or at your County Treasurer’s Office.
4. Pay standard registration plus any initial and annual surcharges.
5. Install plates per instructions; return or dispose of old plates if required.

Quick FAQs

• Can I combine specialty + personalization? Sometimes—availability and fees vary by plate type.
• How many characters on a custom plate? Up to 7 (letters, numbers, spaces).
• Do I need proof for veteran or organization plates? Yes—bring DD-214, membership letter/card, etc.
• Can I transfer plates to a new vehicle? Usually yes—ask the Treasurer’s Office and bring both vehicles’ paperwork.

Bottom line: choose standard for simplicity and cost, personalized to express yourself, or a specialty design to support what matters to you—then apply through your County Treasurer’s Office and keep your registration current each year.