Vehicle Information for License Plates in South Dakota

Getting (and keeping) South Dakota plates ties back to the basics: a valid title, correct VIN, current insurance, and on-time registration. Use this quick guide to avoid delays and stay compliant.

Vehicle Registration — What You’ll Bring

Ownership: Original title (properly assigned) or Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (new vehicles).
ID & Residency: Driver’s license/ID and proof of SD address (e.g., utility bill, lease, mortgage).
Insurance: Active liability policy that meets state minimums (see below).
Vehicle details: Year, make, model, body type, VIN, purchase date/price, odometer disclosure (if required).
Fees & taxes: Registration fee (age/weight/value based) + title fee + applicable sales tax.

Tip: Your registration typically expires on your birthday each year—renew early to avoid penalties.

VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) — Accuracy Matters

Format: 17 characters that uniquely identify your vehicle (no I/O/Q letters).
Where to find it: Dash (driver side, visible through windshield), driver-door jamb label, title, registration, insurance card.
Why it’s checked: Prevents title fraud and mismatches; clerks may verify the VIN on the vehicle.
Buying used? Run a history report (e.g., NMVTIS/Carfax) with the VIN to check title brands, odometer issues, and past damage.

Insurance Requirements

Minimum liability (per SD law): Bodily Injury $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident; Property Damage $25,000.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist: Required; typically matches your BI limits.
Proof at registration: Card or declaration page showing VIN, effective dates, and limits.
Keep it active: Lapses can trigger registration suspension and fines.

Title Transfers (Buying/Selling)

Seller: Sign the title to buyer; include date, sale price, and odometer disclosure (when required).
Buyer: Present signed title to the County Treasurer to retitle/register the vehicle and obtain plates.
Liens: If financed, lienholder is recorded on title; duplicate/paid-off liens must show a release.
Out-of-state titles: Bring the original, properly assigned document; additional VIN verification may be requested.

Inspections & Verifications

Routine safety/emissions: South Dakota generally does not require periodic inspections for passenger vehicles.
VIN verification: May be required for out-of-state vehicles or where paperwork is inconsistent.
Salvage/Rebuilt: Repaired salvage vehicles must pass a rebuilt inspection before titling/registration.
Commercial: May be subject to DOT/federal inspection rules depending on use/weight.

Emissions & Equipment

Emissions testing: Not generally required in SD.
No tampering: Removing or defeating emissions equipment (e.g., catalytic converter) is illegal under federal law.
EVs/Hybrids: Register like standard vehicles; no emissions testing.

Fees, Taxes & Timing

Registration fee: Based on age, weight, and vehicle value; specialty or personalized plates add surcharges.
Title fee: Paid on transfers (and duplicates when needed).
Sales tax: Charged on purchase price (trade-in credits may apply); collected at titling/registration if not handled by dealer.
Renewal cadence: Annual; due on your birthday (no grace period after).

Special Situations

Temporary tags: Usually valid up to 45 days to bridge title/registration processing.
Military: Special options may apply for active-duty members (ask your Treasurer’s Office).
Trailers, RVs, motorcycles, antiques: Category-specific rules/fees; bring category documentation if applicable.
Rebuilt/kit/imported vehicles: Expect extra documentation and possible inspections to verify safety/compliance.

Quick Start Checklist

Confirm your title is properly assigned and odometer disclosure completed (if required).
Verify the VIN exactly (compare vehicle, title, and insurance docs).
Bring proof of SD address and current insurance.
Be ready to pay title, tax, and registration fees.
Mark your calendar: renew by your birthday each year.

For edge cases (salvage, out-of-state, liens, specialty plates), call your County Treasurer’s Office first—one short call can save a repeat trip.