Vehicle Registration in South Dakota

Registering your vehicle links you (the owner), your VIN, and yourplates in the state record—authorizing you to drive legally. Use this streamlined guide to prep documents, estimate costs, and pick the best way to register.

What You’ll Need (Core Requirements)

• Proof of ownership: Original, properly assigned title (or MCO for brand-new vehicles).
• Identification & residency: Driver’s license/ID and proof of South Dakota address.
• Insurance: Active liability policy meeting state minimums (bring proof showing VIN and effective dates).
• Vehicle details: Year, make, model, body type, VIN, purchase date/price, and odometer disclosure (when required).
• Payment: Sales tax (if applicable), title fee, and registration fee (varies by age/weight/type/value).

New residents: you generally have 90 days after establishing residency to register.

Who Can Register

• Individuals 16+ (parents/guardians register for younger drivers).
• Businesses (bring business authorization docs).
• Military may have special options—ask your County Treasurer.

Step-by-Step: First-Time or New-to-SD Registration

1. Verify the title is signed correctly; record odometer (if required).
2. Confirm VIN accuracy across title, vehicle, and insurance card.
3. Gather residency & ID (utility bill/lease/mortgage + license/ID).
4. Bring proof of insurance that lists the vehicle/VIN.
5. Visit your County Treasurer (or use dealer processing when buying at a dealership).
6. Pay taxes/fees and receive plates/registration (or by mail if produced later).

Fees & Taxes (At a Glance)

• Sales tax: Calculated from purchase price (trade-in credits may apply).
• Title fee: Paid on ownership transfers (and for duplicates when needed).
• Registration fee: Based on vehicle age, weight, type, and value.
• Plates: Standard plates are low-cost; specialty/personalized plates add surcharges.
• Late penalty: Assessed if you register/renew after expiration.

Where & How to Register

• In person: County Treasurer’s Office (best for first-time or complex cases).
• Dealer-assisted: Most dealers submit your paperwork and issue temporary tags.
• Online/mail: Typically for straightforward renewals; initial registrations often require in-person verification.

Deadlines, Renewal & Temporary Tags

• Annual renewal: Due on your birthday (no grace period after).
• Renew early: Avoid penalties; keep insurance active to prevent suspension.
• Temporary tags: Commonly issued for recent purchases; display clearly until permanent plates arrive.

Inspections & Special Cases

• VIN checks: May be requested for out-of-state titles or paperwork inconsistencies.
• Rebuilt/Salvage: Must pass a rebuilt inspection before titling/registration.
• Commercial/RVs/trailers/motorcycles/antiques: Category-specific rules/fees may apply.
• No routine safety/emissions: SD generally doesn’t require periodic inspections for passenger vehicles.

Quick Checklist

1. Title (or MCO) properly assigned + odometer disclosure (if required).
2. ID and proof of SD residency.
3. Proof of current insurance listing the VIN.
4. Funds for sales tax, title fee, registration, and plates.
5. Calendar reminder to renew by your birthday each year.

Not sure about a unique situation (inheritance, lien, out-of-state, specialty plates)? Call your County Treasurer’s Office first—one quick check can prevent a repeat trip.