Eligibility for South Dakota License Plates
Every registered passenger vehicle must have two license plates: one in the front and one in the back. SDCL 32-5-98 establishes this rule. New residents have 90 days from arrival to title and register a vehicle from another state with the South Dakota Department of Revenue.
- Residency: Valid South Dakota driver’s license or state ID is required for registration. Applicants without them pay an additional $100 non-resident fee and must provide a physical South Dakota address; P.O. boxes and mail forwarding addresses are not acceptable.
- Vehicle: All vehicles, trailers, and ATVs operating on state highways must be titled and registered according to SDCL 32-3. Vehicles that have been rebuilt or have a “salvage” status require a separate inspection through the Motor Vehicles Division before plates are issued.
- Applicant: Each owner listed on the title application must present a valid South Dakota license or ID. Authorized agents may sign on behalf of the owner with a power of attorney.
- Disabled veteran, “Purple Heart,” POW, Pearl Harbor survivor, Medal of Honor, National Guard, and “Gold Star” plates have statutory eligibility requirements according to SDCL 32-5-155 to 32-5-160. DD-214 documentation or equivalent proof of service is required. Plate categories also include tribal, firefighter, EMS, habitat conservation, and personalized options available to all residents.
How to Get a License Plate in South Dakota?
Each title and registration transaction is processed through the county treasurer’s office in your county of residence. Buyers have 45 days from the purchase date to title and register.
- Bring the assigned title or manufacturer’s certificate of origin, a completed Application for Motor Vehicle Title & Registration, proof of insurance, and your South Dakota license or ID. Vehicles with liens require a $10 notarization fee and a loan agreement.
- South Dakota does not conduct safety inspections or emissions tests for passenger vehicles. VIN inspection applies only to rebuilt or bonded vehicles.
- Pay the 4% motor vehicle excise tax, $10 title fee, annual registration fee based on weight, and county wheel tax at the treasurer’s window. The county issues your plates, stickers, and registration card on-site.
- Renewals occur annually. Your renewal month is tied to the first letter of your last name (e.g., A/B renews in January, S renews in September). The state sends a renewal reminder postcard before the expiration date.
Fees in the next section break down each component of this payment.
How Much Does a License Plate Cost in South Dakota?
The base registration fee depends on weight and age; the 4% excise tax is the primary cost component.
- Registration fees for non-commercial vehicles range from $2.10 per month (under 2,000 lbs, over 10 years old) to $12 per month (over 6,000 lbs, under 10 years old), paid for 12 months at renewal. A mid-weight sedan in the 2,001 to 4,000 lbs class, under 10 years old, pays $6 per month, or $72 annually.
- County wheel tax adds $0 to $5 per wheel depending on the county, with annual maximums from $8 to $60. The South Dakota Department of Revenue’s county wheel tax schedule lists rates for each county.
- Electric vehicles pay an additional $100 annually at registration. Standard fixed fees include $1 for solid waste, $1 for highway patrol, and $2 for technology.
- Personalized plates cost $25 per year in addition to the registration fee. Most specialty and military plates have a one-time $10 plate fee. Disabled veteran, “Purple Heart,” POW, and Pearl Harbor survivor plates waive the registration fee, charging only $10 annually.
- Late titling incurs interest at 1% per month (or $5, whichever is greater) after 45 days, plus a one-time penalty of 10% (or $10, whichever is greater) after 60 days according to the South Dakota Department of Revenue’s fee schedule.
Can I Get a License Plate Online in South Dakota?
Initial titling and registration must be completed in person at the county treasurer’s office. Online service covers only annual renewals.
The Vehicle Registration & Plates Portal (my605drive.sd.gov) accepts Discover, MasterCard, and Visa, as well as electronic checks. Processing fees apply ($0.95 for electronic check, 2.5% for debit or credit card). The state mails plates and stickers after online renewal, with a $1.50 mailing fee per renewed registration. DMV Now self-service kiosks in Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Pierre, Aberdeen, Mitchell, Watertown, and Yankton print renewal tags on-site.
Mail renewals are sent to your county treasurer’s office with the renewal postcard, payment by check or money order, and a $12 plate mailing fee (or $2.50 for sticker only). Allow two weeks for processing.
If South Dakota can process your renewal online or at a kiosk, skip the window; the treasurer’s office is designated for title transfers and first plates that the portal cannot handle.