South Dakota Temporary License Plate

What Is a Temporary License Plate in South Dakota?

South Dakota uses the term temporary license permit for documents that allow highway operation until permanent plates arrive. The permit fills the gap between the purchase of a vehicle and full registration at the county treasurer’s office.

Licensed dealers, private sellers, and county treasurers issue permits depending on the type of transaction. The Department of Revenue’s Motor Carrier Services separately handles commercial one-trip permits.

Each consumer permit is a paper document. Buyers attach it to the lower right corner of the windshield and the lower left corner of the rear window according to SDCL 32-6B-27.

What Types of Temporary License Plates Are There in South Dakota?

The 45-Day Temporary Permit, Seller’s Permit, and Plate Order Permit cannot be renewed or extended. Only one 5-15 Day Temporary Permit may be issued per vehicle per year according to SDCL 32-5-8.3.

When Is a Temporary License Plate Required in South Dakota?

• A licensed dealer may provide a 45-Day Temporary Permit at the time of sale so the buyer can operate the vehicle until permanent plates arrive according to SDCL 32-6B-26.
• A private seller must provide the buyer with a Seller’s Permit before the vehicle leaves the seller’s possession according to SDCL 32-5-2.9.
• A buyer needing additional time after the Seller’s Permit expires may purchase a 5-15 Day Temporary Permit from the county treasurer.
• A vehicle owner who has ordered special plates but has not yet received them may obtain a Plate Order Permit from the county treasurer.
• A commercial vehicle owner who has returned their plates and needs to move on the highway without a load must obtain a Commercial One-Trip Permit from Motor Carrier Services.

How to Get a Temporary License Plate in South Dakota?

1. Gather the title (assigned to the applicant), bill of sale, and valid photo ID.
2. When purchasing from a dealer, the dealer issues a 45-Day Temporary Permit at the time of sale without a separate visit needed.
3. In a private sale, the seller prints the Seller’s Permit online at MySDcars or obtains it at a county treasurer’s kiosk.
4. For a 5-15 Day Temporary Permit or Plate Order Permit, visit the county treasurer’s office and pay the applicable fee.
5. Attach the permit to the windshield and rear window as required by statute before operating the vehicle.

Application forms for the Seller’s Permit and title are available at South Dakota DOR Cars, Trucks and Vans.

How Much Does a Temporary License Plate Cost in South Dakota?

County treasurers collect the fee for the 5-15 Day Temporary Permit at the counter. Permits issued by dealers and sellers do not carry a separate fee for the buyer or seller.

How to Get a Temporary License Plate Online in South Dakota?

Partially. Only the Seller’s Permit is available to consumers online.

A private seller can print the Seller’s Permit through the MySDcars portal using a valid South Dakota driver’s license or ID. The permit prints immediately at home.

The 5-15 Day Temporary Permit and Plate Order Permit require an in-person visit to the county treasurer’s office. Permits issued by dealers are handled at the dealership at the time of sale.

For private sales, the MySDcars portal is the fastest route; for dealer purchases, the dealer handles everything at closing.

How Long Can I Run a Temporary License Plate in South Dakota?

Operating a vehicle without visible plates after the permit expires is a class 2 misdemeanor according to SDCL 32-5-98. Late title and registration applications also incur interest and penalties from the purchase date according to South Dakota DOR.