What You Need to Register a Car in South Dakota

To register a car in South Dakota, you will need to submit an process to the South Dakota Department of Revenue, along with proof of ownership, proof of identity, and proof that your vehicle has passed inspection. The state requires you to register your vehicle within 30 days of purchase or moving to South Dakota. Registration is not complete until you receive your plates and registration certificate in the mail.

The specific documents you bring depend on whether you are registering a new purchase, transferring a title from another state, or renewing an existing registration. South Dakota does not allow online registration for new vehicles, so you will need to visit a driver's license examination station or a county treasurer's office in person.

Key Takeaways

  • You must register your vehicle within 30 days of purchase or moving to South Dakota, or you may face late fees and penalties.
  • Registration requires proof of ownership (title or bill of sale), a valid ID, proof of vehicle inspection, and proof of South Dakota residency.
  • You can register at any driver's license examination station or county treasurer's office, but you cannot complete registration online for new vehicles.
  • Registration fees vary based on vehicle weight and age, and South Dakota charges an additional $10 fee for plates.
  • Your registration is valid for two years from the date issued, and you will receive a renewal notice by mail before expiration.

Documents You Will Need to Bring

Bring your current title or bill of sale showing you own the vehicle. If you are transferring a title from another state, bring the out-of-state title and a bill of sale or purchase agreement. If the title is held by a lender, you will need written permission from the lender to register the vehicle in your name, or the lender's name will appear on the South Dakota title.

Bring a valid photo ID such as a driver's license, passport, or military ID. You will also need proof of South Dakota residency, which can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your current address.

Your vehicle must pass a South Dakota safety inspection before registration is complete. The inspection checks brakes, lights, windshield wipers, horn, and steering. You can have the inspection done at any authorized inspection station, and it costs between $10 and $20. Bring the inspection certificate or the inspector's report when you register.

Where to Register and How Long It Takes

Visit any driver's license examination station or your county treasurer's office to register your vehicle. You can find the nearest office on the South Dakota Department of Revenue website. Most offices are open during standard business hours, Monday through Friday, though some county treasurers' offices may have limited hours.

Registration processing takes about two to three weeks from the date you submit your process. You will receive your plates and registration certificate by mail at the address you provide. During this time, you may drive with a temporary permit issued at the time of registration, though some offices issue a temporary registration slip instead of a permit.

If you need plates when ready, some offices can issue temporary plates on the spot for an additional fee, but this is not standard practice at all locations. Call ahead to ask whether your local office offers this service.

Registration Fees and What They Cover

South Dakota registration fees are based on your vehicle's weight and age. A vehicle under 4,000 pounds typically costs between $80 and $120 for a two-year registration, while heavier vehicles cost more. The state adds a $10 plate fee to all registrations. If you are registering a vehicle for the first time in South Dakota, you may also owe a title transfer fee of $10.

Fees do not include the cost of the safety inspection, which you must pay separately at the inspection station. Fees also do not include any late fees if you register after the 30-day important date. Late registration can result in additional penalties.

South Dakota does not charge sales tax on vehicle registration, but you may owe sales tax on the vehicle itself at the time of purchase, depending on where you bought it and your residency status.

Registering a Vehicle Purchased Out of State

If you bought your vehicle in another state and are moving to South Dakota, bring the out-of-state title and a bill of sale or purchase agreement showing the sale price. You will also need to complete a South Dakota process for Certificate of Title form, which you can get at any registration office or read from the Department of Revenue website.

The out-of-state title will be held by the South Dakota Department of Revenue during processing, and you will receive a new South Dakota title certificate by mail. This process takes the same two to three weeks as a standard registration. You cannot drive with an out-of-state title in South Dakota after the 30-day grace period, so register as soon as you establish residency.

If your out-of-state title shows a lien or loan, the lender's name will transfer to your South Dakota title unless you provide proof that the loan has been paid off. Contact your lender for a lien release letter if you have paid off the vehicle.

Renewing Your Registration

South Dakota registration is valid for two years from the date it is issued. You will receive a renewal notice by mail about 30 days before your registration expires. You can renew by mail, online, or in person at a driver's license examination station or county treasurer's office.

To renew by mail, complete the renewal form included with your notice and send it with payment to the address listed on the form. To renew online, visit the South Dakota Department of Revenue website and follow the online renewal process. Online renewal is the fastest option and usually takes one to two business days.

Renewal by mail or online does not require a new safety inspection unless your vehicle is over 15 years old or you are changing the vehicle's registration category. If an inspection is required, you will be notified in your renewal notice.

What Happens If You Miss the Registration important date

If you do not register your vehicle within 30 days of purchase or moving to South Dakota, you will owe a late fee in addition to the standard registration fee. The late fee is typically $25 to $50, depending on how far past the important date you register. Driving an unregistered vehicle is illegal and can result in a traffic citation.

If you are stopped by law enforcement while driving an unregistered vehicle, you may receive a ticket and be required to show proof of registration within a set number of days. Some officers may impound the vehicle if registration is significantly overdue.

If your registration has expired, you can still renew it at any time, but you will owe the renewal fee plus any applicable late fees. There is no grace period for expired registrations, so renew before your expiration date to avoid penalties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I register my car online in South Dakota?

You cannot register a new vehicle online in South Dakota. You must visit a driver's license examination station or county treasurer's office in person. However, you can renew an existing registration online through the South Dakota Department of Revenue website.

Do I need a South Dakota driver's license to register a vehicle?

No, you do not need a South Dakota driver's license to register a vehicle in the state. You only need a valid photo ID and proof of South Dakota residency. Many people register vehicles before obtaining a state driver's license.

What if my vehicle fails the safety inspection?

If your vehicle fails inspection, you have time to make repairs and have it re-inspected. You can register your vehicle once it passes inspection. There is no penalty for a failed inspection, but you cannot legally drive the vehicle until it passes and you complete registration.

How much does it cost to register a car in South Dakota?

Registration fees range from about $80 to $120 for a two-year registration, depending on vehicle weight and age. Add $10 for plates and $10 for a title transfer if registering for the first time. Safety inspection costs $10 to $20 and is paid separately to the inspection station.

Can I register a vehicle if I do not have a title?

You need either an original title or a bill of sale to register a vehicle. If you lost your title, contact the previous owner's state to request a duplicate. If you bought the vehicle without a title, you may need to work with the seller to obtain one before South Dakota will register it.