South Dakota Vehicle Registration

Requirements

To register a car in South Dakota, you must meet the following requirements:

• You must be a resident of South Dakota.
• You must have a valid South Dakota driver’s license or state ID.
• You must have proof of ownership (title) of the vehicle.
• You must have proof of insurance for the vehicle.

Fees

The fees for registering a car in South Dakota vary depending on the type of vehicle, its weight, and other factors. Here is a general list of fees you may encounter:

• Registration fee: Varies based on the vehicle’s age, weight, and type.
• Title fee: $10
• Lien filing fee (if applicable): $10
• Wheel tax: Varies by county, usually between $4 and $60.
• Sales tax: 4.5% of the vehicle’s purchase price or fair market value.

Types of Registrations

There are several types of vehicle registrations in South Dakota, including:

• Standard Registration: For most passenger vehicles, trucks, and motorcycles.
• Commercial Registration: For vehicles used for commercial purposes.
• Farm Registration: For vehicles primarily used for agriculture.
• Historic Registration: For vehicles at least 30 years old and used for exhibition or educational purposes.
• Snowmobile and ATV Registration: For off-road vehicles.

Forms to Complete

To register a car in South Dakota, you will need to complete the following forms:

• Application for Motor Vehicle Title & Registration (Form MV-608): This form is required for all vehicle registrations.
• Damage Disclosure Statement (Form MV-610): This form is required if the vehicle is under seven years old.
• Bill of Sale: Required if the purchase price is not listed on the title or if the vehicle is exempt from sales tax.

Processing Time

The processing time for vehicle registration in South Dakota is typically within 30 days. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, processing times may be longer than usual.

Where to Process Your Vehicle Registration

You can process your vehicle registration at your local South Dakota county treasurer’s office. You can find a list of county treasurer offices here.

Renewing Your Registration

Vehicle registration renewal in South Dakota is required annually. You can renew your registration:

• Online: Visit the South Dakota Motor Vehicle Registration Renewal Portal.
• By Mail: Send your renewal notice, proof of insurance, and payment to your local county treasurer’s office.
• In Person: Visit your local county treasurer’s office with your renewal notice, proof of insurance, and payment.

Remember to renew your registration before its expiration date to avoid late fees and penalties.

Following this ultimate guide will prepare you to register your car in South Dakota and ensure you comply with all state requirements.