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Titling and Registration Information
All vehicles in South Dakota must be titled and registered in order to legally operate on South Dakota roadways. A nonresident moving into the state has 90 days to register and title a vehicle. A vehicle title is a legal document that declares ownership of the vehicle to the specified person(s) listed on the title. Whenever a vehicle is sold, the title must be transferred to the buyer(s). This starts the ownership process over again. Information found on a title includes the owner's name and address, vehicle specifications and any lienholders.
When a vehicle owner registers their vehicle, they are required to pay the 3% motor vehicle excise tax to acquire proper license plates and tabs. The vehicle must be registered at the county treasurer's office in the county where the vehicle owner resides. The vehicle registration is provided to the vehicle owner by the county treasurer at the time all fees are paid. Registrations are renewed annually; the renewal schedule is based on the first letterof the last name of the vehicle owner. The registration document must be kept in the vehicle at all times.
Please review the specific motorized vehicle types for additional specific information. All of the following explanations are for noncommercial vehicles. For information on commercial vehicles, click here.
Titling and Registration Historical Statistics
From 1970-present, the state has collected registration and title data
by county. These records are now available for each county. To
access these tables, you need Adobe Acrobat Reader, which will allow you
to access a county's history by simply clicking on that county.
Registrations and Titles - By County
Registrations and Titles - State Total
Registration and Titles - 2009 by County
Vehicles (cars, trucks and vans)
Rebuilt Vehicles (cars, trucks, vans and motorcycles)
Trucks (over 6,000lbs and less than 10,000lbs)
Four-wheel, all-terrain vehicle
Manufactured Home (Mobile Homes)
Recreational Vehicle (including motorhomes, converted housecar/bus)
Vehicles (cars, trucks and vans) Chapter 32-03
Complete an Application for Motor Vehicle Title and Registration. The application must be signed by the record owner(s) or by an authorized agent for the record owner(s). If the application is signed by an authorized agent, a power of attorney document must be attached to verify the appointment.
If the vehicle was purchased out-of-state, a bill of sale, purchase order or sales contract must be attached. If the dealer price certification on the application for title (MV-608) is not complete and the applicant purchased the vehicle from a South Dakota dealer, a purchase order must be attached.
Purchase price on a new vehicle with no trade-in is the total consideration whether received in money or otherwise. Total consideration must include cash down payments, cash rebates, money and any other item given in consideration of the vehicle. Discounts are allowed, but a purchase agreement is required to substantiate the discount.
Motor vehicle titling and registration fees are done through your local county treasurers office. Click here for all applicable license fees that must be paid to the county treasurer.
License fees are computed according to the weight schedules for noncommercial vehicles.
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If the motor vehicle is an automobile, pickup or van weighing less than 10,000 lbs (including manufacturer's shipping weight and manufacturer's accessories), the license fees for the vehicle are based on the regular license fee schedule. However, if the noncommercial motor vehicle is a pickup that weighs more than 6,000 pounds and less than 10,000 lbs, the owner has the option of paying the license fees under the noncommercial gross weight vehicle schedule. See "Trucks" below for more information.
Rebuilt V
ehicles (cars, trucks, vans and motorcycles) Chapter 32-03The vehicle must be in running order before the original forms may be submitted to our office.
Complete an Application for Motor Vehicle Title and Registration. The application must be filed in the county of the new applicant's residence. The application must be signed by the record owner(s) or by an authorized agent for the record owner(s). If the application is signed by an authorized agent, a power of attorney document must be attached to verify the appointment.
Complete the Affidavit for Rebuilt Vehicles (MV-950) and submit to the county treasurer.
Titles or bills of sale establishing ownership and receipts for parts must be attached. There is also a $25 special serial number fee (check is to be made out to the Division of Motor Vehicles). All forms, attachments, and fees must be submitted through the county treasurer's office.
Rebuilt vehicles are subject to inspection by the Highway Patrol or an employee of the Department of Revenue & Regulation.
After inspection, the owner may take his copy of the certificate of inspection to the county treasurer, purchase license plates, and pay any tax owed. Once the Division of Motor Vehicles is notified that the inspection is complete and has verified that the correct amount of tax has been paid, a rebuilt title will be issued.
Motor vehicle titling and registration fees are done through your local county treasurers office. Click here for all applicable license fees that must be paid to the county treasurer.
(over 6,000lbs and less than 10,000lbs) Chapter 32-03
Complete an Application for Motor Vehicle Title and Registration. The application must be filed in the county of the new applicant's residence. The application must be signed by the record owner(s) or by an authorized agent for the record owner(s). If the application is signed by an authorized agent, a power of attorney document must be attached to verify the appointment.
License fees are computed according to the gross weight fee schedule.
Motor vehicle titling and registration fees are done through your local county treasurers office. Click here for all applicable license fees that must be paid to the county treasurer.
Off-Road Vehicles Chapter 32-03
An off-road vehicle is any self-propelled, two or more wheeled vehicle designed primarily to be operated on land other than a highway and includes, but is not limited to, all-terrain vehicles, dune buggies and any vehicle whose manufacturer's statement of origin (MSO) or manufacturer's certificate of origin (MCO) states that the vehicle is not for highway use. If the vehicle is used, the certificate of title property transferred to the applicant must be attached.
Complete an Application for Motor Vehicle Title and Registration. The application must be filed in the county of the new applicant's residence. The application must be signed by the record owner(s) or by an authorized agent for the record owner(s). If the application is signed by an authorized agent, a power of attorney document must be attached to verify the appointment.
Off-road vehicles may not be registered and licensed for use upon the highways, but MUST be tilted.
Motor vehicle titling and registration fees are done through your local county treasurers office. Click here for all applicable license fees that must be paid to the county treasurer.
Four-wheel, all-terrain vehicle Chapter 32-03
Any all-terrain vehicle with four or more wheels with a combustion engine having a piston or rotor displacement of two hundred cubic centimeters or more may be licensed as a motorcycle to be used on a public highway. The licensed four-wheel, all-terrain vehicle may not be operated on the interstate highway.
An Application for Motor Vehicle Title and Registration must be completed and filed in the county of the applicant's residence. The application must be filed in the county of the new applicant's residence. The application must be signed by the record owner(s) or by an authorized agent for the record owner(s). If the application is signed by an authorized agent, a power of attorney document must be attached to verify the appointment. A manufacturer's statement of origin (MSO) or valid ownership document must be attached.
A Four Wheel, ATV Affidavit and proof of sales tax paid must be submitted to the county at the time of application and licensing.
Motor vehicle titling and registration fees are done through your local county treasurers office. Click here for all applicable license fees that must be paid to the county treasurer.
Owners of trailers used with automobiles, pickups and vans weighing less than 6,000lbs must purchase a regular annual trailer plate. There is no restriction on the weight carried by trailers licensed in this manner.
Vehicles licensed for gross weight (commercial and noncommercial) may tow any regularly licensed trailer as long as the weight of the trailer plus its load is included in the gross weight license of the towing vehicle.
For trailers exempt from licensing (see Trailers Exempt from Licensing), the weight of the trailer and the load being hauled is not included in determining the declared gross weight of the vehicle.
An Application for Motor Vehicle Title and Registration must be completed and filed in the county of the applicant's residence. The application must be filed in the county of the new applicant's residence. The application must be signed by the record owner(s) or by an authorized agent for the record owner(s). If the application is signed by an authorized agent, a power of attorney document must be attached to verify the appointment.
A trailer being pulled by a truck licensed under the declared gross weight schedule or a commercial licensed vehicle may display a trailer identification plate. This will be the only license identification required on the trailer. The $10 fee is a one-time only fee, as long as the trailer is owned by the applicant.
No identification plate may be displayed on a recreational vehicle. In the event the trailer identification plate is lost, the licensee must complete a duplicate plate affidavit and submit a $10 fee to the county treasurer.
Motor vehicle titling and registration fees are done through your local county treasurers office. Click here for all applicable license fees that must be paid to the county treasurer.
Homemade Trailer
Chapter 32-03An Application for Motor VehicleTitle and Registration must be completed and filed in the county of the applicant's residence. The application must be signed by the record owner(s) or by an authorized agent for the record owner(s). If the application is signed by an authorized agent, a power of attorney document must be attached to verify the appointment.
Motor vehicle titling and registration fees are done through your local county treasurers office. Click here for all applicable license fees that must be paid to the county treasurer.
Included in this category are motorcycles, motorbikes, mopeds (51cc or larger), bicycles with a motor attached and all motor operated vehicles of the bicycle or tricycle type or a platform on which the driver stands. Excludes tractors.
An Application for Motor Vehicle Title and Registration must be completed and filed in the county of the applicant's residence. The application must be signed by the record owner(s) or by an authorized agent for the record owner(s). If the application is signed by an authorized agent, a power of attorney document must be attached to verify the appointment.
A purchase order, sales contract or bill of sale will be required if the Dealer Price Certification is not completed on the application.
Attach to the application the manufacturer's statement of origin (MSO) or title properly transferred to the applicant.
Motor vehicle titling and registration fees are done through your local county treasurers office. Click here for all applicable license fees that must be paid to the county treasurer.
(50cc or smaller) Chapter 32-03
A moped is defined as a motor driven cycle equipped with two or three wheels. If a combustion engine is used, the maximum piston or rotor displacement shall be 50cc, regardless of the number of chambers in such power source. The power source shall be equipped with a power drive system that functions directly or automatically only, not requiring clutching or shifting by the operator after the drive system is engaged.
An Application for Motor Vehicle Title and Registration may be completed and filed in the county of the applicant's residence. The application must be signed by the record owner(s) or by an authorized agent for the record owner(s). If the application is signed by an authorized agent, a power of attorney document must be attached to verify the appointment.
Proof of sales tax paid is required if a moped is titled and licensed.
All snowmobiles used on public and private lands and any frozen public waters within territorial limits of South Dakota must be licensed.
An Application for Motor Vehicle Title and Registration must be completed and filed in the county of the applicant's residence. The application must be signed by the record owner(s) or by an authorized agent for the record owner(s). If the application is signed by an authorized agent, a power of attorney document must be attached to verify the appointment.
A purchase order, sales contract or bill of sale will be required if the Dealer Price Certification is not completed on the application.
Attach to the application the manufacturer's statement of origin or title properly transferred to the applicant.
A bill of sale substantiating the price must be attached on sales between individuals. If a bill of sale cannot be furnished, a statement indicating such should be attached or the area indicating such on the Application for Motor Vehicle Title and Registration must be checked. A reasonable value for the snowmobile must then be established. On sales involving a dealer, the dealer price certification on the application for title must be completed by the selling dealer.
Payment of the correct amount of 3% excise tax, a title fee, and any license fees as required.
(License fees for snowmobiles shall be $20 per snowmobile for a two-year period (applicant does not have an option of licensing for one year). Payment of the due fee shall be made prior to the operation of, or permitting the operation of, any snowmobile within this state. The initial fees are prorated monthly. The snowmobile is registered under a staggered registration system, with expiration on the last day of which it was issued.
A.
A
mobile/manufactured HUD home is a movable or portable unit, designed and
constructed to be towed on its own chassis (composed of frames and
wheels) and designed to be connected to utilities for year-round
occupancy. The term shall include:
1.
Units
containing parts that may be folded, collapsed, or telescoped when being
towed and that may be expanded to provide additional cubic capacity; and
2.
Units
composed of two or more separately towable components designed to be
joined into one integral unit capable of being separated again into the
components for repeated towing;
3. A mobile/manufactured home on an MSO is built to HUD standards, whereas a modular home is built to UBC standards. Modular homes are not titled and/or registered.
a.
A
mobile/manufactured home built to HUD standards will have permanently
attached to the exterior siding of each transportable section a HUD
Construction Code Label, per HUD title regulations, effective June 15,
1979. The HUD Construction Code Label is a metal certification label
that is red in color, and contains the following information: AS
EVIDENCED BY THIS LABEL NO. 000-000000 THE MANUFACTURER CERTIFIES TO THE
BEST OF THE MANUFACTURER’S KNOWLEDGE AND BELIEF THAT THIS
MOBILE/MANUFACTURED HOME HAS BEEN INSPECTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE
REQUIREMENTS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT AND IS
CONSTRUCTED IN CONFORMANCE WITH THE FEDERAL MOBILE/MANUFACTURED HOME
CONSTRUCTION AND SAFETY STANDARDS IN EFFECT ON THE DATE OF MANUFACTURE.
SEE DATA PLATE.
b.
The data
plate verifies the following: manufacturer’s name, trade/model name,
year of manufacturer, serial number, HUD Construction Code Label(s) and
HUD construction zones. Per 1976 HUD Regulation, this form is to be
affixed inside the home on or near the main electrical breaker box and
is printed on paper or foil stock 8-1/2” x 11” to 8-1/2”x 14” in size.
Note: some states use form for modulars.
c.
If a
label is missing or if modifications have been made without proper
permit/inspections, the structure cannot be offered for sale or
occupied.
B. The
term mobile/manufactured home shall include units designed to be used
for residential, commercial, educational, or industrial purposes.
1. This
excludes recreational vehicles which are defined as vehicular portable
structures built on a chassis designed to be used as a temporary
dwelling for travel, recreational and vacation uses.
2. Also
excluded is a sectional home that is defined as any home prebuilt in
whole or in part for the purpose of permanent placement on a foundation.
A sectional home is not subject to vehicle licensing.
C. Upon
application for the initial licensing of a mobile/manufactured home in
South Dakota, the county treasurer shall collect the 4% initial
registration fee based on the purchase price. No trade-in allowance is
granted.
1. Exemptions:
a.
Governmental or public entities set forth in 32-5-42 and 32-5-42.1 (see
exemptions under 01, in the "Exemptions from 3% Excise Tax"). Exemption
code 01 should be used on the application for title (MV-608).
b. When
a mobile/manufactured home that has previously been exempted from the 4%
initial registration fee (the initial registration fee has not been
previously paid in
South Dakota) is sold to a nonexempt agency, the 4% initial
registration fee shall be assessed on the purchase price of the
mobile/manufactured home.
D. A mobile/manufactured home owned by a nonresident coming into this state from another state, a mobile/manufactured home purchased and owned by a member of the armed forces while on duty in the United States and a mobile/manufactured home purchased in another state by a resident other than a licensed dealer are exempt from the 4% initial registration fee to the extent of a similar and equal amount of registration tax, sales, use or state excise tax has been paid in another state by the current applicant.
1. The
county treasurer shall require an affidavit of a licensed dealer, bill
of sale, receipt or other tangible evidence that a similar and equal
amount of tax has been paid by the current applicant.
2. If
sufficient proof is not furnished, the county treasurer shall collect an
additional or full amount to equal the South Dakota rate of tax.
E.
Native Americans living in mobile/manufactured homes located within a
Native American reservation are assessed 11.25% of the 4%of the purchase
price of the mobile/manufactured home. (Example: A HUD home that will be
located on a reservation that sells for $100,000, is subject to $450
initial registration fee - $100,000 x 4% x 11.25%.)
F. If
the mobile/manufactured home is new, a manufacturer's statement of
origin, properly transferred to the applicant, must be attached. If the
mobile/manufactured home is used, a certificate of title properly
transferred must be attached.
G. If
the mobile/manufactured home is sold by a dealer, the licensed dealer
shall deliver to the county treasurer the manufacturer's statement of
origin or the title for such home together with the required fees and
forms within 30 days of the sale. Any dealer who does not comply with
this section is subject to a late penalty fee of $1 for each week or
fraction thereof beyond the 30-day limitation for 25 weeks and a late
fee of $50 for 26 weeks or more. Any person applying for title a year or
more beyond the 30-day limitation is guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor.
1. Any mobile/manufactured home purchased or transported by or for a dealer must have:
a. On
any used home, an affidavit issued by the county treasurer at the county
in which the home is registered, stating that the current year’s taxes
have been paid.
b. A
self-issue permit displayed when moving a used or new
mobile/manufactured home.
c. When
the dealer sells a new, used or an out-of-state titled home and is
transporting it to the purchaser, the dealer must file a property tax
assessment (PT6) form with the Director of Equalization in the county of
destination.
H. Any
transfer or reassignment of a title must be accompanied by an affidavit
issued by the county treasurer stating current year’s taxes have been
paid.
1. If an
owner of a used mobile/manufactured home, regulated lender, transporter
or a licensed dealer fails to obtain a tax affidavit, from the county
treasurer from the county in which the used home is requested, stating
current year’s taxes are paid as described in SDCL 10-21-36 and 10-
21-39, inclusive, or SDCL 10-9-3, the department shall assess a monetary
penalty of $250 for the first violation within a one-year period; $500
for the second violation within a one-year period; and $1,000 for each
subsequent violation within a one-year period.
2. The
county treasurer shall notify the department, in writing, of any
violation for failure to obtain a tax affidavit prior to moving a home.
3. In
addition to a monetary penalty, a transporter or dealer who was
responsible for moving a mobile/manufactured home is liable for any
property taxes due the county if a tax affidavit was not obtained prior
to moving the home.
I. For mobile/manufactured homes not sold by a licensed dealer, the purchaser shall title the
mobile/manufactured home within 30 days. Any person who does not comply
with this section is subject to a late penalty fee of $1 for each week
or fraction thereof beyond the 30-day limitation for 25 weeks and a late
fee of $50 for 26 weeks or more. Any person applying for title a year or
more beyond the 30-day limitation is guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor.
J. No
South Dakota certificate of title on a mobile/manufactured home can be
transferred without the affidavit (MV-1030) from the county treasurer
indicating that the current year's taxes have been paid on the
mobile/manufactured home.
K.
Application for a
South Dakota
motor vehicle title.
1. An
application for title and registration (MV-608) must be completed and
filed in the county of the applicant's residence.
2. The
application must be signed by the record owner(s) or by an authorized
agent for the record owner(s). If the application is signed by an
authorized agent, a power of attorney document must be attached to
verify the appointment.
3. The
South Dakota driver's license or Social Security number of each
purchaser must be given.
4.
Applicant must supply a bill of sale.
5. A
title fee is required.
L.
Transportation of mobile/manufactured home.
1. If an
owner of a used mobile/manufactured home, regulated lender, transporter
or a licensed dealer fails to obtain a tax affidavit, from the county
treasurer from the county in which the used home is located, stating
current year’s taxes are paid as described in SDCL 10-21-36 and
10-21-39, inclusive, or SDCL 10-9-3, the department shall assess a
monetary penalty of $250 for the first violation within a one-year
period; $500 for the second violation within a one-year period; and
$1,000 for each subsequent violation within a one-year period.
2. The
county treasurer shall notify the department, in writing, of any
violation for failure to obtain a tax affidavit prior to moving a home.
3. In addition to a monetary penalty, a transporter or dealer who was responsible for moving a mobile/manufactured home is liable for any property taxes due the county if a tax affidavit was not obtained prior to moving the home.
4.
Transporter plates shall not be used to transport a mobile/manufactured
home.
M. Any
person moving a mobile/manufactured home must have:
1. A $15
single trip permit issued by the county treasurer, unless the home is
being moved by or for a licensed mobile/manufactured home dealer.
2. A
self-issued permit displayed when moving a used or new
mobile/manufactured home. There is no fee for the permit.
N. Any
mobile/manufactured home purchased or transported by or for a dealer
must have:
1. On
any used home, an affidavit issued by the county treasurer of the county
in which the home is registered, stating that the current year’s taxes
have been paid.
2. A
self-issued permit displayed when moving a used or new
mobile/manufactured home. There is no fee for the permit.
3. When
a dealer sells a new, used, or an out-of-state titled
mobile/manufactured home and is transporting it to the purchaser, the
dealer must file a Property Tax Assessment (PT6) Form with the director
of equalization in the county of destination.
O. Any
mobile/manufactured home moved by a transporter must have:
1. On
any used home, an affidavit issued by the county treasurer of the county
in which the home is registered stating the current year’s taxes are
paid.
2. A $15
single-trip permit issued by the county treasurer of the county in which
the home is registered, stating the current year’s taxes are paid.
P. In
the event the owner requests the conversion of the manufactured home
title record to indicate the manufactured home is listed as real estate,
the following is required:
1. The
title must be properly assigned to the person requesting the conversion.
The Division of Motor Vehicles' records will reflect the new owner on
the computer file system. No liens will be noted on the system. Current
manufactured home taxes will have to be paid. No title will be issued to
the new owner.
2. The
Division of Motor Vehicles requires an affidavit of Declaration for a
Manufactured Home Placed on Real Estate. This will require that the
title be transferred as real estate.
3. The
Division of Motor Vehicles will indicate on the file that there is to be
no transfer of ownership without the owner going through the conversion
(back to a title) process.
4. The
Division of Motor Vehicles will assure that all of the necessary
information has been received and the file will be flagged so no
transfer can take place. Notice will be sent by the division to the
Division of Property Tax in the Department of Revenue and Regulation,
who will notify the Director of Equalization in the county in which the
mobile/manufactured home is located, indicating that the
mobile/manufactured home is being converted to real estate.
Q. Conversion of manufactured home that was converted to real estate back to manufactured home (title) status.
1. Documentation that must accompany a request for conversion of a manufactured home real estate record to a certificate of title:
a. Current tax affidavit from the county treasurer in which the home is located.
b.
Affidavit of declaration for a manufactured home removed from real
estate (MV-003).
2. An
independent report that contains the following:
a. Legal description of the real estate upon which the home is located.
b. Listing of liens or encumbrances against the home or the real estate upon which the home is located.
c. Current owner of the home.
d. Affidavit stating a lien search has been conducted of all records of the following offices where the home is located and describing any liens revealed by the search:
1) Register of Deeds.
2) Clerk of Courts.
3) County Treasurer.
4) Secretary of State.
3. If any liens, a lien release from each lienholder.
Boats over 12 feet in length or motor boats of any length are required to be titled at the time of registration. The owner is required to apply for title within 30 days of acquisition. An owner of a boat 12' in length that was titled previous to July 1, 1994, will no longer be allowed to title the boat. The record on these boats must be converted from a title record to a registration record in the new owner's name. The certificate of title should be surrendered, if available, for cancellation.
Applicants must provide ownership documents when titling boats. (e.g. manufacturer's statement of origin (MSO), bill of sale, dealer invoice, title, or purchase agreement (if the dealer price certification has not been completed on the application on new boats).
An Application for Boat Title (Boat Registration Application and Transfer of Ownership Form (MV - 607)) must be completed and filed in the county of the applicant's residence along with payment of applicable fees.
Boat registration must be kept in the boat and registration stickers must be mounted on both sides of the boat.
Exemptions from boat titling (boats that cannot be titled).
-
Non-motorized boats 12 feet and under in length
-
Canoes, inflatable vessels, kayaks, sailboards, and seaplanes.
Motor vehicle titling and registration fees are done through your local county treasurers office. Click here for all applicable license fees that must be paid to the county treasurer.
Recreational Vehicle (including motorhomes, converted housecar/bus) Chapter 32-03
A recreational vehicle is a vehicular portable structure built on a chassis designed to be used as a temporary dwelling for travel, recreational and vacation uses and permanently identified as "travel trailer" by the manufacturer of the trailer. A trailer identification plate may not be used on a recreational vehicle.
Motorhome - A vehicle designed to provide temporary living quarters for recreational, camping or travel use, built on or permanently attached to a self-propelled motor vehicle chassis or on a chassis cab or van that is an integral part of the completed vehicle.
License fees on a travel trailer shall be determined under the noncommercial trailer fee schedule.
An Application for Motor Vehicle Title and Registration must be completed and filed in the county of the applicant's residence along with payment of applicable fees.
A purchase order, sales contract or bill of sale will be required if the Dealer Price Certification is not completed on the application.
Attach to the application the manufacturer's statement of origin or title properly transferred to the applicant.
View Noncommercial Motorhome License Fee Schedule.
Motor vehicle titling and registration fees are done through your local county treasurers office. Click here for all applicable license fees that must be paid to the county treasurer.
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Who We Are | Forms | Publications | News Releases | State of South Dakota
South Dakota Department of Revenue & Regulation
445 East Capitol Avenue
Pierre, SD 57501-3185
Phone: (605)-773-3311
Fax: (605)-773-2550
E-Mail Address: webman@state.sd.us