Vehicle Registration and TItling in South Dakota

Title and Register a Vehicle in South Dakota

If you own a vehicle and reside in South Dakota, that vehicle must be titled and registered through the Department of Revenue (DOR). This applies to recently purchased vehicles and out-of-state transfers.

When you purchase a vehicle, you’ll have 45 days from the purchase date to title and register.

If you are moving to South Dakota, you’ll have 90 days to title and register your vehicle.

To title and register a vehicle, you must visit your local county treasurer’s office and provide your:

• Completed Motor Vehicle/Boat Title and Registration Application.
• Bill of sale (for newly purchased vehicles).
• The current title.
• Payment for the applicable title and registration fees.

South Dakota Title and Registration Fees

• Motor vehicle excise tax: 4% of purchase price. If the vehicle is from out-of-state and the excise tax in said state is lower than 4%, you must pay the difference.
• Title: $10
• Lien notation: $10
• Solid waste fee: $1
• Highway patrol fee: $1
• Late fee: $1 each week will be charged after the title application is late. $50 is the maximum cost of a late fee.

Registration fees are based on the age, weight, and type of vehicle. See the fee breakdown on the DOR website for:

• Non-commercial vehicles.
• Motorcycles.