Question 1

How do I start the vehicle registration process in South Dakota?

Accepted Answer

Starting the vehicle registration process in South Dakota is quick and easy. Follow these steps:

1. Click the link to begin: 
https://forms.clickup.com/9006058240/f/8ccv2r0-200/1UTMU62MTRE8TTQZGV
(https://forms.clickup.com/9006058240/f/8ccv2r0-200/1UTMU62MTRE8TTQZGV)
2. Attach copies of the following documents:
- Original title (front and back)
 (*If you have a lien, we will assist you with obtaining it from your bank.)
- Copy of valid Driver License (each owner)

- Proof of Social Security Number (SS card, 1099, or W2 with full SSN) (each owner)

--------------------------------------------------------
Additional Requirements, as applicable:

- Sales Agreement (or Bill of sale if purchased from private party). 
(Applies only if your title "ISSUE DATE" is within 2 years or if you currently have a lien.)

- Proof of empty (dry) weight from the manufacturer (Motorhomes only)

Additional documents may be required.

If you have questions, please email us at info@sdpl8s.com.(info@sdpl8s.com)

For more details, watch our brief video.

https://youtu.be/-ELpd0O07l8?si=eHPthC0iKlPCOA6T

Question 2

What documents are required to register my vehicle in South Dakota?

Accepted Answer

To register your vehicle in South Dakota, you'll need the following documents:

- Original title (If you have a lien and don't have the title, we can help obtain it from your bank.)
- Copy of a valid driver’s license
- Proof of Social Security Number (SS card or W2 with full SSN)
- Bill of sale or purchase agreement (if you've owned your vehicle for less than 2 years)
- For new purchases, all sales documents from the dealer (or Bill of Sale if purchased from a private party)
- Proof of empty (dry) weight from the manufacturer (for motorhomes and trailers)

Additional documents may be required, and we will help ensure you have everything you need. To get started, complete the form linked below and attach copies of your documents:

[Start Registration Process](https://forms.clickup.com/9006058240/f/8ccv2r0-200/1UTMU62MTRE8TTQZGV)

For more details, watch our helpful video or email us at info@sdpl8s.com.

Question 3

How much does it cost to license my vehicle in South Dakota?

Accepted Answer

Licensing fees in South Dakota depend on your vehicle's type, age, and weight.

For an estimate of tax, title, and registration fees, click here: 
FREE ESTIMATE (https://forms.clickup.com/9006058240/p/f/8ccv2r0-3153/HIQNHBSYHQHVLKD3CL/form)

Here's a breakdown of some common fees:

- Title Fee: $112.00
- Lien Notation Fee: $10.00 (if applicable)
- Reassignment of other SD Plates: $7.00
- Excise Tax: 4% of total purchase price (if taxes not paid previously)
- Wheel Tax: $5.00 per wheel
- Electric Vehicle Fee: $50.00 (if applicable)
- Motorcycle Safety Fee: $7.00 (motorcycles only)
- Highway Patrol/Solid Waste/Technology Fee: $4.00

For new purchases, a 4% excise tax is due on the total purchase price for vehicles, ATVs, and motorcycles, and 3% for watercraft. Trade-in allowances can reduce the taxable amount if verified by VIN.

If your vehicle is already titled in your name from another state, you may not owe additional taxes if that state's tax rate is equal to or higher than South Dakota's 4%. Documentation of previous taxes paid is required for titles issued less than 2 years ago.

For states with lower tax rates, you will pay the difference to match South Dakota's 4% rate. For example:

- Alabama: 2%
- Alaska: 4%
- Montana: 4%
- New Hampshire: 4%
- North Carolina: 1% (max credit of $2500 for motorhomes)
- Oregon: 4% (titled before January 2018); 3.5% (titled after January 2018)
- South Carolina: 4% minus $500 (max credit)

Question 4

Is it legal to register my vehicle in South Dakota if I live out of state?

Accepted Answer

Yes! South Dakota title and registration statutes do not specifically prohibit an out-of-state applicant from titling and registering in South Dakota. 
Per South Dakota Codified Law (SDCL 32-3-18), you will need your original out-of-state title, a copy of your state driver license, social security number, and proof of any taxes you have already paid on the vehicle (if applicable).

You might also be interested to know that not all states restrict non-residents from registering their vehicles there. An article by Janet Berry-Johnson (2023) noted that there are several other states that also allow non-residents to register a vehicle, including:

- California
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Florida
- Indiana
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- New York
- North Dakota

According to a 2018 report by the Rapid City Journal, there were 58,334 out-of-state vehicles registered with the South Dakota Department of Revenue's Motor Vehicle division, which represents nearly five percent of all 1.2 million vehicles currently titled in South Dakota. The number has continued to grow each year since.

We helped over 7,500 out-of-state residents register their vehicle in South Dakota. Many of our out-of-state clients include expats (living abroad), college students, active-duty military, "Snowbirds", full-time travelers, and traveling workers (e.g., nurses and OTR truck drivers).

South Dakota authorities also advise that you check with your current state of residence to ensure there are no complications resulting from registering your vehicle in another state. If so, establishing residency in South Dakota is your solution. This does not require changing your domicile.

Let us help you do the same! Register your vehicle in South Dakota today by completing the linked form below: [Start Registration Process](https://forms.clickup.com/9006058240/f/8ccv2r0-200/1UTMU62MTRE8TTQZGV)

Question 5

Do I need to first obtain a South Dakota Driver’s License to title & register my vehicles?

Accepted Answer

No, you do NOT need a South Dakota Driver's License to title & register your vehicles.
(You do NOT need a South Dakota address either!)

Your vehicles are registered under your Social Security number.  Acceptable proof includes SS card, 1099, or W2 which shows your FULL SSN.

Unfortunately, you cannot receive personalized, disabled, veteran or other "specialty" plates unless you have a South Dakota Driver's License. You will be issued the standard license plate.

Here is the current design for:
Motor Vehicle (Car/Truck/Motorcycle/ATV/Motorhome):                           
https://static.wixstatic.com/media/70538b_42c69229dfda4427bc003b87fa99f806~mv2.jpg

Here is the current design for:
Non-Motorized Vehicle (All Trailers/Campers): 
https://static.wixstatic.com/media/70538b_9c62805264cb44009841e36fbd108379~mv2.jpg

Obtaining a South Dakota Driver's License would allow you to obtain specialty plates and also open up even more potential savings and benefits for you.

Obtaining a South Dakota Driver's License is an important first step in establishing residency.  With residency, you could take further advantage of even more tax savings in the state.  South Dakota does not have a state income tax.

With a driver's license, you could also register to vote or obtain Concealed Carry Permit.

Email us for even more FREE information about residency in South Dakota.

Establishing residency in South Dakota (www.sdpl8s.com/feed)could also help to avoid any complications resulting from registering your vehicle in another state from the state in which you currently reside.

Question 6

Will I have to pay taxes again if I register my vehicle in South Dakota?

Accepted Answer

No, if you have titled and licensed your vehicle(s) in another state, you will be given credit for any state, county and city "Sales" taxes you previously paid.

When you register your vehicle in South Dakota you will not have to pay any additional tax IF your state’s tax rate is above South Dakota’s 4% tax rate.

However, if the state in which you are transferring from has no tax or a lower tax rate than South Dakota’s 4%, then you will pay the tax rate to match the 4%.

If you have owned your vehicle less than two years, to qualify for a tax exemption (credit), documentation will be required for the taxes you have already paid on the vehicle (refer to your title "Issue Date") .

No tax proof is required for those vehicles being transferred from a higher tax state and two years have passed since you took ownership.

Vehicle Already titled in Applicant’s Name on an Out of State Title:
 • If the title being transferred to SD is from a state that has a state tax rate on vehicle purchases that is equal to or higher than 4%, no tax will be due to SD as reciprocity will be given if the title issue date is older than 24 months. Again, acceptable proof of taxes previously paid must be provided to receive credit.

Full Reciprocity does not apply to those coming from Al, AK, OR, SC, NH, NC, OK, NM or MT.
4% Excise tax will apply to NADA value from the SD system.

The above listed states impose motor vehicle taxes less than South Dakota’s 4% rate. 
 
If your vehicle is titled in one of these states, here is the rate difference you will pay in SD tax:

Alabama - 2% 
Alaska - 4% 
Montana - 4% 
New Hampshire - 4% 
North Carolina - 1% (max credit of $2500 is given for motorhomes)
Oregon - 4% (titled before January 2018); 3.5% (titled after January 2018)
South Carolina - 4% minus $500 (max credit)

Question 7

How long do I have to title and register my new vehicle in South Dakota?

Accepted Answer

In South Dakota, you must apply for title and registration of your newly acquired vehicle within 45 days. There are no extensions beyond this period.

Interest and penalties will accrue on the motor vehicle excise tax if you miss the deadline. Fees are assessed from the purchase date, regardless of when you apply.

- Interest: 1% or $5 (whichever is greater) for the first month, and 1% per month thereafter.
- One-time penalty: 10% of the tax or $10 (whichever is greater) after 60 days.
- Title late fees: $1 per week up to 24 weeks, maximum $50.

Question 8

Do I need to register my ATV/UTV?

Accepted Answer

In South Dakota an ATV/UTV MUST be titled and registered.

If taxes have not been paid, ATVs are subject to the 4% motor vehicle excise tax.

If you have owned your vehicle less than two years, and already paid tax in another state, you will need to show proof of tax paid (See FAQ #6).

Question 9

Who do I contact if I have more questions about registering my vehicle in South Dakota?

Accepted Answer

Please email us at info@SDPL8S.com (info@SDPL8S.com)if you have more questions and are interested in registering your vehicle in South Dakota.  We are more than happy to answer them.

Question 10

How do I estimate the cost to register my vehicle in South Dakota?

Accepted Answer

To estimate the cost of registering your vehicle in South Dakota, we'll need details like the year, make, model, and empty weight of your vehicle. Registration fees are based on the type, age, and weight of the vehicle. If you don't know the weight, we can look it up for you.

For an estimate of tax, title, and registration fees, click here: 
FREE ESTIMATE (https://forms.clickup.com/9006058240/p/f/8ccv2r0-3153/HIQNHBSYHQHVLKD3CL/form)

Or you may email us at info@sdpl8s.com.(info@sdpl8s.com)

Question 11

What is ELT?

Accepted Answer

ELT is short for Electronic Lien and Title. If your vehicle is currently financed through a bank, the title is held electronically by the state.

Your title will remain in an electronic form for the benefit of the bank (lien holder).  Once your loan is paid off and the bank releases their (security) interest in the vehicle. a paper title will be printed and mailed to the vehicle owner.

Several states have adopted ELT systems to improve the vehicle titling process. 
ELT is a system that electronically creates, saves, and updates vehicle titles. The ELT system eliminates the need for paper titles.

Vehicle titles can be managed electronically, saving a great deal of time and money that results from the handling and storing of a paper title. The ELT process isn't available everywhere, and the process varies from state to state. South Dakota has been an ELT state since October 2012.

https://static.wixstatic.com/media/70538b_ba2b7d03d6fc4c3a9b4522b864a5b70a~mv2.png

The adoption of the ELT program across the country is still ongoing.  The rules and processes vary by state.  
Each state has chosen how and when to implement the ELT program.  As states establish their own timeline and set their own rules, this only adds to an already complex paper titling process.  This is especially true in states where lenders must adhere to two separate processes (electronic & paper).
However, efforts are in place to standardize the process across the nation. The American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) has created a standard for implementing and using an ELT system. Only Arizona, Hawaii, Ohio, South Carolina, Texas, and Virginia have adopted the uniform AAMVA ELT Specifications. The rest have created unique standards or rely on various third-party providers.

Navigating different ELT rules across jurisdictions can be challenging. If you have a lien, and would like to transfer your title to South Dakota, contact us today.  We will be more than happy to assist you in obtaining your title from your bank.

Email us today at info@sdpl8s.com.

Question 12

What are the requirements for an imported vehicle?

Accepted Answer

SOUTH DAKOTA REQUIREMENTS FOR VEHICLES IMORTED FROM OUT OF COUNTRY:

*YOU MUST HAVE A SOUTH DAKOTA DRIVER'S LICENSE TO TITLE/REGISTER AN IMPORTED VEHICLE.*

ALL DOCUMENTS MUST BE IN THE NAME OF THE APPLICANT
*Your name must be on all import documents.  You cannot have bought it from someone else who imported the vehicle.  YOU must have been the one who imported the vehicle.  If someone other than you imported the vehicle, they must first title the vehicle in their name (any state) before you can title the vehicle in your name in South Dakota.

CONFORMING VEHICLE (has a manufacturer’s label)
Vehicles imported to the U.S. must pass through a port of entry and be cleared by U.S. Customs.

To title your import vehicle in SD you will need:
1. The shipper’s original bill of lading, the bill of sale, foreign registration, and any other documents covering the vehicle. *All documents in a foreign language must be translated by a certified translator. 
2. A completed EPA Form 3520 or a manufacturer’s label in the English language affixed to the car, stating that the vehicle meets all U.S. emission requirements.
3. US CBP-7501 (or other acceptable Entry Summary)
4. NHTSA HS-7 DOT Declaration of Conformity
5. Other supporting documentation (Title, Odometer Disclosure, Bill of Sale, Translation documents, Power of Attorney)
6. If Canadian title document – must provide the Canadian Carfax that verifies lien status

*The State of South Dakota does not offer exemptions to these document requirements.