South Dakota License Plate Lookup /License Plate Cost

How Much Does It Cost to Get a License Plate in South Dakota in 2025?

Factors That Influence the Total License Plate Cost in South Dakota

The cost of obtaining a license plate in South Dakota is influenced by several factors, which include:

Type of Vehicle: The vehicle type, such as passenger cars, trucks, motorcycles, or trailers, affects the cost. Larger vehicles may incur higher fees.
Vehicle Weight: Heavier vehicles typically have higher registration fees due to increased wear and tear on roads.
Vehicle Age: Older vehicles may have different fee structures compared to newer models.
County of Registration: Fees can vary slightly depending on the county where the vehicle is registered.
Type of Plate: Standard, specialty, and personalized plates have different fee structures.

Specialty License Plates in South Dakota

South Dakota offers a variety of specialty license plates that cater to different interests and affiliations. These plates often come with additional fees:

Initial Fee: Specialty plates generally require an initial fee ranging from $10 to $30, depending on the design and purpose.
Annual Renewal Fee: An additional annual fee, typically between $10 and $25, is required to maintain the specialty plate.
Eligibility Requirements: Some specialty plates may have specific eligibility criteria, such as military service or membership in certain organizations.

Personalized License Plates in South Dakota

Personalized license plates allow vehicle owners to customize their plate numbers. The process and costs associated with obtaining personalized plates include:

Application Fee: A one-time application fee of $25 is required for personalized plates.
Annual Renewal Fee: An additional $25 is charged annually to renew personalized plates.
Character Limitations: Personalized plates can have up to seven characters, including letters and numbers.
Approval Process: The chosen combination must be approved by the South Dakota Department of Revenue to ensure it is not offensive or already in use.

South Dakota License Plate Renewal Fee

License plate renewal in South Dakota involves several fees:

Standard Renewal Fee: The base renewal fee for standard plates varies depending on the vehicle type and weight, typically ranging from $25 to $144.
Late Renewal Penalty: A late fee of $1 per month is applied if the renewal is not completed by the expiration date.
Online Renewal Convenience Fee: A small convenience fee may be charged for online renewals.

South Dakota License Plate Replacements Fee

In the event that a license plate is lost, stolen, or damaged, replacement fees apply:

Replacement Fee: The fee for replacing a standard license plate is $10.
Duplicate Registration Card: If a duplicate registration card is needed, an additional fee of $2 is required.
Reporting Requirements: Lost or stolen plates should be reported to local law enforcement before applying for replacements.

How Much Is the Tag Transfer Fee in South Dakota

When transferring a license plate from one vehicle to another, the following fees are applicable:

Transfer Fee: A standard transfer fee of $5 is charged when moving plates between vehicles owned by the same individual.
Additional Registration Fees: If the new vehicle has a higher registration fee than the previous one, the difference must be paid.

Exemptions and Discounts

Certain exemptions and discounts are available for specific groups in South Dakota:

Military Personnel: Active duty military personnel may be eligible for reduced fees or exemptions.
Senior Citizens: Some counties offer discounts for senior citizens on vehicle registration fees.
Disabled Veterans: Disabled veterans may qualify for free or reduced-cost plates, subject to verification of eligibility.
Non-Profit Organizations: Vehicles owned by qualifying non-profit organizations may be exempt from certain fees.

These exemptions and discounts are subject to verification and may require specific documentation to qualify.