How Much Does It Cost To Register a Car in South Dakota From Out of State
Registering out-of-state vehicles in South Dakota necessitates compliance with procedures administered by the South Dakota Department of Revenue. South Dakota residents must complete title and registration transactions within 45 days following vehicle acquisition, regardless of prior registration status in other jurisdictions.
Base Registration and Title Fees
Costs associated with transferring an out-of-state vehicle encompass title fees, annual registration charges, motor vehicle excise tax, county wheel tax assessments, and additional statutory fees. The South Dakota Department of Revenue establishes uniform fee structures for all registration transactions administered through county treasurer offices.
Title Transaction Fees
South Dakota imposes standardized charges for certificate of title issuance and related title services. Title fees apply universally to all motor vehicles requiring ownership documentation under state law.
Title Fee Schedule:
| Transaction Type | Fee Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Original title application | $10 | Required for all title applications |
| Lien notation on title | $10 | If vehicle has a loan/lien |
| State technology fee | $2 | Effective July 1, 2025 |
| Non-Resident Administrative Fee | $100 | For those without SD driver's license/ID or physical SD address |
| Late Title Application Fee | $1 per week | Maximum $50 (after 45-day grace period) |
Annual Registration Fees
Registration fee calculations are determined by vehicle weight classifications and model year designations. Fees are assessed on an annual basis according to schedules established in South Dakota Codified Law.
Non-Commercial Vehicles (Weight-Based)
| Vehicle Weight | Age 0-9 Years | Age 10+ Years |
|---|---|---|
| 1 - 2,000 lbs | $36/year | $25.20/year |
| 2,001 - 4,000 lbs | $72/year | $50.40/year |
| 4,001 - 6,000 lbs | $108/year | $75.60/year |
| Over 6,000 lbs | $144/year | $100.80/year |
Note: Vehicles over 8,000 lbs: $120 base fee plus additional charges for each 2,000 lb increment
Other Vehicle Category Fees:
| Vehicle Type | Fee Structure |
|---|---|
| Motorcycles | Variable based on weight and age (see Motorcycle Fee Schedule) |
| Motorhomes | Variable based on gross weight (see Motorhome Fee Schedule) |
| Non-Commercial Trailers | Variable based on weight (see Trailer Fee Schedule) |
| Commercial Vehicles | Variable based on weight and use (see Commercial Fee Schedule) |
County Wheel Tax
South Dakota counties impose wheel taxes to fund road and bridge infrastructure maintenance. County boards establish wheel tax rates within statutory parameters, with rates varying by jurisdiction.
County Wheel Tax Parameters:
| Fee Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Maximum wheel tax rate | $5 per wheel |
| Maximum total vehicle assessment | $60 per vehicle |
| County administrative fee | Varies by county (typically $25) |
The county wheel tax structure authorizes individual counties to establish rates not exceeding five dollars per wheel, with aggregate assessments capped at sixty dollars per vehicle regardless of total wheel count.
Non-Resident Administrative Fee
South Dakota implements a non-resident fee applicable to individuals titling motor vehicles without establishing state residency. This applies to title applications submitted by persons who do not possess South Dakota identification credentials or maintain physical addresses within the state.
Non-Resident Fee Structure:
| Fee Type | Amount | Effective Date |
|---|---|---|
| Non-resident administrative fee | $100 | July 1, 2024 |
New Resident Fee and Use Tax
South Dakota levies a motor vehicle excise tax on vehicle acquisitions in lieu of traditional sales tax. The South Dakota Department of Revenue administers excise tax collections through county treasurer offices at the time of title and registration transactions.
Motor Vehicle Excise Tax
The motor vehicle excise tax operates as the primary state taxation mechanism for vehicle purchases and transfers under South Dakota Codified Law Chapter 32-5B.
Motor Vehicle Excise Tax Rate:
| Tax Base | Rate | Maximum Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase price or fair market value | 4% | No statutory maximum |
The excise tax applies to the vehicle's purchase price as documented on the bill of sale or certificate of origin. Tax calculations begin from the purchase date, regardless of when the applicant submits the title application, with assessments subject to interest and penalty charges for late applications.
Additional State Fees
South Dakota imposes supplemental fees to support specific state programs and services related to motor vehicle operations and public safety initiatives.
Mandatory State Fees:
| Fee Type | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Solid waste fee | $1 | Environmental programs |
| Highway patrol fee | $1 | State law enforcement |
| Electric vehicle annual fee | $50 | Infrastructure funding |
The electric vehicle fee applies annually to battery electric vehicles charged from external power sources, assessed at the time of each registration renewal.
Rebuilt Vehicle Inspection
Motor vehicles bearing salvage titles must undergo inspection procedures before receiving rebuilt title status and standard registration credentials. The inspection process verifies proper repair completion and vehicle roadworthiness in accordance with statutory requirements.
Rebuilt Vehicle Inspection Fees:
| Service Type | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| Rebuilt vehicle inspection | $25 |
| Rebuilt title issuance | $10 |
Government Agencies and Contact Information
South Dakota Department of Revenue - Motor Vehicle Division
445 East Capitol Avenue, Pierre, SD 57501
Phone: (605) 773-3541
Official Website: South Dakota Department of Revenue
The South Dakota Department of Revenue Motor Vehicle Division maintains regulatory oversight for all vehicle titling, registration, and licensing activities conducted throughout the state. The department coordinates with county treasurers to administer registration services and collect applicable fees and taxes.
County Treasurer Offices
Vehicle registration services in South Dakota are administered through county treasurer offices located in each of the state's 66 counties. The Department of Revenue maintains a directory of all county treasurer contact information and office locations.
Minnehaha County Treasurer - Sioux Falls
415 North Dakota Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57104
Phone: (605) 367-4211
Official Website: Minnehaha County Treasurer
Pennington County Treasurer - Rapid City
130 Kansas City Street, Suite 250, Rapid City, SD 57709
Phone: (605) 394-2163
Official Website: Pennington County Treasurer
Brown County Treasurer - Aberdeen
25 Market Street, Suite 2, Aberdeen, SD 57401
Phone: (605) 626-7133
Official Website: Brown County Treasurer
Brookings County Finance Office - Brookings
520 3rd Street, Suite 100, Brookings, SD 57006
Phone: (605) 696-8250
Official Website: Brookings County Finance
Codington County Treasurer - Watertown
14 1st Avenue Southeast, Watertown, SD 57201
Phone: (605) 882-6285
Official Website: Codington County Treasurer
Lincoln County Treasurer - Canton
104 North Main Street, Suite 100, Canton, SD 57013
Phone: (605) 764-5701
Official Website: Lincoln County Treasurer
Davison County Treasurer - Mitchell
200 East 4th Avenue, Mitchell, SD 57301
Phone: (605) 995-8617
Official Website: Davison County Treasurer
Yankton County Treasurer - Yankton
321 West 3rd Street, Suite 107, Yankton, SD 57078
Phone: (605) 260-4400
Official Website: Yankton County Treasurer
Lawrence County Treasurer - Deadwood
90 Sherman Street, Deadwood, SD 57732
Phone: (605) 578-1862
Official Website: Lawrence County Treasurer
Meade County Treasurer - Sturgis
1300 Sherman Street, Suite 107, Sturgis, SD 57785
Phone: (605) 347-5871
Official Website: Meade County Treasurer
