Do You Need Insurance to Register a Car in South Dakota in 2025
South Dakota law mandates motor vehicle financial responsibility for all vehicles operated on public roadways. Under South Dakota Codified Law Title 32, Chapter 35, vehicle owners must maintain proof of financial responsibility continuously while operating a motor vehicle in the state. The South Dakota Department of Revenue Motor Vehicle Division administers vehicle registration and enforces insurance compliance throughout South Dakota.
Legal Requirement for Insurance Coverage
South Dakota Codified Law 32-35-113 establishes that every driver or owner of a motor vehicle shall at all times maintain in force one of the forms of financial responsibility on the motor vehicle. Motor vehicle liability insurance represents the primary method of demonstrating financial responsibility. The requirement applies to all motor vehicles operated on public roads, with limited statutory exceptions.
Vehicle owners must maintain continuous insurance coverage throughout the registration period. Operating a vehicle without established financial responsibility constitutes a violation of South Dakota law and may result in suspension of driving privileges, vehicle registration suspension, and reinstatement fees. South Dakota law enforcement officers may request proof of insurance during traffic stops, accident scenes, and vehicle inspections, and failure to provide proof may result in citations and penalties.
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
Minimum Insurance Coverage Requirements
South Dakota Codified Law establishes minimum coverage amounts for motor vehicle liability insurance. The South Dakota Division of Insurance regulates insurance companies operating in the state. South Dakota requires drivers to maintain liability insurance coverage that meets or exceeds statutory minimum amounts.
| Coverage Type | Minimum Amount |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury or death of one person | $25,000 |
| Bodily injury or death of two or more persons | $50,000 total |
| Property damage | $25,000 |
The minimum coverage requirements apply to liability insurance only. South Dakota law does not mandate collision coverage, comprehensive coverage, or medical payments coverage, though lenders typically require comprehensive and collision coverage for financed vehicles.
South Dakota Division of Insurance
124 South Euclid Avenue, 2nd Floor, Pierre, SD 57501
Phone: (605) 773-3563
Official Website: South Dakota Division of Insurance
Proof of Insurance Documents
South Dakota requires vehicle operators to carry proof of motor vehicle liability insurance at all times while operating a motor vehicle. The following formats are accepted:
- Financial responsibility identification card issued by the insurance company showing policy number, coverage dates, and vehicle information
- Electronic proof of insurance displayed on a mobile device or other portable electronic device
Exceptions to Insurance Requirements
Proof of financial responsibility is required on all motor vehicles operated in South Dakota with the following limited exceptions:
- Vehicles owned by the United States government, the state of South Dakota, or any political subdivision of the state
- Self-insurers approved by the Department of Public Safety who have deposited securities or obtained appropriate certification
Insurance Requirements for Vehicle Registration
The South Dakota Department of Revenue Motor Vehicle Division processes vehicle registration applications and renewals through county treasurer offices. Vehicle owners must maintain active insurance coverage when registering a vehicle for the first time in South Dakota or when renewing an existing registration.
New South Dakota residents must establish South Dakota insurance coverage and register their vehicles within 45 days of the purchase date. Out-of-state insurance policies do not satisfy South Dakota registration requirements for residents. New residents must obtain South Dakota insurance before completing vehicle registration.
South Dakota motorists may renew vehicle registration online, by mail, or in person at county treasurer offices. Registration renewals require active insurance coverage. County treasurer offices process registration transactions and confirm compliance with insurance requirements.
