South Dakota License Plate Lookup /Temporary License Plate

South Dakota Temporary License Plate

What Is a Temporary License Plate in South Dakota?

A temporary license plate in South Dakota is a short-term registration that allows a vehicle to be legally driven on public roads for a limited time. It is issued by the South Dakota Department of Revenue, which oversees vehicle registration and licensing in the state. Temporary plates are typically used when a vehicle is newly purchased or permanent registration is pending. They are made of durable, weather-resistant material and display a unique combination of letters and numbers for identification purposes.

How To Get a Temporary License Plate in South Dakota?

To obtain a temporary license plate in South Dakota, follow these steps:

Purchase a vehicle from a dealership or private seller
Provide proof of ownership, such as a bill of sale or title transfer document
Show proof of identity, such as a driver's license or state ID card
Present proof of South Dakota residency, such as a utility bill or lease agreement
Provide proof of insurance that meets the state's minimum liability coverage requirements
Pay the applicable fees for the temporary registration and any sales taxes due

Once these steps are completed, the South Dakota Department of Revenue will issue a temporary license plate valid for up to 45 days. This allows time for the permanent registration process to be completed.

Where Can I Get a Temporary License Plate in South Dakota?

Temporary license plates can be obtained at any of the 66 county treasurer offices located throughout South Dakota. A list of these offices and their addresses and phone numbers can be found on the South Dakota Department of Revenue website. Alternatively, temporary plates can be obtained through licensed vehicle dealerships at the time of purchase.

How Much Does a Temporary License Plate Cost in South Dakota?

In South Dakota, the cost for a temporary license plate, specifically a short-term operation permit, is $1 per day for the period requested. The minimum fee for any temporary license permit is $5. These permits can be obtained for 5 to 15 consecutive days and are available from county treasurer offices.

How To Get a Temporary License Plate Online in South Dakota?

Currently, obtaining a temporary license plate online in South Dakota is impossible. The process must be completed in person at a county treasurer's office or through a licensed vehicle dealership. The state requires original documents to be presented for verification purposes, and the physical temporary plate must be issued to the vehicle owner.

However, some steps of the permanent registration process can be completed online through the South Dakota Department of Revenue's website. This includes checking the status of a vehicle title, renewing an existing registration, and paying associated fees. However, the initial issuance of a temporary plate still requires an in-person visit.

What Types of Temporary License Plates Are There in South Dakota?

In South Dakota, there are several types of temporary license plates available:

5-15 Day Temporary Permit: This permit allows short-term vehicle operation for 5 to 15 days. It's used mainly when extra time is needed for vehicle registration or title transfer processes.
Seller's Permit: This permit is offered for private vehicle sales and provides a 45-day window for the buyer to register the vehicle. It's free and can be extended with a 5-15-day temporary permit.
Plate Ordered Permit: This is used when waiting for special plates to arrive. It allows the vehicle to be operated for 30 days or until the new plates are received, whichever is first.

For more detailed information, you can visit the South Dakota Department of Revenue's website on motor vehicle services here.

When Is a Temporary License Plate Required in South Dakota?

A temporary license plate is required in South Dakota whenever a vehicle is operated on public roads, but it still needs a permanent registration. Some everyday situations where a temporary plate is necessary include:

Purchasing a new car from a dealership
Buying a used vehicle from a private seller
Transferring ownership of a car from another state
Renewing an expired registration when the permanent plates have not yet been received
Transporting a vehicle through South Dakota without registering it in the state

In each case, the vehicle owner must obtain a temporary plate before driving the vehicle on public streets and highways. Failure to do so could result in fines, penalties, and even the car's impoundment.

Can I Get Insurance on a Car With Temporary Plates in South Dakota?

Yes, obtaining insurance on a car with temporary plates in South Dakota is possible. Proof of insurance is one of the requirements for temporary registration. The state mandates that all vehicles operated on its roads have minimum liability coverage, as outlined in South Dakota Codified Law 32-35-70.

When applying for a temporary plate, the vehicle owner must provide evidence of insurance that meets these minimum standards. This can be in the form of an insurance card, policy declaration page, or a letter from the insurance company. The insurance must be valid for the entire period the temporary plate will be in use.

What Paperwork Do I Need To Get a Temporary Tag in South Dakota?

To obtain a temporary tag in South Dakota, you will need to provide the following paperwork:

Proof of ownership, such as a bill of sale, title certificate, or manufacturer's statement of origin
A completed application for vehicle registration
A valid driver's license or state-issued ID card for the vehicle owner
Proof of South Dakota residency, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement
A copy of the vehicle's current insurance card or policy declaration page
Payment for all applicable fees and taxes, which can include the temporary plate fee, sales tax, and title transfer fee

If the vehicle was previously registered in another state, you may also need to provide:

The out-of-state title or registration document
A completed power of attorney form if the previous owner is not present
A lien release document, if the vehicle had a loan or financing agreement in the last state

Having these documents prepared beforehand can help streamline the process of getting a temporary tag and ensure that there are no delays in the registration process.

How Long Can I Run a Temporary License Plate in South Dakota?

In South Dakota, a standard temporary license plate is valid for a maximum of 45 days from the date of issuance. This period is intended to allow the vehicle owner sufficient time to complete the permanent registration process, including transferring the title, paying all necessary fees and taxes, and obtaining regular license plates.
It's important to note that temporary plates are only renewable or extendable within the initial 45-day period. If the permanent registration is not completed within that timeframe, the vehicle owner may be penalized or fined for operating an unregistered vehicle.
Sometimes, a shorter-term temporary plate may be issued for specific situations, such as in-transit plates for vehicles transported through the state. These plates are typically valid for 15-30 days, depending on the circumstances.

To avoid any lapse in legal registration, it's recommended that the permanent registration process be begun as soon as possible after obtaining a temporary plate. This can help ensure a smooth transition and avoid potential issues with law enforcement or vehicle licensing authorities.

Can I Drive on an Expired Temp Temporary License Plate in South Dakota?

No, driving on an expired temporary license plate in South Dakota is illegal. The vehicle is considered unregistered once the temporary registration expires and cannot be legally operated on public roads. This applies even if the permanent registration process is still pending or has been delayed for any reason.

Driving on an expired temporary plate can result in several penalties, including:

Traffic citations and fines for operating an unregistered vehicle
Impoundment of the vehicle until proper registration is obtained
Suspension or revocation of the vehicle owner's driver's license