Last Update: August 24, 2026

Temporary Permits for Private or Commercial Vehicles in South Dakota

South Dakota provides temporary credentials that allow limited vehicle operation between purchase and permanent registration or for commercial carriers awaiting full licensing. For private vehicles, the credential is a temporary license permit that allows movement for a specified period. For commercial operations, the applicable credential may be an IRP temporary clearance, an IFTA temporary authorization, a commercial single-trip permit, or an oversize/overweight permit for extra-legal movement.

What Is A Temporary Vehicle Permit In South Dakota?

In South Dakota, a temporary vehicle permit for a standard motor vehicle is generally a paper permit issued for short-term use when permanent registration cannot be completed immediately. Under SDCL 32-6B-27, a temporary forty-five-day license permit must be affixed to the interior of the vehicle windshield at the lower right-hand corner on the front and the lower left-hand corner on the rear. For motorcycles or trailers, the permit shall be affixed in the manner provided for metal number plates.

For commercial carriers, South Dakota distinguishes between registration-related temporary clearances and single-trip permits for the movement of oversize and overweight loads. Under the International Registration Plan (IRP) and International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA), a vehicle subject to these requirements must obtain temporary clearance before entering the state if full credentials are not active. Separate permits are required for oversize and overweight movements through the South Dakota Highway Patrol's automated permitting system.

Who May Need A Temporary Permit

A temporary permit may be required in the following situations:

• A private vehicle has been purchased, and permanent registration cannot be completed immediately.
• A seller has transferred the vehicle to a purchaser, but the permanent title transfer has not been finalized.
• A commercial vehicle enters South Dakota before IRP or IFTA credentials are active.
• A vehicle or load exceeds South Dakota's size or weight limits.
• A commercial operator requires temporary authority for single-trip transportation.

Private Vehicle Temporary Tags In South Dakota

For private vehicles, South Dakota issues a temporary license permit and a seller's permit for limited operation until permanent registration can be completed. Under SDCL 32-5-2.9, a private seller must obtain a free seller's permit that allows the purchaser to drive the vehicle during the interval between purchase and registration, provided that registration is completed no later than 45 days from the date of purchase.

A purchaser may also obtain a 5-15-day temporary permit from the county treasurer to operate beyond the 45-day seller's permit window. This permit is available for $1 per day, with a minimum fee of $5. To qualify for a 5-15 day permit, the applicant must possess either a title in the applicant's name, a title properly assigned to the applicant, or a bill of sale listing the applicant as the purchaser. The title or bill of sale must be available for inspection by a law enforcement officer when the vehicle is being operated.

The 5-15 day temporary permit applies only to non-commercial vehicle operation and may be used on a vehicle hauling a load, provided that the operation is non-commercial. Only one permit should be issued per motor vehicle per year. When a permit is issued for a vehicle titled in South Dakota, the permit will be tied to the vehicle title record.

Commercial Vehicle Temporary Permits In South Dakota

Commercial vehicles may require temporary operating authority in place of permanent credentials. South Dakota recognizes the following temporary commercial permits:

• IRP Temporary Clearance for vehicles subject to apportioned registration that will operate in interstate commerce
• IFTA Temporary Authorization for vehicles subject to fuel tax licensing requirements
• Commercial Single-Trip Permit for the temporary movement of a commercial vehicle with increased gross vehicle weight
• Oversize/Overweight Single-Trip Permit for extra-legal loads or vehicles

An IRP temporary clearance allows interstate travel in the same manner as a permanent prorated license, but is valid for up to 45 days or until the end of the current registration year, whichever occurs first. The IFTA license costs $10 annually, and decal sets are priced at $2.50. A commercial single-trip permit costs $15 and permits the owner of a commercial vehicle who has returned the current commercial plates to operate the vehicle unladen on the highway.

When A Temporary Permit Is Required

A private vehicle may need a temporary permit after purchase if permanent registration cannot be completed immediately due to documentation delays or other circumstances. The seller's permit provides a forty-five-day window for the purchaser to register the vehicle. If the purchaser requires additional time, a 5-15-day permit may be obtained for a fee.

A commercial vehicle may need a temporary permit when:

• The vehicle is subject to IRP and is not currently apportioned for interstate travel
• The vehicle is subject to IFTA, and fuel-tax licensing is not yet active
• The owner has returned the current commercial plates and must operate the vehicle for temporary purposes
• The movement involves oversize or overweight dimensions that exceed standard legal limits

How To Get A Temporary Permit In South Dakota

Where To Apply

For private vehicles, the seller's permit is obtained by the seller at the seller's local county treasurer's office or online at the Vehicle Registration & Plates portal. The 5-15-day temporary permit is obtained from the county treasurer for a fee of $1 per day (minimum $5).

For commercial carriers, IRP and IFTA temporary clearances must be obtained through the Motor Carrier Services section of the South Dakota Department of Revenue Motor Vehicle Division. Commercial single-trip permits may be obtained from a county treasurer, Port of Entry, online through the South Dakota Automated Permitting System, or by telephone at (605) 224-SEMI (7364) from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm Monday through Friday. Oversize and overweight permits are processed through the South Dakota Highway Patrol's automated permitting system or by contacting the Permit Center.

Documents Commonly Required

For private vehicles seeking a 5-15-day temporary permit, the applicant must provide evidence of ownership. Acceptable documentation includes:

• A certificate of title in the applicant's name
• A title properly assigned to the applicant
• A bill of sale identifying the applicant as the purchaser

For commercial vehicles seeking IRP temporary clearance, documentation must include:

• Completed IRP application through Motor Carrier Connect
• Agreement to Maintain Records
• Power of Attorney (if applicable)
• Proof of residency (property taxes, rental lease agreement, property insurance, utility bill, South Dakota driver's license for sole proprietor, or South Dakota Secretary of State filing for business entities)

Temporary Permit Fees In South Dakota

South Dakota publishes official fees for temporary permits through the Department of Revenue Motor Vehicle Division. The following table summarizes the principal permit costs:

The South Dakota 30-Day Commercial Permit schedule varies by vehicle weight, ranging from $9.00 for 2-ton vehicles to $303.00 for 49-ton vehicles, with an additional $7 fee for each additional ton.

Can A South Dakota Temporary Permit Be Used Across State Lines?

For private vehicles, a seller's permit or 5-15 day temporary permit issued in South Dakota is valid only for movement within the state unless the vehicle is being transported to another state for permanent registration. For commercial carriers, an IRP temporary clearance authorizes both interstate and intrastate operations within South Dakota if all applicable regulatory requirements are met. IFTA temporary authorization also permits operation in other IFTA member jurisdictions.

Oversize and overweight movement remains subject to separate permitting requirements even when registration-related credentials are valid. Interstate oversize/overweight permits are issued only for Single-Trip movement and must comply with the regulations of each state through which the vehicle will travel.

Penalties For Driving Without The Proper Temporary Permit

South Dakota imposes penalties for failure to comply with temporary permit requirements and for operating vehicles without required credentials.

• Under SDCL 32-5-2.9, failure of a seller to provide the purchaser with a seller's permit upon sale of a vehicle is a Class 2 misdemeanor.
• Operating a private vehicle beyond the authorized period of a temporary permit is a violation subject to law enforcement action.
• Late registration applications incur interest assessed at the rate of 1% or $5, whichever is greater, for the first month and 1% per month thereafter on any application made more than forty-five days from the date of purchase.
• A one-time penalty equal to 10% of the motor vehicle excise tax or $10, whichever is greater, is automatically applied to any application made more than sixty days from the purchase date.
• Operation of an oversize or overweight vehicle without a valid permit is subject to criminal penalties under South Dakota law.

Contact Information

South Dakota Department of Revenue Motor Vehicle Division
445 E Capitol Ave., Pierre, SD 57501
Phone: (605) 773-3541
Official Website: South Dakota Department of Revenue Motor Vehicle Division