How Much Does It Cost To Register a Car in South Dakota in 2025
South Dakota operates a complex vehicle registration system with costs determined by vehicle weight, age, and type. The state combines a motor vehicle excise tax on purchase price with weight-based annual registration fees, plus various county and administrative charges that can significantly impact total ownership costs.
Base Registration Fees
South Dakota calculates registration fees using a sophisticated weight and age-based system outlined in the DORSD fee schedules. Vehicle age classifications divide into two categories: 0-9 years old and 10+ years old, with older vehicles receiving reduced rates.
Standard Passenger Vehicle Registration (Sample Weights)
| Vehicle Weight | 0-9 Years Old (Monthly) | 10+ Years Old (Monthly) | Annual Fee (0-9 Years) | Annual Fee (10+ Years) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 tons (8,000 lbs) | $10.00 | $7.00 | $120.00 | $84.00 |
| 5 tons (10,000 lbs) | $11.00 | $7.70 | $132.00 | $92.40 |
| 6 tons (12,000 lbs) | $12.00 | $8.40 | $144.00 | $100.80 |
| 7 tons (14,000 lbs) | $13.00 | $9.10 | $156.00 | $109.20 |
| 8 tons (16,000 lbs) | $14.00 | $9.80 | $168.00 | $117.60 |
| 9 tons (18,000 lbs) | $15.00 | $10.50 | $180.00 | $126.00 |
| 10 tons (20,000 lbs) | $16.00 | $11.20 | $192.00 | $134.40 |
Heavy Commercial Vehicle Registration
For commercial vehicles over 20,000 pounds, South Dakota implements escalating fee structures:
| Vehicle Weight | 0-9 Years Old (Annual) | 10+ Years Old (Annual) |
|---|---|---|
| 25 tons (50,000 lbs) | $850.00 | $595.00 |
| 30 tons (60,000 lbs) | $1,080.00 | $756.00 |
| 35 tons (70,000 lbs) | $1,332.00 | $932.40 |
| 40 tons (80,000 lbs) | $1,548.00 | $1,083.60 |
| 45 tons (90,000 lbs) | $1,764.00 | $1,234.80 |
| 50 tons (100,000 lbs) | $1,980.00 | $1,386.00 |
Specialty Vehicle Categories
| Vehicle Type | Registration Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electric Vehicles | Standard weight fee + $50 annual fee | Additional fee for infrastructure |
| Motorcycles | Varies by engine size and age | Reduced rates compared to cars |
| Trailers | Weight-based | Separate fee schedule |
| Motor Homes | Weight-based | Commercial rate structure |
| Farm Vehicles | Reduced rates | Agricultural use qualification |
Local/County Fees
South Dakota counties can impose additional fees on vehicle registration through various mechanisms, creating significant cost variations depending on residence location.
County Wheel Tax
Counties may impose a wheel tax of up to $5.00 per wheel, with most counties implementing this fee:
Common Wheel Tax Rates:
- Most counties: $5.00 per wheel (standard 4-wheel vehicle = $20.00)
- Lawrence County: $2.00 per wheel (4-wheel vehicle = $8.00)
- Some counties: No wheel tax
Maximum Wheel Tax: $60.00 per vehicle regardless of wheel count
County Administrative Fees
Counties may charge additional administrative fees:
- Mail processing fees: Typically $25.00
- Out-of-state processing: Varies by county
- Technology fees: $2.00-$4.00 in some counties
Property Tax Considerations
Unlike many states, South Dakota does not assess annual property taxes on motor vehicles. The 4% excise tax paid at purchase serves as the primary vehicle-related tax obligation.
Mandatory Processing Fees
South Dakota requires several mandatory fees in addition to base registration costs, as detailed in the DOR SD fee structure.
Standard Processing Fees
| Fee Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Excise Tax | 4% of purchase price |
| Title Fee | $10.00 |
| Technology Fee | $2.00 |
| Lien Notation Fee | $10.00 (if applicable) |
| Duplicate Title Fee | $10.00 |
Late Registration Penalties
South Dakota enforces strict deadlines with escalating penalties:
Interest Charges:
- First month: 1% or $5.00 (whichever is greater)
- Subsequent months: 1% per month
- Applied to applications made after 45 days from purchase
Penalty Fees:
- 10% of tax owed or $10.00 (whichever is greater)
- Applied to applications made after 60 days from purchase
- Weekly penalty: $1.00 per week up to 26 weeks
- Maximum penalty: $50.00 after 26 weeks
Non-Resident Fee
Effective July 1, 2024: $100.00 additional fee for individuals titling vehicles who do not have:
- A South Dakota driver's license or ID card
- A physical address in South Dakota (P.O. boxes excluded)
Credit Card Processing Fees
- Credit/Debit Card Processing: 2.25% of transaction amount
- Electronic Check Processing: $1.50 per transaction
Special Requirements by Region
South Dakota maintains uniform registration requirements statewide without regional variations for emissions testing or safety inspections.
No Emissions or Safety Inspections Required
South Dakota does not require:
- Annual safety inspections
- Emissions testing
- Periodic vehicle inspections of any kind
This represents significant cost savings compared to states with mandatory inspection programs.
Title Fees
South Dakota maintains consistent title fees statewide regardless of vehicle type or county location.
| Title Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| New Title | $10.00 |
| Title Transfer | $10.00 |
| Duplicate Title | $10.00 |
| Lien Notation | $10.00 |
| Lien Release | No Fee |
| Technology Fee | $2.00 |
Specialty License Plates
South Dakota offers various specialty and personalized plate options with additional fees beyond standard registration costs.
Personalized Plates
| Plate Type | Annual Fee | Initial Mailing Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Personalized Plates (any vehicle type) | $25.00 | $7.50 |
| Motorcycle Personalized | $25.00 | $7.50 |
| Commercial Vehicle Personalized | $25.00 | $7.50 |
Character Limits:
- Standard vehicles: Up to 7 characters
- Motorcycles: Up to 6 characters
Specialty Organization Plates
| Plate Type | Annual Fee | Initial Mailing Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Most Specialty Plates | $10.00-$25.00 | $7.50 |
| Military/Veteran Plates | Varies | $7.50 |
| Educational Institution Plates | $25.00 | $7.50 |
| Charitable Organization Plates | $25.00 | $7.50 |
Disabled Veteran Benefits
As of July 1, 2024, qualifying disabled veterans may receive:
- Reduced or waived registration fees
- Free specialty plate options
- Expedited processing
Specific eligibility requirements and documentation must be verified through county treasurer offices.
For current registration information and online services, visit the South Dakota Department of Revenue or contact your local county treasurer's office for specific county fees and procedures.
