Car Registration Requirements for New South Dakota Residents
Individuals moving to South Dakota with a motor vehicle from another jurisdiction face registration deadlines and documentation obligations. State regulations govern the transfer process for out-of-state vehicles brought by new residents establishing legal presence in South Dakota.
Timeline for New South Dakota Residents
New residents have 90 days from arrival to title and license their vehicle in South Dakota. The state grants reciprocity to residents who previously registered and paid excise tax in another state with a tax rate at or above South Dakota's 4% rate.
Establishing South Dakota Residency
SDCL 32-12-26.1 establishes that any person residing in South Dakota for 90 days is considered a resident for licensing purposes. This period determines when vehicle registration obligations commence for individuals relocating to the state.
Residency determination focuses on physical presence in the state coupled with intent to establish a permanent home. The Department of Revenue accepts various documentation to establish residency status during the registration process.
Required Documentation for Car Registration in South Dakota
New residents registering vehicles brought from other states must submit documentation, including proof of ownership, identification, and compliance with state tax obligations.
Essential Documents
- Motor Vehicle and Boat Title Application (Form 1001)
- Out-of-state title or manufacturer's certificate of origin
- Valid South Dakota driver's license or state-issued identification card for all owners
- Social security number or federal employer identification number
- Proof of prior state registration (if applicable for tax reciprocity)
- Lien documentation if applicable
Identification Requirements
South Dakota requires valid identification for titling transactions. Each owner must provide either a South Dakota driver's license or a state ID card. Out-of-state residents titling vehicles in South Dakota without a state-issued ID must provide Social Security numbers and pay additional administrative fees.
Insurance Requirements
South Dakota mandates minimum automobile insurance coverage for all motor vehicles. The following minimum limits apply:
| Coverage Type | Minimum Required Amount |
|---|---|
| Bodily Injury Liability (per person) | $25,000 |
| Bodily Injury Liability (per accident) | $50,000 |
| Property Damage Liability (per accident) | $25,000 |
Application Submission Method
New residents submit completed applications and supporting documentation to their local county treasurer's office.
Registration Fees and Costs in South Dakota
South Dakota assesses fees based on vehicle type, weight, age, and intended use. New residents pay title fees and applicable excise taxes when transferring out-of-state registrations.
Title and Initial Registration Fees
Standard fees for new registrations include:
- Title fee: $10
- Motor vehicle excise tax: 4% of purchase price
- Technology fee: $2
- Lien notation fee: $10 (if applicable)
License Plate Fees
Annual license plate fees vary by vehicle classification:
- Non-Commercial Vehicle License Fees determined by weight and year
- Non-Commercial Trailer Fees
- Motorcycle Fees
- Non-Commercial Motorhome Fees
Additional Fees
Supplemental fees include:
- Solid waste fee: $1
- Highway patrol fee: $1
- Plate mailing fee: $7.50
- Electric vehicle annual fee: $50
- County wheel tax (varies by county)
Accessing the Fee Calculator
The online fee estimate tool is available through the my605Drive customer portal. Users can obtain registration cost estimates by pre-loading vehicle information and documentation into the system.
Contact Information
South Dakota Department of Revenue - Motor Vehicle Division
445 East Capitol Avenue, Pierre, SD 57501
Phone: (605) 773-3541
South Dakota Department of Revenue
