How to Renew Motor Vehicle Registration in South Dakota?

Vehicle registration renewal is required for all South Dakota residents to maintain legal driving privileges and comply with state motor vehicle laws. The South Dakota Department of Revenue Motor Vehicle Division oversees the state's vehicle registration system, while county treasurer offices throughout South Dakota handle registration transactions on behalf of the Department of Revenue.

South Dakota Vehicle Registration Renewal Requirements

Essential Documentation and Requirements

South Dakota vehicle owners must satisfy the following requirements when renewing their registration:

• Valid South Dakota Driver's License or State ID: Current driver's license or state-issued identification card issued by the South Dakota Department of Public Safety
• Date of Birth: Required for identity verification during online renewal
• Registration Renewal Notice: State-issued renewal notice mailed to vehicle owners (if available)
• License Plate Number: Current license plate number for registration lookup
• Payment Method: Electronic check, credit card (Discover, MasterCard, Visa), or debit card for online renewals; cash, check, cashier's check, or money order for in-person or mail-in renewals

Business Vehicle Renewals: Business entities renewing commercial vehicle registrations must provide their Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) along with the state-assigned customer number indicated on the vehicle's renewal notice.

Renewal Timeline and Registration Periods

• Early Renewal Window: Vehicle registrations may be renewed up to 90 days prior to the expiration date
• Registration Period: South Dakota vehicle registrations are issued for annual (one-year) periods
• Expiration Date: Registrations expire on the last day of the renewal month assigned based on the first letter of the owner's last name
• Late Renewal Grace Period: Registrations may be renewed up to 12 months after expiration, though late fees do not apply during normal renewal periods

License Plate Renewal Month Assignment

South Dakota assigns vehicle registration renewal months based on the first letter of the vehicle owner's last name:

Note: Registrations expire on the last day of the assigned renewal month.

Late Title Application Penalties

Vehicles purchased or acquired must be titled and registered within 45 days of the purchase date. Late applications are subject to penalties and interest charges:

Late Title Fee: $1.00 penalty fee for every week past the 45-day grace period, up to a maximum fine of $50.00.

Interest Charges: Interest on the motor vehicle excise tax owed is assessed at the rate of 1% or $5 (whichever is greater) for the first month, and 1% per month thereafter on any application made after 45 days from the date of purchase.

Penalty:

• Interest: 1% per month or $5 (whichever is greater) for the first month; 1% per month thereafter for applications made after 45 days from purchase date
• Penalty: One-time penalty of 10% of the tax or $10 (whichever is greater) for applications made after 60 days from purchase date
• Late Title Application Fee: $1.00 penalty fee for every week past the 45-day grace period, with a maximum fine of $50.00

How Much Is Car Registration Renewal in South Dakota in 2025

2025 South Dakota Vehicle Registration Fee Schedule

South Dakota motor vehicles are subject to a 4% motor vehicle excise tax on the purchase price. Registration fees are based on vehicle weight, year, and intended use. Registrations must be completed within 45 days of the purchase date. Vehicles registered late are subject to interest and penalty charges.

Standard Registration Fees

The technology fee was implemented effective July 1, 2025, to help cover the cost of maintaining, upgrading, and securing technology systems.

Non-Commercial Vehicle License Fees

South Dakota assesses registration fees based on vehicle weight and model year. Detailed fee schedules are available through the South Dakota Department of Revenue:

• Non-Commercial License Fees (PDF)
• Non-Commercial Trailer Fees (PDF)
• Gross Weight License Fees (PDF)

Motorcycle Registration Fees

Motorcycles have separate registration fee schedules based on year and weight classification. View the complete Motorcycle Fee Schedule (PDF) for detailed information.

Motor Home Registration Fees

Non-commercial motor homes are registered based on weight classification and model year. View the complete Non-Commercial Motorhome Fee Schedule (PDF) for detailed information.

Commercial Vehicle Registration Fees

Commercial vehicles have separate fee structures based on weight and use classification. View the complete Commercial Fee Schedule (PDF) for detailed information.

Additional Mandatory Fees

Electric Vehicle Fee:

Individuals are required to pay an annual $50.00 fee at the time of registration for each electric vehicle they own. This applies to electric vehicles charged from an external source.

Administrative Fee (Non-Resident Fee):

Individuals titling a motor vehicle, off-road vehicle, or snowmobile in South Dakota who do not have a South Dakota driver's license or ID card, or a physical address in South Dakota (P.O. boxes and mail forwarding addresses do not count), will pay an additional $100.00 fee on top of the standard title application fee.

This additional fee does not apply to:

• Title corrections
• Duplicate titles
• Insurers taking title after paying a covered loss
• Manufacturers taking title due to a buy-back
• Lienholders taking title following a repossession

Online and Mail Renewal Processing Fees

Internet Renewal:

• Mailing fee: $1.50 for each registration renewed
• Processing fee: $1.50 for eCheck or 2.25% for debit or credit card

Renewal by Mail:

• Postage fee: $7.50 for each plate/plates and $1.50 for each decal/decals

DMV Now License Renewal Kiosks:

• Processing fee: 2.25% for debit or credit card (Discover, MasterCard, and Visa only)

Registration costs vary significantly based on vehicle type, weight, year, and purchase price. Contact your local county treasurer's office for specific fee calculations for your vehicle.

For detailed fee schedules specific to your vehicle type, visit the South Dakota Department of Revenue Motor Vehicle page

How To Renew Vehicle Registration Online in South Dakota

Online Renewal Platform

The South Dakota Department of Revenue provides online vehicle registration renewal services through the my605Drive Customer Portal. This online system replaced the previous MySDCars portal in February 2025 and offers enhanced features for managing vehicle registrations.

Portal Capabilities: The my605Drive portal allows customers to review and renew vehicle registrations and decals, purchase new license plates, update addresses, opt-in for email renewal notifications, estimate renewal costs, report vehicle sales, and print seller's permits.

Eligibility Requirement: A valid South Dakota driver's license or state-issued ID card is required to use the online vehicle registration renewal portal.

Online Renewal Process

Step 1: Verify Eligibility

Confirm the following before beginning online renewal:

• You possess a valid South Dakota driver's license or state-issued ID card
• Your registration is within 90 days of expiration or up to 12 months after expiration
• You have access to your date of birth for identity verification
• Your vehicle type is eligible for online renewal (certain boats and snowmobiles cannot be renewed online)

Step 2: Gather Required Information

Prepare the following information before starting your online renewal:

• South Dakota driver's license number or state ID number
• Date of birth
• License plate number or registration renewal notice
• Electronic check information or credit/debit card (Discover, MasterCard, or Visa)
• Current address (update address prior to renewal if necessary)

Step 3: Access Online Renewal Portal

Choose one of two online renewal methods:

Method 1: my605Drive Account Login (Recommended)

• Access the my605Drive Customer Portal
• Create an account or log in with existing credentials
• View all registered vehicles associated with your driver's license or ID
• Select vehicles to renew
• Review fees and payment options
• Complete payment transaction

Method 2: Quick Renewal (No Account Required)

• Access the Quick Renewal Vehicle Registration option
• Enter license plate number and driver's license or ID information
• Verify vehicle and owner information
• Complete payment without creating an account

Step 4: Complete Payment

Select payment method:

• Electronic Check: $1.50 flat processing fee
• Credit/Debit Card (Discover, MasterCard, Visa): 2.25% processing fee

All online renewals include a $1.50 mailing fee per registration renewed.

Step 5: Receive Registration Materials

• Print confirmation receipt immediately after completing transaction
• New registration materials are mailed to the address on file
• Allow two weeks for processing and delivery by mail
• The confirmation receipt serves as temporary proof of registration

Alternative Renewal Methods

In-Person Renewal at County Treasurer's Office

Visit your local county treasurer's office with the following:

Required documents:

• Registration renewal notice (if available)
• Valid photo identification (driver's license or state ID card)
• Proof of vehicle ownership (title or previous registration) if vehicle is not shown on renewal notice
• Payment for renewal fees

Contact your local county treasurer's office for acceptable forms of payment and office hours.

Mail-In Renewal

Mail renewal to your county treasurer's office:

Required documents:

• Registration renewal postcard
• Driver's license number or state ID number written on the renewal postcard
• Payment for renewal fees plus postage fee ($7.50 for each plate and $1.50 for each decal)

Acceptable payment methods: Check (in-state only), cashier's check, or money order made payable to your county treasurer.

Allow two weeks for processing. If the vehicle to be renewed is not shown on the postcard, include proof of ownership (title or license renewal form).

DMV Now License Renewal Kiosks

DMV Now License Renewal Kiosks are self-service terminals located in Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Pierre, Aberdeen, Mitchell, Watertown, and Yankton. These fully automated stations dispense license renewal tags immediately upon completion of the transaction.

Kiosk Process:

• Scan barcode on your South Dakota driver's license or state ID card
• System retrieves all vehicle registrations associated with your identification
• Select registrations to renew
• Complete payment using credit or debit card (Discover, MasterCard, Visa)
• License renewal tags and vehicle registration are dispensed immediately from the machine

Kiosk Features: Voice assistance available, accessible 24/7 at most locations, accepts payment from vehicle owners in any South Dakota county, processing fee of 2.25% for credit/debit card transactions.

Find the nearest DMV Now Kiosk location using the DMV Now License Renewal Kiosk Locator.

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