SD · Registration fee guide
South Dakota car registration fees
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South Dakota sets the yearly fee by the manufacturer shipping weight.
Your itemized estimate
Estimate your registration
Use your vehicle details to calculate the listed fees. Amounts reflect the schedule verified in 2026.
Start with the published example below, then adjust the details for your vehicle.
Published example · listed fees
$74.0012-month renewal example
No listed fees for this selection.
- State fees$74.00
- County / local$0.00
- One-time$0.00
View breakdown data
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| State fees | $74.00 |
| County / local | $0.00 |
| One-time | $0.00 |
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| License fee (by weight, under 10 years old) | $72.00 |
| Solid waste fee | $1.00 |
| Highway patrol fee | $1.00 |
Estimate only. Includes only the fees listed here; other taxes, penalties or local charges may apply. Confirm with the official agency.
Confirm with South Dakota Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Division
Registration fee schedule
Only applicable fees contribute to your estimate. Optional fees are excluded unless selected. One-time fees apply only to new registrations.
| Fee | Amount or rule | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| License fee (by weight, under 10 years old) | Up to 2,000 lbs: $36.00; Up to 4,000 lbs: $72.00; Up to 6,000 lbs: $108.00; Remaining weights: $144.00 $36 up to 2,000 lb, $72 to 4,000, $108 to 6,000, $144 over 6,000 lb. | See conditionsmax age years: 9 |
| License fee (by weight, 10+ years old) | Up to 2,000 lbs: $25.20; Up to 4,000 lbs: $50.40; Up to 6,000 lbs: $75.60; Remaining weights: $100.80 70% of the full fee for vehicles 10 or more years old on January 1 of the registration year. | See conditionsmin age years: 10 |
| Solid waste fee | $1.00 $1. | All listed vehiclesAll listed vehicles |
| Highway patrol fee | $1.00 $1. | All listed vehiclesAll listed vehicles |
| Electric vehicle fee | $100.00 $100 a year for vehicles charged from an external source. | See conditionsfuel type: electric, phev |
| Certificate of title | $10.00 $10. | New registrationAll listed vehicles; one-time |
How South Dakota fees work
South Dakota sets the yearly fee by the manufacturer shipping weight. Vehicles 10 or more years old pay 70% of the fee. Two $1 fees are added, and electric vehicles pay $100 a year.
The listed registration period is 12 months. Agency information
Cost factors: weight, age, fuel.
Electric & hybrid surcharges
Choose the matching fuel type in the calculator to include the applicable surcharge.
Worked example
2020 gas car, 3,500 lb: $72 license fee + $1 solid waste fee + $1 highway patrol fee = $74.
Listed total: $74.00
See the fee rules and sources aboveCommon questions
How are South Dakota registration fees calculated?
South Dakota sets the yearly fee by the manufacturer shipping weight. Vehicles 10 or more years old pay 70% of the fee. Two $1 fees are added, and electric vehicles pay $100 a year.
Where can I confirm my final registration cost?
Confirm the final amount with South Dakota Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Division. Its official website is linked below the calculator and in this guide’s sources.
What other limitations should I consider?
A 4% motor vehicle excise tax applies on purchase. It is not included. Many counties charge a wheel tax (often about $4 per wheel, capped). It varies by county and is not included. Other fees can apply: $10 lien notation, $12 plate mailing, $2.50 registration mailing, and a $2 technology fee on certain transactions. Renewals are staggered and prorated by month. Applying the 10-year discount to plug-in hybrids follows the DOR wording "externally charged"; confirm with your county treasurer.
Sources and last checked
Sources
- Title fees and registration South Dakota Department of Revenue
- Noncommercial vehicle license fee chart South Dakota Department of Revenue
Last verified
Fees can change. Confirm your final amount with the official registration agency before paying.
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