Motor Vehicle

The Motor Vehicle Division provides and maintains motor vehicle records for vehicles owned by your business. Our online services allow you to:

• Review and renew your vehicle registration/decals and license plates;
• Purchase new license plates;
• Opt-in for email renewal and general notifications;
• Find out the estimated renewal cost of your vehicles;
• Report the sale of a vehicle; and
• Print a seller's permit

Electronic Lien & Title (ELT)

What is the ELT System?

The South Dakota Motor Vehicle Division has an Electronic Lien & Title System (ELT), which allows lienholders to reduce the handling, storage and mailing costs of paper titles by replacing them with an electronic version. No paper title will be printed while there is a lien noted, unless one of the exceptions in South Dakota law apply. SDCL 32-3-70

How Does the ELT System Work?

Lenders have the option to utilize a third-party provider that will provide electronic notices of title issuance and lien perfection when a record is issued in the state system. Upon the release of a lien, a participating lender will send a lien release electronically through its provider. Upon receipt of the electronic lien release, the title will be printed and mailed to the owner, unless directed otherwise by the lender. For more information on the Electronic Lien & Title system, take a look at the ELT Guide (PDF).

Notation of Liens on Existing South Dakota Printed Titles

To have a lien noted on an outstanding title, the owner or lienholder shall present the original South Dakota certificate of title (or valid duplicate) and a copy of the security agreement to the titled owner’s county treasurer’s office. A lien notation fee of $10 must also be submitted. Note: the check or money order must be made out to the appropriate county treasurer (not to the Motor Vehicle Division).

Release of Liens on Printed South Dakota Titles

The signature of the lienholder on the face of the certificate of title is not needed if there is a notice of the satisfaction for liens noted on a South Dakota certificate of title. Note: while liens can be canceled in any county, lien notations must be made in the titled owner’s county of record.

On Titles Which Are Held by the Lienholder

It is the responsibility of the lienholder to have the lien against the record holder released by the county treasurer within 20 days after final payment. No fee is assessed for the release of a lien.

On Titles Which Are Held by the Owner

It is the responsibility of the lienholder to execute a release within 20 days after final payment is received. The lienholder shall mail or deliver the release to the owner. The certificate of title and lien release shall be forwarded by the owner to any county treasurer. No fee is assessed for the release of a lien.

Repossession Vehicles

How to Apply

Financial Institutions looking to apply for a repossession title will need to submit the following documents to their local county treasury's office in the county the vehicle was issued. To complete this transaction, please include:

1. Copy of Security Agreement
2. Application for Motor Vehicle Title and Application
3. Motor Vehicle Affidavit
4. Title Fee

For more information regarding Auction Agencies and the purchase of vehicles with a title not in the name of the entity or vehicles with an Electronic Lien and Title (ELT) record, please see the Motor Vehicle Division Procedures Manual.

Exempt Entity License Plates

General Exempt Entity Plates

Who is Eligible?

Vehicles owned by United States, states, counties, townships, and municipalities; vehicles purchased by the state under Sections 18 and 16(b)2 of the Urban Mass Transportation Act; vehicles owned by public school corporations, fire departments, a licensed ambulance service, Native American tribes or schools, or non-profit adjustment training centers; buses and vans owned by churches. More information on Higher Education, Mass Transit & Tribal vehicles can be found in the Government section.

Community Support Provider

Who is Eligible?

Vehicles owned by nonprofit community support providers (sheltered workshops) recognized or approved by an agency of this state, and which are used exclusively by such nonprofit community support providers (sheltered workshops). Get started with a Motor Vehicle Title & Registration Application or complete an Exempt Entity License Plates Application.

Laws & Regulations

South Dakota Laws and regulations regarding vehicle ownership.

• SDCL 32-1 State Administration of Motor Vehicles
• SDCL 32-3 Title Registration, Liens and Transfers
• SDCL 32-3A Title Registration and Taxation of Boats
• SDCL 32-5 Annual Registration and License Plates
• SDCL 32-5A County Wheel Tax
• SDCL 32-5B Excise Tax on Motor Vehicles
• SDCL 32-6B Regulation of Vehicle Dealers
• SDCL 32-6C Regulation of Snowmobile Dealers
• SDCL 32-6E Regulations of Snowmobiles Franchising Agreements
• SDCL 32-7A Dealers of Manufactured Homes and Mobile Homes
• SDCL 32-7B Regulation of Boat Dealers
• SDCL 32-9 Commercial Motor Vehicle Certificates
• SDCL 32-10 Interstate Reciprocity and Proportional Registration of Fleets
• SDCL 32-11 Motor Vehicle Funds
• SDCL 32-20 Motorcycle Regulation

Driver’s Privacy and Protection Act (DPPA)

A written form must be submitted to the South Dakota Motor Vehicle Division before motor vehicle records can be released.

Contact

We strive to make our services as convenient as possible and encourage you to contact us with any questions or concerns.