Buying and Selling FAQs

What's South Dakota's Wheel Tax?

Initiated in 1986 to help subsidize bridge and highway maintenance, you pay this tax when registering your vehicle. As the name implies, you pay a certain amount for each tire, usually ranging from $2 and $4, depending on your county. Currently only 38 or South Dakota's 66 counties mandate the Wheel Tax.

Do I have to pay an excise tax every time I register my car?

No. You pay the state's excise tax (3% of the vehicle's purchase price) only when registering a vehicle for the first time.

What is South Dakota's policy regarding temporary permits?

Depending on your situation, you can purchase a temporary permit from five to 15 days. You must purchase it from your county treasurer at a cost of $1 per day. When purchasing you will need to provide proof of ownership in the form of a bill of sale or the vehicle's title.

Can I import a vehicle into the state for the lone purpose of repair?

Yes you can, but you won't be allowed to operate it in South Dakota under any circumstances. Upon entering the vehicle into the the United States you will need to provide Customs with EPA Form 3520-1, making sure to declare code "G," and you will need to post a bond.

What certifications are required if I want to import a vehicle to South Dakota from another country?

To meet National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) standards, the vehicle's certification label should include the manufacturing date, name of manufacturer, and the following line: "This vehicle conforms to all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) in effect on the date of manufacture shown above." This label must be attached to the driver-side hinge-pillar or the door-latch post or the door-edge adjacent to the door-latch post.

Are there are any restrictions I should know about, if I want to buy my car in Canada?

Yes. The vehicle cannot be reconstructed or be deemed as salvage. And you can bring it over the border if it is for personal use only . Or, in other words, you can't bring it into South Dakota with the intent of selling it.

When crossing customs, you'll need to present a letter from the vehicle's original manufacturer, composed on the manufacturer's letterhead, listing the vehicle's identification number and confirming that it conforms with all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.