Whether you have a custom-built car or a minivan, the registration process is the same.

(If you've just moved to South Dakota, you'll have 90 days to register your custom-built car here.)

You'll need to register your car at the treasurer's office in the county where you live. You may download and complete the required Application for Motor Vehicle Title and Registration beforehand, if you wish.

The registration must be signed by the car's owner, or by someone authorized to do so. However, if someone other than the owner signs the registration, they'll need to bring along a power of attorney document that indicates this allowance.

You'll also need to pay a license fee.

Once you've properly registered your car and paid the fees, you'll be given the registration paper which needs to be kept in the car.

You'll need to renew your registration every year on a schedule determined by the first letter of the vehicle owner's last name.

Of course, you'll also have to get a title for your car, and pay fees for that, too. Again, this will occur at the county treasurer's office. We talk about the titling process in our Title Transfers section.

For more information on the registration process, check out the state's registration home page.

Enjoy your new car!

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