License Plates & Placards

While traveling throughout beautiful South Dakota, you've probably noticed that there is an increased variety of license plates available.

The state actually breaks these license plates into 12 categories:

• Standard South Dakota License Plates

• Physically Disabled Parking Permits and License Plates

• Commercial License Plates

• Dealer License Plates

• Exempt Entities License Plates

• Historic Plates

• Military License Plates

• Motorcycle License Plates

• Organization/First Responder Decals

• Personalized License Plates

• Special License Plates

• Prorate License Plates

By clicking on a link, you will be able to see the types of plates available in that category, as well as the forms to fill out, and the cost for the plates. In addition, if only certain people are eligible to obtain the plates, there is an explanation of who is eligible.

Standard South Dakota License Plates

As the name implies, these are the basic, common plates issued to drivers who don't request a special plate.

These plates are issued after you have completed an Application for Motor Vehicle Title and Registration (Form MV-608).

The cost will vary depending on the weight and age of your vehicle.

Personalized License Plates

Also known as "vanity plates," these plates are issued after completing a South Dakota Personalized License Plate Application (Form MV-239). These plates carry an annual fee of $25.

You may order one of these plates as long as you're a South Dakota resident and own the vehicle.

This is your big chance to express yourself (using between two and seven letters). If you want to use a space or a star, you'll need to put that on the application.

Be sure to include a copy of your registration with the application.

Physically Disabled Parking Permits and License Plates

If you need a disabled plate or permit, you'll have to complete an Application for Physically Disabled Parking Permit and License Plates (Form MV-044).

Your doctor must sign and complete the back of the application, indicating that you meet at least one of the six disability requirements. We discuss these requirements as well as other disability issues in our Drivers with Disabilities section.

Only the title owner may apply for a disability plate.

The plates cost $4 in order to cover the mailing fee. The placards don't have any such fees.

Historical (Antique) Plates

South Dakota refers to its antique plates as historical plates.

Requirements:

• Your vehicle is at least 30 years old.

• Your vehicle is not for regular use. It can only be used for parades, exhibitions, tours, and displays.

To apply, submit a completed Application for Special License Plates along with your $10 payment.

Surrendering Your Plates

South Dakota does not require you to surrender your plates if you move out of state. Recycle them as you see fit once you get registered in your new state.

You are required to maintain uninterrupted liability insurance on your vehicle, so make sure to surrender your plates before any coverage lapse. If you sell your car and don't transfer the plates, donate a car to charity, or take your vehicle off the road for an extended period of time, you'll probably want to surrender your plates. Take them to any county treasurer's office.