Registration Renewals

How It Works

Unlike most states that base registration renewal on the end of the calendar year, or on what month you first registered your vehicle, South Dakota's Motor Vehicles Division (MVD) employs a quirky, staggered system based on alphabetization.

When you register your vehicle for the first time the MVD will issue a license plate number based on the first letter of your last name. For example, if your last name is Brachman, you'll be issued a license plate that must be renewed every January. Or, for more clarity, here's the MVD's system:

• Last names beginning with A or B must renew in January.

• Last names beginning with C, D or E must renew in February.

• Last names beginning with F, G or J must renew in March.

• Last names beginning with H, I or O must renew in May.

• Last names beginning with K or L must renew in June.

• Last names beginning with M or N must renew in July.

• Last names beginning with P, Q or R must renew in August.

• Last names beginning with S must renew in September.

• Last names beginning with T, U, V, W, X, Y or Z must renew in November.

Renewing

Registration renewals are handled by your county treasurer. You'll be sent a renewal notice approximately four weeks before your registration's expiration date.

Each county treasurer adheres to different renewal methods. Some allow renewal by phone, others don't. The same applies with payment options. Not all county treasurers accept credit cards. Call ahead if in doubt.

Fees are determined by the weight and model year of your vehicle.

Expiration

South Dakota offers no grace period. You must renew your registration on or before the last day of your assigned month. Failure to do so is considered a Class 2 misdemeanor.

The MVD will allow you to renew your registration up to 90 days prior to its expiration date.