South Dakota License Plate Lookup
- How To Lookup South Dakota License Plates
- Why Run a License Plate Search in South Dakota?
- What Can You Get Out of a South Dakota License Plate Lookup?
- Why Choose GoodCar for South Dakota Plate Lookups?
- South Dakota License Plates
- How to Get a License Plate in South Dakota
- Frequently Asked Questions about South Dakota License Plate Lookups
How To Lookup South Dakota License Plates
Looking up a license plate in South Dakota is a process of checking the history of details of a vehicle using the license plate number. Since the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) of the South Dakota Department of Revenue keeps motor vehicle records in the state, you can make a request to the division for a license plate search. However, the division only releases vehicle information to authorized parties, such as those authorized by the court to access motor vehicle records and law enforcement agencies in certain conditions.
If you fulfill the conditions required to access motor vehicle records from the South Dakota MVD, you must complete a DPPA Vehicle Information request (for Government Agency or Business) or DPPA Private Individual Vehicle Information Request to be submitted to:
State of South Dakota
Motor Vehicle Division
445 E. Capitol Avenue
Pierre, SD 57501
A record summary or general vehicle information record is issued for $2, while a copy of scanned title history or record is issued for $5.
Also, you can look up South Dakota license plate information using free and paid online third-party license plate lookup services. These services provide web pages for users to input license plate numbers and find vehicle history information. Free services only offer basic vehicle information, while paid services can provide in-depth reports about the history of a vehicle. You can perform this lookup using a vehicle's license plate number or VIN information.
License Plates
The License plate number is one of two common serials to perform a South Dakota license plate lookup. The plate number can be found on the license plate affixed to the front and rear of vehicles. On an online license plate lookup service, type in the license plate number in the search bar, select "South Dakota" in the state field, and click Search. On the resulting page, you will access public motor vehicle records linked with the vehicle.
VIN
Vehicle Identification Number is the other serial you can use to lookup license plate information in South Dakota. The VIN is usually included in the owner's manual. On the GoodCar website, an online license plate lookup service, type in the 17-digit VIN and select search to reveal vehicle history information. When using the vIN over a plate number it is more difficult to locate the VIN and inputting the data takes longer.
Why Run a License Plate Search in South Dakota?
South Dakota license plate checks may be conducted in many circumstances. Law enforcement often runs South Dakota license plates to verify vehicle registrations or for criminal investigative purposes. The South Dakota MVD itself may also run license plate checks for administrative purposes. More commonly, individuals run South Dakota license plate lookups when verifying the condition of a used car.
What Can You Get Out of a South Dakota License Plate Lookup?
You can get vehicle information, such as make, model, year, color, engine size, and detailed history reports, including accident history, odometer history, and title history from a South Dakota license plate lookup. However, due to South Dakota's compliance with the Driver's Privacy and Protection Act (DPPA), you cannot access certain sensitive information. Information such as a license plate owner's name, address, telephone number, Social Security number, and driver's license number are restricted from public disclosure. The disclosure of personal information contained in motor vehicle records can only be made in limited exceptions outlined in the DPPA.
Vehicle Records
Vehicle records that can be found in a license plate lookup include sales history, lien records, registration information, and other specific details. These detailed history reports can help individuals and businesses verify a vehicle's condition, which can be useful in multiple scenarios.
Title Brands and Problem Checks
Running a South Dakota license plate lookup can help uncover a title-washing scam. If you run a license plate check for a vehicle with an assigned title brand, such as salvage, rebuilt, flood damage, hail damage, lemon, or junk title, it will be revealed in the vehicle history reports. Therefore, you can save yourself from purchasing a vehicle that will cost you down the line.
Tracing a Vehicle’s History for Used Car Purchases with South Dakota Plate Checks
Running a license plate lookup for a used car is one of the first steps any prospective used car buyer should undertake. A license plate lookup will reveal recall information, which can help evaluate whether a vehicle is safe for use. Also, a license plate lookup will reveal theft records or stolen vehicle alerts. This will help prospective used vehicle buyers to identify if the car has been reported stolen and consequently avoid legal issues and financial loss that may arise from purchasing a stolen car.
Why Choose GoodCar for South Dakota Plate Lookups?
Requesters can benefit from extensive vehicle records and reports as they obtain information from accredited data providers like the NMVTIS. GoodCar also illustrates theft checks, collision records, recalls, flood, hail, or fire damage, and pricing.
South Dakota Resources
South Dakota License Plates
South Dakota license plates are aluminum plates with a unique state-approved combination of the number of alphabets affixed to the front and rear of vehicles. For most classes of vehicles in the state, both front and rear license plates are required; however, rear license plates are only required for trailers and motorcycles. South Dakota license plates are issued by the Motor Vehicle Division of the Department of Revenue. Since the state issues license plates to individuals, the MVD allows the transfer of license plates from an old vehicle to a new vehicle. Such a transfer may be completed at the county treasurer's office.
South Dakota license plates are issued based on the first letter of the last name of the individuals to be assigned the plates. Subsequently, the first letters are assigned to specific months, designated which months of the year in which their renewals will be due. The fees for South Dakota license plates are based on the year of manufacture of the vehicle, the intended use of the vehicle, and the vehicle's weight. South Dakota license plate fees for different vehicle categories include:
Standard Issue License Plates
The current standard-issue license plate for non-commercial vehicles came into existence in 2023. The plate design is a reimagination of the previous design with slight modifications. The design features a reflective full-color Mount Rushmore graphic in front of a bright blue sky. The plate serial is printed in black color in the middle, while the text "GREAT FACES. GREAT PLACES." is printed in a straight blue colored font in the bottom center. The text "South Dakota" is printed in bark blue cursive font at the top center.
Construction Vehicle License Plates
These are issued to vehicles exclusively used on job sites for the construction of stock water dugouts, township roads, farm and ranch irrigation systems, dams, soil and water conservation projects on farms and ranches, or for the maintenance or construction of highways in South Dakota. Motor vehicles, trailed vehicles chassis, motor-propelled, and semi-trailers are eligible for the construction vehicle license plate
Emblem Plate
This plate is issued to members of some nonprofit organizations and can be purchased from county treasurers in South Dakota. To be eligible, organizations must have 200 members, donors, or volunteers, be registered with the Secretary of State, and be a non-profit corporation or group of non-profit corporations.
Dignity Sculpture Plate
Any owner of a motor vehicle who is a resident of South Dakota and who has complied with the laws of the state in relation to the registration of a motor vehicle can get plates bearing a special design depicting the Dignity sculpture upon approval of the design by the Department of Revenue and the artist
Rear Plate
A South Dakota rear plate is only issued to vehicles with an annual mileage not higher than 7,500 miles that are not used for general or commercial purpose
Amateur Radio License Plate
This plate is issued to official amateur radio operators licensed by the FCC
Firefighter License Plate
This plate is issued to any resident of South Dakota currently certified and recognized by the State Fire Marshal's office
Tribal License Plate
Residents of the South Dakota Indian tribes, such as Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, Lower Brule Sioux Tribe, Crow Creek Sioux Tribe, Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe, Rosebud Sioux Tribe, Oglala Lakota Sioux Tribe, Sisseton-Wahpeton Sioux Tribe, Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, Yankton Sioux Tribe, may obtain tribal license plates
Military License Plate
The military license plate can be issued to any resident veteran owner of a vehicle who has an active South Dakota driver's license or another South Dakota identification card and was honorably discharged, having served on active duty in the United States armed forces
Personalized License Plate
Personalized license plates are license plates that have customized text as chosen by the individual issued with the plates. They display a combination of numbers and letters that depict a unique or personalized message. South Dakota's personalized license plates are issued to noncommercial registered vehicles, motorcycles, and regular passenger vehicles, including cars, trucks, and motorhomes.
How to Get a
License Plate in South Dakota
You can get a South Dakota license plate by completing a South Dakota title and registration application at your local county treasurer's office. The applicable fees for titling, registration, and license plate can be paid at the county treasurer's office.
According to the South Dakota Department of Revenue, a motor vehicle or boat title and registration application signed by the record owner or an authorized agent for the record owner is a requisite document for completing a titling and registration application. If the application is signed by an approved agent, a Power of Attorney document must be included in the application to verify the appointment.
Other than the title, a Bill of Sale must be provided by the person selling a vehicle to the buyer. The Bill of Sale will be required to complete the title and registration application at the local county treasurer's office. After completing the titling and registration application and paying the required fees, the Motor Vehicle Division of the South Dakota DOR will issue you a license plate.
SD License Plate Renewal
To renew your South Dakota license plate, renew your vehicle registrations online via the vehicle registration and plates portal, at a DMV kiosk location, at your local county treasurer's office, or by mail through the county.
To renew your vehicle registration in person, take your vehicle registration renewal notice and a photo identification to your local county treasurer's office. Proof of ownership of the vehicle will be required if the vehicle to be renewed is not shown on your renewal postcard. Proof of ownership may be presented in the form of a vehicle title or license renewal form.
To renew by mail, mail the renewal postcard and the payment of the applicable fees to your county treasurer's office. Acceptable forms of payment include in-state checks, cashier's checks, and money orders. You must include in your payment, $7.50 for each plate and $1.50 for each decal. On your renewal postcard, include the ID number from a valid ID card or your driver's license number. It takes up to two weeks to process renewal applications submitted by mail. For additional help in renewing license plates by mail, contact your local county treasurer's office.
If you are renewing online, you must have a valid South Dakota ID issued by the state Department of Public Safety or a South Dakota driver's license, and your date of birth available. If a business, a FEIN number, and the state-assigned customer number indicated on the renewal notice are required to access the renewal portal. Fees to be paid on the portal include the registration fees, $1.50 for each registration renewed, and $1.50 for echeck or 2.25% for debit or credit card.
At any of the DMV renewal kiosks, you can use your South Dakota ID card or South Dakota driver's license to complete the renewal process via the easy touch screen or voice assistance resource available in the kiosks. If a company, the information provided on the renewal notice can be used. During the process, you will be required to scan the barcode on your driver's license or ID card and also pay the appropriate fee. There is a processing fee of 2.25% for a credit or debit card transaction. Acceptable payment forms include MasterCard, Visa, and Discover credit or debit cards. After completing the transaction, the machine in the kiosk will dispense license renewal tags and vehicle registration.
SD License Plate Replacement
If your plate is damaged or lost, you can obtain a replacement plate from the Motor Vehicle Division of the State Department of Revenue. To obtain a replacement South Dakota license plate, contact your local county treasurer's office and complete an Affidavit for Duplicate License Plate/Validation Sticker. The applicable fees for replacement license plates are available on the form.
Frequently Asked Questions about
South Dakota License Plate Lookups
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Can I Look Up SD License Plates for Free?
Yes, it is legal and possible to look up South Dakota license plates for free. There are many third-party license plate lookup services online, allowing users to look up South Dakota license plates for free. However, only basic vehicle information, such as vehicle specifications, is available in a free license plate lookup.
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Can I Use South Dakota License Plate Lookup Services to Find Out About a Vehicle’s Accident History?
South Dakota license plate lookup services provide information on a vehicle's accident history as long as you can provide the license plate number or VIN. However, such information is typically available for paid searches. Free license plate number lookup services generally provide basic vehicle information and not detailed reports of accident history.
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How Can I Register a Vanity License Plate in South Dakota?
- Must have characters in an upright positionTo register a vanity plate in South Dakota, you must first keep abreast of the personal license plate policy. As of 2024, some of the policy guidelines state that vanity or personalized license plates:
- With alphabet characters must have the characters in uppercase
- With a space will have the space counted as a character towards the maximum allowed
- May have up to seven characters for regular passenger vehicles or six characters for motorcycles
- Must have at least one letter or number. The number cannot be a single 1 or 2
- May not duplicate any issued license plate
- May not contain special characters such as #,$,&, and @
- May not contain a combination that may be misinterpreted or is confusing from a readability standpoint for law enforcement purposes
- May not contain a combination that mimics or pretends to represent any law enforcement agency or emergency service provider
- May not contain vulgar or swear words as defined in Merriam-Webster's online dictionary as vulgar, profane, offensive, or having a sexual connotationAfter reviewing the South Dakota Personal License Plate Policy, visit the South Dakota Online Customer Portal to check the availability of your vanity plate choice. After confirming the availability of the plate, submit a completed Application for Special License Plates (MV-101) and the applicable fee to:
State of South Dakota
Motor Vehicle Division
445 E. Capitol Avenue
Pierre, SD 57501Note that the annual cost for a vanity license plate is $25, plus the regular South Dakota license plate fee.
- How To Lookup South Dakota License Plates
- Why Run a License Plate Search in South Dakota?
- What Can You Get Out of a South Dakota License Plate Lookup?
- Why Choose GoodCar for South Dakota Plate Lookups?
- South Dakota License Plates
- How to Get a License Plate in South Dakota
- Frequently Asked Questions about South Dakota License Plate Lookups