For thousands of side-by-side owners living in states with restrictive off-highway vehicle (OHV) rules (like California, New York, or Pennsylvania), the "South Dakota Out-of-State Registration Route" is the most popular, cost-effective way to get a real, street-legal license plate. South Dakota law allows non-residents to register UTVs and ATVs through the mail without requiring a physical address or vehicle inspection in the state. Once registered, you will receive a standard, highway-legal license plate that is honored in many states under license plate reciprocity agreements.
Important Warning Before You Start
While South Dakota will gladly issue you a plate, check your home state's vehicle code first. Some states (like California and Oregon) actively ticket residents driving vehicles registered in other states if the vehicle is garaged in their home state. This guide is for educational purposes only.
Phase 1: Required Paperwork & Forms
To successfully register your vehicle by mail, you must gather and fill out several specific forms. Any mistakes will result in your application packet being rejected and returned to you, causing weeks of delays.
1. Form MV-1001: Application for Motor Vehicle Title & Registration
This is the primary application form. For out-of-state registrations, you must fill out the following sections:
- Applicant Information: Enter your legal name, social security number (required for non-residents), and your out-of-state home address. Do not enter a South Dakota address.
- Vehicle Description: Fill in the VIN, Make, Model, Year, Body Type (write "UTV" or "Side-by-Side"), and mileage.
- Lienholder Details: If you have an active loan on the UTV, enter the bank's information. Note: Registering out-of-state when you have a lien can be complicated, as the bank holds the title.
2. Form MV-1015: Low-Speed & Off-Road Vehicle Affidavit
This affidavit is mandatory. By signing it, you declare under penalty of perjury that your UTV is equipped with all safety gear required to operate on public roads in South Dakota. This gear includes:
- Headlights and Taillights
- Brake Lights and Turn Signals
- A rearview mirror
- An electric horn
- A exhaust muffler in good working order
3. Original Title or Manufacturer's Statement of Origin (MSO)
You must mail in the physical, original proof of ownership. Photocopies are not accepted. If the UTV is brand new, send the MSO. If it is used, send the signed-over title. If your home state does not title or register UTVs (e.g., Georgia or Alabama), you must send a copy of the Bill of Sale along with a copy of your home state's registration card or a certified VIN verification form.
4. Copy of Your Driver's License
Include a clear, color photocopy of your front and back driver's license from your home state. This verifies your identity and signature.
Phase 2: Calculating Taxes and Fees
You must enclose a check or money order for the exact amount. The fees consist of three parts:
- Excise Tax (4%): South Dakota charges a 4% excise tax on the purchase price of the vehicle. If you already paid at least 4% sales tax in your home state, you are exempt. You must include proof of tax paid (such as the dealer invoice showing tax collected). If you paid less than 4%, you must pay the difference. If you paid 0% (or cannot prove it), you must pay the full 4% on the purchase price listed on the bill of sale.
- Registration Plate Fee: Typically around $50 to $70 depending on the weight of the UTV and the engine size.
- Non-Resident Title Transfer Fee: South Dakota charges a title fee of $10, plus a $100 non-resident fee if the applicant does not hold a South Dakota driver's license.
We highly recommend calling the specific County Treasurer's office you are mailing your packet to beforehand to have a clerk calculate the exact dollar amount of the check you need to write.
Phase 3: Selecting and Mailing to a County Treasurer
South Dakota's motor vehicle system is administered by individual county treasurers. While any county can process your application, some counties are highly familiar with processing non-resident mail-in registrations, while others may reject them out of confusion. The two most popular and friendly counties are:
Clay County Treasurer
Address: 211 E Main St, Suite 101, Vermillion, SD 57069
Phone: (605) 677-7123
Lawrence County Treasurer
Address: 90 Sherman St, Deadwood, SD 57732
Phone: (605) 578-1862
Pack all your documents, forms, original title, license copy, tax receipt, and check in a secure envelope (we recommend USPS Priority Mail with tracking). Mail it to the county treasurer of your choice. It typically takes 3 to 6 weeks to receive your new license plate and South Dakota title in the mail.