Vehicle Titles and Registrations – Pennington County Treasurer’s Office
The Pennington County Treasurer’s Office handles the titling and licensing of various vehicles, including new and used
motor vehicles, motorcycles, trailers, mobile homes, snowmobiles, boats, ATVs, and commercial vehicles. We also process motor vehicle lien releases, assist with duplicate title applications, and issue portable handicap permits with the required doctor verification forms.
Mobile Home Title Transfers
All mobile home tax assessments are completed by the Equalization Office. For more information, call 605-394-2175. If you need to transfer the title or obtain a moving permit for a mobile home, please visit our FAQ section for further details.
Vehicle Registration & Renewal Information
Vehicle registrations follow a staggered licensing system, based on the first letter of the owner’s last name or the company name. See the table below for renewal months. Please note that registrations cannot be renewed by anyone other than the owner unless written authorization or the renewal card from the state is provided. See our FAQ Section for additional information on renewing a registration, including payment options.
- South Dakota residents have 45 days from the date of purchase of a vehicle to transfer the title. After 45 days, a penalty of $1 per week (up to 26 weeks) will be applied. After 26 weeks, a flat penalty of $50 will be imposed. Additionally, interest of 1% and penalties will apply to the 4% vehicle excise tax once the 45 days has lapsed with additional fees due on the 60th day after purchase. For more details on transferring a title or handling out-of-state titles, visit our FAQ section.
Required Documents for Titling
To title a vehicle, you must provide:
- A valid South Dakota driver’s license or ID for each owner, or
- A clear photocopy of your Social Security number along with a valid out-of-state ID or driver’s license.
- Businesses must provide their FEIN (Federal Employer Identification Number).
Note: Make sure to verify your county of residence, as some Box Elder addresses may fall under Pennington County or Meade County. South Dakota law requires residents to register their vehicles in the county where they physically reside.
Mail-In Paperwork
If you submit paperwork by mail, it will be processed in the order it is received not necessarily on the day it arrives from your chosen carrier. Expect up to two weeks for processing, in addition to any mailing time. Expedited requests may be subject to administrative fees.
Renewal Months
| Renewal Month | First Letter of Last Name |
|---|---|
| January | A, B |
| February | C, D, E |
| March | F, G, J |
| May | H, I, O |
| June | K, L |
| July | M, N |
| August | P, Q, R |
| September | S |
| November | T, U, V, W, X, Y, Z |
In South Dakota, buyers have 45 days from the purchase date of a new or used motor vehicle/motorcycle to transfer the title into their name. A penalty of $1 per week (up to 26 weeks) will be assessed for late transfers, with a flat penalty of $50 applied after 26 weeks. Additional interest of 1% and penalties will apply to the 4% vehicle excise tax if the transfer is not completed within 45 days, with further fees due on the 60th day after purchase.
Titling requires providing a valid South Dakota driver’s license or ID for each owner. If an owner has an out of state driver’s license or ID then a clear copy of their social security card, or other acceptable proof, will be required. Businesses must provide their FEIN #. If there are multiple owners both may need to sign the documents depending on how the names are connected.
Know Your County
If you live in Box Elder your physical address could be either Pennington County or Meade County. South Dakota residents must register their vehicles in the county they reside.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below, you'll find answers to the most frequently asked questions about titling and registration in Pennington County. If you have additional questions not answered here please call our office at 605-394-2163 from 8:00 am – 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm MDT Monday through Friday.
Motor Vehicle/Motorcycle FAQ's
In South Dakota, buyers have 45 days from the purchase date of a new or used trailer to transfer the title into their name. A penalty of $1 per week (up to 26 weeks) will be assessed for late transfers, with a flat penalty of $50 applied after 26 weeks. Additional interest of 1% and penalties will apply to the 4% vehicle excise tax if the transfer is not completed within 45 days, with further fees due on the 60th day after purchase.Titling requires providing a valid South Dakota driver’s license or ID for each owner. If an owner has an out of state driver’s license or ID then a clear copy of their social security card, or other acceptable proof, will be required. Businesses must provide their FEIN #. If there are multiple owners both may need to sign the documents depending on how the names are connected.
Know Your County
If you live in Box Elder your physical address could be either Pennington County or Meade County. South Dakota residents must register their vehicles in the county they reside.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below, you'll find answers to the most frequently asked questions about titling and registration in Pennington County.If you have additional questions not answered here please call our office at 605-394-2163 from 8:00 am – 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm MDT Monday through Friday.
In South Dakota, buyers have 45 days from the purchase date of a new or used watercraft to transfer the title into their name. A penalty of $1 per week (up to 26 weeks) will be assessed for late transfers, with a flat penalty of $50 applied after 26 weeks. Additional interest of 1% and penalties will apply to the 3% vehicle excise tax if the transfer is not completed within 45 days, with further fees due on the 60th day after purchase. Titling requires providing a valid South Dakota driver’s license or ID for each owner. If an owner has an out-of-state driver’s license or ID, then a clear copy of their social security card, or other acceptable proof, will be required. Businesses must provide their FEIN #. If there are multiple owners, both may need to sign the documents, depending on how the names are connected. Most, but not all, types of watercraft are titled and/or registered in South Dakota. Please see the below FAQ, or contact our office, to determine if your watercraft needs to be titled or registered.
Know Your County
If you live in Box Elder, your physical address could be either Pennington County or Meade County. South Dakota residents must register their vehicles in the county where they reside.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below, you'll find answers to the most frequently asked questions about titling and registration in Pennington County. If you have additional questions not answered here, please call our office at 605-394-2163 from 8:00 am – 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm MDT Monday through Friday.
In South Dakota, buyers have 45 days from the purchase date of a new or used trailer to transfer the title into their name. A penalty of $1 per week (up to 26 weeks) will be assessed for late transfers, with a flat penalty of $50 applied after 26 weeks. Additional interest of 1% and penalties will apply to the 4% vehicle excise tax if the transfer is not completed within 45 days, with further fees due on the 60th day after purchase. Titling requires providing a valid South Dakota driver’s license or ID for each owner. If an owner has an out-of-state driver’s license or ID, then a clear copy of their social security card or other acceptable proof will be required. Businesses must provide their FEIN #. If there are multiple owners, both may need to sign the documents, depending on how the names are connected.
Know Your County
If you live in Box Elder, your physical address could be either Pennington County or Meade County. South Dakota residents must register their vehicles in the county where they reside.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below, you'll find answers to the most frequently asked questions about titling and registration in Pennington County. If you have additional questions not answered here, please call our office at 605-394-2163 from 8:00 am – 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm MDT Monday through Friday.
Transferring the title for a vehicle, trailer, watercraft, ATV\off-road, or snowmobile requires the title or ownership document from the previous state. If there is a lien holder, the paper title must be requested from the lien holder before the title transfer may be completed (Lien Holder Request Form). Once the paper title has been received the title transfer may be completed.
Titling requires providing a valid South Dakota driver’s license or ID for each owner. If an owner has an out of state driver’s license or ID then a clear copy of their social security card, or other acceptable proof, will be required. Businesses must provide their FEIN #. If there are multiple owners both may need to sign the documents depending on how the names are connected.
Know Your County
If you live in Box Elder your physical address could be either Pennington County or Meade County. South Dakota residents must register their vehicles in the county they reside.
Documents Needed to Transfer
To transfer a title in South Dakota, you will need the following:
- Ownership Document:
- Proof of ownership is required to title a vehicle, trailer, watercraft, ATV\off-road, or snowmobile in South Dakota. If it is from a state that titles that type of vehicle, trailer, watercraft, ATV\off-road, or snowmobile the paper title is required. If it was purchased from a seller that resides in a state that only registers that type of vehicle, trailer, watercraft, ATV\off-road, or snowmobile, the original paper registration or the properly assigned Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin is required.
If there is a lien holder, the paper title must be requested from the lien holder before the title transfer may be completed (Lien Holder Request Form). Once the paper title has been received the title transfer may be completed.
- Proof of ownership is required to title a vehicle, trailer, watercraft, ATV\off-road, or snowmobile in South Dakota. If it is from a state that titles that type of vehicle, trailer, watercraft, ATV\off-road, or snowmobile the paper title is required. If it was purchased from a seller that resides in a state that only registers that type of vehicle, trailer, watercraft, ATV\off-road, or snowmobile, the original paper registration or the properly assigned Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin is required.
- Current Odometer reading for all vehicles/motorcycle 20 years or newer signed by seller and buyer
- Purchase Agreement or Valid Bill of Sale (if issue date less than two years ago)
- South Dakota Motor Vehicle and Boat Title Application (MV-1001).
- Driver’s License or State-Issued ID for all owners. If using an out-of-state ID, a proof of Social Security Number is also required.
- Verification of taxes paid to another state (if issue date less than two years ago, see below)
- Verification of tax paid to another state is required to receive reciprocity if the issue date on the title is within the last two years. If the issue is date is more then two years old you will receive reciprocity credit for that state’s tax percentage. If coming from a state that collects less tax than South Dakota (4% for vehicles, ATV\off-road, and snowmobiles, 3% for watercraft) then excise tax will be collected for the difference.
Acceptable proof of tax previously paid is a receipt from the other state or local government office, or the Out of State Dealer Tax Assessment form completed by the dealer. If proof of tax paid cannot be obtained the excise tax will be assessed on the purchase price on the provided bill of sale if purchased within the last six months, or the current NADA clean retail book value if purchased more than six months ago.
- Verification of tax paid to another state is required to receive reciprocity if the issue date on the title is within the last two years. If the issue is date is more then two years old you will receive reciprocity credit for that state’s tax percentage. If coming from a state that collects less tax than South Dakota (4% for vehicles, ATV\off-road, and snowmobiles, 3% for watercraft) then excise tax will be collected for the difference.
- Proof of Weight
- If the title or Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin does not list the weight, acceptable proof includes:
- A weight slip from a scale.
- A photo of the manufacturer’s specifications sticker or plate on the trailer that displays the weight.
- A printout from the manufacturer showing the unladen, UVW, empty, or shipping weight for the specific make, model, and year.
Note: Gross weight is not acceptable as proof of weight.
- If the title or Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin does not list the weight, acceptable proof includes:
- Out of State Dealer Tax Assessment (Form 1004) if taxes were paid out of state at the time of purchase.
Additional documents may be required depending on the transaction. Note that any cross-outs, white-out, or alterations to documents may void them or require an affidavit for correction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below, you'll find answers to the most frequently asked questions about titling and registration in Pennington County.
If you have additional questions not answered here please call our office at 605-394-2163 from 8:00 am – 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm MDT Monday through Friday.
Out-of-State Title Transfer FAQ's
Effective January 2024, this information is subject to change based on updates to state laws. For further details and a breakdown of fees, refer to the official state website.
General Guidelines for Vehicle Titling and Residency in South Dakota
-
County Residency Requirement
- Residents of South Dakota must register their vehicles in the county of their physical residence.
- For example, if you live in Box Elder, your physical address may fall within either Pennington County or Meade County. Be sure to confirm your county residency before registering your vehicle.
-
Import Titling Restrictions
- Non-resident titling: Pennington County does not accept imported vehicles that require titling in the owner’s state of residence first.
- Non-residents from jurisdictions that title imports must submit a properly transferred U.S.-issued title for the relevant age and type of vehicle.
- Military personnel stationed in South Dakota are exempt from this requirement.
-
Identification Requirements for Titling
- A South Dakota driver’s license or ID is required to complete the title transfer for residents.
- Qualifying non-residents must provide:
- A valid federally issued ID (such as an out-of-state driver’s license, passport, or military ID).
- Proof of Social Security Number (acceptable forms include a Social Security card, W2, 1098, 1099, paystub, or military orders showing the full SSN).
-
Document Translation
- Any documents presented in a foreign language must include an English translation to be accepted for processing.
- Any documents presented in a foreign language must include an English translation to be accepted for processing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below, you'll find answers to the most frequently asked questions about vehicle import requirements in Pennington County.
If you have additional questions not answered here please call our office at 605-394-2163 from 8:00 am – 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm MDT Monday through Friday.
Import Vehicle Requirements FAQ's
In order to add or remove a name from the ownership on a title, the original paper title is required along with the current odometer mileage for vehicles\motorcycles 20 years old or newer. If there is a lien holder, you will have to request the original paper title and get a signed letter of authorization from the lien holder allowing the change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below, you'll find answers to the most frequently asked questions about adding and removing names from South Dakota titles in Pennington County.
If you have additional questions not answered here please call our office at 605-394-2163 from 8:00 am – 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm MDT Monday through Friday.
Adding/Removing a Name From a Title FAQ's
If your vehicle’s title, license plates, or registration decals have been lost, stolen, or destroyed, you can apply for replacements through the Treasurer’s Office. The requirements and fees vary depending on the item being replaced.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below, you'll find answers to the most frequently asked questions about replacing titles, plates, and decals in Pennington County.
If you have additional questions not answered here please call our office at 605-394-2163 from 8:00 am – 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm MDT Monday through Friday.
Stolen Title/Plates/Decals FAQ's
The Pennington County Treasurer’s Office manages title transfers and issues moving permits for mobile homes. In South Dakota, buyers have 45 days from the purchase date to transfer the title into their name. All mobile home taxes are assessed through the Department of Equalization and must be paid before a moving permit is issued.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below, you'll find answers to the most frequently asked questions about titling/moving mobile homes in Pennington County.
If you have additional questions not answered here please call our office at 605-394-2163 from 8:00 am – 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm MDT Monday through Friday.
Mobile Home Titling/Moving FAQ's
The Treasurer’s Office in South Dakota processes applications for disabled person parking permits and plates for state residents. Applicants must have a valid South Dakota driver’s license or ID, or provide proof of residency, to obtain these permits or plates.
There is a $1.50 postage and handling fee per placard when processing through the mail or over the phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below, you'll find answers to the most frequently asked questions about disabled person parking permits and plates in Pennington County.
If you have additional questions not answered here please call our office at 605-394-2163 from 8:00 am – 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm MDT Monday through Friday.
Disabled Person Parking Permits and Plates FAQ's
In the State of South Dakota, specific documentation and procedures must be followed to ensure a legal and efficient transfer of vehicle ownership. Sellers are responsible for completing the necessary forms, submitting a report of sale, and ensuring compliance with state requirements regarding license plates and temporary permits. Below are the steps & requirements for selling a vehicle in South Dakota:
1. Complete a Bill of Sale and Odometer Disclosure Statement
- For vehicles or motorcycles less than 20 years old, an odometer disclosure statement is required.
- Use the back of the South Dakota title to complete this information or fill out separate bill of sale and odometer disclosure forms if preferred.
2. Submit a Report of Sale
- A report of sale is required to officially document the vehicle’s sale.
- If the title includes a tear-off slip on the bottom (older South Dakota titles), you can submit that slip. Alternatively, fill out a Seller’s Report of Sale form and submit it.
- Vehicle owners with a South Dakota driver’s license or ID can report the sale on the 605Drive Portal.
3. Retain the Vehicle License Plates
- In South Dakota, license plates stay with the owner rather than the vehicle.
- Remove the plates from the vehicle before finalizing the sale.
4. Obtain a Seller’s Permit for Private Sales
- If the vehicle is sold privately, the seller can obtain a Seller’s Permit to allow the new owner to drive legally while awaiting the title application.
- The permit is valid for 45 days and can be obtained through the Treasurer’s Office or the 605Drive Portal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below, you'll find answers to the most frequently asked questions about selling a vehicle in Pennington County.
If you have additional questions not answered here please call our office at 605-394-2163 from 8:00 am – 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm MDT Monday through Friday.
Selling a Vehicle FAQ's
