South Dakota License Plate Lookup

Free South Dakota License Plate Lookup

Check Any SD License Plate Number and Get a Free Vehicle History


Looking into purchasing a used car in South Dakota? It’s crucial to approach this task with caution, taking into account the unique factors of the local market. Challenges that may arise include discrepancies in mileage documentation, undisclosed damages, and uncertainties regarding the vehicle’s title history.

Obtaining accurate vehicle details can be quite challenging in South Dakota. It requires thorough searches across multiple platforms and databases to uncover essential information about the car’s past, which can be time-consuming and frustrating. Without access to a comprehensive vehicle history upfront, there’s a risk of purchasing a vehicle with hidden issues or an unclear background.

Our South Dakota license plate lookup service provides a solution by offering free and instant access to a vehicle’s detailed history with just a few clicks. You’ll receive comprehensive information such as registration records, ownership history, accident reports, open recalls, and more. This empowers you to make informed decisions, avoid unexpected surprises, and save both time and money. Try our free South Dakota License Plate Search today to gather crucial information before finalizing your buying decision.

Below is the list of critical information you’ll receive from a VinCheck.info free SD license plate lookup:

  • Vehicle specification: This includes details such as the make, model, year, and body style of the vehicle.
  • Title information: Information about the vehicle’s title, including whether it’s a clean title or if it has been branded as salvaged, rebuilt, or has a salvage title.
  • Accident history: Reports may include information about any accidents the vehicle has been involved in. This could include the severity of the accidents and whether there was any structural damage.
  • Odometer readings: Reports typically show the history of recorded odometer readings. This can help identify potential odometer rollback fraud.
  • Vehicle market value: This is the estimated current monetary value of a vehicle in the open market. It represents the price at which a vehicle is likely to be bought or sold based on various factors and conditions at a specific point in time.
  • Lien and repossession records: Information on whether there are any outstanding liens on the vehicle or if it has been repossessed.
  • Vehicle use: Data on whether the vehicle has been used for personal, commercial, or rental purposes.
  • Recalls and defects: Reports may include information about any manufacturer recalls or known defects related to the vehicle.
  • Theft records: Information about whether the vehicle has been reported as stolen.
  • Title and registration history: Details about changes in ownership, title transfers, and the state where the vehicle was previously registered.

South Dakota License Plate

South Dakota Plate Serial Formats:
1A1 234
1AB 123
10A 123
10A B12
44A BC1
(county-coded)

Want to contact the South Dakota MVD?

South Dakota Motor Vehicle Division
445 East Capitol Avenue
Pierre, SD 57501

Phone: (605) 773-3541

South Dakota DMV Vehicle Lookup and License Plate Search Services

The South Dakota Department of Revenue’s Motor Vehicle Division provides a range of online services and tools for vehicle owners and the general public. These services include:

  1. Renewing vehicle registration
  2. Updating address on vehicle registration
  3. Paying registration fees
  4. Ordering personalized license plates
  5. Scheduling appointments for vehicle registration services
  6. Submitting a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability
  7. Requesting a motor vehicle record

South Dakota License Plates, Decals, and Placards FAQs

What is a South Dakota License Plate?

South Dakota MVD

The South Dakota Department of Revenue oversees vehicle registration and license plates across the state. The standard license plate design of South Dakota features a Mount Rushmore emblem at the top center, with “Great Faces. Great Places.” written below it. These plates are issued by the state and require annual renewal with updated registration decals.

License Plate Sizes

The standard sizes for South Dakota license plates are as follows:

  • Automobile and commercial plates: 12″ x 6″
  • Motorcycle plates: 7″ x 4″
  • Identification plates for other vehicle types: 7″ x 4″

License Plate Validity

South Dakota license plates are validated with registration decals that show the expiration date of the registration. Normally, plates remain with the vehicle they are assigned to. However, personalized or specialty plates can be transferred to another vehicle upon the owner’s request, along with the payment of relevant fees.

South Dakota Laws on License Plates

South Dakota law requires both front and rear license plates on most vehicles. License plates are crucial for vehicle identification, aiding law enforcement in identifying vehicle owners through DOT records. If your South Dakota license plates are lost, stolen, or damaged, you must obtain replacements. This involves filling out an application form and processing it through the Department of Revenue website or office.

Transferring a South Dakota License Plate

To transfer a South Dakota license plate from one vehicle to another, you need to follow these steps:

  1. Check eligibility: Make sure that both vehicles involved in the transfer are registered in South Dakota and that the license plate is valid. Ensure that the registration for both vehicles is up to date.
  2. Remove the license plate from the original vehicle: Take off the license plate from the original vehicle carefully and store it securely.
  3. Complete the transfer application: Obtain the South Dakota Vehicle Registration Transfer form from the South Dakota Department of Revenue or a local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office. Fill out the form with all the required details, including the license plate number and information for both the old and new vehicles.
  4. Pay the transfer fee: Pay the necessary fee for transferring the license plate. The fee amount may vary depending on the vehicle type and the type of plate being transferred.
  5. Submit the transfer application: Submit the completed transfer application along with the fee payment to the South Dakota Department of Revenue or a designated DMV office. If mailing the application, include a self-addressed stamped envelope for receiving the updated registration documents.
  6. Receive updated registration: After processing the transfer application, the South Dakota Department of Revenue will send you updated registration documents for the new vehicle with the transferred license plate.

Ensure that you complete the license plate transfer within South Dakota’s specified timeframe. Note that specific specialty or personalized plates might have additional transfer requirements and fees. It’s advisable to check with the South Dakota Department of Revenue or your local DMV office for any specific instructions related to your license plate type.

License Plate Renewal

To renew your license plate registration in South Dakota, follow these steps:

  1. Check your renewal date: Look for the expiration date on your current registration card or check online through the South Dakota Department of Revenue (DOR) website to know when your registration expires.
  2. Review renewal requirements: South Dakota may require vehicle inspections or emissions tests for registration renewal. Make sure your vehicle meets the state’s safety and emissions standards if these inspections are necessary.
  3. Update your information: Ensure your address is up to date with the South Dakota DOR so that you receive your renewal notice and any related documents on time.
  4. Renew your registration: You can renew your license plate registration online via the South Dakota DOR website, by mail, or in person at a local DMV office. Follow the online instructions if renewing digitally and have your vehicle details and registration fee ready.
  5. Receive your renewed registration: After completing the renewal process and paying the fees, you’ll receive a new registration card and sticker. These will either be mailed to your address or provided to you immediately if you renew in person.

Remember to renew your license plate registration before it expires to avoid penalties and ensure your vehicle remains legally registered in South Dakota. The renewal fees can vary based on your vehicle type, weight, and other factors, so be prepared for the associated costs.

How Can I Find the Owner of a License Plate in South Dakota?

To find the owner of a license plate in South Dakota, you can utilize legal methods such as:

  1. Law Enforcement Assistance: Authorized law enforcement officials in South Dakota have access to databases containing details about a vehicle’s registered owner for official purposes.
  2. Private Investigator Services: Hiring a licensed private investigator in South Dakota for lawful purposes enables the investigation of a vehicle’s registered owner.
  3. South Dakota Department of Public Safety (DPS): The agency may disclose owner information under specific circumstances, such as with a court order, subpoena, or law enforcement request.
  4. Accident Reports: If the vehicle was involved in an accident in South Dakota, the accident report might contain information about the registered owner.
  5. Parking Enforcement Agencies: Contacting local parking enforcement agencies in South Dakota regarding unauthorized parking may provide information about the vehicle’s owner.

It’s crucial to adhere to legal procedures and refrain from unauthorized access to personal data, as this is prohibited by law and can result in legal repercussions.

More Resources for South Dakota Drivers:

Whether you’re in Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Aberdeen, or any other city or town in South Dakota, performing a license plate lookup is essential when considering a used car purchase. This crucial step helps ensure your safety, save money, and make an informed buying decision. Don’t skip this important process; it only takes a few minutes and can uncover hidden issues or title brands that might affect your decision. Protect yourself and your investment by conducting a license plate lookup today, regardless of where you are in South Dakota. It’s a straightforward action that can help you avoid potential problems down the road.

  • Aurora
  • Beadle
  • Bennett
  • Bon Homme
  • Brookings
  • Brown
  • Brule
  • Buffalo
  • Butte
  • Campbell
  • Charles Mix
  • Clark
  • Clay
  • Codington
  • Corson
  • Custer
  • Davison
  • Day
  • Deuel
  • Dewey
  • Douglas
  • Edmunds
  • Fall River
  • Faulk
  • Grant
  • Gregory
  • Haakon
  • Hamlin
  • Hand
  • Hanson
  • Harding
  • Hughes
  • Hutchinson
  • Hyde
  • Jackson
  • Jerauld
  • Jones
  • Kingsbury
  • Lake
  • Lawrence
  • Lincoln
  • Lyman
  • Marshall
  • McCook
  • McPherson
  • Meade
  • Mellette
  • Miner
  • Minnehaha
  • Moody
  • Pennington
  • Perkins
  • Potter
  • Roberts
  • Sanborn
  • Shannon
  • Spink
  • Stanley
  • Sully
  • Todd
  • Tripp
  • Turner
  • Union
  • Walworth
  • Yankton
  • Ziebach

Buying a used car in South Dakota?  Don’t make a costly mistake. Run a Free License Plate Lookup on your vehicle!

Enter a South Dakota License Plate: