Calculate 2026 South Dakota vehicle registration fees instantly. Free tool estimates license fees, wheel tax, and excise tax for cars, trucks, and EVs.
Fee Breakdown
| Base License Fee | $0.00 |
| Wheel Tax | $0.00 |
| Mailing/Admin Fees | $0.00 |
| Total Due | $0.00 |
What is the South Dakota Vehicle Registration Fee Calculator?
The South Dakota Vehicle Registration Fee Calculator is a digital tool designed to help residents and non-residents estimate the total cost of titling and registering a vehicle in South Dakota. Because South Dakota is a popular state for vehicle registration (due to low fees and no residency requirement for registration), this calculator is essential for determining the specific costs, which vary based on vehicle weight, age, and type.
It simplifies the complex fee structure defined by the South Dakota Department of Revenue (DOR), automatically applying discounts for older vehicles, adding mandatory surcharges for electric vehicles, and calculating county-specific taxes.
How This Tool Helps Users
- Predicts “Out-the-Door” Costs: It totals up all line items—license fees, mailing fees, wheel taxes, and solid waste fees—so there are no surprises at the treasurer’s office.
- Calculates Age Discounts: South Dakota offers a unique 30% discount on registration fees for vehicles that are 10 years or older. The calculator automatically applies this reduction.
- Determines Excise Tax: For new purchases, it calculates the mandatory 4% Motor Vehicle Excise Tax based on the purchase price.
- Identifies Surcharges: It alerts owners of Electric Vehicles (EVs) to the mandatory $50 annual fee required by state law.
South Dakota Vehicle Registration Fees Chart (2026)
The following tables outline the official fee schedules used to calculate registration costs.
1. Non-Commercial Cars, Pickups, and Vans
Fees are based on the empty weight of the vehicle.
- Age Discount: Vehicles 10 years or older receive a 30% discount on the license fees listed below.
| Weight Range (lbs) | Annual License Fee (0-9 Years Old) | Annual License Fee (10+ Years Old) |
| 2,000 or less | $36.00 | $25.20 |
| 2,001 – 4,000 | $72.00 | $50.40 |
| 4,001 – 6,000 | $108.00 | $75.60 |
| Over 6,000 | $144.00 | $100.80 |
2. Motorcycles
Fees are based on engine displacement (cc).
- Age Discount: The 30% discount for vehicles 10+ years old also applies to motorcycles.
| Engine Size (cc) | Annual License Fee | Discounted Fee (10+ Years) |
| Less than 350 cc | $18.00 | $12.60 |
| 350 cc – 1,000 cc | $21.00 | $14.70 |
| Over 1,000 cc | $24.00 | $16.80 |
3. Recreational Vehicles (Motorhomes)
Fees are determined by the vehicle’s weight.
| Weight (lbs) | Annual License Fee |
| 6,000 or less | $108.00 |
| 6,001 – 8,000 | $144.00 |
| 8,001 – 10,000 | $180.00 |
| Over 10,000 | $180.00 + $36 for each additional 2,000 lbs |
4. Non-Commercial Trailers
Fees are based on weight.
| Weight (lbs) | Annual License Fee |
| 1,000 or less | $18.00 |
| 1,001 – 2,000 | $36.00 |
| 2,001 – 3,000 | $54.00 |
| 3,001 – 4,000 | $72.00 |
| 4,001 – 5,000 | $90.00 |
| (Increases by $18 per 1,000 lbs) |
5. Additional Statutory Fees (Required)
These fees are added to every registration, regardless of vehicle type.
| Fee Name | Cost | Notes |
| Solid Waste Fee | $1.00 | Applied to all motor vehicles. |
| Highway Patrol Fee | $1.00 | Applied to all motor vehicles. |
| Technology Fee | $2.00 | Effective July 1, 2025. |
| Mailing Fee | $1.50 (Renewal) / $7.50 (New) | Charged if plates/decals are mailed. |
| Wheel Tax | $0.00 – $5.00 per wheel | Varies by county (max $60/vehicle). |
| Electric Vehicle Fee | $50.00 | Annual surcharge for fully electric vehicles. |
6. One-Time Transaction Fees (New Vehicles)
| Fee Name | Cost | Notes |
| Title Fee | $10.00 | Required for all title transfers. |
| Lien Notation | $10.00 | If the vehicle is financed. |
| Excise Tax | 4% of Purchase Price | Paid one time upon first registration in SD. |
South Dakota Vehicle Registration Fee Calculator 2026
Calculate 2026 South Dakota vehicle registration fees instantly. Free tool estimates license fees, wheel tax, and excise tax for cars, trucks, and EVs.
Price Currency: USD
Application Category: Finance
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