Boats

Boat owners are required to apply for a title within 45 days of purchase. Decals must be mounted on both sides of the boat and registration must be kept in the boat at all times.

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Boat Title & Registration

Exemptions from Boat Titling

Boat Fees

Boat License Plates

Boat Online Forms

Boat Title & Registration

Title and register your boat at your local county treasurer’s office. Title and registration fees are also paid through your local county treasurer’s office. You can also renew your boat registration online or at a DMV Now Kiosk. Upon registration, the applicant must provide ownership documents (e.g., manufacturer’s statement of origin, bill of sale, dealer invoice or purchase agreement) if the dealer price certification has not been completed on the application of new boats. Boat owners of a watercraft over 12’ feet in length that was titled before July 1, 1994, will no longer be allowed to title the boat. The records on these boats must be converted from a title record to a registration record in the new owner’s name and the certificate of title should be submitted, if available, for cancellation. SDCL 32-3

Exemptions from Boat Titling

• Non-motorized boats 12 feet and under in length
• Canoes, inflatable vessels, kayaks, sailboards and seaplanes

Get started by completing a Boat Registration Application & Transfer of Ownership Form.

Boat Fees

Other Fees

Boat License Plates

Apply for boat decals with the South Dakota Boat Title and Registration Application.

	Motorized Vehicle Plate	Non-Motorized/Electric Vehicle Plate
Boat Plates
Apply	Complete a South Dakota Boat Title and Registration Application.	Complete a South Dakota Boat Title and Registration Application.
Fees	Additional fees are based on the length and propulsion of the boat.	Additional fees are based on the length and propulsion of the boat.
Applicable Law	SDCL 32-3A-3	SDCL 32-3A-3