Businesses
Commercial Vehicles
Quick Navigation
Commercial Vehicle License Plates
Commercial Plate Fees
Construction Vehicle License Plates
Commercial Radio License Plates
Commercial Vehicle Permits
Temporary Commercial Licensing Permit
Commercial Vehicle Online Forms
Commercial Vehicle License Plates
All commercial license plates are renewed annually. The staggered renewal schedule is based on the first letter of the last name of the vehicle owner or the first letter of the business that owns the vehicle. Registrations with tonnage of 28 ton or greater must supply to the county treasurer a stamp verified copy of Form 2290, Schedule 1 (proof of filing/payment of the Federal Heavy Vehicle Use Tax) at the time of registration for the most current tax period. These tonnage decals are mailed to the vehicle owner from the Motor Vehicle Division's Pierre office upon verification of proper filing. Tonnage decals of less than 28 ton are issued by the county and do not require the Form 2290.
| Vehicle Plate | |
|---|---|
| Commercial License Plate |  |
| Applicable Law | SDCL 32-5-152, SDCL 32-9-17 |
Apply for Title & Registration
Commercial Plate Fees
Fees are based on the weight and year of the vehicle / trailer in addition to its intended use. For more information about each of the classifications and fees, please click the links below.
| Cost | |
|---|---|
| Wheel Tax | View which counties impose this tax |
| Solid Waste | $1 |
| Highway Patrol | $1 |
| Plate Mailing Fee | $7.50 |
Construction Vehicle License Plates
A vehicle used exclusively on job sites for the construction of township roads, stock water dugouts, dams, farm and ranch irrigation systems or other soil and water conservation projects on farms and ranches, or for the construction or maintenance of highways in the State of South Dakota may qualify for construction plates. Any motor vehicle, semitrailer, motor-propelled or trailed vehicle chassis registered in South Dakota is eligible.
| Vehicle Plate | |
|---|---|
| Construction Vehicle License Plate |  |
| Fee | Construction plates are to be purchased for $25 annually from the Division of Motor Vehicles. Prior to moving any vehicle or equipment (between job sites or from a job site to a central location) that has been issued a construction plate, the owner must obtain a $5 permit for the movement of the vehicle or equipment on the roads and highways. The permits, which are obtained through the Highway Patrol, are available in books of 10 at the amount of $50. A $7.50 mailing fee is also assessed. |
| Apply | Complete an Application for Special License Plates (MV-101). |
| Applicable Law | SDCL 32-9-3, SDCL 32-9-58 |
Commercial Radio License Plates
Commercial radio license plates may be obtained from the Motor Vehicle Division by any commercial radio station or broadcasting company licensed by the federal communications commission. The plates will bear the inscription of the station's call numbers.
| Vehicle Plate | |
|---|---|
| Commercial Radio License Plate |  |
| Fee | Applicants must pay a $10 special plate fee in addition to the registration fee for the initial registration and each renewal. A $7.50 mailing fee is also assessed. The special plate fee is in addition to the registration fee for the initial registration and each renewal. |
| Apply | Complete an Application for Special License Plates (MV-101). |
| Applicable Law | SDCL 32-5-65 |
Commercial Vehicle Permits
Temporary Commercial Licensing Permit
A temporary commercial license permit may be sold to a South Dakota resident or an out-of-state resident in 30-day increments for up to one year. There is no limit on the number of temporary commercial license permits that can be sold. When licensing vehicles over 27 tons, the applicant must file the federal heavy vehicle use tax and provide proof of the filing by providing the Motor Vehicle Division with a copy of the IRS verified form for the licensing period. This permit may also be used to temporarily increase the tonnage on a commercial licensed vehicle.
The permit fee is assessed according to the 30-day permit fee schedule. The total permit fee is charged, not the difference resulting from increased tonnage.
A fee of $7 is added for each additional ton.