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Motorcycle Title & Registration

Disabled Person Motorcycle Plate

Motorcycle Title & Registration

An Application for Motor Vehicle Title & Registration must be completed and filed in the county of the applicant’s residence. The application must be signed by the record owner(s) or by an authorized agent for the record owner(s). If the application is signed by an authorized agent, a Power of Attorney document must be attached to verify the appointment. Apply using the application form for motorcycles, motorbikes, mopeds (51cc or larger) or bicycles with a motor attached and all motor-operated vehicles of the bicycle or tricycle type or a platform on which the driver stands.

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Definition of a Moped

A moped is a motor-driven cycle equipped with two or three wheels. If a combustion engine is used, the maximum piston or rotor displacement shall be 50cc, regardless of the number of chambers. The power source shall be equipped with a power drive system that functions directly or automatically only, not requiring clutching or shifting by the operator after the drive system is engaged. Proof of sales tax paid is required if a moped is titled and licensed.

Motorcycle Fees

Motorcycle vehicle titling and registration fees are processed through your local county treasurer's office. License fees on motorcycles are determined under the current Motorcycle Fee Schedule (PDF).

See Title & Registration Fees

Motorcycle License Plates

Resident owners can apply for specialty motorcycle license plates (shown below) as well as other specialty plates such as military license plates, historic license plates, personalized license plates and dignity sculpture license plates offered by the state of South Dakota.

Standard Motorcycle Plate

	Motorcycle Plate
Standard Plate
Fee	These fees are based on the weight and year of the vehicle.
Apply	Complete the Motor Vehicle Title & Registration Form
Applicable Law	SDCL 32-5

Personalized Motorcycle

An owner of a motorcycle who is a resident of this state may apply for personalized motorcycle license plates. The plates are in addition to the regular license plates issued for the motorcycle. Personalized plates may contain a maximum of 6 letters and a minimum of one letter.

	Motorcycle Plate
Personalized Motorcycle Plate
Fee	The annual fee for a personalized motorcycle license plate is $20.
Apply	Complete a Personalized License Plate Application
Applicable Law	SDCL 32-5-89.2, SDCL 32-5-89.3

Disabled Person Motorcycle Plate

An owner of a vehicle may submit an application containing a physician's certificate on a form approved by the secretary, stating that the applicant is a person with a substantial physical disability that makes it impossible or causes significant hardship to walk. There are no additional fees charged for physically disabled person’s license plates.

	Motorcycle Plate
Permanently Disabled Person Plate
Fee	There is no additional charge for physically disabled person's license plates.
Apply	Complete a Disabled Person Parking and License Plate Application (MV 044).
Applicable Law	SDCL 32-5-76

Historic Motorcycles

Any resident who owns a motorcycle which is more than 30 years old may apply for "historic motorcycle" license plates which are permanent for the life of the motorcycle. Vehicles displaying historic plates can only be used for special occasions such as displays, parades, exhibitions, tours and similar uses, and may be driven to service stations or garages for fuel and repairs. It may not be used for general transportation purpose unless it displays regular number plates issued by the county treasurer.

	Motorcycle Plate
Historic License Plate
Fee	A fee of $10 shall be assessed.
Apply	Complete an Application for Special License Plates (MV-101).
Applicable Law	SDCL 32-5-77.3

Military Motorcycle Plates

Military motorcycle plates, such as Veteran, Active Duty, Air Force Cross, Bronze Star, Bronze Star with Valor, Distinguished Flying Cross, Distinguished Service Cross, Disabled Veteran, Navy Cross, POW, Purple Heart, Silver Star, and Gold Star are also available.