How Long Do You Need to Live in South Dakota to Be a Resident?

The Midwest’s South Dakota is a stunning state with a low cost of living, a wealth of outdoor activity opportunities, and scenic splendor. If you intend to relocate to South Dakota, you might be curious about how long you must stay there to qualify as a resident.

There are no particular qualifications for residency, according to the South Dakota Department of Revenue. To get a driver’s license, register to vote, or be eligible for in-state tuition at a college or university, you might need to present proof of residency, though. Residency is often established by residing in South Dakota for at least six months and possessing a fixed location, like a house or apartment.

Let’s now address the relevant query of how to obtain new license plates in South Dakota. You must first register your car with the South Dakota Motor Vehicles Division in order to get new license plates. You will be required to present evidence of ownership and insurance, as well as pay a registration fee determined by the weight and age of the vehicle. Once you’ve registered your car, you can either go online or to a county treasurer’s office to get new license plates.

You should be aware of the South Dakota automobile sales tax while registering your vehicle. Depending on where you live, there can also be additional municipal sales taxes on top of the state’s 4.5% sales tax. For instance, the total municipal sales tax will be 6.5% if you reside in Rapid City and must pay an additional 2% of it.

Whether there is a personal property tax on vehicles is another factor to take into account when registering a vehicle in South Dakota. Fortunately, there is no personal property tax on autos in South Dakota. Nevertheless, additional levies or taxes can apply depending on the county or municipality where you reside.

Last but not least, South Dakota has a range of alternatives for personalized license plates. Personalized license plates are $25 more expensive than standard registration fees. You can select from a number of designs and add up to seven characters to your plate. Popular designs include the well-known Mount Rushmore, the pheasant, the state bird, or the moniker “Mount Rushmore State.”

Having a permanent address and residing in South Dakota for at least six months are the requirements for establishing residency there. You must register your car with the South Dakota Motor Vehicles Division, pay a registration fee, and pay sales tax in order to get new license plates. Fortunately, South Dakota does not impose a personal property tax on vehicles. In addition to the standard registration charge, personalized plates cost $25 and come in a range of design possibilities.