South Dakota boat
registration summary presents an overview of boat titling, registration,
loan perfection, and operational requirements for the State of
South Dakota. More detailed information, forms, guidelines, and other
resources are obtainable by downloading a
Boat Registration Kit
for this state. You will also find an extensive listing of general
purpose boat and trailer registration forms on our Forms
page.
Please visit our
State page for additional
articles and information about registering or titling boats and
trailers.
The information presented here is subject to change and should be
confirmed with the respective state agency.
Please
read our
terms of use before proceeding.
|
Boat Registration Statistics |
There are
approximately 53,000 boats registered in South Dakota. |
|
Registration Numbering |
The boat
registration number prefix for South Dakota is "SD". |
|
Registration Agency |
Division of
Motor Vehicles. |
|
Registration Requirements |
Registration
is required on all boats over 12' and all motor boats regardless
of length. Coast Guard documented vessels are also subject to
registration. Registrations are renewed optionally from 1 to 3
years. |
|
Title Requirements |
All
registered boats must be titled, except for those which are
documented with the Coast Guard. |
|
Conditional Registration |
South Dakota does not have provisions for bonded boat titles or
conditional registrations when there is insufficient proof of
ownership. |
|
Boat Registration Records |
Boat
registration records are maintained indefinitely. Detailed
information on how to obtain verbal and written reports can be
found in our
boat registration
kit for this state. |
|
Tax Requirements |
Sales and
excise taxes are levied on boat transactions in South Dakota. |
|
Loan Perfection |
Security
interests on non-documented boats which are state titled must be
recorded on the state title records. On
Coast Guard documented vessels, a preferred mortgage must be
recorded on the vessel's abstract of title. A UCC financing
statement must be filed if the boat is neither titled or
documented. |
|
Ownership Designations |
Ownership
types such as "WROS" and "DBA" can be designated on South Dakota
boat registration records. |
|
Residency Requirements |
Non-residents
may register a boat in South Dakota if this is the state of
principal usage. |
|
Hull Inspection |
The boat must be inspected by a South Dakota law enforcement
official if there is a hull number discrepancy. |
|
Outboard motors. |
Not subject
to titling and registration. |
|
Boat Trailers |
Boat trailer
registration and titling are required in South Dakota. |
|
Notary Regulations |
South Dakota
notaries
serve a six year term and must post a $5,000 bond. An embossed or
inked seal must be affixed to all notarized documents. |
| Visitation
Period |
A visitation
period of 60 days is allowed for boats that are registered in another state,
Coast Guard documented, or registered in a foreign country. |
