South Dakota Car Registration Fee Calculator

How Car Registration Fees Work in South Dakota

When you register a vehicle in South Dakota, your fees usually fall into two categories:

1. One-Time Fees (paid at purchase)
   • Motor Vehicle Excise Tax: 4% of the vehicle purchase price.
   • Title Fee: $10 (optional in calculator).
   • Lien Recording Fee: $10 (if applicable).
2. Annual Fees (paid every year when renewing registration)
   • Registration Fee: Based on the vehicle’s age and weight.
   • County Wheel Tax: Usually around $25 (varies by county).

South Dakota DMV Fee Calculator

Our calculator helps you estimate both upfront costs and yearly fees without doing the math yourself. Here’s how it works:

• Step 1: Enter your vehicle’s purchase price.
  The calculator applies the 4% excise tax automatically. For example, if your car costs $26,000, the tax is $1,040.
• Step 2: Select the vehicle’s age.
  The state uses age groups:
  • 0–5 years
  • 6–8 years
  • 9–11 years
  • 12+ years
• Step 3: Select the vehicle’s weight.
  Heavier cars cost more to register. For example:
  • Up to 2,000 lbs → starts at $73.20/year (for newer vehicles).
  • 6,001–8,000 lbs → up to $181.20/year (for newer vehicles).
    Fees drop for older cars in each weight category.
• Step 4: Add optional fees.
  • Title fee ($10 one-time)
  • Lien recording fee ($10 one-time)
  • County wheel tax (average $25 annually)
• Step 5: Click “Calculate Fees.”
  The calculator shows:
  • A breakdown of one-time purchase fees.
  • Estimated annual registration costs.
  • Your first-year total (one-time + annual).

Tip: The calculator gives an estimate. Official fees may vary slightly depending on your county and DMV updates.

Example Calculation

Let’s say you buy a 2019 SUV weighing 4,500 lbs for $28,000. You also add the title fee and wheel tax.

• Excise Tax (4%): $1,120
• Title Fee: $10
• Registration Fee (age 6–8, 4,001–6,000 lbs): $109.20
• Wheel Tax: $25

One-time total = $1,130
Annual total = $134.20
First-year estimate = $1,264.20

Why Use the Calculator?

• Saves time – no manual math needed.
• Breaks down one-time vs. recurring costs.
• Helps you budget your first year of ownership.
• Gives you a clear idea before heading to the DMV.