South DakotaCar Registration

Bonus

Features

24-Hour Emergency Roadside Assistance Benefits

24-Hour Towing Service

24-Hour Mechanical First Aid

24-Hour Tire Change Service

Customers are covered for emergency road service throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Customers are entitled to emergency towing service at no out-of-pocket cost for any tow up to 75 dollars. One service per seven days, two services per contract. Extended distance will be an additional expense covered by the customer.

Customers are entitled to any service requiring minor adjustments (exclusive of parts) to enable a disabled vehicle to proceed under its own power, where available.

Customers may have their tire changed with their inflated and functional spare tire.

Congratulations on your 60-dayRoadside Assistance membershipWhen out on the road, you will know that you are covered and protected by an organization that cares about the safety of you and your family. Our customer service representatives respond quickly to provide you the best service and protection available anywhere.

Rental Car Discounts

24-Hour Lost Key Service

24-Hour Emergency Delivery

24-Hour Emergency Battery Service

Map Routing Service

Customers are entitled to take advantage of our rental car discount codes and pre-negotiated group rates, which are honored at thousands of locations throughout the U.S. and abroad.

If keys are locked inside a customer’s vehicle, the customer will be assisted in gaining entry to the vehicle’s passenger compartment only. Locksmith services may be dispatched as needed at the customer’s expense for labor and key making.

A service truck will deliver emergency supplies of gasoline, water, oil or other necessary supplies. Customers pay only for the cost of the supplies.

Customers are covered for battery boosts and minor adjustments to alternators, starters, etc. while on the road.

We will, at no charge, provide customers with a four-color mapping and travel route information to destinations they specify.

Theft And Hit & Run Protection

A $500 reward is offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone responsible for Hit & Run damages or stealing customers’ vehicles. Whenever you travel, you will like the secure and confident feeling of knowing that you are protected by NSD’s Roadside Assistance. Fast response and excellent service are just two reasons why millions of motorists rely on NSD’s Roadside Assistance for on-the-road protection.

Follow the link in your confirmation email to start redeeming your $25 Gas Coupon.

*PLEASE SAVE ALL THE INFORMATION FOR YOUR RECORDS. You will use your log in information throughout the course of your complimentary gas membership.

Congratulations!Redeem Your $25 Gas Card Online

Keeping You Safe Mile After MileOnce your purchase is processed, you will receive an email with the information you will need to start your 60-day Roadside Assistance membership.

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Table of

Contents

Registration Insurance Requirements

Vehicle Registration

Renewing Your Vehicle Registration

License Plates

Updating Your Vehicle Registration

DMV Hours and Locations

Registering Your Vehicle in South Dakota

Replacing Your Vehicle Registration

Vehicle Safety Tips

7

6

12

17

15

23

9

14

19

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When you register your vehicle with the South Dakota Division of Motor Vehicles, you are providing record that your vehicle is operating in safe conditions on the road. Vehicle registrations are also helpful if your car is ever stolen or damaged without your knowledge. All vehicles must be registered with the DMV, so it is important to be familiar with the process.

This is where we come in. Our Easy Guide prepares you for the registration process by providing you with step-by-step instructions and a list of the documentation you need. Furthermore, we provide you with additional requirements, such as insurance coverage and license plates. Read more to get the info you need today!

Vehicle

Registration

Driving can be an exciting privilege that leads to many new adventures and opportunities. However, with these new opportunities comes much responsibility. Even after learning how to drive and obtaining a driver’s license, there is still more you have to do to ensure you are driving legally.

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Registration Insurance

Requirements

When you go to register your vehicle, you will be required to obtain insurance before you can continue with the process at the South Dakota Division of Motor Vehicles. This is a necessary requirement in order to help reduce the number of uninsured drivers on the road which can often result in high costs if you are involved in any vehicle accident.

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If you are looking forward to applying for your vehicle registration, it will be required that you obtain liability insurance for your automobile before you can register and legally drive your car without any penalties. Liability insurance is designed to help you pay for any and all damages or injuries you caused to someone else due to a car accident. The coverage plan must be acquired in South Dakota from a licensed insurance company. Out-of-state insurance plans are not accepted. You must comply with the following liability coverage minimums:

For property damage per accident: $25,000

TipIt is important to always carry proof of insurance when driving, in case an officer or any other authority requests it. The documents must be legible and show that the car is properly covered. Otherwise, your vehicle registration may get suspended.

For body injuries of one person per accident: $25, 000

For body injuries of one or more persons: $50,000

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Registering Your

Vehicle in South Dakota

Note that their may be specific steps you have to take for different cars, especially if that vehicle is used instead of brand new and bought from a dealership.

As mentioned above, registering your vehicle doesn’t have to be a complicated process. Simply prepare by taking a look at the information you need to present to the DMV and becoming familiar with the different methods in which you can apply for a vehicle registration.

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Usually, if you purchased a brand-new car at a dealership, you do not have to worry about registering it since they take care of all the process. However, in case your dealership didn’t or if you bought it using a different method, you are required to register your vehicle within 30 days after you purchase it. You will need:

Register a New Vehicle

A completed Application for Motor Vehicle Title & Registration and the Damage Disclosure Statement. If required, include the odometer disclosure.

The process to register a vehicle when bought from a private party is slightly different. You would have to take some other documentation to be able to continue with this request.

To register, it is necessary to have:

Register a Used Vehicle

A completed Application for Motor Vehicle Title & Registration

The Damage Disclosure Statement

If required, include the odometer disclosure

The vehicle’s title which has to be properly transferred to you from the seller. The “Retail Sale” part on the back of the title has to be completed too

The Bill of Sale

The Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin (MSO), if you do not have it, you can present the vehicle’s title or the Manufacture’s Certificate of Origin (MCO).

The title application must contain the price certification of the vehicle and it must be filled out by the dealer.

Once you have gathered all the documents, contact the DMV agency to continue with the rest of the registration which will also include a three percent excise tax, if applicable.

Once you have all the documents, contact the DMV branch to continue with the registration which will enclose a three percent excise tax, if applicable.

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Important dates or timeframes When you move to South Dakota or you acquired a vehicle out of state, you have 30 days to register it.

Once you obtain your SD driver’s license and car insurance, you are ready to register your automobile with the state. The same procedure stated for new or used vehicles applies to registering and out of state vehicle. The documents or procedures may vary depending on the type of car you own. It will all depend if the car is new or brand new or if you bought it from a dealership or private party.

Register an Out-Of-State Vehicle

Registration for Military MembersThere are three different situations for military members in or from South Dakota.

Residents have to follow the same procedure as a regular resident.

Finally, residents who are stationed out of South Dakota have to register their vehicle by calling the SD DMV at: 605-773-3541 or contact a DMV agency in your area to register your car according to the availability of methods each division may have for you.

Non-residents stationed in South Dakota are not asked to register their vehicles, but they must have a valid insurance and registration with the Department of Motor Vehicles from their state of residence.

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Renewing Your

Vehicle Registration

Is your vehicle registration about to expire? This can be solved by simply making sure to renew your vehicle’s registration before the expiration date.

Therefore, allowing your vehicle registration to expire is not advised, as it will mean you are no longer able to legally drive with your vehicle. Having this happen limits your ability to travel as you please or even for emergency purposes. The following four options are available to renew your vehicle registration:

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The Get-N-Go, which is located on 5400 E. Arrowhead in Sioux Falls

The Pennington County Administration Building located on Kansas Street, Rapid City

The Hy-Vee Food Store, which you can find on the following places:

• 49th & Louise in Sioux Fall

• 790 22nd Avenue South in Brookings

• 2100 Broadway Avenue in Yankton

• 1320 9th Avenue SE in Watertown

Self Service TerminalsThe self-service terminals are automated motor vehicle registration renewal stations. Using the SST is quite easy and simple. You will be able to navigate on a touch screen with voice assistance, if you need it, in order to fully com-plete your renewal. The SSTs are available at:

The Rushmore Mall at 220 North Maple Avenue in Rapid City; and the Department of Revenue Office at 445 East Capitol Avenue in Pierre

Kessler’s, located at 621 6th Avenue SE in Aberdeen

The County Fair Food Store at 1305 West Havens in Mitchell

The registration fees must be paid in addition to the service fee which is 2.25 percent if you use a credit card or $1.50 in case you use an echeck.

Online This is the easiest method to choose because you won’t have to leave the comfort of your home to renew your registration. Simply, access the DMV website, log in and start your renewal. In case you don’t have an account, register and start your renewal.

You can register either 90 days before the expiration date or 30 days after it has expired. The registration fees must be paid and as well, the service fee which is 2.25 percent for using a credit card or $1.50 for using an echeck.

In PersonIf you do not wish to enter your information using the on-line method, you cannot access the online application or you do not have access to internet, you can visit the DMV agency and submit your application over there. The fees have to be paid in cash, cashier checks, money orders or checks since those are the accepted payment methods.

By Mail If it is not possible to use any of the previous methods, you can mail your renewal notice along with the fees to the address stated on the renewal form. The whole process will take approximately two weeks.

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Replacing Your

Vehicle Registration

Has something happened to your vehicle registration? Well, it doesn’t matter if your vehicle registration was recently lost, stolen, or even damaged, the South Dakota DMV will help you in obtaining a new vehicle registration as soon as possible regardless of the situation.

You may request a replacement in person at the SD DMV office.

When you go to the DMV branch, take the following documents with you:

Make and model number of your vehicle

Driver’s license or ID card

VIN and license number

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Have you gone through big changes in your life that led you to change your name or move neighborhoods? Either way, it is essential to keep this information updated in all your DMV documents, which include your registration card. In case you have never updated your registration card information and you are looking for guidance on how to do it, you have come to the right place.

Updating Your

Vehicle Registration

TipRemember that before updating your car registration information, you must always update your driver license or ID information.

The only thing you will have to do is inform the SD DMV of these changes and ask them to update your information. To better understand the process, you must follow the steps that best fit your situation below.

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Changing Your Name If you have officially changed your name, then you will surely be required to update it on all of your identification documents and cards, including your car registration. Doing this is very simple, but you need to contact the Social Security Administration first so the South Dakota Division of Motor Vehicles can verify the modification.

Contact your SSA agency and take with you proof of your identity, name change, and U.S citizenship. Check a complete list of accepted documents here. Make sure you are carrying only original documents since the SSA will not receive any copies of your documentation. Download and fill out an Application for a Social Security Card and take it with you when you go request your name change.

The application should be submitted by mail or personally at the SSA office. Allow 10 days for your card to arrive. When you get your new SS card, you can contact the SD DMV agency, and take with you:

Changing Your AddressIn the case that you may have recently moved to a new address, it is essential that you update the address on your car registration as well. All you must do is stick to the process and once you have completed every step properly, your car registration will be updated. There is no charge for changing your address, but if you wish to receive an updated document, you must follow the same steps as requesting a duplicate car registration and pay a $10 fee.

Proof of identity such as name change, and U.S citizenship plus the vehicle certification.

SD driver’s license or ID card.

Certificate of title.

Pay a $10 fee.

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License

Plates

When you register your vehicle, the SD DMV assigns a license plate number to you. Whenever you renew your registration, your license plates are also renewed. The DMV will give you a decal that you must attach to the license plate. The decal has the expiration date of your registration and must be up to date at all times.

Besides the regular SD license plates, there are also specialty plates which are made around a specific theme or cause, such as professional associations, sports, universities and environmental themes. They may be purchased at an additional cost which helps fund the particular cause. Obtain your regular and specialty license plates at any of the South Dakota DMV offices across the state.

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Your license plate is what identifies your vehicle to the authorities and is used to keep track of your driving behavior. This is why it must always be in good conditions and completely legible. If your license plate gets lost, stolen or defaced, you may request a new one at a SD DMV office. In case your plates were stolen, you need to report it to the local authorities for them to guide you in filling out a form and filing the incident. Once you have that report, you can attach it to the Affidavit for Duplicate License Plate form and mail it to:

South Dakota Department of Revenue Division of Motor Vehicles 445 E. Capitol Avenue Pierre, SD 57501-3185

The fees are specified on the form and they will vary depending on the items you need to replace. If you do not wish to wait, you can go to the DMV agency in person and submit the form and police report.

Replacing Your License Plates

Vanity plates are used for different vehicles types like commercial, motorcycle, livery, private passenger, antiques and camper vehicles. These original plate designs must be previously approved. Therefore, you can check if the type you want to have on your vehicle is obtainable. Click here to see the types of plates you could obtain. These plates are available for Class A motor vehicles and not all of them are available which is why you can verify on the same website and see if you can apply for the one you desire. A variety of special license plates are offered in South Dakota. Click here to create your own design. A vehicle must already be titled and registered with a regular license plate before applying for any of the special plates. Take into account that if your request is approved, you need to submit your current license plates to the DMV within 10 days after receiving the new ones. The fees will vary depending on the type of plates you own.

Getting Custom License Plates

If you are going to live out of South Dakota, you are not required to surrender your license plates. However, you would need to make sure you cancel your registration and insurance to be able to continue with the registration in the new state you will live in. If you have any questions regarding your license plates, you can contact the DMV office in your location.

Surrendering South Dakota License Plates

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Vehicle Safety

Tips

The most important thing before you begin driving any vehicle is that both you and the vehicle are well prepared for any trip you make. This means checking and making any changes to your vehicle or your behavior to make sure that you are able to drive safely at all times.

One of the essentials to safe driving is having a basic emergency kit available in your vehicle at all times. This kit should include basic items such as water, extra batteries, rope, First Aid kit, matches, a whistle, etc. During winter months, it is also important to carry items such as blankets, non-perishable foods, extra gloves and socks, and a shovel.

Emergency Kit

One of the most dangerous times to drive is during the winter, especially if you live in an area that snows. Therefore, it is best to consider these tips to drive safely during the winter.

Winter Driving

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Don’t Rush!

Roads are often covered in snow and ice after it snows, so instead of driving fast and risking an accident in your rush to get to your destination try leaving a few minutes earlier than usual. This will allow you to drive slower and help to avoid rushing other drivers by not tailgating them if they are going slower.

Don’t Panic if You Skid or Slip

In the case that your vehicle does ski or slip while driving make sure you do not panic and slam down on your brakes. Instead, all you need to do is apply slow and even pressure on your brakes until you stop. This will prevent you from spinning further out of control.

Check Your Vehicle

Before you even leave your house, make sure your vehicle’s controls, brakes, tank, tires, antifreeze, exhaust, etc. are all working properly. It is also important that you remove all ice and snow from your car before you begin driving; this prevents the snow from blocking your view while you drive.

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Driving while using your cellphone is one of the most dangerous things you can do because during those few seconds your attention is diverted to your phone, a major accident could occur. So, make sure you do not text, use of the Internet on your phone, or receive calls while you drive to prevent accidents as best as possible.

Using Your Phone

Every year thousands are killed because of drinking and driving. This is something that is very easily prevented, it only requires that you plan ahead of time by taking these steps.

Even before you begin drinking, you should arrange for someone else to be the designated driver. In the case that they also become intoxicated, it is important that you arrange to take a taxi. Never allow someone drunk to drive, instead take away his or her keys and call for alternative transportation.

If you see someone who you suspect is drunk, and they exhibit signs of intoxication while driving such as making wide turns, weaving, swerving, braking erratically, turning abruptly, etc. call 911 and contact authorities immediately. Also, make sure to avoid them on the road to ensure your own safety.

Drinking And Driving

Driving is not always a relaxing experience. There are certain actions that can be both an annoyance and dangerous to you while on the road driving. These things are often avoidable if you make sure to take the necessary steps towards preventing them, as well as stopping them after you discover them to be occurring.

Things To Avoid

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Car Accidents

The best way to avoid car accidents is to ensure that your vehicle is safe to drive and will not cause you any problems. To do this you only need to regularly check that your brakes are functioning properly, your tires are inflated and not worn out, and that the steering and suspensions are checked by a mechanic and will not fail while you drive, especially at high speeds.

Wasting Gas

As the price of gas goes up you may begin to start looking for ways to save on those expensive trips to the pump. Well, saving on gas is something that is possible if you take a few steps towards ensuring that you waste less gas.

You can start saving gas by not using air conditioning, not leaving your engine running and not speeding above 60 mph. These things are preventable and not necessary for you to drive, therefore you can quickly reduce the amount of gas you waste.

Another way to save on gas is to make sure that your vehicle is functioning properly, you can do this by checking that your tires are properly inflated, your engine is well tuned, and check that your octane level is the correct amount to your vehicle’s needs.

Aggressive Driving

Aggressive driving and drivers are both things that should be avoided to prevent any on-road aggression or accidents. Aggressive driving is categorized as exhibiting behaviors such as aggressive tailgating, verbal or physically harassing another driver, preventing another driver from merging or passing.

However, if you are an aggressive driver, you are putting others at risk every time you do any of the above behaviors. If you encounter a frustrating situation on the road, instead of becoming aggressive, take a moment to breathe and relax before moving on.

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DMV

Hours and Locations

The DMV has offices conveniently located across the state. Click here to learn more about DMV office locations, schedules, and waiting times. Have you ever visited the DMV and realized that you forgot a document? Now, you can avoid that and save the trip by using the online services. You will be able to:

Renew your vehicle registration

Contact the DMV office

Find any forms you need

Check the license plates availability

If you have any questions, you can call the DMV at 605-773.3541. Office hours are Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Correspondence regarding driver licenses can be mailed to:

445 East Capitol Avenue Pierre, SD 57501

For general inquiries, you may contact customer service by email at: motorv@state.sd.us

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