Most new boats must be registered through the South Dakota Department of Revenue & Regulations Motor Vehicles Division before they can be sailed. Vessels can be registered for 1 year or 3 years at a time. New vessels need to be registered within 30 days of purchase and boats longer than 18 feet need to be titled at the time of registration.

VESSELS THAT REQUIRE REGISTRATION

1. Any motorboat sailing on South Dakota waters (including those using motors as secondary propelling source).
2. Any boat that is propelled only by oars or paddles longer than twelve feet.

VESSELS THAT DO NOT REQUIRE REGISTRATION

1. Boats registered with the U.S. Coast Guard.
2. Boats registered in another country temporarily plying in South Dakota waters.
3. Boats registered in another state and not being used in South Dakota for more than 60 days.
4. Boats registered in another state but docked in South Dakota for more than 60 days.
5. Racing boats brought into the State for racing with permission from the Game, Fish and Parks Commission, while in competition and during trial runs 48 hours before or the same after a race.
6. Boats brought into the State for fishing with permission from the Game, Fish and Parks Commission and using a ten-day temporary license.
7. Boats owned by the United States, a solitary state, a county, or a municipality.
8. Any boat that is propelled only by oars or paddles or less than 12 feet long.
9. Sailboards and seaplanes.
10. Canoes, kayaks and inflatable vessels.

TO REGISTER IN PERSON

• You can register a boat only in person by visiting your local County Treasurer's Office (since vessels need to be registered in the county of residence).
• You must bring a completed boat registration application (MV607 form) and proof of ownership such as a bill of sale, invoice, bill of lading, certificate of origin, purchase agreement, previous title and registration, or out-of-state title and submit an identification number (driver's license number or Social Security Number) and the appropriate fees.

FEES

Boat registration fees range from $10 to $80, depending on the size and type of the vessel. See here for a more detailed breakdown of the registration fees. In addition, the county treasurer's office may charge administrative fees up to $1 per registration for the county fund.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Both the vessel registration number and current decals must be clearly displayed on the vessel, according to South Dakota requirements.
• The vessel's registration papers must be carried on the vessel while sailing.