If you're a boater in South Dakota, you'll need to register your boat with the Department of Revenue (DOR) before you can legally take it out on the water. Fortunately, registering your boat in South Dakota is a relatively simple process. In this blog post, we'll guide you through the steps you need to take to register your boat in South Dakota.

Step 1: Gather Your Documentation

Before you can register your boat in South Dakota, you'll need to gather a few key pieces of documentation. These include:

·        A bill of sale or proof of ownership

·        A valid driver's license or state-issued identification

·        A Completed Application for Boat Title and Registration, available from the DOR’s website here.

Step 2: Complete the Registration Form

Once you have your documentation in order, you'll need to complete the South Dakota Boat Registration/Title Application. This form can be downloaded from the DOR’s website here or picked up in person at a local county treasurer’s office. The form will ask for basic information about you and your boat, including:

·        Your name, address, and phone number

·        The make, model, and year of your boat

·        The hull identification number (HIN) of your boat

·        The type and size of your boat

·        The hull material, and the propulsion type

Step 3: Submit Your Application and Fees

Once you've completed the registration form, you'll need to submit it along with the appropriate fees to the DOR. All applicants must pay a $10 titling fee, in addition to a tax of 3% of the sale price of the boat. The application must be submitted in person, along with the applicable fees, to the local county treasurer’s office.

Step 4: Display Your Registration Number and Decals

Once your application has been approved and you've paid the registration fees, you'll receive a registration number and a set of decals. You must display the registration numbers and decals on your boat's hull, on both sides of the bow, in a contrasting color. The numbers must be at least three inches tall, and the decals must be displayed within six inches of the registration numbers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, registering your boat in South Dakota is a straightforward process that requires just a few key pieces of documentation and some basic information about your boat. By following these steps, you can ensure that your boat is properly registered and legal for use on South Dakota's beautiful waterways.