South Dakota · Titles & temporary tags

How duplicate titles, seller’s permits, and 30-day plate-ordered permits work in South Dakota.

Dealer-focused breakdown of South Dakota’s duplicate title process, 45-day seller’s permits, and 30-day plate-ordered permits.

Duplicate / replacement title workflow

Use this workflow when a customer reports a lost title or when you’re cleaning up paperwork before sale or trade:

South Dakota duplicate titles are requested using the Duplicate Title Application (Form 1002) through the Department of Revenue’s Motor Vehicle Division.
If a seller no longer has the original title, they must apply for a duplicate; state guidance notes that it can take several weeks for the title to be processed and mailed.
Where an electronic lien title (ELT) is on file, the title will not be printed until the lien has been properly released.
Applicants must provide accurate owner information, VIN, and lienholder details and pay the duplicate title fee listed by the Department of Revenue.
Dealers should factor the duplicate title processing time into their sales and funding timelines, especially for private-party trades where the seller has misplaced the title.

Temporary tags / permits

Use this checklist when a buyer needs to drive on temporary plates or permits while full registration is pending:

South Dakota uses several types of temporary permits. One of the most important for private and dealer sales is the seller’s permit, which allows the buyer to drive legally after a private sale.
A seller’s permit can be printed by the seller online via the 605Drive Vehicle Registration & Plates portal or obtained through the local county treasurer’s office.
The seller’s permit is valid for 45 days, and the seller also has 45 days to deliver the title to the purchaser; late delivery can trigger fees and interest.
South Dakota also offers a plate-ordered permit that lets a vehicle be operated for 30 days or until special plates arrive, whichever comes first.
For commercial moves and other specialized situations, South Dakota law provides additional temporary permits (including 5–15 day permits and 30-day commercial permits), so dealers should confirm which permit type fits each use case.

Official references & forms