Overview
Buying a bike triggers the same excise-tax mechanics as a car: 4% on the price minus any trade-in, a $10 title fee, and the same 45-day deadline before interest starts. Motorcycles also qualify for every exemption on South Dakota's list - a bike gifted between spouses, parent and child, or siblings owes no excise tax, and a motorcycle 11 or more model years old selling for $2,500 or less is exempt regardless of who's buying it. County wheel tax applies too, just scaled to two wheels instead of four.
01 - Official fees
South Dakota motorcycle fees fees at a glance
| Fee | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Under 350cc, under 10 yrs | $18.00 | |
| Under 350cc, 10+ yrs | $12.60 | |
| 350cc – 1,000cc, under 10 yrs | $21.00 | |
| 350cc – 1,000cc, 10+ yrs | $14.70 | |
| Over 1,000cc, under 10 yrs | $24.00 | |
| Over 1,000cc, 10+ yrs | $16.80 | |
| Solid waste + highway patrol + tech fees | $4.00 | |
| Title fee (new purchase) | $10.00 | |
| Excise tax (new purchase) | 4% | of price minus trade-in |
Figures verified June 2026 against official sources (listed below). Always confirm the final amount with your county treasurer's office (SD Dept. of Revenue) - counties can add small local fees.
03 - Same state, other costs
More South Dakota vehicle costs
04 - Common questions
South Dakota motorcycle fees FAQ
How much does it cost to register a motorcycle in South Dakota per year?
$22–$28 all-in for a bike under 10 model years old: $18–$24 base by engine size, plus $4 in flat state fees. A motorcycle 10 or more model years old pays 30% less on the base portion - as little as $16.60 total for a small, older bike.
Do motorcycles pay the same excise tax as cars?
Yes - 4% on the purchase price minus trade-in, with the identical exemptions: no-money transfers between spouses, parent and child, or siblings are exempt, and any motorcycle 11+ model years old selling for $2,500 or less is exempt regardless of relationship.
Is there an inspection requirement for motorcycles?
No - South Dakota has no statewide vehicle safety or emissions inspection for any vehicle type, motorcycles included. Registration is a straightforward fee transaction at the county treasurer.
How does county wheel tax apply to a two-wheeled vehicle?
The same per-wheel rate applies, just counted at two wheels instead of four - so a county charging the statutory maximum of $5 per wheel adds $10 to a motorcycle's registration versus $20 for a car, both still under the $60 vehicle cap.
Do mopeds and scooters register the same way?
If it's titled as a motorcycle by engine displacement, yes - same fee ladder and same 30% age discount. Very small displacement mopeds and e-bikes that don't require a motorcycle title fall outside this system; check with your county treasurer if you're unsure which category yours falls into.
What's the deadline to title a newly purchased motorcycle?
45 days from the purchase date, identical to cars and trucks - miss it and the same interest (1% or $5 for the first month, 1%/month after) plus the $1-per-week title penalty (capped at $50) apply.
05 - Receipts
Official sources
Every number on this page comes from these documents - check them yourself.