Form Instructions
For each set of plates, there is a $5 mailing fee.
INDIAN TRIBAL - (SDCL 32-5-123) - Any resident may obtain Indian tribal plates. Application is made to the county treasurer
of the applicant’s county of residence.
CONSTRUCTION - (SDCL 32-9-3) - Any of the following vehicles, when used exclusively on the job site, to
move between job sites, or from a job site to a central location may, upon inspection and approval by the Highway
Patrol, apply for special construction license plates. Motor vehicles, trailers, semi-trailers, and motor propelled or
trailed vehicle chassis registered in South Dakota are all eligible when used for construction of highways, stock water
dugouts, dam, farm and ranch irrigation systems or other soil and water conservation projects on farms or ranches, and
which are used exclusively on the job site. Each unit must display a separate license plate. Application is made to the
Division of Motor Vehicles.
FIREFIGHTERS - (SDCL 32-5-113) - Any resident, currently certified and recognized by the State Fire Marshal’s office,
qualifies to apply for special firefighter plates. If an applicant dies or otherwise becomes disqualified, the firefighter license plates
must be surrendered to the county treasurer of the county where the applicant lives. Application is made to the county treasurer
of the applicant’s county of residence.
HISTORICAL CARS AND MOTORCYCLES - (SDCL 32-5-77 & 32-5-77.3) - Any resident who owns a motor vehicle/
motorcycle that is more than 30 years old may apply for “historical car/motorcycle” license plates that are permanent for the
life of the vehicle/motorcycle. Vehicles displaying such plates can only be used for special occasions such as displays, parades,
exhibitions, tours, and similar uses, and may be driven to service stations or garages for fuel and repairs. Regular license plates
issued by this state in the same year as the year of the vehicle (does not pertain to motorcycles) may be used on the historical
vehicle in lieu of historical license plates but must be registered through the Division of Motor Vehicles. Application is made to
the Division of Motor Vehicles.
AMATEUR AND COMMERCIAL RADIO - (SDCL 32-5-65) - Any motor vehicle owner who holds a current unrevoked
FCC amateur radio license, or any commercial radio station (broadcasting company) that holds an unrevoked FCC broadcast
license may apply for special plates that display radio call letters. Plates issued to the applicant will bear the applicant’s assigned
station call letters (up to a maximum of 7 characters). Application is made to the county treasurer of the applicant’s county of
residence.