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South Dakota License Plate Display Law — 2025 Guide

Q: What is the South Dakota license plate format?

South Dakota uses the format 1A 2345 for standard passenger plates.

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Quick Answer

South Dakota requires front and rear plates for most vehicles. Single rear plate available for $25 fee for low-mileage vehicles.

The Law at a Glance

Statute

SD Codified Laws §32-5-98

Mounting

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Plate Format

1A 2345

Penalty

Fines vary by jurisdiction.

Plate Design

Mt. Rushmore design.

Recent Changes

**Special rule**: South Dakota will issue a single rear plate for $25 fee, but only if the vehicle is driven less than 7,500 miles per year.

State-Specific Notes

South Dakota offers a unique low-mileage single-plate option.

Plate Design Details

First Issued

January 2023

Plate Style

Screened serial; reflective sheeting

Full Design

Blue on Mount Rushmore graphic — 'Great Faces. Great Places.'

Current Format

Coded by county: 0A1 234, 0AB 123, 00A 123

Letter Exclusions

I, O, and Q are not used.

Historical Plates Still Valid

Earlier plates remain valid.

Notable Facts

South Dakota will issue a single rear plate for $25 fee, but only if the vehicle will be driven less than 7,500 miles per year — a unique low-mileage option in U.S. plate law. Mount Rushmore is South Dakota's iconic state symbol.

How atroq Frames Stay Compliant in South Dakota

atroq frames in South Dakota are engineered to comply with all display requirements. The frame's recessed sticker windows keep renewal stickers visible. The frame's thickness does not obscure the alphanumeric serial, state name, or the issuing jurisdiction. atroq's universal mounting fits South Dakota's standard 6 × 12 inch passenger plates. Frame requirements vary by vehicle type — review the South Dakota statute or contact atroq if uncertain.

Design your South Dakota-compliant frame

Premium custom license plate frames built for South Dakota's display requirements. MOQ 500. From $1.30 / frame.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is a front license plate required in South Dakota?

Conditionally. South Dakota generally requires both front and rear plates, but with exceptions. South Dakota requires front and rear plates for most vehicles. Single rear plate available for $25 fee for low-mileage vehicles.

What is the South Dakota license plate format?

South Dakota uses the format 1A 2345 for standard passenger plates.

Are there any recent South Dakota license plate law changes?

**Special rule**: South Dakota will issue a single rear plate for $25 fee, but only if the vehicle is driven less than 7,500 miles per year.

Are decorative license plate frames legal in South Dakota?

Yes. Decorative frames are legal in South Dakota as long as they do not obscure the alphanumeric serial, the state name, or any registration sticker. atroq frames are designed to comply with South Dakota display requirements.

What size are South Dakota license plates?

South Dakota issues plates in the U.S. standard 6 × 12 inches (150 × 300 mm) for passenger vehicles, matching the 1956 SAE / Automobile Manufacturers Association dimensional agreement.

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