South Dakota License Plate Lookup
Purchasing a used vehicle often involves additional steps to prevent scams and avoid problematic cars. Conducting individual background checks on a vehicle using its license plate number can save time and money. Use our South Dakota license plate lookup to gain insights into a used vehicle’s history before purchasing. Decode SD license plate within seconds!
Table of Contents
Why is License Plate Lookup Important?
Vehicle cloning scams are now a common crime in South Dakota. Thieves are getting smarter, using the VINs of other cars to scam buyers online and steal the identities of excellent cars to disguise the car condition (salvaged and even stolen!).
Performing a license plate lookup is important to avoid such things. While VINs can be tampered with, license plates are where they draw the line. This is a simple yet crucial step to ensure that the vehicle you are about to purchase is legit and in good condition.
- VIN
- Engine Value
- MSRP
- Manufacturer
- Fuel Type
- Body Type
- Year & Model
- Transmission
- Vehicle Type
- Sales Record
- Drive Type
- Mileage
- Market Value
- Doors
- Country of Origin
Can I Get a Free License Plate Lookup?
Yes, you can get a free license plate lookup from our service. However, the information provided in the report differs from that of the fully paid service.
Before buying a used vehicle, you can use the basic vehicle report to check its sales history, auction records, odometer, damage reports, title check, and theft records.
What is the Difference Between the Free and Paid License Plate Lookup?
The key difference between paid and free versions of the vehicle history lookup. While free reports offer basic details, paid versions provide a comprehensive view of the car’s history.
Below is the detailed information available in the paid report:
Vehicle Specifications:
Confirm the car’s year, make, model, trim, and engine type to ensure its authenticity and suitability for your needs.
Accident History:
Access detailed records of past accidents, including the extent of damage and completed repairs, to evaluate the car’s condition.
Ownership History:
Learn about the car’s previous owners, how long they owned it, and the level of care it received.
Sales Records:
Review past ownership changes and sales data to understand the car’s transaction history.
Auction History:
Find out if the car was sold at auction, which could indicate quality issues or market interest.
Title Status:
Verify whether the title is clean, salvaged, rebuilt, or branded to assess its legal and physical status.
Lien Records:
Check for existing liens or unpaid loans that might complicate ownership transfer.
Open Recalls:
Identify any unresolved safety recalls or defects that require attention.
Theft Records:
Confirm that the vehicle has not been reported stolen to ensure its legitimacy.
Market Value Estimation
Validate the mileage to check for accuracy and estimate the car’s usage and wear.
Service and Maintenance History:
Examine past repairs and servicing records to understand how well the vehicle was maintained.
How Does the License Plate Lookup Work?
To perform a license plate lookup, follow this step to get your report instantly.
Video: How to Lookup a South Dakota License Plate
Step 1: Enter the License Plate Number
You can find the license plate number on the front and back of the vehicle. Fill out the form on this page and submit it.
Step 2: Review and Purchase
Check vehicle specifications and features and complete your purchase.
Step 3: Access Your Report
Access your vehicle history report instantly. Download and print it easily.
License Plate Regulations in South Dakota
Through its Motor Vehicle Division, the South Dakota Department of Revenue is responsible for issuing, renewing, and governing license plates.
South Dakota License Plate Placement Requirement
It requires to put the license plate on the front and rear side of the vehicle. The dual-plate allows the authority to identify the vehicle easily. Make sure your plate is clean from debris or snow to be easily identified. However, motorcycles and trailers are only required to display a rear plate.
Vehicle Types That Should Have a License Plate
All motor vehicles operating on the road must have two pieces of license plate placed according to the rules, including:
- Passenger cars
- Trucks
- Motorcycles (rear plate only)
- Trailers (rear plate only)
Specific requirements may apply to certain vehicle types, such as historic motor vehicles, which may be permitted to display a single original number plate securely fastened to the rear of the vehicle in a horizontal and upright position.
Types and Design of License Plate
The standard license plate of South Dakota features the legendary statue of the previous presidents of the U.S. in navy blue lettering and the slogan “Great Faces, Great Places,” which represents the famous tourist attraction Mountain Rushmore.
Types of License Plates in South Dakota
South Dakota offers a variety of license plates to meet the needs of vehicle owners. These plates range from standard designs to personalized options.
Standard Plates
Standard license plates are issued to most passenger vehicles, trucks, and motorcycles. They are simple in design and combine letters and numbers for unique identification.
Personalized Plates
Personalized plates allow vehicle owners to create a custom message or combination of letters and numbers, provided it meets state guidelines. Personalized plates can reflect names, hobbies, or other personal interests.
Specialty Plates
Specialty plates promote organizations, professions, or causes. These include:
- Organizational Plates: Available for members of specific organizations, such as professional groups or clubs.
- Military Plates: Recognizing the service of veterans and active-duty military personnel.
- Charity Plates: Supporting causes like education or wildlife conservation.
Antique and Historical Plates
Vehicles over 30 years old can apply for antique or historical plates. These plates highlight the vehicle’s age and are often issued to collectors.
Dealer and Transporter Plates
Dealer plates are used for vehicles owned by dealerships. Transporter plates are issued for vehicles in transit or temporarily moved.
For more details on South Dakota’s license plate options, visit the South Dakota Department of Revenue.
Other Vehicle Check Tools
Easily access all the tools you need to get a full car background check and make the best decisions:
VIN Decoder
Our VIN decoder does the trick if the license plate number is unavailable. Quickly decode your VIN to access detailed information from factory details to original specifications and all vehicle history records.
Window Stickers
Get a copy of the original window sticker of any vehicle, showing all the options, packages, standard features and equipment, safety ratings, fuel economy, and factory-installed parts your vehicle came with.
Build Sheets for Classic Vehicles
Like window stickers, you can get build sheets for classic or vintage vehicles with our build sheet lookup tool for classic vehicles with the VIN only. View specifications, features, color, pricing, and more.
Classic Car History Report
You won’t find this anywhere else! Our classic car VIN check provides exclusive records for all old vehicles, giving you a full classic car vehicle history report that Carfax and AutoCheck can’t. Check a vintage car’s authenticity today!
Fun facts about South Dakota
Dakota offers a wide range of color choices to diversify its population. Dakota is available in black, white, red, brown, and blue compared to the other states. This diversity adds uniqueness to the states’ license plates.
License Plate Lookup By States
Frequently Asked Questions
You can report it, but it’s unlikely the police will do much. They usually only give tickets for things they see happen.
You keep your old license plates when buying a new car in South Dakota. Because South Dakota is an “owner plate” state, you transfer the plates from your previous vehicle to your new one.
South Dakota permits out-of-state residents to title and register their vehicles, trailers, watercraft, ATVs/off-road vehicles, or snowmobiles. The state’s titling and registration laws do not specifically exclude non-residents.
