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Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025

Does South Dakota require front license plates?


yes

South Dakota is one of almost 30 states that requires front and back license plates on vehicles, though there are a couple of exceptions. 

Vehicles that are used for “occasional transportation, public displays, parades and related pleasure hobby activities” can use a rear-only plate. The plates cost $25 in addition to the normal registration cost. To qualify, drivers must provide their odometer reading  at the time of registration and not exceed 7,500 miles in a year. 

Motorcycles are only required to have one plate. 

Why use rear-only plates? Many owners don’t like how front plates take away from the aesthetic of their vehicles. But dual plates are touted as a way to assist law enforcement with crime. 

South Dakota offers more than a dozen different types of plates: construction, emblem, habitat conservation, Dignity sculpture, historical, amateur radio license, disabled person, firefighter, EMS, tribal, tribal veteran, veteran and several military plates.

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