Boating Information

Boat Licensing

Boats over 12 feet long and motorboats of any length, including those using electric trolling motors, must be registered to be operated on public waters.  Boat registration, transferring of boat ownership and replacing lost boat registration stickers are done through County Treasurer offices. 

Boats may be registered for either a 1-year or 3-year period.  Fees are based on the length of boat and the type of propulsion. All registration needs to be done at the county treasurer's office in the county of residence, not where a boat is kept or primarily used.

 For more information check the Department of Revenue registration page.

Boats registered in another state may operate in South Dakota for 60 days before registration is required in South Dakota.   However, nonresident boats docked in South Dakota need to be licensed in South Dakota.

Boat Registration

Boat registrations are handled by the Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles.

Click this link to download an Application for Boat Title and Registration (MV - 607). Full instructions are included on the back of the form.
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