How to Get a Dealer License in South Dakota (2026)
In South Dakota, dealers are licensed by South Dakota Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Division. The bond is $25,000 (Vehicle dealer / used car dealer). Every fact below links to the official page it came from.
South Dakota dealer license facts
| Licensing agency | South Dakota Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Division |
|---|---|
| License name | Confirm with South Dakota Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Division |
| Sales that trigger a license | Confirm with South Dakota Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Division |
| Surety bond | $25,000 (Vehicle dealer / used car dealer)source |
| Application / license fees | Confirm with South Dakota Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Division |
| Pre-licensing education | Confirm with South Dakota Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Division |
| Place of business | Dealer must have a principal place of business that is an enclosed permanent structure, adequately heated and lighted, easily accessible, open a minimum of 20 hours/week between 8am-8pm, with posted hours/phone number, an exterior sign, and an adjoining improved area large enough to display five or more vehicles.source |
| Wholesale-only license | Confirm with South Dakota Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Division |
| Last checked | 2026-09-24 |
Steps to get licensed in South Dakota
- Pick the license. Ask South Dakota Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Division which license fits a used-car business.
- Set up the place of business. Dealer must have a principal place of business that is an enclosed permanent structure, adequately heated and lighted, easily accessible, open a minimum of 20 hours/week between 8am-8pm, with posted hours/phone number, an exterior sign, and an adjoining improved area large enough to display five or more vehicles.
- Buy the surety bond. Required amount: $25,000 (Vehicle dealer / used car dealer).
- Apply to South Dakota Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Division. Fees are set by the agency; check its current fee schedule.
Flipping without a license in South Dakota
We could not find an official sales-count threshold for South Dakota. Before selling more than your own personal vehicles, Confirm with South Dakota Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Division.
South Dakota data on CarFlipIQ
FAQ
Who issues dealer licenses in South Dakota?
South Dakota Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Division licenses motor vehicle dealers in South Dakota.
How much is the dealer bond in South Dakota?
The South Dakota dealer surety bond is $25,000 (Vehicle dealer / used car dealer). You pay a surety company a yearly premium, not the full bond amount.
Price South Dakota cars before you buy them
Check any vehicle against live South Dakota listings, then decide what to bid.
Not legal advice. Requirements change; confirm with South Dakota Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Division before you apply. Last checked 2026-09-24.