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The process of moving is one of the most stressful things a person can go through, even when everything goes well. However, when you decide to move to a new state you enter into an even more stressful and complicated situation. You are leaving behind a system of laws, procedures, and communities that you have become familiar and comfortable with, for one that is foreign and possibly greatly different from the one you are leaving. In order to supercede the difficulties in transitioning from one state to another, take some times to familiarize yourself with laws, procedures, and communities of South Dakota before you leave the familiarity of your home state.
SOUTH DAKOTA GENERAL INFORMATION
Even though South Dakota is raked 17th in terms of land size, it only has a population of 750,000 people. That means there are only 10 people per square mile. The largest city in the state is Sioux Falls with a population of about 150,000. While it is a relatively sparsely populated state, it offers charm, enthusiasm, and natural beauty that few other states can compete with.
TITLING AND REGISTRATION INFORMATION
One of the first things that you need to know about South Dakota when planning a move there is how to transfer your automobile titles to South Dakota and how to register your vehicles. Since this is probably the mode of transportation that you will be utilizing in your transition to the state and thereafter you need to know how to make your vehicle street legal for South Dakota. You will need to register your vehicle(s) with the state of South Dakota within 30 days of arriving in the state. To do this you will need to go to your new resident’s local county treasurer’s office. When you go to the treasurer’s office make sure to bring your bill of sale, purchase order, or sales contract with you to prove that you own the vehicle. You will also need to fill out an Application for Motor Vehicle Registration, and pay a 3% fee for your South Dakota license plates and tags. If you received a good price on your vehicle you will need to have proof of the purchase price with you when you register. If you do have proof of a better price than what is quoted in the treasurer’s office books then you will be taxed on the purchase price.
DISABILITY PARKING
If you have a disability and are moving to South Dakota then you can get your reserved parking tag and disabled license plate also from the Department of Motor Vehicles. To be eligible for these items you must have the following characteristics: (1) you can’t walk more than 200 feet without stopping to rest, (2) your mobility is limited to assistive devices like a wheelchair, cane, or walker, (3) your movement is restricted by lung capacity due to diseases, (4) you use portable oxygen, (5) you have a cardiac condition, (6) or you have some physical ailment or disability that limits your mobility. If you qualify under these terms, then you can fill out the Physically Disabled Parking Permits and License Plates application.
DRIVER LICENSE
Another top priority when moving to South Dakota is to get your S.D. driver license. You will need to get your standard S.D. Driver License within 90 days of arriving in the state. If you need, or use, a commercial driver license then you will need to acquire this within 30 days of arriving in the state. The basic requirements to apply for a South Dakota Driver License are that you are at least 14 years old and that you have proof of your name, age, and address. Your form of proof must be an original copy or an authorized reproduction. The DMV will not accept a photocopy. Your previous state’s driver license is one acceptable form of identification, but you will also need proof of your South Dakota address. For this you can bring in your lease, pone bill, or utility bill.
SOUTH DAKOTA TAXES
One great benefit to living in South Dakota is that it doesn’t have a state income tax so you won’t have to file a state tax return. However, they do carry a sales tax of 4% + applicable municipal tax; and a contractor’s excise tax of 2% + 4% sales tax + applicable municipal tax. Another tax benefit is that South Dakota’s Inheritance Tax was repealed and won’t apply to any deaths occurring on or after July 1, 2001.
SOUTH DAKOTA SCHOOLS
Moving to a new state also means moving to a new school system for your children. However, a move to South Dakota means moving into an excellent school system. South Dakota ranks number 10 in national academic achievement. This state’s students consistently score above national averages on their SATs, ACTs, and NAEPs.
Moving to South Dakota may be a radical change of pace for people that are used to living in big cities, however its charm, natural beauty, excellent school systems, and no state income tax, makes it a very desirable place to live.
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