The duties below bind a person leaving South Dakota. Each carries its source
and a visible verification date; expand any citation for the exact quoted
text. Verified Sep 2026.
Every quoted source on this page was found on a saved copy of its page dated Sep 28, 2026 or later.
Duties people expect here that the cited law does not impose
Each of these is a claim commonly made about leaving South Dakota. Each was
checked against the provision named with it, and is not there. The
finding is bounded by that provision and says nothing about the rest of
South Dakota law.
not a duty · verified Sep 2026 · quote found on a saved page, Sep 30, 2026
Not in the cited law: A departing South Dakota driver license holder must surrender the license to the state upon leaving South Dakota
What the cited law does instead. Section 32-12-18 provides that no person may apply for any driver license until the licensee surrenders to the Department of Public Safety all valid driver licenses in the licensee's possession; it states no surrender duty triggered by leaving South Dakota
Statute SDCL 32-12-18 verified Sep 2026
This finding is about the provision named here and claims nothing
beyond it.
https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/Statute/32-12-18
No person may apply for any driver license until the licensee surrenders to the Department of Public Safety all valid driver licenses in the licensee's possession issued to the licensee by this state or any other jurisdiction. ... The issuing jurisdiction shall be notified that the licensee has applied for a driver license in a new jurisdiction.
not a duty · verified Sep 2026 · quote found on a saved page, Sep 30, 2026
Not in the cited law: A departing South Dakota nondriver identification card holder must surrender the card to the state upon leaving South Dakota
What the cited law does instead. Section 32-12-17.2 provides for the card to issue upon application to any resident of this state and sets when it expires; it states no surrender duty triggered by the holder leaving the state
Statute SDCL 32-12-17.2 verified Sep 2026
This finding is about the provision named here and claims nothing
beyond it.
https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/Statute/32-12-17.2
The Department of Public Safety may issue upon application a nondriver identification card, similar in form but distinguishable in color from a driver license, to any resident of this state. ... Each nondriver identification card expires on the holder's birthday in the fifth year following the issuance of the nondriver identification card, or on the date of expiration of the applicant's authorized stay in the United States
not a duty · verified Sep 2026 · quote found on a saved page, Sep 30, 2026
Not in the cited law: A departing vehicle owner must cancel or transfer the South Dakota certificate of title upon leaving the state
What the cited law does instead. Section 32-3-69.6's relocation clause governs whether a paper title is printed when a title is held electronically, not a duty to cancel or transfer the South Dakota title
Statute SDCL 32-3-69.6 verified Sep 2026
This finding is about the provision named here and claims nothing
beyond it.
https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/Statute/32-3-69.6
If a title is held electronically, no paper title will be printed, except in the following circumstances: ... The owner is relocating to another state, and there is no electronic system in place to transfer the title electronically between the states;
not a duty · verified Sep 2026 · quote found on a saved page, Sep 30, 2026
Not in the cited law: A departing vehicle owner must cancel South Dakota registration or update the address of record upon leaving the state
What the cited law does instead. Section 32-5-3 requires the registration application to state the owner's residence post office address or business address; it states no duty to update the address or cancel registration when the owner leaves the state
Statute SDCL 32-5-3 verified Sep 2026
This finding is about the provision named here and claims nothing
beyond it.
https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/Statute/32-5-3
The application required by § 32-5-2 shall also state the name of each owner along with the owner's South Dakota driver license number or social security number, or, if a business, the federal employer identification number, of the motor vehicle, the owner's residence post office address or the owner's business address, including county, and if in a first or second class municipality, the street number.
not a duty · verified Sep 2026 · quote found on a saved page, Sep 30, 2026
Not in the cited law: A departing vehicle owner must remove the South Dakota number plates from a vehicle taken out of state
What the cited law does instead. The removal duty this section states triggers on a transfer or assignment of vehicle ownership, not on taking the vehicle out of state
Statute SDCL 32-5-2.7 verified Sep 2026
This finding is about the provision named here and claims nothing
beyond it.
https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/Statute/32-5-2.7
If the ownership of a vehicle registered pursuant to the provisions of this chapter is transferred or assigned, the transferor shall remove the number plates from the vehicle and shall receive credit for the unexpired months at the time the plates are attached to another vehicle.
not a duty · verified Sep 2026 · quote found on a saved page, Sep 30, 2026
Not in the cited law: A South Dakota driver license or ID card holder must report an address change to the state within a fixed number of days
What the cited law does instead. Section 32-12-43.1 provides that a holder of a valid South Dakota operator's license, motorcycle operator's license, or nondriver identification card may apply by mail or electronically for a replacement or updated license or identification card, and that a change of address of principal residence does not constitute a material change; it states no deadline by which the holder must report an address change
Statute SDCL 32-12-43.1 verified Sep 2026
This finding is about the provision named here and claims nothing
beyond it.
https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/Statute/32-12-43.1
Any person who holds a valid South Dakota operator's license, motorcycle operator's license, or nondriver identification card ... may apply by mail or electronically for a replacement or updated license or identification card ... A change of address of principal residence does not constitute a material change
not a duty · verified Sep 2026 · quote found on a saved page, Sep 30, 2026
Not in the cited law: A departing South Dakota motor vehicle owner must notify the state or cancel proof of financial responsibility or insurance upon leaving South Dakota
What the cited law does instead. The financial-responsibility statute imposes an ongoing duty to maintain coverage on the vehicle at all times; it states no separate notice or cancellation duty triggered by the owner leaving the state
Statute SDCL 32-35-113 verified Sep 2026
This finding is about the provision named here and claims nothing
beyond it.
https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/Statute/32-35-113
Every driver or owner of a motor vehicle shall at all times maintain in force one of the forms of financial responsibility on the motor vehicle by one of the following methods
not a duty · verified Sep 2026 · quote found on a saved page, Sep 28, 2026
Not in the cited law: A person who moves out of South Dakota during the year must file a part-year South Dakota income tax return, or remains subject to South Dakota income tax residency rules after the move
What the cited law does instead. The Department of Revenue states that South Dakota is one of seven states that does not impose a state income tax
Agency guidance South Dakota Department of Revenue, Individuals verified Sep 2026
This finding is about the provision named here and claims nothing
beyond it.
https://dor.sd.gov/individuals/taxes/
South Dakota is one of seven states that does not impose a state income tax.
not a duty · verified Sep 2026 · quote found on a saved page, Sep 30, 2026
Not in the cited law: An owner who loses eligibility for the South Dakota owner-occupied property classification by moving out of state must notify the county director of equalization of the change
What the cited law does instead. The classification statute states the classification simply persists until the property's ownership is transferred or its use changes; it states no notice duty on the owner when eligibility is lost by moving
Statute SDCL 10-13-40 verified Sep 2026
This finding is about the provision named here and claims nothing
beyond it.
https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/Statute/10-13-40
If the director of equalization classifies the property, mobile home, or manufactured home as owner-occupied single-family dwelling, it shall retain the classification until such time as the property ownership is transferred or the property has a change in use.
not a duty · verified Sep 2026 · quote found on a saved page, Sep 30, 2026
Not in the cited law: A South Dakota concealed-pistol permit holder must transfer or surrender the permit to the state upon leaving South Dakota
What the cited law does instead. Section 23-7-69 provides that the county sheriff may issue a temporary permit, or the secretary of state an updated permit, that reflects an address outside of South Dakota for a South Dakota resident who is active duty military personnel, or the spouse of a person who is active duty military, with a home of record in South Dakota, or for a South Dakota permit holder whose home is physically located in South Dakota but has an official postal address in a county in another state that shares a border with South Dakota; it states no surrender or transfer duty for a permit holder who leaves the state
Related duty that does exist: firearm permit address.
Statute SDCL 23-7-69 verified Sep 2026
This finding is about the provision named here and claims nothing
beyond it.
https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/Statute/23-7-69
The county sheriff may issue a temporary permit or the secretary of state may issue an updated permit that reflects an address outside of South Dakota in the following instances: ... (1) For a South Dakota resident who is active duty military personnel, or the spouse of a person who is active duty military, with a home of record in South Dakota; or (2) For a South Dakota permit holder whose home is physically located in South Dakota but has an official postal address located within in a county in another state that shares a border with South Dakota
not a duty · verified Sep 2026 · quote found on a saved page, Sep 30, 2026
Not in the cited law: A South Dakota voter who moves out of state must notify the county auditor to cancel the voter registration
What the cited law does instead. Under section 12-4-19.4, if a voter placed in the inactive registration file does not vote by the second general election following the confirmation mailing, the registration shall be canceled; the section states no duty on the voter to notify or cancel the registration when leaving the state
Statute SDCL 12-4-19.4 verified Sep 2026
This finding is about the provision named here and claims nothing
beyond it.
https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/Statute/12-4-19.4
If a voter placed in the inactive registration file does not vote by the second general election following the confirmation mailing, the registration shall be canceled.
not a duty · verified Sep 2026 · quote found on a saved page, Sep 28, 2026
Not in the cited law: A South Dakota boat owner must update the address on the boat's registration or cancel it upon leaving the state
What the cited law does instead. Under section 32-3A-5, upon receipt of an application under § 32-3A-4 the county treasurer issues a registration, and the registration shall state the name and address of the owner; the section states no duty to update it or cancel the registration when the owner leaves the state
Statute SDCL 32-3A-5 verified Sep 2026
This finding is about the provision named here and claims nothing
beyond it.
https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/Statute/32-3A-5
Upon receipt of an application under § 32-3A-4 in approved form, the county treasurer shall enter the application upon the records of its office and issue to the applicant a registration stating the number awarded to the boat and two validation decals. The registration shall state the name and address of the owner.
not a duty · verified Oct 2026 · quote found on a saved page, Oct 4, 2026
Not in the cited law: A South Dakota vehicle owner must report a change of the owner's post office address to the department
What the cited law does instead. Section 32-5-90 provides that the registration furnished with each number plate shall contain the owner's post office address; it states no duty on the owner to report an address change
Statute SDCL 32-5-90 verified Oct 2026
This finding is about the provision named here and claims nothing
beyond it.
https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/Statute/32-5-90
a registration, which shall contain the following data: the name of the registered owner of the motorcycle, snowmobile, motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer, the owner's post office address, the make of the vehicle
not a duty · verified Oct 2026 · quote found on a saved page, Oct 4, 2026
Not in the cited law: A South Dakota voter who moves out of state must notify the county auditor to cancel the voter registration
What the cited law does instead. Section 12-4-19.1 provides that the card shall state that the voter must sign and return the card if the information on the return card is correct, or send the correct information to update the voter's registration if it is not correct, or the voter's registration will become inactive, and that a card returned indicating a new address in another county in South Dakota or another state shall serve as a cancellation authorization; it states no duty on the voter to notify the county auditor to cancel the registration
Statute SDCL 12-4-19.1 verified Oct 2026
This finding is about the provision named here and claims nothing
beyond it.
https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/Statute/12-4-19.1
if the information on the return card is correct, the voter must sign and return the card within thirty days or the voter's registration will become inactive. The card shall also state that if the information on the return card is not correct, the voter shall send the correct information to update the voter's registration or the voter's registration will become inactive. ... If the card is returned indicating a new address in another county in South Dakota or another state, the card shall serve as a cancellation authorization.
not a duty · verified Oct 2026 · quote found on a saved page, Oct 4, 2026
Not in the cited law: A South Dakota voter who moves out of state must notify the county auditor to cancel the voter registration
What the cited law does instead. Section 12-4-19.7 provides that the card shall state that the voter must sign and return the card if the information on the return card is correct, or send the correct information to update the voter's registration if it is not correct, or the voter's registration becomes inactive, and that a card returned indicating a new address in another county in South Dakota or another state shall serve as a cancellation authorization; it states no duty on the voter to notify the county auditor to cancel the registration
Statute SDCL 12-4-19.7 verified Oct 2026
This finding is about the provision named here and claims nothing
beyond it.
https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/Statute/12-4-19.7
if the information on the return card is correct, the voter shall sign and return the card by the voter registration deadline of the primary election or the voter's registration becomes inactive. The card shall also state that if the information on the return card is not correct, the voter shall send the correct information to update the voter's registration or the voter's registration becomes inactive. ... If the card is returned indicating a new address in another county in South Dakota or another state, the card shall serve as a cancellation authorization.
not a duty · verified Oct 2026 · quote found on a saved page, Oct 5, 2026
Not in the cited law: A departing South Dakota vehicle owner must have the vehicle pass a safety inspection upon leaving South Dakota
What the cited law does instead. Chapter 32-21, Motor Vehicle Inspection, repeals its former inspection sections (32-21-1 to 32-21-3 and 32-21-4 to 32-21-26); the only periodic inspection it requires is of large passenger vehicles operated by nonprofit organizations, it lets an officer inspect a vehicle on evidence of nonconformance or an unsafe condition and bars driving a vehicle not in safe mechanical condition, and it states no safety inspection duty triggered by the owner leaving South Dakota
Statute SDCL chapter 32-21 verified Oct 2026
This finding is about the provision named here and claims nothing
beyond it.
https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/32-21.html?all=true
32-21-1 to 32-21-3. Repealed by SL 1979, ch 220, § 8. ... Each vehicle with a capacity of sixteen or more passengers, including the driver, owned or operated by a nonprofit organization, ... and used for the transportation of its members shall be inspected before October first of each year by an inspector approved by the Division of Highway Patrol. ... 32-21-4 to 32-21-26. Repealed by SL 1979, ch 220, § 8.
not a duty · verified Oct 2026 · quote found on a saved page, Oct 5, 2026
Not in the cited law: A departing South Dakota vehicle owner must have the vehicle pass an emissions or vehicle identification number inspection upon leaving South Dakota
What the cited law does instead. Chapter 32-21, Motor Vehicle Inspection, read whole, provides for the inspection of large passenger vehicles operated by nonprofit organizations and for a roadside inspection a highway patrol officer may require of a driver on evidence of nonconformance or an unsafe condition; no section of the chapter mentions an emissions or vehicle identification number inspection, or any inspection triggered by the owner leaving South Dakota. This row is bounded to chapter 32-21; the other chapters of the title were not read for this field
Statute SDCL 32-21-28, 32-21-30 verified Oct 2026
This finding is about the provision named here and claims nothing
beyond it.
https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/32-21.html?all=true
may require the driver of the motor vehicle to stop and submit to an inspection of the motor vehicle and its equipment, license plates, and registration certificate. ... The driver of a motor vehicle shall comply with any lawful order, signal, or direction of a peace officer; submit to any lawful inspection under this chapter
not a duty · verified Oct 2026 · quote found on a saved page, Oct 5, 2026
Not in the cited law: A person leaving a South Dakota municipality must file a final municipal income tax return or settle a municipal income tax upon leaving
What the cited law does instead. Chapter 10-52 lets a municipality impose any tax other than an ad valorem real property tax (except on motor vehicle fuel) by ordinance and puts its return duty on a license holder or a person whose receipts are subject to the tax; read whole, the chapter names no income tax and prescribes no duty on a resident who leaves the municipality or South Dakota. This row records that no such exit duty appears in the chapter; it does not say a municipality may not levy an income tax
Statute SDCL 10-52-2, 10-52-18 verified Oct 2026
This finding is about the provision named here and claims nothing
beyond it.
https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/10-52.html?all=true
Any incorporated municipality within this state may impose any non-ad valorem tax in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, except upon fuel used for motor vehicles, by ordinance enacted by its local governing board. ... Any person who holds a license issued pursuant to this chapter or who is a person whose receipts are subject to the tax imposed by this chapter shall, except as otherwise provided in this section, file a return
not a duty · verified Oct 2026 · quote found on a saved page, Oct 5, 2026
Not in the cited law: A person leaving a South Dakota county must file a final county income tax return or settle a county income tax upon leaving
What the cited law does instead. Chapter 10-12, State and Local Property Tax Levies, read whole, has the board of county commissioners levy county taxes on all taxable property in the county for the purposes it lists; the chapter names no income tax and no duty on a resident who leaves the county or South Dakota. This row is bounded to chapter 10-12
Statute SDCL 10-12-8, 10-12-9 (chapter 10-12 read whole) verified Oct 2026
This finding is about the provision named here and claims nothing
beyond it.
https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/10-12.html?all=true
the board of county commissioners shall levy the necessary taxes for the current fiscal year on all taxable property in the county. ... County taxes must be levied, pursuant to
not a duty · verified Oct 2026 · quote found on a saved page, Oct 5, 2026
Not in the cited law: A departing South Dakota owner of an off-road vehicle must cancel, surrender or transfer its South Dakota title or registration, or report the move, upon leaving the state
What the cited law does instead. Chapter 32-20, read whole, requires an off-road vehicle to be titled the same as other motor vehicles under chapter 32-3, and says it need not be registered and licensed for use upon the highways except as provided in section 32-20-13; no section of chapter 32-20 states a duty on an owner who leaves South Dakota. Title and registration on leaving the state are covered by the separate title and registration rows, not by this chapter
Statute SDCL 32-20-12 verified Oct 2026
This finding is about the provision named here and claims nothing
beyond it.
https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/32-20.html?all=true
Off-road vehicles need not be registered and licensed for use upon the highways except as provided in § 32-20-13. Off-road vehicles shall be titled. The Department of Revenue shall issue a certificate of title for off-road vehicles the same as for other motor vehicles subject to the provisions of chapter 32-3.