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Casa

Jan 27, 2011, 1:37 PM

Post #1 of 19 (6813 views)

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South Dakota vehicle registration

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I have searched the forum but have not been able to find the information I was looking for or the information I did find seems outdate to me.

I am looking for information on changing a vehicle registration (expired) from California to South Dakota. The vehicle is in Mexico now. I would appreciate any firsthand experience or guidance. Does one have to go to SD to register the vehicle or can it all be done by mail/ fedex?

Thanks

chinagringo

Jan 27, 2011, 2:55 PM

Post #2 of 19 (6781 views)

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Re: [Casa] South Dakota vehicle registration

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I would suggest going to:
http://www.chapala.com/wwwboard/webboard.html

Once there put "Clay County" in the search box and you will get numerous results. In reviewing, the various search results, you should be able to harvest the necessary info. Never had a reason to do this but it is only Clay County, SD that does this but from some of the conversations (when they stayed on topic), I gather that they have tightened some of the rules.

Good luck.
Regards,
Neil
Albuquerque, NM

RickS

Jan 27, 2011, 3:30 PM

Post #3 of 19 (6763 views)

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Re: [Casa] South Dakota vehicle registration

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Actually Neil, it's a myth that only Clay County South Dakota 'offers' this 'service'..... in other words there are other counties that will issue title, registration and plates to out-of-state 'customers'. They are probably the only County that folks at Lake Chapala have ever used but other counties have and do do the same. This service has been available to RV-ers for a long time and from counties other than Clay.

Casa, one does not have to 'go' to SD to register a vehicle and yes, it can all be done via 'mail'. One does, however, have to provide a physical address in the US to which the Title/Registration/Plates can be sent. Some folks here use relatives, some use a mail-forwarding service address (but not a PO Box I believe).

There may be, however, some changes coming regarding this service. While this practice is not illegal in South Dakota (you will see some non-informed forum posters claiming vehemently that SD is doing this illegal), there have for several years been some complaints from neighboring states (Nebraska for one) that South Dakota should stop this practice because it is hurting their (the other states) revenues because their (the other states) citizens are getting their plates 'at a bargain' from SD. There is some evidence that, in 2010, the SD legislature has acted on these complaints and may have changed their laws to eliminate this practice as of 1.1.2011. If this is the case there are going to be some very unhappy owners at Lakeside (and Nebraska and me!) as they may not be able to continue this practice.

I tried calling Clay County just now but they had closed for the day. I will call tomorrow morning and find out what, if anything, has changed with this service. Please do not write me that I should NOT call them and discuss this with them; it's also a myth that calling them will 'screw' this service up for everyone! I talk to them at least once a year... sometimes more when I either register another vehicle or renew my current vehicles - I have 4 vehicles registered there and am about to register another one if I can.

I'll report back as to what I find out.

(This post was edited by RickS on Jan 27, 2011, 3:38 PM)

chinagringo

Jan 27, 2011, 3:41 PM

Post #4 of 19 (6757 views)

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Re: [RickS] South Dakota vehicle registration

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I will defer to the "experienced" in this matter. All I know about it is what I have read on various forums over and over and over again! There are numerous self proclaimed experts on TOB and you know how that works. Was just trying to provide a source of info.
Regards,
Neil
Albuquerque, NM

RickS

Jan 27, 2011, 3:48 PM

Post #5 of 19 (6750 views)

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Re: [chinagringo] South Dakota vehicle registration

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Well, Neil, I may be another one of those self-proclaimed experts.... ;>)

chinagringo

Jan 27, 2011, 3:55 PM

Post #6 of 19 (6744 views)

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Re: [RickS] South Dakota vehicle registration

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With four vehicle registered there, I wouldn't call your expertise a "border promotion"!
Regards,
Neil
Albuquerque, NM

johanson

Jan 27, 2011, 4:03 PM

Post #7 of 19 (6742 views)

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Re: [RickS] South Dakota vehicle registration

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All I know is that when Texas would no longer allow me to pay for renewing my license plates 7 years ago unless I had US insurance, the car is always in Mexico, I stopped updating the Texas plates on the car each year. And never have I been bothered by the local authorities here lakeside or in Guadalajara.

I'm guessing that I shall keep this 11 year old car (with 27,000 miles, yes that's not many) for another 5 to 10 years (presuming I live that long).

At one time I thought I would buy a newer used truck so that I do not have to pay annual tenencia (special taxes for cars, not for trucks) and I may do that if I need a new vehicle.

Casa

Jan 27, 2011, 5:44 PM

Post #8 of 19 (6721 views)

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Re: [Casa] South Dakota vehicle registration

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Thank you to everyone that has responded.

My California car has been in Mexico exclusively since 2004 (with non operational status with the CA DMV). I am thinking (still planning nothing confirmed) of diving to the east coast of the US this summer and want to see what my options are. Since I will not be going to California it will be impossible for me to get a California smog check and impossible to register it, and thus could also have a problem with car insurance for the US. So I was thinking that South Dakota might be an option. I think it would be good to have a currently registered vehicle. If anyone has any other ideas I would be glad to hear them.

I am curious if people actually put their new SD plates, that they have received from NOB on their vehicle that is already in Mexico, or do they just hang on to them until the get to the border and then put them one once the get into the US.
I am wondering because the NEW SD plates would not match the existing car import permit and that may invite problems.

Thanks again to all the replied.

mexicobuff

Jan 27, 2011, 6:09 PM

Post #9 of 19 (6716 views)

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Re: [Casa] South Dakota vehicle registration

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Check this out with the California DMV: at one time, you did not have to have a California smog test unless you lived in highly populated areas. After I moved to Mexico, I registered my California car as non-operational, with a friend's rural Winterhaven, California address (near Yuma), and never had to think about the smog test again. That option may still exist.

RickS

Jan 27, 2011, 6:19 PM

Post #10 of 19 (6713 views)

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Re: [Casa] South Dakota vehicle registration

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Casa, there are literally hundreds of vehicles here at Lakeside that have current SD license plates. I suspect that many of those vehicles belong to folks who either make trips back into the States and therefore want to have current plates, OR they want to have current plates in Mexico 'just in case' they get stopped by law enforcement 'looking' for something to establish a reason for mordida.

And actually I think that the temporary car import permit is tied to one's visa, not the vehicle registration/plate #. My import paperwork makes no mention of the license state nor number. It does have the vehicle VIN # and make/model/year but nothing about the license plate or registration.

Casa

Jan 27, 2011, 6:37 PM

Post #11 of 19 (6708 views)

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Re: [RickS] South Dakota vehicle registration

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RickS,

Thanks again for the info. I just pulled out an old copy of my 2004 car permit and you are completely correct it does not list the license plate, just an old Calif address I used to have and VIN and so other info.

If anyone else is interested there is more information available here http://www.state.sd.us/...orvehicle/plates.htm at the SD DMV site. They also have a section and statement for non-residents. Looks like this solution will work out well for me.

Thanks again

RickS

Jan 27, 2011, 7:06 PM

Post #12 of 19 (6703 views)

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Re: [Casa] South Dakota vehicle registration

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Casa, the link you provided to the State of South Dakota Motor Vehicle Division (and then using the Non-Resident Information link) pretty much nails the lid on the coffin of "Clay County is doing something illegal" and "one has to lie about where they live to get a vehicle registered in SD" and "don't call the State, only Clay County, or you'll screw things up for everyone"!
Thanks.

I will still call tomorrow (I have to ask about registering a vehicle I just purchased) and I'll make sure that there are no new 2011 hoops to jump though other than the ones mentioned in the links from above.

Glad this will be a solution for you.... as it has been for many other folks both here at Lakeside and for RV 'nomads'.

mazbook1

Jan 27, 2011, 8:45 PM

Post #13 of 19 (6682 views)

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Re: [RickS] South Dakota vehicle registration

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RickS, The temp. importation permit is NOT "tied" to your visa at all. It's just the rules that say that you must have a valid visa (of the correct type) to keep the TIP valid.

What it IS tied to (even though it's not on the paperwork you have) is your name, your driver's license no., your passport no., the VIN, and possibly (I don't know for certain) the plate no. (or possibly not). All of this is in the computer, even though it doesn't show on your paperwork, so that they can cross-check multiple ways to see if you are bringing in a second vehicle illegally or bringing in a new one when you never canceled your TIP when you took the old car out of México—a BIG no, no.

(This post was edited by mazbook1 on Jan 27, 2011, 8:46 PM)

tonynico

Jan 29, 2011, 8:21 PM

Post #14 of 19 (6563 views)

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Re: [Casa] South Dakota vehicle registration

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You now need to be a resident of S.D. to register a car, but Clay county has a work around. You can stay at a motel or a camp ground and bring in the receipt for a one night stay and magically you are a resident.

Tony

Rolly

Jan 29, 2011, 8:30 PM

Post #15 of 19 (6558 views)

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Re: [tonynico] South Dakota vehicle registration

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Tony, please reference the source of your information.

Rolly Pirate

E-visit me http://Rollybrook.com
On Facebook as Rolly Brook

tonynico

Jan 29, 2011, 9:01 PM

Post #16 of 19 (6549 views)

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Re: [Rolly] South Dakota vehicle registration

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Hello Rolly
I just went back to check my source.
I was mistaken that is to get a S.D drivers license
For a registration you do not need the reciept.

But if you do not have a S.D. drivers license then you need a letter from the lien holder to register the car. But you do not have to be there you can do it through a power of attorney which a mail box co. will assist you with.
Sorry that I misspoke my memory was a little off. Again it was for licenses.

Here is the post for the license

Driver's License Bureau
1301 East Catron Blvd, Rapid City SD 57701
800-952-3696 (statewide number in Central Time Zone)
Open Tue-Fri 7-5:30.
Folks, rules and conditions change. While the below facts are in place the day we posted them, rules change. We try to be current but to be on the really safe side, give the number above a call to verify before you go to the driver's license facility you have chosen. Local personnel turnover may result in facing someone who may not know the rules; have the name of the person you spoke to at the statewide number handy when you go in.
You do NOT have to have a South Dakota driver's license to register your vehicles in Pennington County. Also, you can get your driver's license anywhere in the state, not necessarily in Rapid City. Call the state to find out the hours elsewhere.
Currrently driver's licenses in South Dakota cost:
$20 for a regular Drivers License
$25 for a Commercial Drivers License (CDL). Please read the web page specifically regarding CDLs.
In many cases, it will take about 15 to 20 minutes from the time you walk in the door until you walk out, with your driver's license in your hand.
While the state can do what they want and change what they want, in many cases, many of our members have told us that all they had to do in the way of testing was place their forehead on a machine and tell the examiner what a line of letters are.
You will need to surrender your current license or State ID card from another state and show them verification of your Social Security number and one other form of ID.
The best form of a second ID is your valid Passport/Passport Card. In the absence of a Passport, you will need to show them a Certified Birth Certificate. If the name on your current driver's license does not match your name on these other documents, you must present either a Marriage Certificate, Divorce Order or some other Approved Court Order (or a series of them) to prove the name you want on your SD driver's license.
Please note that unlike some other states like Texas & California, South Dakota does not require a person to have a special driver's license for the big rigs.
We have also received an email from the SD DMV that the Real ID act as implemented in South Dakota for full-time travelers will NOT require you to show utility bills, bank statements, or anything else of that type as of December 31, 2009 when the Real ID Act turned into law.
However, you ARE required to spend one night at a hotel, motel, or campground anywhere within the state, and to bring the receipt with your name(s) and that address on it to a driver's license facility anywhere in the state. This receipt MUST show the address of the South Dakota location. However, your PMB address will actually go on your driver's license.
You will be required to sign a paper stating that you are a South Dakota resident and that is the state "to which you intend to return." The address on the receipt will NOT appear on your regular driver's license. The address that will appear is your address at Americas Mailbox. Of course the above requirements for a valid license, ID, and verification of SSN apply.
Please note that for a Commerical Drivers License (CDL) you must spend the night at a hotel, motel or campground in Pennington County, and that IS the address that appears on your CDL driver's license. Like the paragraph above, the receipt you present MUST have the address of where you stayed within the State. You must make sure they have your mailing address at Americas Mailbox as well.
The following is taken directly from the state's web site on the federal requirements for documentation needed when obtaining a South Dakota driver's license:
"Effective Dec. 31, 2009 federal regulations require anyone applying for a new, renewal, or duplicate driver license or identification card will have to provide the following documents listed below (photocopies are not acceptable).

I . You will need ONE Identity Document. NOTE: If your name is different than the name on your identity document, you will need to bring additional proof of your legal name. Acceptable documents for proof of a legal name change are a certified marriage certificate (issued by a state vital records agency), a certified adoption document, or a certified court order authorizing a name change (such as a divorce decree). If you have had multiple marriages, you will need to bring similar documents providing legal proof of each name change. If you have any questions please call our office at 1-800-952-3696.

An Identity Document to prove identity, date of birth, and lawful status is considered to be one of the following:

Certified U.S. birth certificate issued by State or County (hospital birth certificates are not acceptable)
Valid unexpired U.S. passport
Certificate of Naturalization
Certificate of Citizenship
Valid unexpired permanent resident card
Valid unexpired employment authorization document
Foreign passport with valid unexpired U.S. Visa with I-94

(For phone numbers and addresses to write for Vital Records, please visit http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/w2w.htm.)

II . You will need ONE document to prove Social Security number. Only the documents listed below can serve as proof of Social Security number (document must include your full social security number):

Original Social Security card (CANNOT be a metal card or a solid white card with blue/red stripe)
W-2 Form
SSA 1099 Form
Non-SSA 1099 Form
Pay stub (must include name and social security number)

(For information on how to apply for a social security number or replacement card, please visit http://www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber/ )
If you are using a mail forwarding address the applicant must complete the "Residency Affidavit" and provide one document proving their temporary address (campground or RV park receipt)."

RickS

Jan 30, 2011, 8:41 AM

Post #17 of 19 (6508 views)

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Re: [tonynico] South Dakota vehicle registration

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Just as a summary..... the information in tonynico's post is NOT relevant to obtaining South Dakota license registration/plates but rather to obtaining a SD driver's license, something that is probably a non-existent requirement for posters on this forum. That information is of value to (fulltime) RV'ers but that was not the subject here.

tonynico

Jan 30, 2011, 10:40 AM

Post #18 of 19 (6485 views)

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Re: [RickS] South Dakota vehicle registration

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You are correct and as I stated earlier I made a mistake I was going from memory and I got the license and registration requriements mixed up which I stated above. I only posted the requirments for the license to show that it was a true error and not just something I made up it was an honest mistake.

Tony

RickS

Feb 18, 2011, 9:57 AM

Post #19 of 19 (5854 views)

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Re: [RickS] South Dakota vehicle registration

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As a follow-up to acquiring S.D. vehicle title and plates in 2011...

I talked yesterday with the Treasurers office at Clay County S.D. in order to obtain title/plates on the used car I purchased recently. Basically nothing has changed with the requirements.... S.D. is still issuing plates to out-of-state individuals. There is a 'box one clicks' on the application form (it's the first box on the form!) that clearly says it is for an out-of-state application and one must have an 'address' in the U.S. to which the title/plates are sent, but this has always been the case. Also, they do require a copy of your SS card and your driver's license....but again, this is not new as I had to do that before too.

.....the more things change the more they stay the same.