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Requirements for vessel registration vary from state to state. In South Dakota, you must have a South Dakota Certificate of Number (registration card) and validation decals to operate a vessel on public waters legally. Exceptions to the registration requirement include:

  • Vessels 12 feet or less in length without a motor of any kind
  • Vessels properly registered in another state and using South Dakota waters for less than 60 consecutive days within one calendar year1
  • Vessels documented with the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) and using South Dakota waters for less than 60 consecutive days within one calendar year1

1. Vessels that are berthed at a South Dakota marina must have a South Dakota registration if the contract for the berth is for 60 or more consecutive days within a calendar year.

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