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For immediate release: Tuesday, April 28, 2009
For more information: Debra Hillmer, Director, Division of Motor Vehicles, 605.773.3541
License Fees Increasing for SD Boat Owners May 1
(PIERRE, SD) – South Dakota boat owners will be paying more to license their watercraft effective May 1, according to the Department of Revenue & Regulation, Division of Motor Vehicles.
Division Director Deb Hillmer says boat license fees will vary depending on the size of the boat and the term of the license. The increase was approved by the Game, Fish and Parks Commission at their regular meeting held in January; it is the first increase in boat license fees since 1996. Revenues from the license fees go to the Department of Game, Fish and Parks for improving and maintaining facilities used by boaters throughout South Dakota.
The increases which go into effect May 1 include:
* License fees for non-motorized boats over 12 feet long and boats propelled by electric motors will increase from $10.00 to $12.50 for one year and from $20.00 to $25.00 for three years.
* License fees for motorboats under 19 feet long (including jet skis) will increase from $15.00 to $20.00 for one year and from $40.00 to $55.00 for three years.
* License fees for motorboats 19 feet long and over will increase from $30.00 to $40.00 for one year and $80.00 to $110.00 for three years.
* Temporary fishing tournament boat licenses good for 10 consecutive days can be purchased for $50.00.
In addition to the license fees shown above, counties also assess a $1.00 administrative fee for each boat license issued.
Hillmer reminds boat owners that effective July 1, 2008, a staggered registration system was implemented for boats which follows the same staggered registration system used for cars, trucks, vans and motorcycles. The new system was developed to save boat owners an extra trip to their county treasurer’s office by allowing vehicle owners to register all of their vehicles at the same time. Depending on when an individual’s boat license expires, 2009 will be the first year many boats are being added to the staggered registration system.
For more information on licensing boats, contact your local county treasurer or the state Division of Motor Vehicles at 605.773.3541. Information on licensing and titling boats is also available on-line at www.state.sd.us/drr2/motorvehicle/title/register.htm.
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