The SOLAR Project - Sex Offender Legal Advocacy & Reform
📍 STATE GUIDE

South Dakota — Registry Rules

Official-source summary for South Dakota.

10/17/2025

Key Highlights

  • Residency Restrictions: Local governments cannot impose additional restrictions; South Dakota’s registry and community safety zone laws are statewide and preemptive. Registrants may not establish or reside within a 500-ft community safety zone (around schools, public parks, playgrounds, and pools) except as allowed by statute. See SDCL 22-24B-23 and the preemption clause at SDCL 22-24B-25.
  • Presence / Proximity Rules: Loitering in a community safety zone or public library is prohibited unless covered by a listed exception. The rule applies uniformly statewide, per SDCL 22-24B-24.
  • Duration of Registration: Registration periods are fixed by tier—Tier I (5 years), Tier II (25 years), and Tier III (lifetime)—with uniform semiannual in-person verification regardless of tier. See SDCL 22-24B-2.1 and SDCL 22-24B-7.
  • Tiering / Level System: South Dakota’s three-tier system affects only duration and frequency, not reporting content. Tier I (5 yrs), Tier II (25 yrs), and Tier III (lifetime) are defined in SDCL 22-24B-2.1 and verified on the DCI Registry Portal. All provisions are statutorily codified and publicly verifiable through the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation.

At a Glance

  • People convicted of a sex crime (including certain out-of-state/federal/tribal equivalents and some juveniles) must register in person with the local police chief or county sheriff. Initial triggers include residing, temporarily domiciling, attending school/classes, or working in any county. South Dakota uses a three-tier registry (Tier I, II, III).
  • Initial deadline: Within 3 business days of coming into a county to live, temporarily domicile, attend school/classes, or work. Also within 3 business days after getting an SD driver license, registering a vehicle, establishing a postal address, or registering to vote if not otherwise registered.
  • Verification: You must re-register every six months (birth month and six months later). DCI also conducts an annual address confirmation. Tier durations: Tier I minimum 5 years, Tier II minimum 25 years, Tier III lifetime.
  • Primary method: Register and update in person with the chief of police (or county sheriff if no chief exists). Public info is posted on the state SOR website; additional details are available at the local agency.
  • ⚠️ 3-business-day clock is strict for moves, employment/school changes, and address updates.
  • ⚠️ Work includes unpaid/volunteer and short-term work exceeding 14 consecutive days or 30 aggregate days in a year.
  • ⚠️ Must report vehicle registration changes within 3 business days and international travel at least 21 days in advance.
  • ⚠️ Statewide Community Safety Zone rules restrict where you may reside and loiter; local ordinances cannot add extra restrictions.
  • ⚠️ Failure to comply can be a felony; repeat violations escalate penalties.

Official Links

What this means in practice

  • South Dakota is strict and fast: most duties are 3 business days.
  • You’ll check in twice a year and may be listed on the state website.

Watch-outs

  • Unpaid work and short-term gigs can still count as work.
  • Zone rules limit where you can live or loiter.

See the state SOR portal at sor.sd.gov and the statute index at SDCL ch. 22-24B. Tier durations are set in 22-24B-2.1.

Reviewed 10/17/2025

Who Must Register & Duration

Any person convicted of a qualifying sex crime as defined in SDCL 22-24B-1 must register. Juveniles age 14+ adjudicated of rape (or comparable out-of-state/federal offenses) must register. South Dakota’s three-tier system is codified at SDCL 22-24B-2.1. Triggers include residing or temporarily domiciling, attending school/classes, or working in any county; definitions of work and school appear in SDCL 22-24B-3 and SDCL 22-24B-4. Initial registration duties and timing are in SDCL 22-24B-2.

Duration: Registration periods are fixed by tier—Tier I (5 years), Tier II (25 years), and Tier III (lifetime)—with uniform semiannual in-person verification regardless of tier. See SDCL 22-24B-2.1 and SDCL 22-24B-7.

What this means in practice

  • If you have a qualifying sex offense, plan to live, stay, study, or work in SD, you likely must register.
  • Some juveniles (14+) must register if adjudicated of rape.

Watch-outs

  • Out-of-state and federal convictions can still require SD registration.
  • Ask about your tier; it affects how long you stay on.

Triggers and timing appear in 22-24B-2. Work and school definitions are in 22-24B-3 and 22-24B-4.

Deadlines & Reporting Triggers

  • Initial registration: within 3 business days of entering any county to live, temporarily domicile, attend school/classes, or work; also within 3 business days after obtaining an SD driver license, vehicle registration, postal address, or voter registration if not otherwise registered. See SDCL 22-24B-2.
  • Semiannual re-registration: birth month and six months later each year. See SDCL 22-24B-7.
  • Annual DCI address confirmation: law enforcement confirms your residence yearly. See SDCL 22-24B-8.1.
  • Address change: notify the last registering agency in writing within 3 business days. See SDCL 22-24B-12.
  • Move out of state: give in-person notice within 3 business days of a new location/address outside SD. See SDCL 22-24B-12.2.
  • Employment or school changes (start/stop/change): report to local law enforcement within 3 business days. See SDCL 22-24B-6.
  • Vehicle updates: report any change in vehicle registration within 3 business days. See SDCL 22-24B-36.
  • International travel: report intent to travel at least 21 days in advance. See SDCL 22-24B-37 and federal notice guidance from SMART Office.

What this means in practice

  • Initial registration and most changes are due within 3 business days.
  • Re-register twice yearly; respond to DCI’s annual address confirmation.

Watch-outs

  • Address moves require written notice to your last registering agency.
  • Leaving the U.S. requires 21-day advance notice.

See semiannual rule at 22-24B-7, address change at 22-24B-12, out-of-state notice at 22-24B-12.2, and international travel at 22-24B-37.

Verification & In-Person Requirements

  • Register and re-register in person with the police chief or sheriff where you reside, temporarily domicile, attend school/classes, or work. See SDCL 22-24B-2 and semiannual cadence in SDCL 22-24B-7.
  • DCI mails an annual verification; you must return it within 10 days per DCI’s FAQ implementing SDCL 22-24B-5. See the state’s FAQ and public portal at sor.sd.gov.

What this means in practice

  • Plan on in-person trips to the police or sheriff’s office.
  • Mark your birth month and +6 months.

Watch-outs

  • Missing a semiannual visit can be a felony.
  • Return DCI’s annual form within 10 days.

In-person duties arise from 22-24B-2 and 22-24B-7; the annual confirmation is in 22-24B-8.1 and DCI’s FAQ on sor.sd.gov.

Residency, Presence, & Loitering Restrictions

South Dakota enforces Community Safety Zone restrictions statewide. Registrants may not establish or reside within the zone except for narrow exceptions. Loitering within the zone or in public libraries is generally prohibited. See SDCL 22-24B-23 and SDCL 22-24B-24. Local governments cannot enact inconsistent ordinances. See SDCL 22-24B-25. A secondary stay inside the zone for >24 hours requires prior verbal notice to law enforcement. See SDCL 22-24B-23.1.

What this means in practice

  • South Dakota has statewide zones limiting where you can live or loiter.
  • Short secondary stays inside a zone for over 24 hours need prior notice.

Watch-outs

  • Local governments cannot add extra zone rules, but you must still follow the state rules.
  • Violations can be felonies.

See residency limitations at 22-24B-23, loitering at 22-24B-24, preemption at 22-24B-25, and secondary-stay notice at 22-24B-23.1.

Employment, Education, & Internet Use

  • Work is broad: paid or unpaid, full- or part-time, >14 consecutive days or >30 aggregate days/year. See SDCL 22-24B-3.
  • School/classes include any public/private secondary, trade/professional, or higher-ed enrollment. See SDCL 22-24B-4.
  • You must report employment/school changes within 3 business days. See SDCL 22-24B-6.
  • Public website display and what may be shared are addressed in SDCL 22-24B-10 and 22-24B-21. Search at the state portal: sor.sd.gov.

What this means in practice

  • Unpaid volunteer roles can count as work.
  • Any enrollment (full/part-time) counts as school.

Watch-outs

  • Report work/school starts, stops, or changes within 3 business days.
  • Ask your agency what online identifiers or other details are required under 22-24B-8.

Definitions at 22-24B-3 and 22-24B-4; change-report rule at 22-24B-6.

Public Website Exposure

  • DCI forwards registration to the Division and maintains files; most fields are public (with confidential exceptions) and appear online. See SDCL 22-24B-10 and 22-24B-11.
  • The state’s public website is operated by the Attorney General’s Division of Criminal Investigation at sor.sd.gov (includes search tools, FAQs, and contacts).

What this means in practice

  • Most registry details are public and searchable online.
  • Some sensitive info is not public.

Watch-outs

  • Misusing registry info can lead to criminal charges.
  • If you find errors, contact your local agency.

Public-record scope and online posting in 22-24B-10/-11/-21. Public search portal: sor.sd.gov.

Travel & Relocation (Interstate Moves)

  • Before moving out of state, provide in-person notice of your new location/address within 3 business days. See SDCL 22-24B-12.2.
  • If you will work in SD more than the statutory thresholds or attend classes, you must register in SD (even if registered elsewhere). See SDCL 22-24B-2, 22-24B-3, and 22-24B-4.

What this means in practice

  • If you move out of SD, give in-person notice within 3 business days.
  • International trips require 21-day advance notice.

Watch-outs

  • Working or attending classes in SD can trigger registration even if you live elsewhere.
  • Other states have different rules—always check before traveling.

See 22-24B-12.2 (move out of state), 22-24B-2 (triggers), and 22-24B-37 plus SMART guidance.

Visiting or Traveling in the State

  • Short visits without living, temporary domiciling, attending classes, or working generally do not trigger registration. But if your stay becomes a temporary domicile or you meet the work/school thresholds, registration is required. See SDCL 22-24B-2, 22-24B-3, and 22-24B-4.
  • Secondary stays inside a Community Safety Zone for >24 hours require prior verbal notice to law enforcement. See SDCL 22-24B-23.1.
  • For international trips, provide 21-day advance notice. See SDCL 22-24B-37 and SMART guidance.

What this means in practice

  • Short leisure visits usually do not require registration.
  • If your visit becomes a temporary domicile or you meet work/school thresholds, you must register.

Watch-outs

  • Secondary stays inside a Safety Zone for >24 hours require prior notice.
  • When in doubt, call the local agency before you arrive.

See triggers in 22-24B-2, work threshold in 22-24B-3, school in 22-24B-4, and secondary-stay notice at 22-24B-23.1.

Compliance & Enforcement

Registration, re-registration, and timely updates are criminally enforced. Failing to register semiannually is a Class 6 felony; failing to submit address change within 3 business days is a Class 6 felony (repeat offenses escalate). Vehicle update failures are Class 1 misdemeanors, and international travel notice violations are misdemeanors. Statutes include SDCL 22-24B-7, 22-24B-12, 22-24B-36, and 22-24B-37. Using registry info to harass can itself be a crime (see warnings on sor.sd.gov).

What this means in practice

  • Missing deadlines can mean felony charges.
  • Repeat violations can bring harsher penalties.

Watch-outs

  • Vehicle and international travel notices have their own penalties.
  • Using registry info to harass is a crime.

See penalties in 22-24B-7, 22-24B-12, 22-24B-36, 22-24B-37, and the warning banner on sor.sd.gov.

Relief Paths

  • Tier I: may petition for removal after 5 years if statutory criteria are met. See SDCL 22-24B-19.
  • Tier II: may petition for removal after 25 years if criteria are met. See SDCL 22-24B-19.1.
  • Tier III: defined at SDCL 22-24B-19.2 and generally lifetime with no statutory removal.
  • Out-of-state registrants: eligibility for removal and to establish in-state residence addressed at SDCL 22-24B-33 and 22-24B-34.
  • Safety Zone exemptions may be sought under SDCL 22-24B-26 to -28.

What this means in practice

  • Tier I may seek removal after 5 years; Tier II after 25 years if criteria are met.
  • Tier III is lifetime.

Watch-outs

  • Petitions require service, documents, and court findings.
  • Out-of-state status has separate eligibility rules.

Petition process: 22-24B-17 to -21; Tier criteria: 22-24B-19 and 22-24B-19.1; out-of-state provisions: 22-24B-33/-34.

Special Populations

  • Juveniles (14+) adjudicated of rape (or comparable offenses) must register. See SDCL 22-24B-2.
  • Homeless persons and those in certain facilities have specific exceptions/handling within Community Safety Zones. See SDCL 22-24B-23.
  • Persons registered on tribal lands appear on the state site with links to tribal SORs; see tribal links on sor.sd.gov.

What this means in practice

  • Some juveniles must register; tribal registrations appear on the state site.
  • Facility/homeless exceptions apply within zones.

Watch-outs

  • Tribal jurisdictions may have separate rules—use the tribal links on the state portal.
  • Always confirm with the local authority for your situation.

See juvenile language in 22-24B-2 and zone exceptions in 22-24B-23. Tribal links are provided on sor.sd.gov.

Costs & Payments

  • No statewide registration fee is specified in Chapter 22-24B; verify any local processing or fingerprinting/ID costs with the registering agency (DCI resources at dci.sd.gov and Identification Section info here).
  • Travel or document costs (e.g., certified copies) may apply for removal petitions filed in circuit court. See removal statutes starting at SDCL 22-24B-17.

Recent Changes & Litigation

  • Statute: SL 2024, ch. 88 — 2024 Regular Session; effective 2024-07-01. Updated three-tier framework language; confirms Tier I minimum 5 years, Tier II minimum 25 years, Tier III lifetime. link
  • Statute: SL 2024, ch. 89 — 2024 Regular Session; effective 2024-07-01. Amended Community Safety Zone section and exceptions; penalties clarified and updated. link

Compliance Checklists & Scripts

New Arrival: First 30 Days

  • Call the police chief/sheriff where you will live, temporarily domicile, attend classes, or work; ask what documents to bring. Find contacts at sor.sd.gov.
  • Register in person within 3 business days. Cite SDCL 22-24B-2.
  • Bring government ID, proof of address, vehicle info, employer/school details; be ready for a photo/DNA if requested per SDCL 22-24B-8.
  • Calendar your birth-month and +6 months re-registrations. See SDCL 22-24B-7.
  • Review Community Safety Zone maps or ask law enforcement about prohibited areas before leasing. See SDCL 22-24B-23.

Moving Out / Traveling

  • Before moving, give in-person notice of your new location/address within 3 business days. See SDCL 22-24B-12.2.
  • Ask the destination state about arrival deadlines and whether work/school will trigger registration. Use the destination state’s registry site and federal guidance via the SMART Office.
  • If traveling internationally, file the 21-day advance notice. See SDCL 22-24B-37.

Records Request Template

To: Division of Criminal Investigation, Identification Section (contact) and Local Registering Agency.

Subject: Public Records – Sex Offender Registration File (SDCL 22-24B-10/-11)

Body: I request copies of my registration record and any verification history, excluding confidential items (SSN, victim info) as provided by SDCL 22-24B-10 and 22-24B-11. Please advise of any copy fees and provide electronic delivery if available.

Relief Petition Outline

Caption in circuit court; identify Tier and statute (SDCL 22-24B-19, 22-24B-19.1, or 22-24B-19.2); allege years compliant, offense details, treatment/compliance exhibits, no disqualifiers; attach required documents per SDCL 22-24B-18; serve per 22-24B-17; request order under 22-24B-20.

Tips for using these checklists

  • Use the New Arrival steps to avoid deadline errors.
  • For removal, mirror the statutory outline and attach proof.

Agency contacts and search live at sor.sd.gov. Petition statutes begin at 22-24B-17.

Citations

🤝 This guide was created from official legal sources and checked with the help of AI-assisted research. We strive for accuracy and clarity — if you spot something that seems off or out of date, please let us know so we can correct it for everyone.

Informational only; not legal advice.