Sturgis Rally

Transient Vendors Frequently Asked role

Do I need a license?
Yes.  If you are a transient vendor, you need a license.  Even if you are exempt from paying the license fee, you must obtain a license.  The only exception is a person who sells agricultural products grown by that person or his family in Meade County.

What kind of license do I need?
If you operate your temporary business between August 1 and August 15, you need a Class A license.  This license requirement applies to all vendors, including Meade County residents and holders of Class B Licenses.  If you operate your temporary business during the rest of the year, you need a class B license. If you lease land to transient vendors, you need a Transient Vendor Host License.

Does each tattoo artist need his or her own license?
If the tattoo artist is an independent contractor, each artist needs his/her own license.

What is the $25.00 tattoo inspection fee?
The State of South Dakota Health Department must inspect all tattoo artists prior to tattooing.  Meade County collects the $25.00 inspection fee on behalf of the State.

What if I sell more than one type of merchandise?
Only one license is needed per vendor, regardless of the type of merchandise.

What if I sell my goods/services from a vehicle or on foot?
Peddlers are considered transient vendors and must be licensed.  The license must be displayed on your vehicle to make it as easily seen as possible. 

What if I want to sell during the Rally and before/after the Rally?
If you conduct a temporary business in Meade County outside the August 1-15 window, you need a Class B license, even if you have a Class A license.
Does Meade County accept credit cards/personal checks/business checks?
No.  Meade County only accepts cashiers checks, money orders or cash.

What is a Transient Vendor?
A transient vendor is any person who sells goods or services from a temporary location in Meade County.  You are a transient vendor if you are conducting business from a place that is not your permanent place of business. 

What do I need to do to get a license?For a Transient Vendor,  you must fill out the Application for Transient Vendor License.  YOU MUST INCLUDE YOUR SOUTH DAKOTA SALES TAX ID NUMBER.  You must also provide the location where you intend to conduct your temporary business.For a Host License, you must fill out an application for a Transient Vendor Host License.  YOU MUST INCLUDE A DRAWING OF YOUR PROPERTY AND THE LOCATION OF VENDING STALLS.

Are there any exemptions from the license fee?
Yes.  Non profits are exempt from all license fees upon a showing of valid, current evidence of non-profit status.  Meade County residents are exempt from the Class B license fee.

Contact info and hours of operation coming soon.