South Dakota Scale Certification & Weights and Measures

South Dakota runs a state-managed weights and measures program — commercial scale owners deal with the state agency directly. If you operate a commercial scale in South Dakota — at a warehouse, farm, recycling yard, retail store, or truck stop — here is who regulates it, what the law requires, and exactly who to contact.

Who inspects commercial scales in South Dakota?

State-run: SD Department of Public Safety Weights and Measures inspectors test and seal all commercial weighing and measuring devices - gas pumps and retail scales every two years, heavy scales normally annually. New devices must be installed and placed in service by a state-registered service agency, then certified and sealed by a state inspector.

What South Dakota requires of scale owners

A business buying or selling by weight must use an NTEP 'Legal for Trade' device, have it installed/placed in service by a South Dakota-registered service agency, and have it sealed by the state before commercial use; state law prohibits transactions on a device not sealed by the Office of Weights and Measures within two years. The state charges inspection fees; firms that install/service/repair devices for pay must register annually with DPS.

Getting a scale into service — 4 steps

1. Buy a legal-for-trade (NTEP-certified) scale appropriate for your application and capacity.
2. Confirm registration and licensing requirements with the South Dakota Department of Public Safety (605-773-3697) before the scale enters commercial use.
3. Arrange compliant installation and calibration. Where required, placing-in-service must be done by a licensed or registered service company.
4. Stay compliant. Pass required inspections, keep calibration current, retain service records.

Common questions