South Dakota DMV Title Transfer Guide

How To Transfer A Vehicle Title In South Dakota

Do you need to know how to transfer a car title in South Dakota? If you’re buying or selling your vehicle in the state, use this FAQ to help you with all the title transfer requirements and information.

Your local county treasurer’s office will handle your title transfer. You will need to visit your local office with all the paperwork given to you by the seller along with a completed motor vehicle title and registration form and accompanying fees and taxes.

Why Do I Need A Car Title?

You need a vehicle title as proof of ownership. This title can be transferred from one owner to another when a car is sold. Vehicle title transfers apply to buying or selling a vehicle as well as gifting, donating, or inheriting a car. The process in South Dakota varies according to the situation.

Ownership of the vehicle is categorized with the make, model, year, and vehicle identification number to create a unique profile.

What Do You Need To Transfer A Car Title In South Dakota?

Whether you’re buying or selling in South Dakota you need to be sure to transfer the vehicle title to the new owner. If you’re buying a car you’ll need to apply for a title in your name in South Dakota within 45 days.

The vehicle will need to be properly signed over to you as the new owner and an odometer disclosure section on the Application for Motor vehicle Title and registration form will need to be completed if the vehicle is less than nine years old. You’ll also need a bill of sale that outlines the vehicle make, model, year, and other information along with the date and price of sale and both buyer and seller signatures.

If there are any liens on the vehicle you’ll also need to provide a proof of lien release.

Once you have all the paperwork you need to visit your local county treasurer’s office with the forms and payment for your titling fees and taxes along with your vehicle registration.

How To Fill Out The SD DMV Transfer Of Title Form

When you’re filling out the DMV title transfer form you’ll need to properly fill out the odometer disclosure section on the Application for Motor Vehicle Title and Registration.

You will also need to complete the Bill of Sale form with your information and signature and the buyer/seller’s information in order for the sale to be considered valid.

Sellers will also need to complete a Seller’s Report of Sale for it to be handed into your county treasurer within 15 days of selling the vehicle.

How Much Is A Title Transfer?

If you’re transferring a vehicle title in South Dakota you’ll also need to include title transfer fees, tax, and any lien notations or late application fees.

In South Dakota those fees cost:

• Title Transfer Fee: $10.
• Late Application Fee: $1 for every one week past the original 45 days.
• Lien Notations: $10.
• Duplicate Title Fee: $10.
• Tax: 4% of the vehicle purchase price.

My Car Title Signed But Never Transferred. What Do I Do?

If your title never transferred then notify the South Dakota Division of Motor Vehicles.

You’ll likely be required to apply for a duplicate title in the case of a lost or stolen one.

Requesting A Duplicate Title In South Dakota

You’ll need a duplicate title if your South Dakota one has been lost or stolen or has been damaged beyond repair.

To receive a replacement you’ll need to complete the Application for a Duplicate Certificate of Title form and submit it along with the duplicate title fee in person to your local country treasurer or by mail to the South Dakota Division of Motor Vehicles.

The duplicate title will be subject to the duplicate fee and any relevant taxes.

How To Transfer A Car Title To A Family Member

To transfer a car title to a family member in South Dakota, you’ll need to follow the same steps to transfer a title when buying or selling a vehicle in the state.

If you’re transferring between family members you will be exempt from tax yet still have to pay the title transfer fee.

How To Transfer A Car Title When Original Owner Is Deceased

Transferring the car title of a deceased family member or friend depends on whether their estate is probated or not.

If the estate is in probate then a representative or heir will need to gather the original vehicle title, their appointment papers and driver’s license and Social Security information, disclosure statement form, and exemptions form along with payment of transfer fees.

If the estate is not in probate then the title can be transferred to the deceased’s immediate heir as long as the county treasurer receives an affidavit of ownership by succession, the original vehicle title, the heir’s driver’s license and Social Security information, disclosure statement, application for motor vehicle registration, and required titling fees.

How To Transfer Ownership Of A Car Without A Title

In South Dakota, if the car title has been lost, stolen, or damaged you will need to apply for a replacement by filling out the Application for a Duplicate Certificate of Title form and paying the duplicate title fee in person at your local county treasurer or by mail.

South Dakota DMV Hours And Contact Information

For specific questions regarding your situation and how to transfer a car title, DMV office hours, or to find the SD DMV location nearest to you, visit the official South Dakota Division of Motor Vehicles website by clicking here.

Common Questions About SD Title Transfer

Are there any questions about transferring a car title that we didn’t cover?

We are constantly updating our content and welcome your feedback. Leave us a comment and let us know any other questions you might have regarding how to transfer a car title in the state of South Dakota.