How To Transfer a Car Title in South Dakota 2026
Motor vehicle title transfers in South Dakota are governed by SDCL Chapter 32-3, which establishes the legal framework for title registration, liens, and transfers. Under this chapter, both the buyer and the seller bear distinct obligations to ensure a legally valid change of ownership.
Buyers have 45 days from the date of purchase to apply for title and registration; applications submitted after this deadline are subject to late fees, interest charges, and penalties on the unpaid motor vehicle excise tax.
Required Documents for Title Transfer in South Dakota
All documents must be assembled before submitting a title application to a local county treasurer's office, which administers motor vehicle titling and registration on behalf of the SDDOR. Incomplete submissions will delay the processing of the application.
| Document | Responsible Party | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate of Title — Assigned | Seller | Assignment section must include the buyer's name and address, odometer reading, purchase date, and sale price |
| Application for Motor Vehicle and Boat Title & Registration | Buyer | Primary SDDOR form required to establish a new certificate of title and vehicle registration |
| Bill of Sale | Both Parties | Required for all title transfers; must include VIN, year, make, model, sale price, and date of transaction |
| Odometer Disclosure Statement | Seller | Required for all vehicles less than 20 years old and weighing less than 16,000 lbs. |
| Seller's Permit | Seller | Free 45-day permit issued at time of sale; authorizes the buyer to operate the vehicle pending registration |
| Valid South Dakota Driver's License or ID | Both Parties | Required for each owner listed on the title application |
| Lien Release (if applicable) | Buyer | Documentation confirming the satisfaction of any prior security interest recorded against the vehicle |
| Power of Attorney (if applicable) | Authorized Agent | Required when an authorized agent executes the title application on behalf of the record owner |
Step-by-Step Title Transfer Process in South Dakota
Step 1: Complete the Assignment Section on the Certificate of Title
Pursuant to SDCL Chapter 32-3, the seller must deliver a properly assigned certificate of title to the buyer at the time of the vehicle sale. The assignment section, located on the reverse side of the existing title certificate, must contain all of the following information:
- Full legal name and address of the buyer
- Odometer reading at the time of sale
- Date of the sale transaction
- Stated purchase price
- Seller's signature
No erasures, strikeouts, or correction fluid are permitted anywhere on the title certificate. Any alteration may render the document invalid and necessitate additional processing steps before the transfer can proceed.
Step 2: Issue a Seller's Permit
At the time of sale, the seller must provide the buyer with a free Seller's Permit valid for 45 days. This permit authorizes the buyer to lawfully operate the vehicle during the interval between the date of purchase and formal titling and registration. A seller's permit may be obtained at the seller's local county treasurer's office or through the State's online motor vehicle portal. Failure to furnish this permit to the buyer at the time of the sale constitutes a Class 2 misdemeanor under South Dakota law.
Step 3: Prepare and Verify All Required Documentation
Prior to presenting the title application, all required documents must be reviewed for accuracy and completeness. The odometer disclosure form must be completed for any vehicle that is less than 20 years old and weighs less than 16,000 pounds. The bill of sale must reflect all required vehicle information and transaction details. In cases where a lien exists on the vehicle, an electronic lien release from the lienholder must be obtained before submission. All parties should confirm that the title certificate has been accurately assigned and fully signed before proceeding.
Step 4: Complete the Title and Registration Application
The buyer must complete and execute the Application for Motor Vehicle and Boat Title & Registration, the official SDDOR form required to issue a new certificate of title and registration in South Dakota. If an authorized agent is completing the application on behalf of the record owner, a Power of Attorney document must accompany all submitted materials. The application must be submitted within 45 days of the purchase date to avoid the accrual of late penalties and excise tax interest.
Step 5: Submit All Documents and Pay Required Fees at the County Treasurer's Office
All completed documents must be submitted to the buyer's local county treasurer's office. All fees are assessed from the original purchase date, regardless of when the application is submitted. The standard fee schedule, is outlined below:
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Title Fee | $10 | Standard fee applied to all title applications |
| Motor Vehicle Excise Tax | 4% of purchase price | Required before title issuance; assessed on all motor vehicles |
| Lien Notation Fee | $10 | Assessed when a lienholder is recorded on the new title |
| Solid Waste Fee | $1 | Applied to all title transactions |
| Mailing Fee | $7.50 | Assessed when the title is mailed to the applicant |
| Highway Patrol Fee | $1 | Applied to all title transactions |
| Late Title Penalty | $1.00/week (max $50) | Assessed for each week past the 45-day deadline; penalty caps at $50 after 24 weeks |
| Non-Resident Administrative Fee | $100 | Applied to applicants without a South Dakota driver's license, ID, or physical in-state address |
Interest on unpaid excise tax begins accruing at a rate of 1% or $5 — whichever is greater — for the first month following the 45-day deadline, and at 1% per month thereafter. A one-time penalty equal to 10% of the tax or $10, whichever is greater, is automatically assessed on any application submitted more than 60 days after the purchase date.
Step 6: Receive the New Certificate of Title
Once all documentation has been submitted and applicable fees are confirmed as paid, the county treasurer's office will process the application and transmit it to the SDDOR Motor Vehicle Division. The new certificate of title will be mailed to the address provided on the application. Temporary registration materials are available at the county office during the processing period.
Contact Information
South Dakota Department of Revenue — Motor Vehicle Division
445 East Capitol Avenue, Pierre, SD 57501
Phone: (605) 773-3541
Official Website: South Dakota Department of Revenue
