How to transfer a car title in South Dakota
For private sellers and buyers in South Dakota. A dealer trade-in follows the dealer's own process.
To transfer a car title in South Dakota, the seller signs the back of the title, gives the buyer a signed bill of sale and a free seller's permit, and takes the plates off. The buyer applies at the county treasurer within 45 days of the sale and pays the 4% excise tax and the title fee.
What do the buyer and seller each do in South Dakota?
Seller
- Sign the title over on the back. Every owner on record signs.
- Hand over the title within 45 days of the sale.
- Give the buyer a free 45 day seller's permit so they can drive the car. Not giving one is a misdemeanor.
- Take your plates off the car.
- Give the buyer a signed bill of sale with the car's make, model and serial number, the price, the date and the buyer's name and address.
Buyer
- Apply for the title at your county treasurer's office within 45 days of the sale.
- Bring the signed title and the bill of sale. Without a bill of sale, the tax is based on the book value.
- Pay the 4% motor vehicle excise tax on the price, plus the title fee.
- Late? Interest starts after 45 days and a penalty after 60 days, plus $1 for each week late.
- Need more time to drive it? Buy a 5 to 15 day permit at $1 a day.
If you're not sure what you need, check with the South Dakota Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Division before you go: dor.sd.gov
How do I sign over a car title in South Dakota?
Step 2 · Seller
Give the buyer a seller's permit.
It is free and lasts 45 days. Get it online or at a county treasurer kiosk.
dor.sd.gov checkedStep 3 · Seller
Hand over a bill of sale and keep your plates.
Sign the bill of sale and take your plates off the car.
dor.sd.gov checked
The South Dakota Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Division asks for a bill of sale when a car is sold. dor.sd.gov checked
South Dakota bill of saleHow do I put a car title in my name in South Dakota?
Step 1 · Buyer
Go to your county treasurer within 45 days.
Bring the signed title, the bill of sale and the title application.
1001 · Application for Motor Vehicle Title & RegistrationFind these forms on the SD Department of Revenue site
dor.sd.gov checkedStep 2 · Buyer
Pay the excise tax and fees.
4% of the price, the title fee and the plate fees.
dor.sd.gov checked
After SD Motor Vehicle Division processes your papers, it issues the new title in the new owner's name.
South Dakota guides
- You're reading this guideSell or buy a carSteps to sell a car in South Dakota · Steps to buy a car in South Dakota
- South Dakota bill of saleOfficial form 1025
- Replace a lost title in South DakotaDuplicate title (1002)
- Car title after a death in South DakotaThe steps depend on the estate and who the title names
How much does a title transfer cost in South Dakota?
| Fee | Amount | Who pays | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Title fee | $10 | Buyer | dor.sd.gov Checked |
| Motor vehicle excise tax | 4% | Buyer | dor.sd.gov Checked |
| Lien fee, if there is a loan (if it applies) | $10 | Buyer | dor.sd.gov Checked |
| Total of required fees, before tax | $10 |
Fees can change. Check the official page before you pay. Tax depends on the price and on who is buying. The tax rules are on the site of the South Dakota Department of Revenue.
Special cases
- Giving a car as a giftNot confirmed yet Gift steps for South Dakota are being checked.
- Lost titleUse the Duplicate Title Application (1002).
- The owner diedThe steps depend on the estate and who the title names.
Common questions
What is a seller's permit?
A free temporary permit the seller must give the buyer so they can drive the car until it is titled. Not giving one is a misdemeanor.
dor.sd.gov checked
What if the buyer is late?
Interest starts after the grace period, a penalty follows, and there is a weekly late fee.
dor.sd.gov checked
Sources for this page
About this page
This page summarizes official South Dakota sources in plain English. Car Title Steps is not a government website, is not connected to the South Dakota Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Division, and does not file or prepare forms. Confirm each step with the agency before you sign, pay or mail anything. Found a mistake? Email mr@marcelruettgers.com.