When selling a vehicle, you will need to complete a bill of sale and an odometer disclosure statement if the vehicle\motorcycle is less than 20 years old. The back of a South Dakota title has spaces for all the required information, or separate forms may be filled out.
A report of sale will need to be filled out and submitted when a vehicle is sold. Older South Dakota titles have a tear off slip on the bottom of the title that may be turned in, or a Seller’s Report of Sale may be filled out and submitted. Alternatively, if the owner has a South Dakota driver’s license or ID the sale may be reported on the SDCars Online Portal.
In South Dakota plates stay with the owner, not the vehicle. The plates should be removed from the vehicle when it is sold. If the vehicle was sold privately the seller may obtain a Seller’s Permit which allows the new owner to drive legally while waiting to apply for title. The permit is good for 45 days and may be obtained by the seller through our office or on the SDCars Online Portal.
Frequently Asked Questions
I am selling my vehicle, but I can’t find my title
In South Dakota a seller has 45 days from the date of sale to deliver the title to the purchaser. If you don’t have the title you will need to apply for a duplicate title, which can take several weeks for the title to be processed and mailed by the state. If there is a lien holder and the title is being held electronically (ELT) the title will not be printed until the lien has been released.
What makes a valid bill of sale?
A valid bill of sale must include the complete vehicle information (year, make, model, complete VIN), the date of sale, sale price, seller name, buyer name, and be signed by the seller and buyer. South Dakota titles have a section on the back to fill in the purchase price, date of sale, and the seller’s signature If any of the required information is missing, or not filled out, a separate bill of sale will be needed (Form 1025).
When is an odometer required?
An odometer disclosure is required for all vehicles\motorcycles 20 years old or newer. The back of South Dakota titles has a section for the odometer to be filled out by the seller. A separate Odometer Disclosure may also be completed by the seller.
Can I get a refund on my registration after I’ve sold my vehicle?
South Dakota statute does not provide for a refund when a vehicle is sold. The plates should be removed from a sold vehicle as they stay with the owner, not the vehicle. If you purchase a vehicle, you may transfer the license plates from the sold vehicle to receive credit for any remaining registration. Once the plates have expired, they become dead and cannot be transferred.
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