South Dakota Vehicle Bill of Sale

Do I need a bill of sale to sell a car in South Dakota?

Yes. South Dakota requires the seller to provide a bill of sale to the buyer when selling a vehicle. If the back of the South Dakota title includes spaces for the purchase price, date of sale, and seller's signature and all are completed, a separate bill of sale may not be needed. If any required information is missing from the title, a separate bill of sale must be completed using Form 1025. The bill of sale must include the vehicle's year, make, model, VIN, sale date, sale price, and signatures of both parties.

Does a South Dakota bill of sale need to be notarized?

No. South Dakota does not require the bill of sale to be notarized. Both the buyer and seller sign the document, and those signatures are legally sufficient. Notarization is optional. The title assignment also does not require notarization in South Dakota. However, the seller must file a Seller's Report of Sale with the Department of Revenue — failure to do so is a Class 2 misdemeanor.

How long do I have to title a vehicle after purchase in South Dakota?

The buyer must apply for a title and registration at the county treasurer's office within 45 days of the purchase date. Interest is assessed at 1.25% per month (minimum $5) on the excise tax after 45 days. A 10% penalty fee (minimum $10) is automatically applied after 60 days. The seller can issue a Seller's Permit through the SDCars Online Portal, giving the buyer legal permission to drive the vehicle during the 45-day window.

How much is the sales tax on a private vehicle sale in South Dakota?

South Dakota imposes a 4% motor vehicle excise tax on the purchase price. The tax is paid to the county treasurer at the time of titling and registration. Transfers between spouses, parents and children, and siblings are exempt from the excise tax — only a $10 title transfer fee applies for exempt family transfers. Trade-in credits reduce the taxable amount.

Is an odometer disclosure required in South Dakota?

Yes. An odometer disclosure is required for all vehicles and motorcycles that are 20 model years old or newer. The back of the South Dakota title has a section for the seller to record the odometer reading. A separate Odometer Disclosure form may also be used. The disclosure must indicate whether the reading is actual, exceeds mechanical limits, or reflects a discrepancy.

Are there inspections required to sell a car in South Dakota?

No. South Dakota does not require emissions testing or safety inspections for private vehicle sales. There is no state inspection program. The seller should remove the license plates before delivering the vehicle, as plates stay with the owner in South Dakota. The buyer will obtain new plates when registering the vehicle at the county treasurer's office.

What if the vehicle has multiple owners?

If the vehicle is titled to more than one person, all owners on the title must sign the bill of sale. Use the "Add a co-seller" option on the form to add the second seller's name and address. Both sellers' names and signature lines will appear on the document. For electronic signing, each co-owner can sign on the same device in sequence, or the document can be passed from one device to another via QR code or shared link. Both buyers can likewise be named on the bill of sale using the "Add a co-buyer" option.