Replacing a South Dakota lost car title is an important step for motor vehicle owners who are dealing with a loss or theft of their original title certificate. Car owners can request a replacement car title through the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) of the state Department of Revenue by following the given directions. The requirements for replacing your title generally include submitting the relevant documentation and paying the appropriate fees for a duplicate title.

Failure to obtain a replacement in due time may prevent other vehicle-related proceedings from being completed, such as vehicle registrations or title transfers among others. Learn more about how to get a replacement car title in South Dakota in the sections below.

When do you need to get a duplicate car title in South Dakota?

Initiating a process to replace a lost car title at the DMV may be necessary in several different situations. For instance, you are eligible to submit a request for a replacement title to the state MVD provided you lost your original certificate of title.

Other reasons for requesting a replacement car title include having a mutilated or destroyed document. Should you wish to learn about other circumstances that require you to apply for a duplicate title, contact the Motor Vehicle Division in a timely manner.

Documents Required When Applying for a South Dakota Car Title Copy

The procedure of replacing a car title will require you to collect and submit a set of specific documents, as well as provide payment for the applicable fees to the SD MVD. The documentation requirements for replacing a lost or damaged auto title involve an application form that must contain true and accurate details.

The additional documents necessary to request a replacement car title in SD generally depend on the circumstances of your case. For example, a copy of power of attorney will be necessary provided an authorized agent makes application for a duplicate title on behalf of the vehicle’s owner.

If the vehicle has an existing lienholder that has been paid in full, a signed lien release form must be provided. Otherwise, a lien’s signature must be on the replacement title application form.

If the reason for requesting a replacement car title in South Dakota is a mutilated document, the application package must include the mutilated title certificate as well. To check whether other documents apply to your specific circumstances, contact the Motor Vehicle Division.

Note: The state MVD does not issue duplicate title certificates for titles that are currently in electronic form (ELT).

Available Methods for Replacing Your Car Title in South Dakota

Applicants currently have the option to request a replacement car title in SD via mail or through an in-person visit to their county treasurer’s title office. Regardless of the method chosen to request a car title replacement, the application package will need to include all the required documents and payment for the set prices.

Before submitting an SD lost auto title application for a replacement, vehicle owners must ensure their forms are filled out correctly and completely. Otherwise, their request may be denied. The option to replace a car title online is currently unavailable with the South Dakota MVD.

By Mail

If you are wondering how to replace a vehicle title via mail, note that you must have the pertinent application paperwork ready for submission to the specified address. The requirements to replace a car title by mail in South Dakota include a completed application, fee payment and any applicable supporting documents (these will vary depending on your case). The exact address where you will need to send your application package is listed on the replacement title application form.

In Person

The process to replace a lost car title in person in SD is generally an available option for applicants who are unable to submit a mail-in request for a duplicate. In order to finalize a lost car title replacement transaction in person, motor vehicle owners will need to visit a nearby SD county treasurer’s title office to present their application package. Prior to going to an office to request a replacement vehicle title, remember to contact the MVD to check whether you will need to present a photo ID for identification purposes.

How to Fill out the Duplicate Car Title Application in South Dakota

To finalize their procedure to replace a lost car title at the DMV in South Dakota successfully, applicants must fill out and submit the relevant application. The application requires applicants to enter specific information pertaining to the vehicle in question, as well as personal data.

One of the required details for replacing a car title is an odometer reading on motor vehicles that are nine years old or newer, as well as on vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of 16,000 pounds or less. Additional application requirements for replacing a lost or damaged car title include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Vehicle information, such as the vehicle identification number (VIN), title number, make, year and body type
  • Lienholder information and signature(s) (if applicable)
  • Applicant certification

Note: Your replacement title application form must be signed in the presence of a notary public and must include the notary public’s seal.

Car Title Replacement Fees

Your replacement car title request will be processed successfully once you provide payment for the $10 fee. Prices are subject to change without notice. Contact the Motor Vehicle Division to inquire about the acceptable forms of payment.

Last updated on Tuesday, March 10 2020.