A car title transfer in South Dakota is a procedure that motorists need to perform when they want to sell a motor vehicle to another legal party. Moreover, title transfers for cars must be also performed when buying a vehicle from another legal entity. When individuals are wondering, “How do you transfer a title on a car in SD?” they are recommended to perform such procedure through the South Dakota Department of Revenue (SD DOR).

Both legal entities may be required to satisfy their own title transfer requirements in order to complete the procedure successfully. To learn more information about how to fill out transfer of title in South Dakota, continue reading the following sections.

What is a car title transfer in South Dakota?

When transferring a car title in South Dakota, motorists are first encouraged to find out the significance of a certificate of title and the reasons why the document is transferred to the other legal entity.

Drivers who are wondering how to fill out transfer of title need to know that a car title is a legal document issued by the South Dakota Department of Revenue (DOR) and its main purpose is to establish the ownership of a motor vehicle.

However, the certificate of title also contains vehicle information such as make, weight, model year and vehicle identification number (VIN). That is the reason why upon performing a South Dakota transfer of car title procedure this document must be transferred to the new owner of the motor vehicle.

When is a vehicle title transfer required in South Dakota?

A South Dakota vehicle title transfer procedure is required from vehicle owners in various situations and under certain circumstances. The main instance when individuals need to complete a car title transfer is when they purchase or sell either a new or a used vehicle.

Moreover, motorists may also perform a transfer of car title after receiving a vehicle as a gift or as a part of inheritance.

South Dakota uses electronic title transfer processes, yet you cannot use title transfer online processes to complete this process. If you are still wondering, “how do you transfer a title on a car in South Dakota?” contact the SD DOR and learn more detailed information about the procedure.

Information and Documents Necessary to Transfer a Title in South Dakota

When performing a motor vehicle title transfer in South Dakota, motorists will be required to provide certain information and documents needed for a complete title transfer procedure. Motorists who are wondering how to fill out transfer of title may need to provide a completed certificate of title and payment for the applicable fees and taxes.

Moreover, when transferring a car title in SD, individuals who participate in the procedure may also be required to complete a bill of sale and an Application for Motor Vehicle Title and Registration, depending on the specific situation.

In addition, motorists may need to perform a car title transfer and complete the odometer reading section on the application form, if the vehicle is nine years old or newer. An auto title transfer procedure may also require a submission of proof of lien release, if there is a lienholder on the motor vehicle. For more information about the South Dakota title transfer requirements and documentation, contact the SD DOR.

Steps for Performing a Transfer of Title in South Dakota

Both legal entities are required to participate in the South Dakota car title transfer procedure in order to successfully transfer the ownership rights of a motor vehicle between themselves. When transferring a car title in person at a local SD DOR office, the following steps must be obeyed:

  • The seller must complete the certificate of title and assign it over to the buyer.
  • The buyer must prepare the required documentation.
  • The buyer must pay the mandatory title transfer fees.

After satisfying the car title transfer requirements, both legal entities will complete the procedure by submitting the necessary paperwork at the SD DOR. To discover more information about how to fill out transfer of title in South Dakota, individuals may contact the SD DOR and learn more details about the procedure.

Note: New vehicle owners who fail to receive a car title within 45 days from the date of purchase will be required to submit their copy of purchase agreement and a written complaint to the SD DMV mailing address. If your title is lost or stolen, you can apply for a replacement title.

Getting a New Car Title Versus Title Transfers in South Dakota

Motorists who are getting a new car title in South Dakota need to know that the procedure for applying for a new car title differs from the title transfer procedure. Therefore, vehicle owners are highly advised to discover the differences between these two procedures.

The South Dakota Department of Revenue (SD DOR) requires motorists to apply for an DMV new title after purchasing a new motor vehicle. The new title for a car in South Dakota is a legal document that serves as proof of the ownership rights of a certain motor vehicle.

To order a new car title in South Dakota requires a different process than transferring a vehicle title from one person to another. A title transfer is a procedure that motorists need to perform when they want to transfer the vehicle’s ownership rights to another legal entity.

In most cases, a title transfer is a mandatory action that vehicle owners need to perform when purchasing or selling motor vehicles within the state. However, motorists may also transfer their titles in a situation when they get a motor vehicle as a gift, donation or as part of an inheritance.

Car Title Transfer Fees in South Dakota

The final step of the South Dakota car title transfer procedure is to provide payment for the applicable fees to the DOR. Motorists who are wondering, “How do you transfer a title on a car?” need to know that the SD DOR may require them to pay a $10 standard fee for the vehicle title. Moreover, drivers who are transferring a car title in SD may be mandated to pay an excise tax.

To find out more information about the fees and taxes required for South Dakota title transfers for cars, motorists are encouraged to contact the SD DOR and learn about specific title information that may apply to their situation.

Last updated on Tuesday, March 10 2020.