A certificate of title issued by the state of South Dakota is a document that proves legal ownership of a vehicle. A title must be obtained when an individual purchases a new vehicle. A title transfer must also be completed when a used vehicle is sold or gifted, or when a vehicle changes hands as a result of the death of the vehicle's owner. In South Dakota, a title must be transferred within 30 days of purchase.

[edit] OBTAINING A TITLE FOR A NEW VEHICLE:

For new vehicles, the licensed dealer that sold the vehicle typically will accept and submit the required titling information and fees on behalf of the buyer. However, buyers wishing to handle the titling independently can do so. Those interested in applying for a new title without the dealer's assistance should refer to the Titling Motor Vehicles page on the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website.

[edit] TRANSFERRING A TITLE ON A USED VEHICLE:

Sale/Purchase or Gift of a Used Vehicle

When you purchase a used vehicle, or obtain one as a gift, the title must be legally transferred into your name. This is done by obtaining the following documents, and submitting them along with the appropriate fees to the local county treasurer's office:

1. The current title, with the assignment completed by the seller or donor (signing the title over to you). The title must include the federal odometer disclosure, if the vehicle is less than ten years old and damage disclosure, if the vehicle is less than seven years old.
2. A completed Application for Motor Vehicle Title and Registration.
3. If the title does not indicate the date of sale and selling price, a completed Bill of Sale, signed by both current and new owner is required.
4. Purchase order for price verification purposes if the vehicle was purchased from a dealer.
5. An Odometer Disclosure Statement if the title does not include this information and the vehicle is less than ten years old.
6. A Damage Disclosure Statement if the title does not include this information and the vehicle is less than seven years old.

Fees

Along with the appropriate transfer of title documents above, you will need to submit the following fees:

1. $5.00 title fee.
2. $5.00 lien fee, if applicable.
3. $1.00 solid waste fee, if applicable.
4. $4.00 mailing fee
5. License plate fees based on vehicle weight and model year.
6. 3% excise tax on the vehicle's purchase price.
7. Wheel tax, if applicable in your county of residence.

Contact your local county treasurer's office to calculate the correct amount due.

Transfer of Title Following Death of Vehicle Owner

In the event of the death of the vehicle owner, the title is often transferred to the heirs or someone else identified in the owner's will. The procedures and fees for this type of transfer are similar to those outlined above. In addition, it is important to determine how the estate of the deceased has been settled by the heir(s). In some cases, the heirs may need to submit an Affidavit of Vehicle Ownership by Succession, and provide copies of court orders, the death certificate and the will (or a notarized statement of its contents), if there is one. For more information on title transfers following the death of a vehicle owner, contact your local county treasurer's office or call the DMV at (605) 773 3541.

Submission

Appropriate title transfer documents and fees should be submitted to the local county treasurer's office.

Additional Information

• Contact the local county treasurer's office if you wish to add, remove or change a name on a vehicle title for reason other than those discussed above.
• If there is an existing lien on the vehicle, there will be additional requirements for transferring the title.
• A valid title provides proof of ownership of the vehicle. However, remember that a title transfer does not entitle the new owner(s) to legally operate the vehicle. For this, refer to the appropriate license and registration information.