Transferring a Car Title in South Dakota
Steps and fees to transfer a vehicle title in South Dakota when you buy, sell or inherit a car, and the deadline to register after moving.
Short answer: Titles must be updated within 45 days of the purchase date at the county treasurer's office, using the Application for Motor Vehicle Title & Registration signed by the owner. South Dakota Department of Revenue, All Vehicles - Title, Fees & Registration; Cars, Trucks & Vans
| Transferring a car title | Titles must be updated within 45 days of the purchase date at the county treasurer's office, using the Application for Motor Vehicle Title & Registration signed by the owner. In private sales, a seller's permit lets the buyer drive for 45 days, and a 5-15 day permit ($1 per day, $5 minimum) is available if more time is needed. The 4% motor vehicle excise tax is owed from the purchase date; interest applies after 45 days and a one-time penalty (10% of the tax or $10, whichever is greater) after 60 days. Permits: https://dor.sd.gov/individuals/motor-vehicle/cars-trucks-vans/. The two pages state different monthly interest rates (1% vs. 1-1/4%). |
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| Registering after you move | New residents have 90 days from their date of arrival to title and license their vehicle in South Dakota, at the county treasurer's office, with the original out-of-state title, a copy of the driver license, Social Security number and the title and registration application. Vehicles already titled and registered in another state get credit for tax paid, but if that state had no tax or a lower rate, the difference up to South Dakota's 4% is owed. |
More South Dakota car insurance & vehicle laws
- Minimum Car Insurance in South Dakota
- Driving Without Insurance in South Dakota
- SR-22 Insurance in South Dakota
- When a Car Is a Total Loss in South Dakota
- All South Dakota car insurance & vehicle laws rules
FAQ
How do you transfer a car title in South Dakota?
Titles must be updated within 45 days of the purchase date at the county treasurer's office, using the Application for Motor Vehicle Title & Registration signed by the owner. In private sales, a seller's permit lets the buyer drive for 45 days, and a 5-15 day permit ($1 per day, $5 minimum) is available if more time is needed. The 4% motor vehicle excise tax is owed from the purchase date; interest applies after 45 days and a one-time penalty (10% of the tax or $10, whichever is greater) after 60 days.
How long do you have to register your car after moving to South Dakota?
New residents have 90 days from their date of arrival to title and license their vehicle in South Dakota, at the county treasurer's office, with the original out-of-state title, a copy of the driver license, Social Security number and the title and registration application. Vehicles already titled and registered in another state get credit for tax paid, but if that state had no tax or a lower rate, the difference up to South Dakota's 4% is owed.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.