Transferring a Car After Someone Dies in South Dakota
How to transfer a vehicle title after the owner dies in South Dakota, from the official motor vehicle agency.
Short answer: Vehicle titles are handled by the county treasurer for the SD Department of Revenue. If the title names a Transfer on Death beneficiary, the beneficiary applies for a new title with a copy of the death certificate. SD Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Procedures Manual (2023); Vehicle & Boat Beneficiaries
| Transferring a car after death | Vehicle titles are handled by the county treasurer for the SD Department of Revenue. If the title names a Transfer on Death beneficiary, the beneficiary applies for a new title with a copy of the death certificate. If there is no probate, an heir or devisee completes an Affidavit of Vehicle Ownership by Succession (Form 1013; used when the estate does not exceed $100,000) for each vehicle, surrenders the South Dakota title (or notes on the affidavit that it is unavailable), and the new owner applies for title; a successor is exempt from motor vehicle excise tax, but a purchaser pays it. If the estate is probated, the personal representative transfers the title, and the county treasurer requires the South Dakota title and a copy of the court papers appointing the representative, plus a title application and fee. Procedures manual: https://dor.sd.gov/media/3ejfnthn/2023-mv-procedures-manual.pdf |
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More South Dakota estate law
- Medical Power of Attorney in South Dakota
- Small Estate Affidavit in South Dakota
- Power of Attorney in South Dakota
- Quitclaim Deeds and Transferring Property in South Dakota
- Who Inherits If You Die Without a Will in South Dakota
- How to Make a Valid Will in South Dakota
- How Probate Works in South Dakota
- Living Wills and Advance Directives in South Dakota
- Revocable Living Trusts in South Dakota
- Executor Duties in South Dakota
- Letters Testamentary in South Dakota
- Affidavit of Heirship in South Dakota
- How to Avoid Probate in South Dakota
- All South Dakota wills, probate and estate rules
FAQ
How do I transfer a car title after someone dies in South Dakota?
Vehicle titles are handled by the county treasurer for the SD Department of Revenue. If the title names a Transfer on Death beneficiary, the beneficiary applies for a new title with a copy of the death certificate. If there is no probate, an heir or devisee completes an Affidavit of Vehicle Ownership by Succession (Form 1013; used when the estate does not exceed $100,000) for each vehicle, surrenders the South Dakota title (or notes on the affidavit that it is unavailable), and the new owner applies for title; a successor is exempt from motor vehicle excise tax, but a purchaser pays it. If the estate is probated, the personal representative transfers the title, and the county treasurer requires the South Dakota title and a copy of the court papers appointing the representative, plus a title application and fee.
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.