Title & Proof of Ownership
South Dakota titles motor vehicles, trailers, ORVs, snowmobiles, boats, and manufactured homes unless exempt. Mopeds are optional in the reference title table. Dealers must use the South Dakota online computer system to verify ownership information and record ownership changes when buying or selling titled vehicles.
Title-Required and Exempt Units
Title Required
Motor vehicles, trailers, ORVs, snowmobiles, boats, and manufactured homes.
Optional / Special Cases
Mopeds may be titled at owner’s option. ATVs, UTVs, motorcycles, and trucks may require an Annual Motorized Trail Permit when operated on forest service trails.
Title / Registration Exempt Examples
Implements of husbandry, special mobile equipment, manufactured homes from registration, tow dollies, golf carts, and most farm trailers may be exempt from registration. Verify title status separately for the unit type.
Manufactured Homes
Manufactured homes are titled and taxed as real property. Transfers require Affidavit of Manufactured Mobile Home Taxes (MV-1030) from the County Treasurer showing current year taxes paid.
Application for Title
Title work is generally handled through the County Treasurer. Title-only must be applied for within 45 days of the purchase date when the vehicle is not being registered for highway use. A person titling a motor vehicle, ORV, or snowmobile without a South Dakota driver license/ID or physical South Dakota address must pay an additional $100.00 fee in addition to the standard title fee, with exceptions for insurers, manufacturers taking title due to buy-back, and lienholders taking title after repossession.
| Title Item | Amount / Notes |
|---|---|
| Vehicle title | $10.00 reference title fee |
| Lien fee | $10.00 reference lien fee |
| Duplicate title | $10.00 reference duplicate fee |
| Bonded title record search | $2.00 using Bonded Title Request Form (1203) |
| Additional transaction fee | $2.00 per transaction may apply |
| Out-of-state/no SD credential title fee | $100.00 additional fee in specified cases |
| Dealer plate — motor vehicle | $101.00 |
| Dealer plate — motorcycle/trailer | $24.00 |
| Dealer plate — boat | $20.00 |
| Dealer plate — snowmobile/manufactured home | $10.00 |
| Plate mailing fee | $7.50 per plate or set of plates |
| Decal mailing fee | $1.50 per decal or set of decals |
South Dakota may hold title electronically. A paper title is not issued unless the owner requests one. Online VIN/HIN checks may be used to obtain title status and lienholder information.
Electronic Signatures
Some South Dakota eForms may be signed electronically. Electronic or digital signatures are not allowed on driver license applications.
Interstate Title
Affidavit in Support of Interstate Title (Nonnegotiable) Record (1333) or Motor Vehicle Affidavit (1012) may be used to obtain temporary registration for an out-of-state vehicle when the title is held by another jurisdiction or lienholder. Copy of title or registration from the issuing state is required.
Bonded Title
Bonded title may be issued to vehicles 30 years old or older with no record on file. Submit Bonded Title Request Form (1203), $2.00 record-search fee, documentation required by the form, applicable transaction fees, and a bond for 1½ times the vehicle value. If no claims are filed after three years, submit Bonded Title Release Form (1205) with required documents, title application, and fees.
Insufficient Evidence
Motor Vehicle Affidavit (1012) is submitted when ownership evidence is insufficient.
Proof of Ownership
New Vehicles
Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin.
Used Vehicles
Certificate of Title.
Non-Title Issuing Jurisdiction
Registration or other ownership document.
Private Party / Out-of-State Purchase
If purchased out of state or through a private party, a bill of sale, purchase order, or sales contract is required.
Foreign Vehicles
Foreign ownership documents plus CBP Form 7501 or other acceptable entry summary, EPA Form 3520-1, and NHTSA Form HS-7. Nonconforming vehicles require NHTSA Bond Release Letter or alternate NHTSA Statement of Conformity and Certificate of Fact from importer. Canadian vehicles require Carfax Canada lien search. Military personnel may submit DD 1252 or DD 1854 in lieu of CBP 7501. English translation is required for foreign-language documents.
Surrender / NMVTIS
Documents must be surrendered, and a report of surrendered titles is returned to the issuing state. South Dakota provides data to and inquiries NMVTIS before issuing titles.
Brands, Duplicate, Odometer, VIN/HIN & Dealer Notice
Title Brands
Brands are shown in the upper-right corner of the South Dakota title. Out-of-state brands carry forward in the Previous State/Brand field. South Dakota brands include Abandoned, Bonded, Junking Certificate, Manufacturer Buy Back, Parts Only, Rebuilt, Recovered Theft, Salvage Total Loss, and odometer brands.
Damage Disclosure
No damage disclosure statement is listed, but dealers must place a notice in plain view in the window of a vehicle with a salvage title or damage noted on the title. Purchaser must sign and date the notice at time of sale.
Duplicate / Corrected Title
Duplicate title uses the applicable duplicate-title process and reference fee. Corrections may require supporting documents and County Treasurer review.
Odometer Disclosure
Odometer disclosure is required where federal and state law applies. Secure POA may be used by licensed dealers if title is held by lienholder/ELT or title has been lost and duplicate is required.
VIN/HIN Status
Online VIN/HIN check is available to obtain title status and lienholder information. Additional inspection or supporting documentation may be required for bonded, interstate, salvage, foreign, or unusual ownership cases.
Dealer Online System
South Dakota licensed dealers must use the South Dakota online computer system to verify vehicle ownership and record ownership changes when they sell or acquire a vehicle required to be titled.
Salvage, Rebuilt, Recovered Theft, Junk & Abandoned Units
Salvage / Total Loss
Vehicles may be branded Salvage Total Loss when applicable. Dealers should verify title brand, insurance/title status, lien releases, and notice requirements before resale.
Rebuilt
Rebuilt vehicles carry a Rebuilt brand. Verify any inspection, ownership chain, parts, and title-brand requirements before registration or retail delivery.
Recovered Theft
Recovered Theft is a South Dakota brand. Confirm law-enforcement recovery status, title brand, lien release, and whether further inspection or documentation is required.
Junk / Parts Only
Junking Certificate and Parts Only brands may restrict future title or registration. Dealers should not accept these units for retail highway sale without verifying eligibility.
Abandoned
Abandoned is a title brand. Verify ownership paperwork, lienholder notice/release, and County Treasurer requirements before applying for title or resale.
Dealer Checklist
Before selling branded units, keep title brand, required window notice, purchaser signed notice, lien releases, odometer disclosure, and any salvage/rebuilt inspection or title documentation in the deal jacket.
Lien Law
Reference lien tables identify South Dakota title with lien as electronic, ELT available, perfection as date of filing, lien release timing of 20 days, no lien expiration shown, and repo title required.
Filing and Perfection
Liens are perfected as of the date of filing. Lien information should be submitted with the title application and applicable lien fee. South Dakota electronic title handling means no paper title is issued unless requested.
Electronic Title / Lien
South Dakota uses electronic title records. Title and lienholder information may be checked online through VIN/HIN status tools.
Lien Release
Reference lien table shows a 20-day release timeline. Dealer payoff files should confirm lien satisfaction and release before transfer, resale, or duplicate/paper title request.
Lien Expiration
No lien expiration is shown in the reference table. Verify current lien status through the title record before resale or transfer.
Assignment, UCC, and Dealer Payoff Notes
When a lien is assigned, corrected, or released, confirm title status, lienholder, release timing, and whether a paper title is requested. For non-titled collateral or dealer inventory financing, verify whether a UCC filing is required outside the title system.
Transfer of Title
South Dakota transfer timing is generally 45 days, with penalties for late transfer. Seller’s permits allow a vehicle to be driven during the interval between purchase and registration/title and are valid 45 days.
Transfer Requirements
Transfer packets generally include assigned title, application, bill of sale/purchase order/sales contract where required, lien release if applicable, odometer disclosure, taxes/fees, and any special affidavit for interstate, bonded, low-speed/off-road, estate, or TOD transactions.
Add / Remove Owner
Same procedures as any other transfer of title. Title fee applies. The transaction is tax-exempt and new plates/registration are not required.
Joint Ownership
If names are joined by “or,” one signature is required. If joined by “and,” all signatures are required. If prior document showed “and/or,” ownership is construed as “or.”
Deceased Owner
When title includes rights of survivorship (WROS), survivor may assign title with a certified death certificate attached. If no estate administration and estate value does not exceed $100,000, transfer may use Succession Affidavit (1013) and title. If probated, personal representative assigns title and attaches appointment papers.
Transfer on Death
If there is no lien, an individual may indicate a beneficiary in the Transfer on Death section of the vehicle title. Upon owner’s death, beneficiary may transfer title by submitting a death certificate copy.
Notarization
Notarization of title is not required.
Power of Attorney
Notarized Power of Attorney (1023) may appoint an agent. A licensed dealer may use secure POA if title is held by lienholder/ELT or if title has been lost and duplicate is required.
Limited Assignment Space
Only licensed dealers are authorized to do multiple reassignments on a South Dakota title. If no assignment space remains, dealer must use a Secured Dealer Reassignment form. Multiple reassignments may be allowed on out-of-state titles reassigned to insurance companies if the issuing state allows them.
Dealer Notice for Branded Vehicles
Dealers selling vehicles with salvage title or title-noted damage must place a notice in plain view in the window and have purchaser sign and date the notice at sale.
Repossession
A lienholder shown on the title may take possession upon default without judicial process if it proceeds without breach of peace. South Dakota requires a lienholder to obtain a repossession title in its name before transferring the vehicle to a new owner.
Repossession Title
Financial institutions applying for a repossession title must submit the title, if available, a copy of the security agreement, title application, and title fee to the County Treasurer where the vehicle title was issued.
Out-of-State Lienholder
Out-of-state lienholders must provide the out-of-state title with an affidavit or other document required by that state allowing the lienholder to assign the title without obtaining a repossession title. If that state requires repo title before sale, it must be obtained from the title state.
ELT / Paper Title
If the title is held electronically, verify the current title/lien status and whether paper title must be requested for the repossession process.
Dealer / Lender Checklist
Verify lienholder shown on title, security agreement, repossession title, lien release/assignment, odometer disclosure, branded-title status, and title fee before resale.
Registration
All vehicles, motorcycles, ORVs, and trailers used upon the highways must be registered. Boats and snowmobiles are registered. Registration is made to the County Treasurer in the county of residence and must be carried in the vehicle or boat. Residents must register vehicles within 45 days of purchase; new residents have 90 days.
Application for Registration
Low Speed & Off-Road Vehicle Affidavit (1015) is required to register a low-speed vehicle or ORV for use on designated public roads. Vehicles not used on South Dakota highways are not required to be registered, but title-only must be applied for within 45 days of purchase.
- Implements of husbandry, special mobile equipment, manufactured homes, tow dollies, golf carts, and most farm trailers are exempt from registration.
- Annual Motorized Trail Permit may be required for ATVs, UTVs, motorcycles, and trucks on forest service trails.
- Boats must be registered in South Dakota if in South Dakota or docked in a marina facility controlled by South Dakota for more than 60 days.
- Renewal may be in person, at a DMV Now kiosk, by mail, or online. eCheck and debit/credit card service fees apply. Mailing fee is $1.50 for decals and $7.50 for plates.
IRP
Department of Revenue, Motor Carrier Services, International Registration Plan (IRP/Prorate Licensing), 445 E. Capitol Avenue, Pierre, SD 57501. Phone: 605.773.3541. Fax: 605.773.4117. Email: sdmotorcarrier@state.sd.us. Online Motor Carrier Handbook is available.
Nonresidents
Properly registered nonresident vehicles may be used in South Dakota with reciprocity. Nonresident ORVs must purchase a South Dakota ORV Permit to use roads and highways. A Motorized Vehicle Use Trail Permit is required for nonresident motor vehicles traveling on motorized-use trails in the Black Hills National Forest.
Snowmobile / Boat Nonresidents
Nonresident snowmobiles validly licensed in another state may be operated in South Dakota. Temporary permit may be purchased for unlicensed snowmobiles. Boats must be registered in South Dakota if present or docked in a South Dakota-controlled marina facility for more than 60 days.
Expiration Schedule
All vehicles, boats, and snowmobiles expire monthly by first letter of owner’s last name or business name: January A/B; February C/D/E; March F/G/J; May H/I/O; June K/L; July M/N; August P/Q/R; September S; November T/U/V/W/X/Y/Z.
Renewal Reminders
Renewal reminders are sent to registered owners. Renewal is available through County Treasurer, DMV Now kiosk, mail, or online. Extra service and mailing fees may apply.
Registration Only
See interstate title and special title procedures for temporary registration when an out-of-state title is held by a lienholder or issuing jurisdiction.
Special Permits, Military & Plates
Seller’s Permit
Allows a vehicle to be driven between purchase and registration/titling. Valid 45 days. Issued by dealers, local County Treasurers, or online.
Plate Ordered Permit
Allows operation while waiting for special plates to arrive. Valid up to 30 days.
5–15 Day Permit
Allows noncommercial short-term operation. Vehicle may haul a load. Issued by County Treasurers. Title or bill of sale required.
Trail / ORV Permits
Nonresident ORV permit is required for South Dakota roads/highways. Motorized Vehicle Use Trail Permit is required for motorized-use trails in Black Hills National Forest and may be purchased through Forest Service offices, visitor centers, vendors, or online.
Military Plates
Military License Plate Application (1303) is submitted with documentation for qualifying plates. Some military/veteran plates may have no registration fee; Medal of Honor plates have no fee other than plate mailing fee.
Plates
Two plates are issued except motorcycles, trailers, and specialized Rear Plate Only plates. Plates remain with owner and may transfer to another vehicle through the County Treasurer. New residents are not required to surrender out-of-state plates.
Dealer Plates
Dealer plates are used for demonstration and delivery. Dealer License Plate Application (1401) is submitted with applicable dealer plate fee. Out-of-state dealer plates may not be used. Manufacturer plates are not issued.
Dealer Plate Fees
Motor vehicle dealer plate $101.00; motorcycle/trailer dealer plate $24.00; boat dealer plate $20.00; snowmobile/manufactured home dealer plate $10.00; plus mailing/decal fees and possible transaction fee.
Fees, Plates & Registration Costs
South Dakota fees vary by title, lien, registration class, county treasurer processing, permit type, dealer plate type, mailing/decal fee, motor vehicle excise tax, manufactured-home initial registration fee, wheel tax, tourism tax, and gross receipts rules.
| Common Fee | Amount / Notes |
|---|---|
| Vehicle title | $10.00 |
| Lien fee | $10.00 |
| Duplicate title | $10.00 |
| Bonded title record search | $2.00 |
| Additional transaction fee | $2.00 per transaction may apply |
| Out-of-state/no SD credential title fee | $100.00 additional fee in specified cases |
| Plate mailing fee | $7.50 per plate or set of plates |
| Decal mailing fee | $1.50 per decal or set of decals |
| Dealer plate — motor vehicle | $101.00 |
| Dealer plate — motorcycle/trailer | $24.00 |
| Dealer plate — boat | $20.00 |
| Dealer plate — snowmobile/manufactured home | $10.00 |
| Sales/use tax | 4.2% plus applicable municipal tax |
| Motor vehicle excise tax | 4.0%; 3.0% for snowmobiles and boats requiring titling |
| Manufactured-home initial registration fee | 4.0% initial registration fee |
Dealer Fee Reminder
Dealer quotes should account for title fee, lien fee, registration, mailing/decal fees, motor vehicle excise tax, trade-in credit, wheel/local fees if applicable, permit fees, dealer plate fees, and manufactured-home tax documents when applicable.
Taxes
Sales / Use Tax
South Dakota sales/use tax is 4.2% plus applicable municipal tax. Vehicles subject to motor vehicle excise tax are exempt from sales tax. Licensed South Dakota businesses must collect and remit sales tax. Remote sellers with more than $100,000 in gross South Dakota sales in the previous or current calendar year must be licensed and remit South Dakota sales tax.
Motor Vehicle Excise Tax
Motor vehicle excise tax is 4.0% of purchase price for motor vehicles registered in South Dakota. Credit is allowed for trade-in and for taxes paid to another state with proof. Dealers are not required to collect or pay motor vehicle excise tax on vehicles they sell. Out-of-state dealers collecting tax must complete Out-of-State Dealer Tax Assessment (1004).
Boat / Snowmobile Excise Tax
Tax is 3.0% of purchase price for snowmobiles and boats requiring titling. Boats exempt from excise tax may be subject to sales tax.
Exemptions
Nonresidents are exempt if vehicles are to be registered in their home state. Tribal members may file an excise tax exemption using Tribal Member Motor Vehicle Excise Tax Exemption Application (1005). New residents are exempt if their previous state’s tax rate is 4.0% or more; otherwise tax is paid to match the 4.0% rate. Transfers between spouses, parent/child, or siblings are exempt if transferred without consideration.
Manufactured Homes
Manufactured homes are subject to a 4.0% Initial Registration Fee and are exempt from sales, use, and excise tax. Trade-in credit is not allowed. Reciprocity may be granted if proof of similar tax was paid in another state. Manufactured homes delivered out of state are exempt. Tribal-member manufactured homes located within Indian Country in South Dakota are subject to 11.25% of the 4.0% Initial Registration Fee.
Property Tax
Manufactured homes are assessed and taxed as real property. Title transfer must be accompanied by Affidavit of Manufactured Mobile Home Taxes (MV-1030) issued by County Treasurer showing current year taxes have been paid.
Other Taxes / Fees
Reference tables identify wheel tax, tourism tax, gross receipts tax, and property-related considerations. Verify local/county charges with the County Treasurer before quoting final registration totals.
Official Forms & Resources
Key South Dakota Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Division, County Treasurer, Motor Carrier Services, Highway Patrol, title, lien, boat, ORV, snowmobile, manufactured-home, bonded/interstate title, repossession, registration, permit, tax, military, and dealer resources commonly used for dealer and lender workflows.
General Information
Dealer Workflow
Dealer packets should include assigned title/MCO, application, lienholder information, tax documents, bill of sale/purchase order/sales contract when required, odometer disclosure, dealer online ownership verification/update, title brand notice where applicable, and any forms for bonded, interstate, low-speed/ORV, estate, or repossession transactions.
County Treasurer Workflow
Registration is made to the County Treasurer in the county of residence. Title, registration, plate transfer, and many permits are handled through local County Treasurer offices.
Boats / Snowmobiles / ORVs
Boats and snowmobiles are registered. ORVs used on roads/highways require proper registration or permit handling. Nonresident ORVs and motorized trail users may need specific permits for South Dakota roads and Black Hills National Forest trails.
Manufactured Homes
Manufactured homes are not registered for highway use, are assessed as real property, and require MV-1030 tax affidavit for title transfer.
Records
South Dakota has online VIN/HIN status tools for title status and lienholder information. South Dakota provides data to and inquiries NMVTIS before issuing titles.
Insurance / Non-Operation
Vehicles not used on South Dakota highways are not required to be registered, but title-only must still be applied for within 45 days of purchase.
Disclaimer
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Fees, requirements, forms, taxes, and procedures may change. Always verify current information with South Dakota Department of Revenue Motor Vehicle Division, County Treasurer, Motor Carrier Services, Department of Public Safety, Highway Patrol, Secretary of State, or another applicable agency before submitting paperwork or payment.