Private-party transfer in South Dakota: closing the sale without surprises
Steps for buyer and seller, documents, payment and state-specific plate conditions.
A private sale calls for checking the title, payment, plate and applicable state procedures. This guide is written for both sides of the table, with South Dakota's rules.
The place and the moment
Ask the titling office (At your County Treasurer's office. That is where you pay the tax, the title and the plates. Since July 1, 2026, some dealers can file the paperwork for you through an authorized provider) in advance about accepted signatures, documents, appointments and payments. Where available, coordinate the handover with that office and verify payment with the issuing bank before releasing the car or documents.
Step by step
| # | Seller | Buyer |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Confirm the title is in your name and lien-free. If there is a loan, get the bank's release before listing. | Ask for the VIN and check title, recalls and history before seeing the car. |
| 2 | Allow an independent inspection. Agree in writing how and when it will take place. | Pre-purchase inspection with your own mechanic. |
| 3 | Agree the total price in writing on a bill of sale: VIN, year, make, model, price, date, names, signatures. Two copies. | Same. The bill of sale is your proof of price for the tax. |
| 4 | On the title: your signature, the buyer's name and address, price, date and the applicable odometer disclosure, including exemptions and any required mileage-discrepancy indicators. Odometer statement on the title itself (SDCL 32-3-30.1 and federal law, 49 CFR 580). Falsifying it is a Class 6 felony. | Check that the VIN on the title is the car's and that the person signing is the titled owner. |
| 5 | Receive payment: cashier's check verified at the issuing bank, confirmed transfer, or cash inside the bank. | Pay only when the signed title is in your hand. |
| 6 | Handle the seller's plate. Follow the state conditions below for removal, transfer or return. | Confirm the registration, permit and plate you need before driving; do not assume you can use the seller's. |
| 7 | Listed seller-process document: Form 1024 (Seller – Report of Sale), online in my605drive, or the slip at the bottom of the title. Follow the timing and conditions in the state process below; keep your copy. | Confirm the required documents, fees, taxes and deadline with the agency, including the event that starts the deadline. Bring the applicable insurance or financial-responsibility documents. |
| 8 | Ask your insurer when to cancel or transfer coverage, and first confirm the registration and plate conditions. | Confirm the coverage or proof of financial responsibility required for your transaction and before driving. |
The plate in South Dakota
The plate belongs to the owner, not the car: the seller removes it (SDCL 32-5-2.7) and can move it to the next car with credit for the months left. The seller gives you a free Seller's Permit (SDCL 32-5-2.9) to drive until you register, for up to 45 days; if you need more time, the treasurer sells 5- to 15-day permits at $1 per day. The seller reports the sale at the time of sale, as SDCL 32-5-2.10 requires, and hands you the signed title. Keep a bill of sale on the state's form: without one, the tax is figured on the retail value in a national price guide instead of what you actually paid.
What each one must bring
Seller
- Title (or printout of the electronic one)
- Photo ID
- Lien release, if any
- Form 1024 (Seller – Report of Sale), online in my605drive, or the slip at the bottom of the title
- A screwdriver for the plate
Buyer
- State forms (Form 1001, Form 1025, Form 1021)
- Photo ID
- Insurance card
- Payment for fees and tax
- If out of state: whatever VIN verification the state requires
Three special situations
- Lost title. The seller requests a duplicate before selling. Don't accept "I'll send it later."
- Two owners on the title. If the names are joined by "and," both sign. With "or," one is usually enough.
- The seller is an heir or holds a power of attorney. Extra documentation is needed (estate papers or POA). Confirm at the office before paying.
Keep the records; check the official process
Sources
- SD DOR — All Vehicles: Title, Fees & Registration
- SD DOR — Cars, Trucks & Vans
- SD DOR — Non-Commercial Vehicle License Fee schedule (PDF)
- SD DOR — County Wheel Tax
- SD DOR — 605Drive Electronic Title Project
- SDCL 32-3-18 — Application for certificate of title, fee
- SDCL 32-3-26 — Time for filing title application (45 days)
- SDCL 32-3-27 — Late application, additional fee
- SDCL 32-3-28 — Certificate in paper or electronic form, liens
- SDCL 32-3-69.6 — Electronic title, no paper title, exceptions
- SDCL 32-35-70 — Owner's liability policy, 25/50/25
- SDCL 58-11-9 — Uninsured motorist coverage
- SDCL 58-11-9.4 — Underinsured motorist coverage
- SDCL 32-3-7 — Sale of secondhand vehicle, title delivered within 45 days, violation a misdemeanor
- SDCL 32-3-18.1 — County administration fee for title applications processed entirely by mail, max $25
- SDCL 32-5A-1 — Wheel tax, up to $5 per vehicle wheel, $60 maximum per vehicle
- SDCL 10-59-6 — Late payment interest (1% or $5 first month, 1% per month after) and 10% or $10 penalty
- SDCL 32-5B-11 — Credit for excise or sales tax already paid to another state
- SDCL 32-3-30.2 — Abstract of title history or damage disclosure statements, $5 fee
- US Census Bureau — County population estimates, July 1 2024 (Minnehaha, Pennington, Lincoln are the three largest)
- SDCL 32-5-2.10 — Form 1024 (Seller – Report of Sale), online in my605drive, or the slip at the bottom of the title
- 49 CFR Part 580 — Federal odometer disclosure requirements
This guide informs; it is not legal or financial advice, nor an offer, quote or appraisal. Every figure carries its source and date; check it is still current before you decide.