Overview
Selling or buying a used vehicle in South Dakota? A bill of sale is your proof of the deal — it records who sold what, for how much, and on what date. South Dakota transfers ownership through the signed title and the Application for Motor Vehicle Title & Registration (Form MV-608), but a bill of sale matters too: it documents the purchase price the county treasurer uses to figure your 4% excise tax, locks in the handover date, and shows the seller is no longer responsible for the vehicle once the keys change hands.
South Dakota requirements
Is a bill of sale required in South Dakota?
It's strongly recommended. Ownership transfers through the signed title and Form MV-608 at your county treasurer's office, but the treasurer uses the bill of sale to verify the purchase price for excise tax — so it's effectively expected and protects both sides.
Does it need to be notarized?
No. South Dakota does not require a motor vehicle bill of sale to be notarized. You can notarize it voluntarily for extra proof, but it is not needed to transfer the title.
Title transfer deadline
The buyer must apply for title and registration at the county treasurer's office within 45 days of the purchase. After that a $1 per week late fee applies (up to $50), and applying more than 60 days out adds a penalty of 10% of the tax or $10, whichever is greater.
Motor vehicle excise tax
South Dakota charges a 4% motor vehicle excise tax on the purchase price, paid by the buyer at the county treasurer's office when titling. The price on your bill of sale is what the treasurer uses to calculate it.
Odometer disclosure
Federal law requires the odometer reading at the time of sale for vehicles under 20 model years old. Record it on both the bill of sale and the title.
How to fill it out
- 1
Enter the sale date and the South Dakota county where the sale takes place.
- 2
Add the seller's and buyer's full legal names and addresses.
- 3
Describe the vehicle — make, model, year, color, and 17-character VIN.
- 4
Record the odometer reading and the federal odometer disclosure.
- 5
Enter the purchase price and choose 'as-is' or add warranty terms.
- 6
Both parties sign — then the buyer files Form MV-608 at the county treasurer's office within 45 days.
Ready to create your South Dakota bill of sale?
Fill the form, watch it build live, and download the PDF — free, no signup.
Open the free builderWhat to include
- Seller & buyer names and addresses
- Make, model, year, color & VIN
- Odometer reading + federal disclosure
- Purchase price & sales-tax note
- “As-is” statement or warranty terms
- Date of sale and signatures
South Dakota bill of sale by vehicle type
The same South Dakotabuilder works for more than cars — pick your vehicle and the form adapts: the right ID number (a VIN, a boat's HIN, or a serial number) and an odometer reading only where one applies.
- Car bill of sale
- Truck bill of sale
- SUV bill of sale
- Van bill of sale
- Motorcycle bill of sale
- ATV bill of sale
- RV bill of sale
- Camper bill of sale
- Trailer bill of sale
- Boat bill of sale
- Jet Ski bill of sale
- Snowmobile bill of sale
- Golf Cart bill of sale
- Tractor bill of sale
A few differ: boats and jet skis use a Hull ID Number (HIN) instead of a VIN and have no odometer; trailers, campers, snowmobiles, golf carts, and tractors have no odometer either; and boats, ATVs, and snowmobiles often register with a different agency (such as a wildlife, boating, or parks department) rather than your local county treasurer's office (SD Motor Vehicle Division). Confirm the details with your local county treasurer's office (SD Motor Vehicle Division).
South Dakota bill of sale FAQ
Does a South Dakota motor vehicle bill of sale need to be notarized?
No. South Dakota does not require a vehicle bill of sale to be notarized. The legal transfer happens through the signed title and Form MV-608 at your county treasurer's office — notarizing is optional and only adds extra proof.
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a car in South Dakota?
It's strongly recommended. The county treasurer relies on the bill of sale to confirm the purchase price for the 4% excise tax, and it proves the sale date and that you're no longer responsible for the vehicle after the sale.
Where do I transfer the title in South Dakota?
At your local county treasurer's office, which handles titling and registration for the South Dakota Motor Vehicle Division. The buyer brings the signed title, a completed Form MV-608, the bill of sale, and payment for the title fee and excise tax.
How long do I have to transfer the title in South Dakota?
The buyer has 45 days from the purchase date to title and register at the county treasurer's office. After 45 days a $1-per-week late fee builds up to $50, and after 60 days a 10% (or $10 minimum) penalty is added, so don't wait.
How much is tax on a used car in South Dakota?
4% — a motor vehicle excise tax calculated on the purchase price shown on your bill of sale. The buyer pays it at the county treasurer's office when titling, which is why an accurate sale price matters.
Do both the buyer and seller need to sign?
Yes. Both parties should sign and date the bill of sale, and each keeps a copy. If there are two buyers or two sellers, every party signs.
Is a handwritten bill of sale valid in South Dakota?
Yes — South Dakota doesn't mandate a specific bill of sale form, so a handwritten one is valid as long as it has the key details. A complete, typed document like this one is simply cleaner and far less likely to be questioned at the treasurer's office.
Is this South Dakota bill of sale really free?
Yes — completely. Fill it in, preview it live, and download the PDF with no signup, no credit card, and no watermark. Unlike sites that charge a fee or push a subscription to download, there's nothing to pay here.