A South Dakota boat bill of sale can be used to transfer ownership of a boat or other watercraft before registration with the Department of Revenue’s Motor Vehicle Division.
This legally binding agreement is needed to register the boat within the state and is signed by both the buyer and seller to document the transaction officially.
South Dakota Boat Bill of Sale Requirements
In South Dakota, a boat bill of sale must include the following:
- The seller’s name and contact info
- The buyer’s name and contact info
- A detailed description of the vessel, including:
- Hull type
- Make
- Model
- Year
- Hull Identification Number (HIN)
- Purchase price
- The signature of both parties
Language Requirements
You can write a South Dakota bill of sale for a boat in any language you want. If it’s not in English, you must have it translated by a state-certified interpreter before registering your boat.
You may consider working with a private interpreter if English isn’t your first language. They can help you understand the application and write an English bill of sale. Then, you won’t need an interpreter from the state.
Number of Copies
You will usually need three copies of your boat bill of sale – one for the seller, one for the buyer, and one for your registration application.
Registering a Boat (After Purchasing)
All motorized boats must be titled and registered in South Dakota. Non-motorized watercraft over 12 feet long also need a title.
Under state law, you must register your boat within 45 days of buying the vessel. You must place the registration sticker you receive on your boat in a visible place.
If you don’t, you could be charged with a misdemeanor. This carries a penalty of up to 30 days in jail and a $100 fine if caught.
Where to Register
Register your boat or other watercraft at your local county treasurer’s office. This is also where you register a motor vehicle or pay property taxes for any real estate you own.
Documents Needed to Obtain Title and Registration
To register your newly purchased watercraft in South Dakota, you will need the following:
- Proof of ownership, such as a statement of origin from the boat’s manufacturer or a bill of sale
- A completed Boat Registration Application & Transfer of Ownership Form
Fees
- Non-motorized boats more significant than 12 feet in length – $15 per year
- Motorized watercraft less than 19 feet in length – $25 per year
- Motorboats over 19 feet in length – $45 per year
Other fees that may be assessed include a certificate of title and duplicate title fees, administrative fees, and boat decal and mailing fees.
Exemptions
Non-motorized watercraft under 12 feet long don’t need to be registered. This includes canoes, kayaks, inflatable boats and rafts, and seaplanes.
Does a Boat Bill of Sale Have to be Notarized in South Dakota?
You are not required to have a boat bill of sale in South Dakota notarized. It is legally binding as long as both parties have signed the bill of sale.
Although having your bill of sale notarized is optional, there are benefits to doing so. For example, if there’s a disagreement or dispute with the other party, notarizing your bill of sale can help give you credibility when making your case to a court of law.
South Dakota Boat Bill of Sale Sample
Below, you can download our free South Dakota boat bill of sale template in PDF or Word format:
