A vehicle bill of sale in South Dakota outlines the details of a transaction between the seller and buyer of a motorized vehicle. This document is also known as Form MV-016 and indicatess a change in ownership via the vehicle’s title from one owner to another.
South Dakota laws 32-3-5 and 32-3-6 require that a signed bill of sale is submitted in person to the county treasurer’s office along with a copy of the vehicle’s title. These documents may not be submitted online.
South Dakota Vehicle Registration
According to the South Dakota Department of Revenue, which handles vehicle registrations, more than 1.2 million vehicles are currently registered in the state. The Department of Revenue handles all vehicle registration-related business, including transferring titles from the seller’s name into the buyer’s name when a vehicle is sold and purchased.
Where to Register Your Vehicle
Motor vehicle registration and titling for recently purchased cars can be done at your county treasurer’s office. Renewals can be completed online through South Dakota’s online customer portal or at self-service kiosk locations across the state.
Documents Required by the County Treasurer’s Office
To register your new vehicle in South Dakota you will need the following documents:
- Motor Vehicle Title & Registration Application signed by the title owner transferring ownership of the vehicle
- South Dakota bill of sale
- Vehicle title
- South Dakota Uniform Mileage Disclosure Statement
- A valid driver’s license
- Proof of minimum insurance
- Registration fees
- Power of attorney, if someone other than the buyer is handling the registration
How to Write a Bill of Sale for a Car in South Dakota
Step 1 – Choose a Form
The state provides a South Dakota vehicle bill of sale, or you can use our free, printable template to get started.
Step 2 – Provide Vehicle Information
Include the year, make, model, and vehicle identification number (VIN), which can be found on the driver’s side dashboard. You will also need the title number for the vehicle.
Step 3 – List Information for the Seller and the Buyer
Complete all sections pertaining to the seller and the buyer, including legal names, addresses, and telephone numbers. The seller must sign the document transferring ownership from one party to another. Although some states require this form to be notarized, South Dakota does not.
Step 4 – Print Completed Form
You can use the fields for these templates to fill the information out electronically, but you will need to print the completed bill of sale document and take it, along with the other title documents, to your county treasurer’s office. It cannot be sent via email.
Step 5 – Keep Copies for Your Records
You will want to have enough copies to provide one to the treasurer’s office, retain one for your own records, and provide one to the vehicle seller.
Free South Dakota Vehicle Bill of Sale Form
See our free, printable South Dakota vehicle bill of sale template below. It’s available in both PDF and Word formats.
