Selling or buying a car in South Dakota? Fill in the free bill of sale below, then follow South Dakota’s title rules. A bill of sale records the price, date, VIN and as-is terms; the signed title is what usually transfers ownership.
Free South Dakota Vehicle Bill of Sale template
Fill in the blanks: the document updates as you type. Nothing you enter leaves your browser.
Vehicle Bill of Sale
Seller: ____, ____ Buyer: ____, ____
Vehicle
| Year | Make | Model | VIN |
|---|---|---|---|
| ____ | ____ | ____ | ____ |
Odometer reading: ____ miles. To the best of Seller’s knowledge this reflects the actual mileage, unless noted here: __.
Sale
On ____, Seller sold the vehicle to Buyer for $____, receipt of which Seller acknowledges.
As-is
The vehicle is sold as-is, where-is, without warranties of any kind, express or implied, except that Seller states they are the legal owner and the vehicle is free of liens and encumbrances unless listed here: __.
Title
Seller will sign over the certificate of title to Buyer. Buyer is responsible for registration, taxes and fees required by ____.
Seller: __ Date: __
Buyer: __ Date: __
This free template is general information, not legal advice, and may not suit your state or situation. Some documents must be signed before witnesses or a notary. For anything important, have a lawyer review it.
South Dakota rules to know
- Seller must get the buyer a free 45 day temporary permit (online at Mysdcars.sd.gov). Skipping it is a class 2 misdemeanor.
- Buyer: 45 day grace period, then interest; a penalty after 60 days.
- Excise tax: 4% of the purchase price.
What else you need
The certificate of title is what legally transfers ownership in most cases. Federal rules require an odometer disclosure at every transfer for model year 2011 and newer vehicles, for their first 20 years. If South Dakota has its own bill of sale form, you can use it alongside this one.
Tips for sellers
- Keep a signed copy of this bill of sale and a photo of the signed title.
- Notify your insurer once the car is gone.
- Accept payment you can verify (cash or a cashier’s check confirmed with the bank).
Sources
- South Dakota Department of Revenue, Cars, Trucks and Vans
- NHTSA, Changes to odometer disclosure requirements
South Dakota rules checked October 23, 2026. Laws and agency rules change; confirm with the state agency linked above. This is general information, not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a bill of sale in South Dakota?
South Dakota offers Bill of Sale Form 1025 but does not say one is required to title. It is a good record and supports a temporary permit.
How long do you have to transfer a title in South Dakota?
Interest starts after a 45 day grace period, plus a penalty after 60 days.
Does a bill of sale need to be notarized in South Dakota?
The South Dakota page we checked does not require notarizing a bill of sale. Follow any notary lines printed on the title itself.
Is a bill of sale the same as a title?
No. The title transfers legal ownership; the bill of sale records the transaction.
Questions from readers
Question about the South Dakota Vehicle Bill of Sale? Ask it here. We answer common questions in general terms on this page. This is not legal advice.
Ask a question
Related documents
Buying & sellingVehicle Bill of Sale
Private sale of a car or motorcycle
Buying & sellingGeneral Bill of Sale
Receipt for selling personal property
Buying & sellingTennessee Vehicle Bill of Sale
Car sale in Tennessee, with state title rules
Buying & sellingSouth Carolina Vehicle Bill of Sale
Car sale in South Carolina, with state title rules