South Dakota Bill of Sale

What South Dakota requires for a vehicle sale

• The Department of Revenue page lists a Bill of Sale, Form 1025, and says titling and registration are handled by the county treasurer.
• For a private or out-of-state purchase, the buyer brings the title, signed Title and Registration Application (Form 1001), bill of sale, odometer disclosure and Power of Attorney form if needed.
• The DOR lists a missing bill of sale showing the purchase price and a missing seller odometer reading among five common titling errors.
• A private seller must provide a free 45-day permit so the buyer can drive before titling, available online at Mysdcars.sd.gov or at a county treasurer kiosk.
• Excise tax is 4% of the purchase price and the title fee is $10. Interest accrues on late tax at 1-1/4% per month after 45 days.
• A one-time penalty of 10% of the tax or $10 (whichever is greater) applies to applications made more than 60 days after purchase, plus $1 per week late title penalty up to $50.

South Dakota bill of sale: what to include

Whatever South Dakota requires, a signed bill of sale protects both sides. It proves the price, the date and that the car was sold as-is. Include:

• Seller's and buyer's full names and addresses
• Year, make, model, color and VIN
• Odometer reading on the day of sale
• Sale price and date of sale
• As-is wording, plus a statement that the seller owns the vehicle and any lien is paid off
• Signatures and dates for both parties

Sample as-is wording

I, the seller, sell the vehicle described above to the buyer for the price shown, as-is, with no warranty, express or implied. The seller confirms they are the owner and that the odometer reading is correct to the best of their knowledge. This sale is made under the laws of South Dakota.

Seller checklist (South Dakota)

• Sign the title correctly and give the buyer the odometer reading.
• Provide a bill of sale showing the purchase price (Form 1025 is available).
• Provide the free 45-day seller's permit online or at a county treasurer kiosk.
• Release any lien noted on the title.

Buyer checklist (South Dakota)

• Get the signed title, bill of sale and seller odometer disclosure.
• Sign the Title and Registration Application (Form 1001).
• Take or mail the documents to the county treasurer; call first to confirm fees.
• Pay 4% excise tax and fees, and apply within 45 days to avoid late charges.

Things to watch in South Dakota

• The pages we read do not say whether a bill of sale or title must be notarized. Check with your county treasurer.
• The pages we read do not say the seller must file a release of liability or what to do with plates. Ask the county treasurer.

About this page

We checked this page against the SD Dept of Revenue sources listed below in November 2026. Where an agency page did not say something, we say so and suggest you check with the agency. Rules, forms and fees change, so confirm with SD Dept of Revenue before you sign. This is general information, not legal advice.